Pioneer SC-95, SC-97, & SC-99 Receivers

[smitty4ut]

I just bought an SC-95 receiver to replace my Denon 3808ci the other day. So far I am very happy. It took me a couple of days to really start liking the Pioneer. I purchased a Marantz 6010 first, only to realize that I couldn't do what I was looking to do with it alone. I was going to need to purchase a separate amp for my Zone 2. So I returned it, and purchased the Pioneer SC-95, I do like the MCACC vs Audyssey. The decoding of the sound seems to be very detailed for movies. I have not had much time to listen to music yet. The GUI for the Marantz was better than the Pioneer. I do like the big display on the front of the Pioneer, compared to the small one on the Marantz. I can read the Pioneer from across the room. The Marantz, I would have to pull the info up on the TV screen to see the formats and so on. Not a big deal, but I like being able to just look at the receiver display to know what it's doing. I also really like the APP so far for the Pioneer. I didn't have the Marantz long enough to use the app for it. The app for the Pioneer only gets 2 stars on the iphone app store, but I find it very helpful. I really like that I can control my Zone 2 and choose what input it is using as well as the volume and so on. still learning how to use it, but it seems to do everything very well so far. I plan on adding Tdml & Tdmr speakers to my system later to take advantage of Dolby Atmos & DTS:X. I just have to figure out how to hook everything up to make it work with my configuration. I should basically be running a 5.2.2 with a Zone 2.

So I just wanted to ask. If I want to go to a 5.2.2 Atmos setup and still be able to run my Zone 2 off of the speaker connects on the SC-95. I was wondering if the Speaker setup G 7.2.2 + SP B Manual Page 22 would work. I won't be using the surround backs, but would hook my deck speakers up as B and then just switch them on when I wanted to listen outside. Any thoughts or opinions on this would be appreciated.

I guess my other option is, since I am using a XPA-5 for my current 5.1, I could move my surround L/R to the SC-95. Then connect the Zone 2 Pre-outs to the now available channels on the XPA-5. I just hate to have to run my big amp to power 2 speakers on my deck.

Hopefully this info will help someone else. Also if anyone else has any ideas on my configuration issue, please let me know.

Thanks

[Brett C]

Since your using the XPA 5 on the fronts and only using two height channels, I would think it is probably possible. The internal amps for the front L+R would take the load. Try it out to see, is the best way to find out. The Manual is pretty vague. it does not even mention a 5.1.2/4 Atmos setup, when I know it can do that.

Nice reciever though, I have been looking that these Elite models myself.

[smitty4ut]

I still need to get my down firing speakers, then I can test it out. I've been busy setting up my older Denon in the living room. I was getting frustrated setting up my Wii (which I rarely use) on the SC-95. Then I realized that I had my PS4 setup on the DVR/HDR HDMI input. Moved the PS4 to the DVD input, made sure that the DVR/HDR input was set to V.CONV and voila it works just like it should. It's funny how if you actually connect everything correctly it works so much better. My bad, for getting in such a hurry to connect everything up.

[timcat4843]

Will the Pioneer Elite SC-99 receiver, do a 5.2.4 Dolby Atmos setup, without having to use an external amp?

[Brett C]

Originally Posted by timcat4843

Will the Pioneer Elite SC-99 receiver, do a 5.2.4 Dolby Atmos setup, without having to use an external amp?

Yes, no external amp required for 5.2.4.
On this particular model, the only Atmos configuration you get for 5.2.4 is front height and top middle.

[timcat4843]

Originally Posted by Brett C

Yes, no external amp required for 5.2.4.
On this particular model, the only Atmos configuration you get for 5.2.4 is front height and top middle.

I'm going to use Pioneer SP-T22A up-firing Dolby Atmos speaker modules, to
sit atop my four Pioneer SP-FS52 floor standing speakers.

[Brett C]

Originally Posted by timcat4843

I'm going to use Pioneer SP-T22A up-firing Dolby Atmos speaker modules, to
sit atop my four Pioneer SP-FS52 floor standing speakers.

