Pioneer SC-68 Set Up problems

[tom hill]

Hi Folks,

I am the owner (proud?) of a new Pioneer SC-68. I bought it to replace my old Pioneer QX 949 reciever I have had since I was a kid, 40 years ago. New unit is wired to a TIVO XL4, Play Station 3 Blue Ray/DVD player, and other assorted video and audio equipment plugged into the new receiver, and out to a Panasonic 54" plasma, and a great 5.1 set up of speakers; (2) Revel F12's up front, (2) Paradigm Studio 20's in the rear, a Paradigm center and a SVS S/Woofer.

I am having a little trouble setting up the Pioneer SC 68. Got most things up and running, but must admit the Pioneer manual sort of sucks, and the live video guide on the set up CD is in Chinese only. I think Pioneer could do a little better.... Hope you all will help this newcomer along if anyone has any answers.

One question is the audio display read out. The audio level display on the screen tv/or receiver display is in dB, and does not zero out at (no sound) It show -80 when there is no sound, and 0.00 dB is really quite loud. Normal sound level is about -20dB. This is true no matter what the input sound is coming from.

The BD and TIVO sound/video comes in through the HDMI cables coming into the receiver, and I did not run a optical audio cable from the TV audio out. Is this audio level display normal, or it due to the way I have the the audio coming into the receiver wired? That would not seem to make sense since the CD audio is the same format. Should not 0 dB be no sound? Anyway, that is one question..

The second is the remote control, and or using the TIVO remote control. When I set it up so the TIVO remote can control the audio volume when watching the TV, the rate of change in the audio up/down is very slow using the TIVO remote. Seems like such a pain the *** to be using two different remotes, and after setting up for the Pioneer remote to control the TIVO, it does not handle/allow all the functions of the TIVO (full guide etc) that you need. Is there a good universal remote out there that will do it all, or am I not getting this stuff set up correctly?

Based on this system being more complex than most I am sure there will be more (I did not know I needed to be a NASA engineer to be setting this up) but would be grateful for any help.

Any thoughts would be most welcome.

Tom

 

[Adam]

Welcome to the forum, Tom! Let's see if we can get you up and running smoothly.

I am having a little trouble setting up the Pioneer SC 68. Got most things up and running, but must admit the Pioneer manual sort of sucks, and the live video guide on the set up CD is in Chinese only. I think Pioneer could do a little better.... Hope you all will help this newcomer along if anyone has any answers.

My friend bought a Pioneer receiver and was quite impressed that they have an 800 number with good customer support. I don't know if this is the one that he used, but the number that I just found on their website is 1-800-421-1404. I also have a Pioneer receiver, but I haven't need to call.

One question is the audio display read out. The audio level display on the screen tv/or receiver display is in dB, and does not zero out at (no sound) It show -80 when there is no sound, and 0.00 dB is really quite loud. Normal sound level is about -20dB. This is true no matter what the input sound is coming from.

That's a change since your last unit (which you got just a little while ago ). "0dB" on the readout refers to a reference level at your listening position, which appears to be 80dB. That means something once you've gone through the auto setup routine and the receiver has set your speaker levels. So, don't worry about that - it's the way that a lot of manufacturers do their systems now. Now that the volume level can be adjusted digitally, and automatically calibrated by the receiver, manufacturers can set 0dB to a known level - as opposed to the older non-calibrating systems where 0 was basically muted and volume increased with a higher number on the dial.

Is there a good universal remote out there that will do it all, or am I not getting this stuff set up correctly?

There are some nice universal remotes out there, but before you go shopping - check out page 84 of your Pioneer user manual. It shows how your new remote can learn commands from another remote control. That might solve your issues.

Well, that's just to get started.

