Pioneer today announced five new Elite SC series receivers, two 7.2-channel models including the SC-61 and SC-63, and three 9.2-channel models including, the SC-65, SC-67 and SC-68.
Each receiver is designed to deliver powerful audio output using Pioneer's Class D3 amplification technology. The new line is also enhanced with network features and custom installation set-up options including Apple's AirPlay, DLNA 1.5, Windows 7, Internet radio, PC Setup control, Advanced MCACC auto-calibration, multiple HDMI inputs and Pioneer's proprietary apps for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch apps, including iControlAV2012 and Air Jam.
Pioneer's Class D3 amplifier is built into more models to deliver the audio potential of uncompressed sources such as Blu-ray Disc titles as well as other high-definition audio content found on the Internet. The amplifier section of each new receiver delivers up to 140 Watts of power to each available channel, providing high dynamic range, with virtually no loss in performance even with all channels simultaneously driven at full volume. In addition, the amp section is designed for improved thermal dissipation using a new heatsink and produces a low total harmonic distortion (THD) rating of a mere .003 percent (rated at 100W).
Pioneer designed the amplifier section to have the shortest audio signal path possible, requiring no EMI filters, feedback loops, impedance switching or current limiters, which results in the elimination of induced coloration, ringing or noise, especially in the high frequency audio band. In addition, the amp uses surface mounted MOSFETs and discrete 7- and 9-channel inputs.
Apple's AirPlay, DLNA 1.5 and Bluetooth connectivity are integrated in each receiver for wireless access and connection and the ability play high resolution music files of up to 192kHz/24-Bit FLAC and WAV. The line also supports various music services including vTuner Internet radio, PANDORA internet radio and access to SiriusXM Radio (with paid subscription). Pioneer's Air Jam App, available from the App Store on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch at no charge or at www.apple.com/appstore/ is also available for use with all SC models to allow pairing of up to four devices via Bluetooth.
The SC-67 offers DSD (SACD DFF Files) music file playback via the front USB connection, while the SC-68 offers the first 192kHz/32-bit asynchronous USB DAC for high quality music file playback from a USB4 connected PC or Mac.
The top three models also add front Mobile High Definition Link (MHL) connectivity for adapting smartphones as additional sources for audio and video entertainment. The front?panel HDMI/MHL terminal delivers content with up to 1080p video and 7.1-channel HD audio resolution.
To enhance the video performance from any connected source, the receivers convert all analog signals to digital HDMI and scale both analog and digital signals to 1080p resolution for an improved visual experience. Additional technologies include Marvell Qdeo processing for 1080p/24fps, Advanced Video Adjust to optimize video signals by the type of display connected, and Stream Smoother to enhance the picture quality of any source downloaded from the Internet via other devices.
For those who want to ensure they have the most up-to-date technology, the SC-65, SC-67 and SC-68 are built with true 4K pass through, which takes advantage of the most advanced digital formats.
Each SC receiver enables users to customize their home theaters, with the top three 9.2 channel models providing up to ten different configurations. Users can create a full 5.1 system and use the remaining channels for additional zones, all controllable directly from the receiver and/or portable device running the iControlAV2012 app. Plus, each model is certified by the most popular control companies, including Control, Crestron and Savant, enabling users to tailor their home theater systems to fit their needs.
For users and installers who want a home theater setup for multiple rooms, the receivers are capable of providing various audio and video outputs and control signals for multiple rooms (zones). All models offers three zones, with Zone 2 providing composite video output and the ability to handle network and USB content, and Zone 3 adding analog audio input sources. With the top two SC-67 and SC-68 models, users and installers benefit from an additional HDMI output to a fourth zone, component video output to Zone 2, and composite video output to Zone 3.
For the first time, Pioneer SC receiver owners now have an option for a dedicated zone 2 subwoofer output in addition to the two dedicated subwoofer outputs in the main zone.
The Elite SC receivers also utilize Pioneer?s Advanced MCACC yechnology for accurate room calibration, Auto Phase Control Plus for real time phase matching that analyzes the audio input every 30 seconds, PQLS Bit-Stream that eliminates distortion caused by digital bit-stream timing errors, and Virtual Speaker Modes for simulating sound coming from various areas in a room without actual additional speakers connected. The SC-65 and SC-67 are certified with THX Select 2 Plus, the SC-68 with THX Ultra 2 Plus, and both the SC-67 and SC-68 with Air Studios Monitor.
Users can take advantage of its full multi-zone capabilities (up to four zones with the SC-67 and SC-68) by assigning the pre-amp and speaker outputs independently. Each SC receiver offers pre-amp mode, which shuts down the power supply to all or part of the Class D3 amplifier when using additional outboard amplifiers. With the SC-65 and up, the receivers allows Front Off and Front and Center Off modes giving users the ability to use the Surrounds/Surround Back amplification for other applications. Models SC-65 and up also benefit from built-in advanced preamp processors that support the latest surround formats such as DTS Neo:X, sound enhancements, network content and network control.
The new Elite SC receivers will be available in June at suggested prices of SC-61 ($1,100), SC-63 ($1,300), SC-65 ($1,600), SC-67 ($2,000) and SC-68 ($2,500).