Pioneer Elite SC-57 9.1 Channel A/V Receiver (October 2011 Home Theater magazine) - Blu-ray Forum

HDTV1080P · 11-23-2011, 11:50 PM

Pioneer Elite SC-57 9.1 Channel A/V Receiver (October 2011 Home Theater magazine review link)

This October 2011 Home Theater magazine review on the Pioneer Elite SC-57 9.1 surround sound receiver was very good (really a 9.2 surround receiver since it supports up to two subwoofers). This top of the line 2011 Pioneer Elite SC-57 A/V receiver is a value A/V receiver since it received 5 stars out of 5 for value. In terms of sound quality this $2,100 Pioneer class D amplifier out performs some class A/B and class A amplifiers that cost $4,000-$5,000+. An excellent $15,000 class A amplifier with proper tower speakers would outperform this lower cost Pioneer SC-57 for $2,100.

** Received 5 stars out of 5 for being an excellent value A/V receiver compared to other more expensive A/V receivers on the market **

The following are select quotes from the Home Theater magazine review

“The SC-57’s release was delayed for two years by the combination of Air Studios’ involvement in the project and the introduction of new, ultra-low-distortion International Rectifier switching devices that held the promise of creating a low-distortion amp with little or no negative feedback.”

“The THX Ultra2 Plus–Certified SC-57 decodes about every codec known to mankind and also includes a long list of Pioneer’s own listening modes for music and cinema.”

“Whether I ran it through the MCACC setup routine or not, the SC-57 produced noticeably warm, rich, coherent sound that was very well controlled on both top and bottom. An experienced listener might note an exceptionally well-damped, tight bottom end and a dry, less than fully extended and airy top end—and perhaps figure out pretty quickly that this isn’t Class A/B amplification. But even a hardened audiofool like me came away from a few weeks spent with the SC-57 very impressed and enthused about the future of Class D in this application. Still, in a vinyl-based two-channel system, I’ll still stick with Class A/B and Class A, thank you. (Speaking of vinyl, the moving-magnet input was also surprisingly good.)”

“To summarize, the Class D sound here definitely differs from what I’d expect from a good Class A/B amplifier, particularly in terms of air, extension, liquidity, and especially decay length. But the differing characteristics produced great clarity and solidity, and the leading edge of transients were free of undesirable etch and hardness that have plagued some other Class D designs. Stage coherence, whether in stereo or surround, was among the best I’ve heard from any AVR at any price, and instrumental body and weight were positively meaty.”

“To give you some idea, an audiophile friend came over during my audition. While I played a three-track RCA Living Stereo reissue on SACD, he stood waiting on the landing a half level below the living room, where he couldn’t even see the speakers. “Wow, that piano has such body!” he exclaimed, which is exactly what I’d been saying to myself a few minutes before he arrived. Imaging was unusually precise, both in stereo and surround mixes, perhaps giving credence to claims of the SC-57’s emphasis on maintaining phase coherence. This was clearly evident on two-channel and surround sound music or movies.”

“As an old stalwart, I still prefer a good Class A/B amp. But the Pioneer Elite SC-57’s Class D amp is so good that in some ways it’s more a matter of different than better or worse. I can understand why some might prefer its sonic character. In the end, the SC-57 offers a lot of everything—including great sound—at a very reasonable price.”

** Click here to read the complete review on the Pioneer SC-57 at the Home Theater magazine website **

HDTV1080P · 12-16-2011, 03:43 AM

Optional RF remote control for the Pioneer Elite SC-57

(This RF remote works with some of the 2010 and 2011 Pioneer Elite A/V receivers)

(Check your Pioneer owners manaul to see if your Pioneer A/V receiver supports a optional RF remote)

Pioneer does not include a RF remote control with any of their new 2011 A/V receivers like they did with the top of the line 2010 Pioneer Elite SC-37 model. Since not all consumers need or want a RF remote Pioneer decided to keep the A/V receivers at a lower price and make the RF remote an optional feature that consumers can purchase.

