Pioneer Elite SC-05 Receiver Thread

[got rice]

Pioneer Elite SC-05

pioneer sc5.jpg


Hello, I have to admit this is becoming an infectious hobby. I was hoping some of you could chime in and offer some suggestions.

I would like to upgrade my AVR to one that has HDMI and the newest codecs. So with this in mind, the Pioneer SC-05 has caught my attention.

I've never owner anything Pioneer, no particular reason, just haven't. the only receivers I've owned have been Yamaha. I was wondering will this receiver (I read the term) "match" the sound of my speakers.Has anyone had any issues with the firmware/updates? Any switching issues? How accurate is the MCACC? Can I set individual x-overs? i.e. mains 50 Hz center 80Hz and son forth. And most of all are they reliable in terms of build quality?

Sorry about all the questions, I need to pull the trigger by tommorow if I get this sc-05. The special expires.

Please Help....thanks

[Tru2theBlu]

I would ask JJ if I were you. He seems to love his Pioneer receiver, and they are beautiful. I will be getting one next time I upgrade.

[cembros]

Originally Posted by got rice

Hello, I have to admit this is becoming an infectious hobby. I was hoping some of you could chime in and offer some suggestions.

I would like to upgrade my AVR to one that has HDMI and the newest codecs. So with this in mind, the Pioneer SC-05 has caught my attention.

I've never owner anything Pioneer, no particular reason, just haven't. the only receivers I've owned have been Yamaha. I was wondering will this receiver (I read the term) "match" the sound of my speakers.Has anyone had any issues with the firmware/updates? Any switching issues? How accurate is the MCACC? Can I set individual x-overs? i.e. mains 50 Hz center 80Hz and son forth. And most of all are they reliable in terms of build quality?

Sorry about all the questions, I need to pull the trigger by tommorow if I get this sc-05. The special expires.

Please Help....thanks

this is an amazing receiver, and i would recomend it to anyone. I got mine for 999 at best buy. You cannot set individual crossovers, but i have come to find that it is absoutly ideal to set eveything to 80hz. MCACC is a lil complex but the results are spot on. The ice amps (event though im using an external) are really special. The unit itself looks beautifull, the nicest receiver i have ever seen and it performs flawlessly, no issues what so ever

[cembros]

something that you should also know is that the receiver does no video processing through hdmi. This means that it does not upscale for hdmi inputs. It does upscale to 1080p for analoge. I like the fact that video is simply passed through for 2 reasons. 1) your tv will scal any sorce to 1080p through hdmi anyway. 2) You dont have to worry about the receiver clipping any signal or crushing blacks. In other words it wont effect the video in a negative

[randy8118]

Originally Posted by cembros

this is an amazing receiver, and i would recomend it to anyone. I got mine for 999 at best buy. You cannot set individual crossovers, but i have come to find that it is absoutly ideal to set eveything to 80hz. MCACC is a lil complex but the results are spot on. The ice amps (event though im using an external) are really special. The unit itself looks beautifull, the nicest receiver i have ever seen and it performs flawlessly, no issues what so ever

+1

I read most of cembros' posts and when the SC-05 went on sale, I had to get my own. Thank you Cembros! My SC-05 and I are very happy. My wife also thanks you, as she was tired of hearing about all of these different amps.

The ICE amps are amazing! I'm not sure why cembros is using separates. They are pleanty loud and sound great. The ICE amps also use less power. My old amp used 325 watts, but only put out 70 watts. The SC-05 uses 330 watts and puts out 130 watts. I think the VSX03 uses 380 or 390 watts to put out 110 watts. The ICE amps loose less power to heat.

There are different equalizers for each channel, so you could eq out some bass on different speakers. I have mine set at 80Hz too. I have very similar speakers, so I don't have a need for individual crossover frequencies. I have all of my speakers set to small and send <80Hz to my PSW505.

The only bad thing I can say about this receiver is that it's huge in both height and depth. I had to position it just right so the HDMI and subwoofer connectors would clear. It's also quite heavy.

[cembros]

Originally Posted by randy8118

+1

I read most of cembros' posts and when the SC-05 went on sale, I had to get my own. Thank you Cembros! My SC-05 and I are very happy. My wife also thanks you, as she was tired of hearing about all of these different amps.

