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Pioneer elite SC-87


sasqwatch

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I may be pulling the trigger on one in the next day or two, and have been working a bunch lately and may not get to do as much research as I would like so I was hoping anybody using one, care to share their thoughts on it.

Thanks in advance for any insight.

Stacy

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I have an SC-85 sitting in the box. I have 2 weeks to return it and I just might. The more I read, the more I think I might need the new HDMI 2.0 as I will be buying a 4K TV within the year.

The replacement might be a SC-91 but I am hoping the newer, higher end Elite models will be released soon. My "old" Yamaha Aventage might have to do until the DTS-X/HDCP 2.2 models become more prevalent.

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I have an SC-85 sitting in the box. I have 2 weeks to return it and I just might. The more I read, the more I think I might need the new HDMI 2.0 as I will be buying a 4K TV within the year.

 

Agree.  If you are putting out that much money for an AVR, I would future proof as much as possible.

 

It's close to being as bad as buying a computer in the 2000's, the definition of an obsolete computer is the one you just bought.

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I would be moving up from a older denon which I like but I have to run audio from DVD player and satellite to tv then to denon thru SD cable. If I get the pioneer ill be able to go directly to AVR . My tv is 2.0 HDMI. Will audio and video be better going that route? Im not up to date on how the 2.0 works. If im understand going to AVR with both signals the to tv the AVR will upscale them to a better resolution? Has anyone had any bad experience with the pioneer?

Stacy

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I just picked up the Pioneer Elite SC-91.  Aside from not having DTS-X, it had everything else.  Here is the breakdown including 4k60p Chroma 4:4:4 passthrough and upconversion.  I am very happy with it even though it doesn't have DTS-X.  Of course, it is middle of the pack as far as Elite Series goes, but it has more than enough power.  And D3 quality amp.

 

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Home/AV-Receivers/Elite+Receivers/SC-91

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I may be pulling the trigger on one in the next day or two, and have been working a bunch lately and may not get to do as much research as I would like so I was hoping anybody using one, care to share their thoughts on it.

Thanks in advance for any insight.

Stacy

It is a great choice.  But...Is wi-fi a need?  What is your current system setup?  Getting bigger speakers?  I posted about the mid-line SC-91 I have, and it has ATMOS, and 7.2 vs the 9.2.  Does that matter?  You are looking into a higher price point, and if you are going to expand, those are a few questions you should ask yourself.  That way you aren't re-buying 6 months from now.  Tech always changes, but you can minimize obsolescence if you know what direction your system is headed in. 

 

I really hope that helped a bit.   Always good to ask a few questions.

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I have an SC-85 sitting in the box. I have 2 weeks to return it and I just might. The more I read, the more I think I might need the new HDMI 2.0 as I will be buying a 4K TV within the year.

The replacement might be a SC-91 but I am hoping the newer, higher end Elite models will be released soon. My "old" Yamaha Aventage might have to do until the DTS-X/HDCP 2.2 models become more prevalent.

Hey bud.  Saw you are looking at SC-91.  I have it and am very happy.  Please take a look at my current two posts in this thread.  May help you.  Only thing missing is DTS-X.  That's really it.  Has enough channels for me.  D3 Amp, wifi, and all a that.  

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Impressions? After a few months with mine...

 

Some folks on other forums are under the notion that the iControl app "unlocks" the full potential of MCACC Pro.....which is :pwk_bs:. There's only three features completely unaccessible without the app and tablet/phone combo which are:

-Emphasis

-Finger EQ

-Balance (Pioneer's fancy 2D type)

 

Some people can't seem to live without those three (especially when there's a connection problem that renders the app inop), but in practice, they're completely dispensable. They don't really add to the receiver's technical capability. Everything else (even the traditional stuff) is still accessible either through the MCACC or Audio Parameter menus via the remote control or unit's face plate.

 

For example, adjusting the X-curve feature is much faster through the controller app, but can also be accomplished via the remote if need be.

 

Adjusting the sub trim level is OK, but slower than compared to my old Panasonic which had a "hot-key" for just that on the remote. Wish the trim menu would start at the sub first. Instead, gotta cycle through all the channels in order to get to the subwoofer at each power-up, which is last naturally. Could mess up something there, if say...drunk. GF certainly doesn't appreciate skimming through all the menus, can't say I blame her.

 

The sound is excellent, superb really. "Deeep!" comes to mind.  MCACC Pro will transform your speakers. The D3 amps with my rig are essentially bottomless. An honest 100 watts across the front three is simply no joke. They're not Equibit or DDFA, but those don't couple with advanced DSP like MCACC Pro either. I expected that.

 

I'll never exceed 5.2 channels for HT and likewise 3D is also not a priority. So I'm biased in not giving a flip in either of those two regards. I'm the type more interested in using extra channels for bi-amping or multi-zone capability than anything else....hence 9 channels is more than plenty.

 

For the price tag, HDMI switching is on the pokey side. Could be a deal-breaker for some folks. I don't mind so much as I've got only one HDMI source (the OPPO) and have considered bypassing the Pioneer for video entirely, as I once did with older receivers. There'll definitely be times where you're staring at a blank screen, listening to audio, and looking at your watch waiting for the handshake to complete.

 

I could do without the bright blue panel lights....in particular the "HDMI" indicator. Not quite as piercing as the power light on my subwoofer amp, thank god, but the entire market could stand to take a hint from OPPO in that regard. Subtle would be nicer, as the strong blue lights pretty much defeat the purpose of the amber display and dimming feature. Oh well, guess that's what tape is for.

 

The unit is equipped with a fan. It's not mentioned in any of the literature or reviews. It's audible sometimes on the really quite stuff. Just a heads up.

 

There's a lot underneath the hood of one of these. It's not just a simple stereo. There's graphic cards, a computer, network controller, a large amp, etc... and it all has to work 100% in order be useful as a single unit. I'd strongly consider power protection commensurate with the unit's price tag.

 

All in all, I've been very satisfied. Highly recommended.

Edited by Quiet_Hollow
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What's up with the tiny text? Have I accidentally turned something on or off?

 I have Firefox 40.0.3 (it updated yesterday).  There is no tiny text on any posts on my end.
Sorry I was posting from my phone this morning and it was tiny text on my phone but I see now it is normal size once posted here.

Stacy

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