All 3 of the following items need to be purchased seperately from Pioneer parts in order to use the Pioneer RF remote

1. The first item is the IR Blaster Cable (part number ADF7007) Retail price $24.95
http://parts.pioneerelectronics.com/part.asp?productNum=ADF7007

2.The second item is the RF receiver box (part number AXX7272) Retai price $157.95
http://parts.pioneerelectronics.com/part.asp?productNum=AXX7272

3. The third item is the RF remote (part number AXD7580) Retail price $227.95
http://parts.pioneerelectronics.com/part.asp?productNum=AXD7580

I am surprised that Pioneer would not make one kit for the RF remote upgrade, instead they require people to purchase 3 separate items at a total retail price of $410.85.

wvl · 02-10-2012, 02:00 AM

Just ordered the Pioneer Elite SC-57 and it should be here in about 5 days. I’m replacing a Pioneer VSX-84 (discontinued model) which is a fine AV receiver, but time to update. The VSX is 5 years old and time to put it up on the shelf. Upgrading will be a blast for me. I have read much about his bad boy and looking forwards in getting it hooked up and watch some great 3D blus with it.

nismo604 · 02-10-2012, 03:27 AM

I would take this review with a grain of salt. I have doubts because of this statement and I quote "The MCACC’s subwoofer setup was the best I’ve heard from any automatic software. I couldn’t have dialed it in better myself" It's been known for a long time that MCACC does nothing for the subwoofer. In fact it's a running joke that MCACC hasn't had any significant upgrades since the Bush administration, 2005 to be exact.

ZoetMB · 02-10-2012, 03:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nismo604

In fact it's a running joke that MCACC hasn't had any significant upgrades since the Bush administration, 2005 to be exact.

You mean it's all the Republican's fault?

nismo604 · 02-10-2012, 03:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZoetMB

You mean it's all the Republican's fault?

LOL, no no its that it has been that long since MCACC has been upgraded.

wvl · 02-10-2012, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nismo604

I would take this review with a grain of salt. I have doubts because of this statement and I quote "The MCACC’s subwoofer setup was the best I’ve heard from any automatic software. I couldn’t have dialed it in better myself" It's been known for a long time that MCACC does nothing for the subwoofer. In fact it's a running joke that MCACC hasn't had any significant upgrades since the Bush administration, 2005 to be exact.

You are correct. I've used the MCACC setup before and it is the best that I've ever used. I am looking forwards in getting this new system setup and checking out the MCACC setup on this one.

wvl · 02-10-2012, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZoetMB

You mean it's all the Republican's fault?

Well, you'll never know... there are yahoos all over this planet... one can never tell...

nismo604 · 02-10-2012, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wvl

You are correct. I've used the MCACC setup before and it is the best that I've ever used. I am looking forwards in getting this new system setup and checking out the MCACC setup on this one.

??????? You're confused. I'm actually saying that the reviewer is very miss leading as MCACC doesn't EQ the sub. Also the MCACC will be no different from your existing receiver since no major upgrades have been done since 2005.

HAMP · 02-10-2012, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nismo604

??????? You're confused. I'm actually saying that the reviewer is very miss leading as MCACC doesn't EQ the sub. Also the MCACC will be no different from your existing receiver since no major upgrades have been done since 2005.

HAHAHAHA!!!!

sonic_debauchery · 02-10-2012, 11:40 PM

No sub eq for a list of 2100 is pretty bad. guess they will have to get a velodyne calibrator or something???

http://velodyne.com/product-accessor...t-systems.html

wvl · 02-11-2012, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nismo604

??????? You're confused. I'm actually saying that the reviewer is very miss leading as MCACC doesn't EQ the sub. Also the MCACC will be no different from your existing receiver since no major upgrades have been done since 2005.

Hmm... my bad... now that's interesting. When I change the room around, I rerun the MCACC to reconfigure the speaker setup and when I do run the MCACC, the sub is configured as well. Maybe I am missing something here? Anyway, I've used the MCACC setup a few times before with the old system and it's done a pretty good job so far. Now you say there hasn’t been any change since 2005 for the MCACC setup. I couldn't confirm that or not, but I am sure glad that Pioneer has it on my system; I would play hell if I had to tweak each speaker, especially when I have 9 to deal with.

You say the MCACC doesn't EQ the sub; I must be hearing things then, because when the MCACC pings the sub, I am able to hear the tones on each variance. Maybe I am off my rocker, but it's not important, as long as the MCACC works for me.

nismo604 · 02-11-2012, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wvl

Hmm... my bad... now that's interesting. When I change the room around, I rerun the MCACC to reconfigure the speaker setup and when I do run the MCACC, the sub is configured as well. Maybe I am missing something here? Anyway, I've used the MCACC setup a few times before with the old system and it's done a pretty good job so far. Now you say there hasn’t been any change since 2005 for the MCACC setup. I couldn't confirm that or not, but I am sure glad that Pioneer has it on my system; I would play hell if I had to tweak each speaker, especially when I have 9 to deal with.

