Pioneer Elite SC-57 9.1 THX Reciever Preview

[admin]

With a newly designed Class D amplifier section, THX Ultra2+ certification, and the new DTS Neo:X on board, the Pioneer Elite SC-57 9.1 channel receiver looks to be a worth contender for your $2000. It has a slew of custom installer features including three zones of audio (and video), 3D support, 11.2 channel analogue outputs, and support for just about every CI solution on the market. You can calibrate your video inputs, upconvert and scale everything to 1080p/24Hz over HDMI, and power all three zones of audio simultaneously. Add to that support for Apple AirPlay and just about every other networking feature, and there is a lot to like about the Pioneer SC-57.

Discuss "Pioneer Elite SC-57 9.1 THX Reciever Preview" here. Read the article.

 

[Adam]

It's shallow to look skin deep, I know, but I miss the reflective finish on the front panel.

 

[Noobalert]

So I'm planning on upgrading my HT receiver this year, and is always excited when you guys post new info on the up coming gear.

a couple of concerns with this AVR

1) under the audiohoilcs preview spec sheet it list: 11.2 Assignable Pre-Outs for up to 9.1 Channel Playback.
So this means you can't run a full 11.1 Setup even with an external amp?

2) MCACC room correction system, Compared to YPAO in the new RX-A3010, or a Audyssey MultEQ XT32 receiver.

3) dual-mono subs 9.1 vs a true 9.2 configuration

Other then those few concerns I would be serious about making this my Home Theater receiver. Then again if I was going to buy a receiver based on features like DTS Neo:X, and THX certification I would expect it to fully support it with 11.1

 

[6311]

Questions to Pioneer

Sorry about the quality of my English not my first language

a/ How is to hear DTS X with 7.1 speakers ?

b/ Why you not invest in" Network Audio Formats" ? on sc- 57

Your formats out of date Examples:

LPCM- Maximum 48 khz 2 ch 20 bit (in your sc- 57 )
When there are newer Format to "lpcm " 96 khz 8 ch and 24 bit
How can I pay a FOR receiver $ 2,100 with old technology?
Can you fix it with " firmware" ?


AAC – Maximum 48 khz 2 ch 16 bit (in your sc- 57 )
When there are newer Format to " AAC AND HE-AAC " Why not you give us new formats ?
AAC supports up to 96 kHz
aacPlus - Bitrate of 448kbps for 5 channel surround
Can you fix it with " firmware" ?


WAM 9 - Maximum 48 khz 2 ch 16 bit (in your sc- 57 )
When there are newer Format " Windows Media Audio Professional"OR
Windows Media Audio Lossless
support audio resolutions of up to 96 kHz and up to eight discrete channels (7.1 channel surround).

Why should I pay $ 2,100 on a new receiver with older formats

 

[Superfly]

Can you adjust the 9 band EQ and listen to music or audio as you do it?
Answer: Nope you can't.

The cool remote on the SC-37 is gone on the new 55/57 models

its UGLY, did I say it looks UGLY.

 

[Ziontrain]

Sorry about the quality of my English not my first language

a/ How is to hear DTS X with 7.1 speakers ?

b/ Why you not invest in" Network Audio Formats" ? on sc- 57

Your formats out of date Examples:

LPCM- Maximum 48 khz 2 ch 20 bit (in your sc- 57 )
When there are newer Format to "lpcm " 96 khz 8 ch and 24 bit
How can I pay a FOR receiver $ 2,100 with old technology?
Can you fix it with " firmware" ?


AAC – Maximum 48 khz 2 ch 16 bit (in your sc- 57 )
When there are newer Format to " AAC AND HE-AAC " Why not you give us new formats ?
AAC supports up to 96 kHz
aacPlus - Bitrate of 448kbps for 5 channel surround
Can you fix it with " firmware" ?


WAM 9 - Maximum 48 khz 2 ch 16 bit (in your sc- 57 )
When there are newer Format " Windows Media Audio Professional"OR
Windows Media Audio Lossless
support audio resolutions of up to 96 kHz and up to eight discrete channels (7.1 channel surround).

Why should I pay $ 2,100 on a new receiver with older formats

Which receivers support LPCM 8 channel 96/24? Thanks.

 

[FilmMixer]

Sorry about the quality of my English not my first language

a/ How is to hear DTS X with 7.1 speakers ?

b/ Why you not invest in" Network Audio Formats" ? on sc- 57

Neo:X is for 9.1 (or greater) systems.. it isn't a format, but an upmixing technology.

I know these aren't cheap.. however, I want an AVR company to focus on sound and video quality..

While I appreciate the inclusion of basic networking and streaming functionality, I think it is unrealistic to expect the AVR to be all things to all people..

There are so many reasonably priced products out there that allow consumers to pick the device that will best serve their needs and existing libraries, I think to expect such functionality from any AVR is fruitless.

That being said, I am an SC-57 owner...

It is a step up from the older models (I've owned the SC27 and SC37) in terms of sound quality, functionality and power..

Very satisfied.. love AirPlay, the iControl AV2 app, and most of all what comes out of my speakers...

 

[sawzalot]

I believe your statement about this being a step up in sound quality is somewhat misleading, one could say it is a matter of preference as the two units may sound different but just fine in their own right to some, I know many love the ICE amp section on the SC-37 while others will enjoy the new Amp section in the 55/57.