Even though Dolby recommends the surrounds being placed at ear level, I think they sound better being a little behind and just above ear level. That is my own preference from testing.

[timcat4843]

Originally Posted by Brett C

Even though Dolby recommends the surrounds being placed at ear level, I think they sound better being a little behind and just above ear level. That is my own preference from testing.

I agree.

In my setup, I placed both of my rear pioneer floorstanding speakers, on top of my subwoofers.
They are slightly behind and just above ear level.
Here's a pic (please forgive the poor quality).

[Show spoiler]

[Brett C]

Originally Posted by timcat4843

I agree.

In my setup, I placed both of my rear pioneer floorstanding speakers, on top of my subwoofers.
They are slightly behind and just above ear level.
Here's a pic (please forgive the poor quality).

[Show spoiler]

Did you pull the plug on an Atmos reciever yet?
I will buy one of the these Elites as soon as the DTS X firmware is a go.
The SC 95 is really the best bang for your buck out of the three. The only difference the SC 99 has over the SC 97 is one extra setting in calibration for precise distance, different transformer and a USBDAC.
The SC 97 has 5 watts more rated power over the SC 95, that is it.

[timcat4843]

Originally Posted by Brett C

Did you pull the plug on an Atmos reciever yet?
I will buy one of the these Elites as soon as the DTS X firmware is a go.
The SC 95 is really the best bang for your buck out of the three. The only difference the SC 99 has over the SC 97 is one extra setting in calibration for precise distance, different transformer and a USBDAC.
The SC 97 has 5 watts more rated power over the SC 95, that is it.

I'm debating whether or not to pull the trigger on the SC-99, or the Onkyo TX-RZ900.
Or wait until later this year, for the 2016 models.
Truth be told, I really do prefer the bold, robust sound of Onkyo receivers, in the THX Cinema mode.

[timcat4843]

Just found this over at AVS...

Info on the 2016 Onkyo TX-RZ1000 and Onkyo TX-RZ3000.

https://translate.google.com/transla...0/&prev=search

[Stilljoe]

Auditioned Atmos at Lipton's in Newmarket yesterday. Much thanks to Ryan for helping convince my wife I need a new receiver. SC-95 ordered!
Next: installing in-ceiling speakers in a drop ceiling with soft absorbent tiles (I think i'll need to build backer boxes), lowering the existing surround and surround back speakers... maybe move the equipment "rack" to the back of the room"...
It's all good fun.

[Brett C]

Originally Posted by Stilljoe

Auditioned Atmos at Lipton's in Newmarket yesterday. Much thanks to Ryan for helping convince my wife I need a new receiver. SC-95 ordered!
Next: installing in-ceiling speakers in a drop ceiling with soft absorbent tiles (I think i'll need to build backer boxes), lowering the existing surround and surround back speakers... maybe move the equipment "rack" to the back of the room"...
It's all good fun.

I recently purchased the SC-95 myself, I think you will be happy with it!
Installing backer boxes is a must for open back in-ceiling speakers. Not only does it help control noise, but will improve the sound of your speakers.

[Brett C]

Originally Posted by timcat4843

Just found this over at AVS...

Info on the 2016 Onkyo TX-RZ1000 and Onkyo TX-RZ3000.

https://translate.google.com/transla...0/&prev=search

The 2016 TX-RZ3000 is more or less a Pioneer Elite with an Onkyo badge, but that is a good thing if you want to run the Pioneer Atmos modules. The D3 amps will run that load without a sweat.

[timcat4843]

Originally Posted by Brett C

The 2016 TX-RZ3000 is more or less a Pioneer Elite with an Onkyo badge...

Boy, I hope not!
I prefer that bold powerful THX cinema sound of Onkyo receivers.
Pioneer's audio quality, while good, is just a little to laid back for my taste.