You say the MCACC doesn't EQ the sub; I must be hearing things then, because when the MCACC pings the sub, I am able to hear the tones on each variance. Maybe I am off my rocker, but it's not important, as long as the MCACC works for me.

MCACC does adjust for level and time delay for the sub, that is what the pings are for. But it does not EQ below 63hz. Then again you're using a BOSE system which go down to around 46hz so you won't lose much. With better speakers and sub then you will really see the benefit.

wvl · 02-13-2012, 01:03 AM

Got any suggestions on speakers for this bad boy?

aces high · 02-13-2012, 01:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wvl

Got any suggestions on speakers for this bad boy?

That depends on how much you want to spend. Got a budget in mind?

wvl · 02-13-2012, 03:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aces high

That depends on how much you want to spend. Got a budget in mind?

Not sure yet, but I don't mind spending a nickle to get a dime's worth.

sonic_debauchery · 02-13-2012, 04:18 AM

Towers?, Satelites?, in-wall?, in ceiling?, on-wall?

wvl · 02-13-2012, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sonic_debauchery

Towers?, Satelites?, in-wall?, in ceiling?, on-wall?

Nevermind, I'll find out myself.

sonic_debauchery · 02-13-2012, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wvl

Nevermind, I'll find out myself.

Didn't mean to offend was just trying to help?? sorry!

There are plenty of choices out there here is a link to some of the top choices

http://www.hometheater.com/equipment-reviews

Fors* · 02-13-2012, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sonic_debauchery

Didn't mean to offend was just trying to help?? sorry!

There are plenty of choices out there here is a link to some of the top choices

http://www.hometheater.com/equipment-reviews

Don't worry about it....the best way is simply to go out and listen for himself....and then make a decision based on what his ears like.

11-23-2011, 11:50 PM	#1
HDTV1080P Blu-ray Champion Top contributor Member since:Jan 2007 Blu-ray reviews: 205	Pioneer Elite SC-57 9.1 Channel A/V Receiver (October 2011 Home Theater magazine) Pioneer Elite SC-57 9.1 Channel A/V Receiver (October 2011 Home Theater magazine review link) This October 2011 Home Theater magazine review on the Pioneer Elite SC-57 9.1 surround sound receiver was very good (really a 9.2 surround receiver since it supports up to two subwoofers). This top of the line 2011 Pioneer Elite SC-57 A/V receiver is a value A/V receiver since it received 5 stars out of 5 for value. In terms of sound quality this $2,100 Pioneer class D amplifier out performs some class A/B and class A amplifiers that cost $4,000-$5,000+. An excellent $15,000 class A amplifier with proper tower speakers would outperform this lower cost Pioneer SC-57 for $2,100. Received 5 stars out of 5 for being an excellent value A/V receiver compared to other more expensive A/V receivers on the market The following are select quotes from the Home Theater magazine review “The SC-57’s release was delayed for two years by the combination of Air Studios’ involvement in the project and the introduction of new, ultra-low-distortion International Rectifier switching devices that held the promise of creating a low-distortion amp with little or no negative feedback.” “The THX Ultra2 Plus–Certified SC-57 decodes about every codec known to mankind and also includes a long list of Pioneer’s own listening modes for music and cinema.” “Whether I ran it through the MCACC setup routine or not, the SC-57 produced noticeably warm, rich, coherent sound that was very well controlled on both top and bottom. An experienced listener might note an exceptionally well-damped, tight bottom end and a dry, less than fully extended and airy top end—and perhaps figure out pretty quickly that this isn’t Class A/B amplification. But even a hardened audiofool like me came away from a few weeks spent with the SC-57 very impressed and enthused about the future of Class D in this application. Still, in a vinyl-based two-channel system, I’ll still stick with Class A/B and Class A, thank you. (Speaking of vinyl, the moving-magnet input was also surprisingly good.)” “To summarize, the Class D sound here definitely differs from what I’d expect from a good Class A/B amplifier, particularly in terms of air, extension, liquidity, and especially decay length. But the differing characteristics produced great clarity and solidity, and the leading edge of transients were free of undesirable etch and hardness that have plagued some other Class D designs. Stage coherence, whether in stereo or surround, was among the best I’ve heard from any AVR at any price, and instrumental body and weight were positively meaty.” “To give you some idea, an audiophile friend came over during my audition. While I played a three-track RCA Living Stereo reissue on SACD, he stood waiting on the landing a half level below the living room, where he couldn’t even see the speakers. “Wow, that piano has such body!” he exclaimed, which is exactly what I’d been saying to myself a few minutes before he arrived. Imaging was unusually precise, both in stereo and surround mixes, perhaps giving credence to claims of the SC-57’s emphasis on maintaining phase coherence. This was clearly evident on two-channel and surround sound music or movies.” “As an old stalwart, I still prefer a good Class A/B amp. But the Pioneer Elite SC-57’s Class D amp is so good that in some ways it’s more a matter of different than better or worse. I can understand why some might prefer its sonic character. In the end, the SC-57 offers a lot of everything—including great sound—at a very reasonable price.” Click here to read the complete review on the Pioneer SC-57 at the Home Theater magazine website Last edited by HDTV1080P; 11-24-2011 at 12:05 AM.