The ICE amps are amazing! I'm not sure why cembros is using separates. They are pleanty loud and sound great. The ICE amps also use less power. My old amp used 325 watts, but only put out 70 watts. The SC-05 uses 330 watts and puts out 130 watts. I think the VSX03 uses 380 or 390 watts to put out 110 watts. The ICE amps loose less power to heat.

There are different equalizers for each channel, so you could eq out some bass on different speakers. I have mine set at 80Hz too. I have very similar speakers, so I don't have a need for individual crossover frequencies. I have all of my speakers set to small and send <80Hz to my PSW505.

The only bad thing I can say about this receiver is that it's huge in both height and depth. I had to position it just right so the HDMI and subwoofer connectors would clear. It's also quite heavy.

hey im really glad i can help. I use a seperate amp because my speakers are extremely demanding and while the pioneer ice amps powered them very well the amp i use is just a beast, its like having a v12 uner the hood. I actually ordered the amp and the receiver at the same time and planned to use the receiver as a pre amp and i wish to use the internal amps to either run 2 rear surrounds or a zone 2 speaker set up. What kind of speakers are you using?

[got rice]

Originally Posted by cembros

something that you should also know is that the receiver does no video processing through hdmi. This means that it does not upscale for hdmi inputs. It does upscale to 1080p for analoge. I like the fact that video is simply passed through for 2 reasons. 1) your tv will scal any sorce to 1080p through hdmi anyway. 2) You dont have to worry about the receiver clipping any signal or crushing blacks. In other words it wont effect the video in a negative

Wow... I did not re alize it does not offer hdmi upscaling. So is this considered pass through? I've always understood pass through as separate audio cable either toslink or coax. Is this a different pass through?

[cembros]

Originally Posted by got rice

Wow... I did not re alize it does not offer hdmi upscaling. So is this considered pass through? I've always understood pass through as separate audio cable either toslink or coax. Is this a different pass through?

the video is pass through but the audio is not. There are receivers that simply pass through audio and video straight to the tv meaning that you need a seperate optical/coxal connection for audio. This is not the case with the sc05 as it is capapble of decoding multi ch pcm and all the hd audio codecs through hdmi and 7.1 analoge outs. Most tv's will do a much better job of scaling video to 1080p than any receiver so this option in my opinion is not needed.

[cembros]

your tv is similar to mine, it already does a great job of scaling, your set.

[got rice]

Originally Posted by cembros

the video is pass through but the audio is not. There are receivers that simply pass through audio and video straight to the tv meaning that you need a seperate optical/coxal connection for audio. This is not the case with the sc05 as it is capapble of decoding multi ch pcm and all the hd audio codecs through hdmi and 7.1 analoge outs. Most tv's will do a much better job of scaling video to 1080p than any receiver so this option in my opinion is not needed.

Thanks that makes sense. I appreciate the help.
So I'm on the fence, never owned pioneer but haven't heard anything neg with their elite line.
Thanks again for you help

[DBlackGT]

I have an SC-05 an absolutely love it. I dont want to go on and on about how great it is (which I could) cause I don't want to sound biased. But truthfully I have owned top of the Yamaha RX-V series receivers, Onkyo 805 and 905 and have heard many others and I can confidently say that this is by FAR the best receiver I have ever heard, yet be lucky enough to own!

Its sound is just so natural and clear. I can run it all day long and it never gets hot. The MCACC is just awesome, it corrected/adjusted the settings to where I swear I am in the movie. And besides its absolute gorgeous looks, the media streaming/direct ipod hook up (meaning no seperate dock) is my favorite part about it.

I would love to answer any other questions you have about it, theres just to much to list without being specific haha. Check out my HT gallery and you can see my modest setup and give you a better idea of how its used and stuff. Hope any of this info helps.

DBlackGT

[DBlackGT]

Also wanted to mention that this was my first Pioneer receiver and I must say if they continue to make products like this I will be a fan for life.

[cbo]

I had the same dilemma last week and had to choose between the SC-05 & Marantz SR6003. After reading countless reviews & auditioning both, the SR6003 was the clear cut winner for my listening & viewing needs. As many have pointed out you really can't lose with either & it comes down to your personal preferences & what you need out of the receiver. A couple words of caution, as with the Marantz (industry best 3 year warranty ), be sure that if you do decide on the SC-05 that it is from an authorized dealer so in the event you have a problem it will be covered under the 2 year Pio warranty.