 

[macddmac]

Hi Tom and welcome to audioholics not so anonymous ,
Pioneers have a reputation for a not so easy GUI from what I've heard. A buddy of mine has an SC- 67 and I just texted him to ask if it had a 0-100 scale as well like my Denons do.
Just heard back and he uses the count down scale, but is checking for the option. He also says that the Pioneer iPhone app is easier than the standard GUI for volume adjustments.. Android likely has an app too if that's what your rockin for a phone.
I use a harmony one remote for all my systems and love it. It's fairly easy to program and you can use up to 15 different devices and multiple systems with it.
My wife can take it down to the basement and use it for Zumba workout on the wii or for another TV setup in the gym.
Cheers, Mac

 

[tom hill]

Dear Adam,

Thanks very much for the thoughts. I will call Pioneer on Monday and check out the support help. I had tried to call on Sat, but they were closed. The dB issue just seems strange to me, and as a reference point, not sure what it means. I will post any info I come across if it will be helpful to others. Thanks again for the help, and if after I give the Pioneer remote a work out as suggested, if needed, I will get the universal remote.

Regards,

Tom

 

[excelnyc]

I am too am a new owner of an SC-68. Sound seems pretty good to me. I'm not a big fan of subs so I don't have one in my new configuration. This system is in my weekend place. The SC-68 was intended to power a 5.0 configuration in my great room (not that big) and a 2 speaker configuration in my study. The 3 front speakers (left, right, center) are TOTEM Hawks, while the two rears are Totem Rainmakers. Except for movies, I rarely enjoy music from more than the 2 speakers. My study has 2 Totem Hawks.

Here is my problem...no matter what I do, I can't get "powered" sound from ZONE 2. When I select the 5.1/Bi-amped Front + Zone 2 option using any set up options (AV Navigator, TV+Remote, etc.) I get no sound from ZONE 2. (I have the subwoofer box unchecked, but checked or unchecked results in the same problem). It doesn't not make any difference whether I enable ZONE 2 from the Receiver panel or the remote or if I connect the wires to the "Front Wide" or "Surround Back" terminals which are both shown as options in the manual. Volume levels and inputs make no difference. Incidentally, it looks like the only place you can set/indicate that you want to power ZONE 2 from the terminals rather than the ZONE 2 OUTS to an amp. is in the AV Navigator's "Wire Navi" Setup wizard. If I choose the 5.1 /Bi-Amped B speakers, the system works correctly. The problem here is that I cannot adjust the volume independently resulting in very loud music in the study. Also, I want the front's in the great room Bi-Amped. This is one of the standard configurations in the GUI and a configuration that is supposed to work.

I have never been able to get power to ZONE 2. Is their some sort of secret password, special handshake or decoder ring I need to use. Thanks.

 

[fmw]

Adam is correct about the volume display. Pioneer receivers have used that system for more than a decade. Normal listening level should be somewhere around zero db or perhaps a bit into the minus numbers after you run the calibration. I like Macddmac's suggest too since I have not one Harmony One but two of them. They are unique in that you program them on line entering the information about the various components in your system. Then you can set up the various activites you want the remote to perform and the remote will make everything happen as it is programmed with a single touch to the LED screen. My wife would be frustrated without the Harmony. I'm a fan of Pioneer AV recievers. I hope you enjoy yours.

 

[Zewyn]

I am too am a new owner of an SC-68. Sound seems pretty good to me. I'm not a big fan of subs so I don't have one in my new configuration. This system is in my weekend place. The SC-68 was intended to power a 5.0 configuration in my great room (not that big) and a 2 speaker configuration in my study. The 3 front speakers (left, right, center) are TOTEM Hawks, while the two rears are Totem Rainmakers. Except for movies, I rarely enjoy music from more than the 2 speakers. My study has 2 Totem Hawks.

Here is my problem...no matter what I do, I can't get "powered" sound from ZONE 2. When I select the 5.1/Bi-amped Front + Zone 2 option using any set up options (AV Navigator, TV+Remote, etc.) I get no sound from ZONE 2. (I have the subwoofer box unchecked, but checked or unchecked results in the same problem). It doesn't not make any difference whether I enable ZONE 2 from the Receiver panel or the remote or if I connect the wires to the "Front Wide" or "Surround Back" terminals which are both shown as options in the manual. Volume levels and inputs make no difference. Incidentally, it looks like the only place you can set/indicate that you want to power ZONE 2 from the terminals rather than the ZONE 2 OUTS to an amp. is in the AV Navigator's "Wire Navi" Setup wizard. If I choose the 5.1 /Bi-Amped B speakers, the system works correctly. The problem here is that I cannot adjust the volume independently resulting in very loud music in the study. Also, I want the front's in the great room Bi-Amped. This is one of the standard configurations in the GUI and a configuration that is supposed to work.

