Pioneer is kicking off the summer in style. The company just announced plans to start shipping five new Elite SC receivers in June.
The new collection will include the 7.2-channel SC-61 and SC-63, as well as the 9.2-channel SC-65, SC-67 and SC-68. Designed to be a true entertainment hub, each one comes packing Class D3 amplification, with support for Apple's AirPlay, DLNA 1.5, Bluetooth, Windows 7, web radio, Advanced MCACC auto-calibration and Pioneer's iOS apps.
That Class D3 amp promises to unleash the power of high-def content, such as Blu-ray. The amp section can deliver 140 watts of power to each available channel, and has improved thermal dissipation thanks to a new heatsink. It also boasts a low total harmonic distortion (THD) rating of a mere .003 percent (rated at 100 watts).
In addition to the connectivity perks mentioned above, this entire line will include support for vTuner Internet radio, Pandora, and SiriusXM Radio (with a paid subscription). To add even more music into the mix, pair one of these receivers with Pioneer's Air Jam, a free app for iOS devices. This app, when combined with the optional AS-BT200 Bluetooth adapter, can sync up any of the SC models with up to four devices via Bluetooth.
The top three models include front Mobile High Definition Link (MHL) connectivity, which means you can add in a smartphone or other portable as another source of entertainment. Just hook it to the receiver's front-panel HDMI/MHL terminal, which boasts content up to 1080p with 7.1-channel HD audio resolution. The SC-67 also offers DSD (SACD DFF Files) music file playback via the front USB connection, with the SC-68 promising an "industry first" -- a 192kHz/32-bit asynchronous USB DAC for ultra-high quality music file playback from a USB-connected PC or Mac.
On the video side, each receiver features Marvell Qdeo processing for true 1080p/24fps, Advanced Video Adjust, and Stream Smoother technology. The SC-65, SC-67 and SC-68 also have true 4K pass-through for users looking for the most up-to-date technology.
For a truly customized setup, the three 9.2-channel receivers can provide up to 10 different configurations. In other words, users can have a 5.1 system with the remaining channels designated to additional zones. All of those can then be controlled via the free iControlAV2012 app. Each model is also certified for use with Control4, Crestron and Savant home control systems.
All of the new SC models can offer 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. The top two SC-67 and SC-68 models also add in an extra HDMI output to a fourth zone, component video output to Zone 2, and composite video output to Zone 3. All SC receivers also have the option for a dedicated zone 2 subwoofer output, as well as two dedicated subwoofer outputs in the main zone.
Other features across the board include Advanced MCACC room calibration, Auto Phase Control Plus phase matching, PQLS Bit-Stream, and Virtual Speaker Modes 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. Models SC-65 and up also have built-in advanced preamp processors, which can handle the latest surround formats, such as DTS Neo:X and more.
Pioneer says that the SC-61, SC-63, SC-65, SC-67, and SC-68 will be available starting in June. The manufacturer has listed prices at $1100, $1300, $1600, $2000 and $2500, respectively.
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