What Hi-Fi? Verdict
An agreeable entry-level amp which just lacks the spark of class-leading kit
Pros
- +
Decent build and looks
- +
good speaker calibration system
- +
weighty sound
Cons
- -
Doesn’t sound as exciting or as the class-leader
- -
spec lacks a couple of niceties
Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.
You don’t expect a budget home cinema amp to be jangling with bells and whistles.
But the Pioneer VSX-521 provides all the basics: four HDMI inputs, a smattering of digital audio connections for connecting a set-top box or TV (one coaxial and two optical), automatic speaker calibration, and the ability to decode high-def Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks.
As our petrolhead heroes drag a safe full of money through the streets of Mexico,
the Pioneer shows great focus and solidity; when the safe starts trashing buildings and cars, the VSX-521 thuds along nicely.