Good luck!

[got rice]

Everyone has offered really positive reviews with the elite series. So, I went ahead and made the call. I feel confident the elite will offer everything I need plus some.

the Pioneer SC-07 for 850.00 is what I just bought from sixth ave with the "name your deal sale"

Man I am super excited and can't stand the wait already and its only been 10minutes.

Once again Thank you. BTW for those who chimed in I probably will need some tips on getiing this 07 dialed in.

[cembros]

thats a sweet deal, make sure you check out this thread over at avs so you can take full advantage of the mcacc function.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1112470

[got rice]

Originally Posted by cembros

thats a sweet deal, make sure you check out this thread over at avs so you can take full advantage of the mcacc function.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1112470

Sweet... I'm on it. Thanks you saved me alot of time. I was searchin the "official 05/07" thread but its like 284 pages. you da man. thanks

[cbo]

Originally Posted by cembros

thats a sweet deal, make sure you check out this thread over at avs so you can take full advantage of the mcacc function.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1112470

troof

[bib2122]

Hey thanks for posting the info on the MCACC. I was looking for something like that so that I could try and setup my receiver.

[got rice]

Hey guys, Please forgive me for not acknowleding each of you for your responses. I was driving home and realized i f' up. No excuse other that I was so excited that i wasnt thinking.

Originally Posted by DBlackGT

But truthfully I have owned top of the Yamaha RX-V series receivers, Onkyo 805 and 905 and have heard many others and I can confidently say that this is by FAR the best receiver I have ever heard, yet be lucky enough to own!

This was played a large factor in my decision. Having the past experience with the other brands was something that I felt held credibility.

I would love to answer any other questions you have about it, theres just to much to list without being specific haha. Check out my HT gallery and you can see my modest setup and give you a better idea of how its used and stuff. Hope any of this info helps.

DBlackGT

DBlackGT, Thanks for extenting your help....I will take you up on that.

Originally Posted by DBlackGT

Also wanted to mention that this was my first Pioneer receiver and I must say if they continue to make products like this I will be a fan for life.

This closed the deal for me. I really was skeptical with the Pioneer brand, but with your hands on experience, this is the vote of confidence I was looking for. Good lookin out...my friend.

Originally Posted by cbo

I had the same dilemma last week and had to choose between the SC-05 & Marantz SR6003. After reading countless reviews & auditioning both, the SR6003 was the clear cut winner for my listening & viewing needs. As many have pointed out you really can't lose with either & it comes down to your personal preferences & what you need out of the receiver. A couple words of caution, as with the Marantz (industry best 3 year warranty ), be sure that if you do decide on the SC-05 that it is from an authorized dealer so in the event you have a problem it will be covered under the 2 year Pio warranty.

Good luck!

CBO, I remeber reading your thread. I listen to the 03 briefly, but didn't know the quality build of Pioneer, so I would consider this a blind buy. I have the warranty covered. apreciate that.


and Last, cembro you really went the extra mile with answering the questions ans posting the MCCAC thread. You da man.

Man I am so stoked about this, I ahve to be honest the wife thought I was getting the 05 and told her that they made an offer I couln't refuse. Shes cool with it, which makes this so much sweeter.

[cembros]

Originally Posted by got rice

Hey guys, Please forgive me for not acknowleding each of you for your responses. I was driving home and realized i f' up. No excuse other that I was so excited that i wasnt thinking.




This was played a large factor in my decision. Having the past experience with the other brands was something that I felt held credibility.




DBlackGT, Thanks for extenting your help....I will take you up on that.






This closed the deal for me. I really was skeptical with the Pioneer brand, but with your hands on experience, this is the vote of confidence I was looking for. Good lookin out...my friend.



CBO, I remeber reading your thread. I listen to the 03 briefly, but didn't know the quality build of Pioneer, so I would consider this a blind buy. I have the warranty covered. apreciate that.


and Last, cembro you really went the extra mile with answering the questions ans posting the MCCAC thread. You da man.

Man I am so stoked about this, I ahve to be honest the wife thought I was getting the 05 and told her that they made an offer I couln't refuse. Shes cool with it, which makes this so much sweeter.

my pleasure, your lucky though cuz i know you rep the gators. You should def feel privileged