[Brett C]

Originally Posted by timcat4843

Boy, I hope not!
I prefer that bold powerful THX cinema sound of Onkyo receivers.
Pioneer's audio quality, while good, is just a little to laid back for my taste.

Nothing in the up to 2k price range will match the true output of the D3 amps in the Elite line.

For accurate amplifier output on a receiver: you look at the maximum power rating divided by the number of channels and in Class-D, reduce that number by 20%, Class AB reduce that number by 50%.

They are designed to handle 4ohm loads where most internal Class AB amps would crap themselves.


I run a separate amp, so the internal amps are not the big priority, it is the guts and to get the same internals from the likes of Denon and Yamaha, you have to pay much, much more from both companies.

[Trux]

I picked up an SC-95 last week and am slowly in the process of setting it up. I intend to run 5.2.4 with 4 in-celing speakers. When looking through the setup options in the pioneer menu and the SC-95 manual, I can't seem to find an option for a 5.2.4 setup. I know I read that this receiver is capable of running 5.2.4 but I'm not sure what option I need to select in the receiver's menu to achieve that. I'll be running all the speakers through 2 external Emotiva amps.

I already have 2 in-celing speakers installed about 10-12 feet to the left and right of the primary listening position (PLP) and probably a 2-3 feet in front of it with the tweeters pointed toward the PLP. Those have been acting as my "surrounds". Where would you all suggest installing the second 2 in-ceiling speakers which I assume would be my Top Middle speakers? Directly over the top of the PLP to the left and right or do they need to be more towards the front sound stage?

My current setup is a 5.1.2 and the 2 in-celing speakers that are installed are my "surround" left and right. The 2 "back" speakers which are part of the traditional 5 are hung 6-8 feet behind the PLP on the wall to the left and right.

Can anyone offer some suggestions? Thanks in advance!

[Brett C]

Originally Posted by Trux

I picked up an SC-95 last week and am slowly in the process of setting it up. I intend to run 5.2.4 with 4 in-celing speakers. When looking through the setup options in the pioneer menu and the SC-95 manual, I can't seem to find an option for a 5.2.4 setup. I know I read that this receiver is capable of running 5.2.4 but I'm not sure what option I need to select in the receiver's menu to achieve that. I'll be running all the speakers through 2 external Emotiva amps.

I already have 2 in-celing speakers installed about 10-12 feet to the left and right of the primary listening position (PLP) and probably a 2-3 feet in front of it with the tweeters pointed toward the PLP. Those have been acting as my "surrounds". Where would you all suggest installing the second 2 in-ceiling speakers which I assume would be my Top Middle speakers? Directly over the top of the PLP to the left and right or do they need to be more towards the front sound stage?

My current setup is a 5.1.2 and the 2 in-celing speakers that are installed are my "surround" left and right. The 2 "back" speakers which are part of the traditional 5 are hung 6-8 feet behind the PLP on the wall to the left and right.

Can anyone offer some suggestions? Thanks in advance!

To set for 5.2.4 you have to do the following:

Go to manual speaker setting and set surround back speakers as "NO" (or use Auto MCACC, then it will configure it automatically).

[saprano]

Originally Posted by timcat4843

Boy, I hope not!
I prefer that bold powerful THX cinema sound of Onkyo receivers.
Pioneer's audio quality, while good, is just a little to laid back for my taste.

Wrong. Pioneer's Class D amps are highly regarded for their punchy dynamic SQ. Especially the ICEamp models.

[RalphoR]

Best Buy (Magnolia) has dropped the SC-95 price by $500. I want to upgrade my SC-65 so I can take advantage of several things:
HDCP 2.2
Hdmi 2.0a
Atmos and DTS-X
4k pass through
My question is for the 4k uhd premium specs will the SC-95 be a good choice or should I wait for the 2016 Elite receivers to make sure I'm future proof? Thanks for any help. I want to make sure I don't miss out on anything important. I have to admit that getting an SC-95 under $1k is terribly tempting.