There is constantly a sure sign of spring when anemones, coltsfoot and new generation of AV receivers emerge under the vanishing snow. Ok - the first two were perhaps nostalgic memories from childhood`s stable snowy winters. But Spring Release of receivers in the budget class never fails, it is more predictable than weather and natural phenomena.

Pioneer has been in restructuring last year, with Onkyo`s acquisition as a dominant factor. But nevertheless, they are the first manufacturer who will hint spring. Three new models, two of which are particularly influential. More on that later.

The smallest model VSX-830 is holds the least sensational update compared to its predecessor - in this case the VSX-824. But it does not thereby necessarily make it less interesting in its segment. The most interesting difference from its predecessor is not insignificant for very many. WiFi is now integrated, where the VSX-824 was dependent on an adapter. VSX-830 is still a5.1 receiver, but the effect has increased by 10 watts.

The models VSX-930 and VSX-1130 is 7.1 receivers and get support for Dolby Atmos for a possible 5.1.2 setup. This helps to push the boundaries sharply downward in price ranges for Atmos-compatible receivers. When Dolby Atmos was lauched three-quarter years ago there was virtually only receivers in the middle and senior classes from 10 to 12 thousand NOK and upward who were favored. With one exception - Onkyo had Atmos already in place from the TX-NR636, an audio receiver to around 6k (NOK). 

Now it appears therefore that Pioneer match this, and maybe even undercuts it with model VSX-930. We do not know the price of this model yet, but its predecessor VSX-924 was around 5k. It will be interresting to see what the other manufacturers are presenting in this sector. It will not surprise very much if all receivers with seven channels or more will get Dolby Atmos.

But VSX-930 and VSX-1130 has simply not only Dolby Atmos to offer. This is exceptionally well-appointed receivers in this upper part of the budget class. WiFi, Spotify Connect, Airplay and streaming multichannel Flac files in addition to that they also are compatible with DSD files makes this AV receivers with high general competence.