12-16-2011, 03:43 AM	#2
HDTV1080P Blu-ray Champion Top contributor Member since:Jan 2007 Blu-ray reviews: 205	Optional RF remote control for the Pioneer Elite SC-57 (This RF remote works with some of the 2010 and 2011 Pioneer Elite A/V receivers) (Check your Pioneer owners manaul to see if your Pioneer A/V receiver supports a optional RF remote) Pioneer does not include a RF remote control with any of their new 2011 A/V receivers like they did with the top of the line 2010 Pioneer Elite SC-37 model. Since not all consumers need or want a RF remote Pioneer decided to keep the A/V receivers at a lower price and make the RF remote an optional feature that consumers can purchase. All 3 of the following items need to be purchased seperately from Pioneer parts in order to use the Pioneer RF remote 1. The first item is the IR Blaster Cable (part number ADF7007) Retail price $24.95 http://parts.pioneerelectronics.com/part.asp?productNum=ADF7007 2.The second item is the RF receiver box (part number AXX7272) Retai price $157.95 http://parts.pioneerelectronics.com/part.asp?productNum=AXX7272 3. The third item is the RF remote (part number AXD7580) Retail price $227.95 http://parts.pioneerelectronics.com/part.asp?productNum=AXD7580 I am surprised that Pioneer would not make one kit for the RF remote upgrade, instead they require people to purchase 3 separate items at a total retail price of $410.85. Last edited by HDTV1080P; 12-16-2011 at 04:04 AM.

02-10-2012, 02:00 AM	#3
wvl Special Member Top contributor Member since:Jul 2008 Location:SoCal, planet Earth Home Theater Gallery:17 4K collection:4 Blu-ray collection:2195 DVD collection:338 Blu-ray reviews: 88	Pioneer Elite SC-57 Just ordered the Pioneer Elite SC-57 and it should be here in about 5 days. I’m replacing a Pioneer VSX-84 (discontinued model) which is a fine AV receiver, but time to update. The VSX is 5 years old and time to put it up on the shelf. Upgrading will be a blast for me. I have read much about his bad boy and looking forwards in getting it hooked up and watch some great 3D blus with it.

02-10-2012, 03:27 AM	#4
nismo604 Active Member Top contributor Member since:Nov 2008 Location:Richmond, BC Home Theater Gallery:47 4K collection:1 Blu-ray collection:610 Blu-ray reviews:1	I would take this review with a grain of salt. I have doubts because of this statement and I quote "The MCACC’s subwoofer setup was the best I’ve heard from any automatic software. I couldn’t have dialed it in better myself" It's been known for a long time that MCACC does nothing for the subwoofer. In fact it's a running joke that MCACC hasn't had any significant upgrades since the Bush administration, 2005 to be exact.

02-10-2012, 11:40 PM	#11
sonic_debauchery Blu-ray Guru Top contributor Member since:May 2011 Location:Earth Home Theater Gallery:473 4K collection:14 Blu-ray collection:416 DVD collection:221	No sub eq for a list of 2100 is pretty bad. guess they will have to get a velodyne calibrator or something??? http://velodyne.com/product-accessor...t-systems.html

02-13-2012, 01:03 AM	#14
wvl Special Member Top contributor Member since:Jul 2008 Location:SoCal, planet Earth Home Theater Gallery:17 4K collection:4 Blu-ray collection:2195 DVD collection:338 Blu-ray reviews: 88	Got any suggestions on speakers for this bad boy?

02-13-2012, 04:18 AM	#17
sonic_debauchery Blu-ray Guru Top contributor Member since:May 2011 Location:Earth Home Theater Gallery:473 4K collection:14 Blu-ray collection:416 DVD collection:221	Towers?, Satelites?, in-wall?, in ceiling?, on-wall?

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