I have never been able to get power to ZONE 2. Is their some sort of secret password, special handshake or decoder ring I need to use. Thanks.

I'm CLOSE to this but a bit different. I'll keep playing with it and let you know if I find any secret handshake, but in general I'm having similar problems with my SC-67.
Same Setup as you. I CAN get audio to Zone 2 but it's got problems. I can successfully use the receiver input, remote, or iphone app to turn on zone 2, set it for internet radio, start a channel and have it play well WITH volume control. From this, I know the wiring is correct and the speakers work. If I select any other source, it doesn't work. It DID work a week ago when I first installed it, but now mysteriously it's dead. I have an apple TV with itunes airplayed to it which plays fine in the main zone, but if I turn zone 2 on and select it as the source (via any of the 3 inputs), I get no sound. Cable box sound input works on the main, doesn't work on zone 2. I've tried it concurrently with and without the main zone on to the same results. I've tried airplaying directly to the SC-67 with similar results.

It seems so easy: input is hooked up correctly since it plays in the main zone fine; alternate input works for Zone 2, but put them in combination and no luck. The strangest part is that they worked last week when I first installed the SC-67. BTW, at that time, I had to do NO secret handshake and wiring was as per the standard listed in the manual.

Anyone have any thoughts?

 

[scoutcooper]

Zone 2 problems with Pioneer SC receivers

I don't know if my experience will help but I also had trouble getting Zone 2 speakers to play with an SC-72 and this is how I fixed it:

The headline answer is that the Speaker System Setting has to be changed to Zone 2.

In this scenario, you have some main speakers set up but you want to run another pair of speakers in Zone 2. You connected your Zone 2 speaker wires to the "Surround Back" terminals on the back of the receiver, but now you also have to change the Speaker System Settings:

The instructions are on page 88 of this user manual:
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/StaticFiles/Manuals/Home/SC-72_OperatingInstructions041213.pdf

But here's a summary:
- Press "Receiver" on the remote control then press "Home Menu" button.
- Scroll and select "Manual SP Setup"
- Select "Speaker System"
- Scroll and select "Zone 2"

Save your settings and you should now have sound on your Zone 2 speakers.

I hope that helps.

--Mark

I am too am a new owner of an SC-68. Sound seems pretty good to me. I'm not a big fan of subs so I don't have one in my new configuration. This system is in my weekend place. The SC-68 was intended to power a 5.0 configuration in my great room (not that big) and a 2 speaker configuration in my study. The 3 front speakers (left, right, center) are TOTEM Hawks, while the two rears are Totem Rainmakers. Except for movies, I rarely enjoy music from more than the 2 speakers. My study has 2 Totem Hawks.

Here is my problem...no matter what I do, I can't get "powered" sound from ZONE 2. When I select the 5.1/Bi-amped Front + Zone 2 option using any set up options (AV Navigator, TV+Remote, etc.) I get no sound from ZONE 2. (I have the subwoofer box unchecked, but checked or unchecked results in the same problem). It doesn't not make any difference whether I enable ZONE 2 from the Receiver panel or the remote or if I connect the wires to the "Front Wide" or "Surround Back" terminals which are both shown as options in the manual. Volume levels and inputs make no difference. Incidentally, it looks like the only place you can set/indicate that you want to power ZONE 2 from the terminals rather than the ZONE 2 OUTS to an amp. is in the AV Navigator's "Wire Navi" Setup wizard. If I choose the 5.1 /Bi-Amped B speakers, the system works correctly. The problem here is that I cannot adjust the volume independently resulting in very loud music in the study. Also, I want the front's in the great room Bi-Amped. This is one of the standard configurations in the GUI and a configuration that is supposed to work.

I have never been able to get power to ZONE 2. Is their some sort of secret password, special handshake or decoder ring I need to use. Thanks.