New plan, time for a new receiver...

mu1166
mu1166 Posts: 172
edited May 2011 in Electronics
I was going to add an amp and then the A9's to my setup as the next upgrade but my lil brother needs a different receiver (my old HK is crapping out on him). So, he will be getting my Onkyo and I'm going to upgrade that item next.

I'm looking heavily into the Pioneer SC ice receivers. They seem highly recommended on this forum and other forum's that I have looked at. I am kind of at a loss on what model to look at. I will most likely find a used one (if I'm lucky) as I don't want to drop the full retail price on one.

Which model does everyone recommend? I don't need 3d. Minimum 4 HDMI imputs and I really like the 2 HDMI outputs. Is the MACC noticibly different between the models?

Would I be missing out going with the previous model/models or with the 35 instead of the 37?

Thanks
AVR: Pioneer Elite SC-67
Mains: Polk LSiM707
Center: Polk LSiM706c
Rear: Polk LSiM702F/X
Sub: SVS PC12 Ultra
TV: Panasonic VIERA TC-P60GT50
DVD: Xbox 360
NMT: Popcorn Hour C-200
Post edited by mu1166 on
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Comments

  • bdtae5656
    bdtae5656 Posts: 235
    edited April 2011
    Try the Marantz 7005, great reviews on the AVS forum. Ive had mine for two weeks and love it!
    TV:Sony Bravia XBR4 52'
    Mains: Lsi m 705
    C:Lsi m 706
    Rears: Lsi m 703
    Sub: Epik Empire
    Pre:Marantz AV 7005
    Amp:Sunfire TGA-7400
    Blueray: Opp 93
    A/V Component: Panamax M5100-PM
    Cables: Signal Cable, White Zombie, MIT, Pepster's power cables
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  • bikerboy
    bikerboy Posts: 1,215
    edited April 2011
    I just got a sc-35 setup last week and like it alot. Unitedonline has refurb on sale and the one I received looks new. I need 3d but it is a big improvement over the 8 yr old denon 1082 it replaced. I'll try to post a full review soon.
    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=81406
    Main system: Lyngdorf TDAI 2170 w/ Pioneer 42" plazma-> Polk LSiM 703 w/Tivo, Marantz tuner, BRPTT: Nothingham Spacedeck-> Pioneer PL L1000 linear arm-> Soundsmith DL 103R-> SUT->Bottlehead ErosDigital: I3 PC w/ Jriver playing flac -> Sonore Ultrarendu -> Twisted Pair Audio ESS 9028 w/ Mercury IVY Vinyl rips: ESI Juli@24/192-> i3 PC server
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited April 2011
    Previous model would be just fine, SC05/07 or the SC 25/27. They are all excellent AVR's with all the bells and whistles.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
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  • slk55amg
    slk55amg Posts: 305
    edited April 2011
    I have two SONY ES receivers, both are exellent. Very powerful lots of flexibility, impressive build quality. ES receivers come with a 5 year warranty.........................................................
    Emotiva XPA5, Sony ES 5300,: Lsi 15,s LSIC, Monitor 70,s, ( side surrounds) FXI 3,s, (rear surrounds)Micropro4000, Velodyne DEQ 10, Sony 55inchXBR 930D Sony BDP 790 Bedroom rig SonyES 3200 RTIA1,s CSIA4 FXI3,s polk PSW 10 SONY 34inch XBR960:cool:SONY BDP550
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited April 2011
    slk55amg wrote: »
    I have two SONY ES receivers, both are exellent. Very powerful lots of flexibility, impressive build quality. ES receivers come with a 5 year warranty.........................................................

    The last good ES receiver was 7100ES and I own one. Not sure about the newer models.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
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  • mu1166
    mu1166 Posts: 172
    edited April 2011
    Right now, I think I'm down to either a Pioneer SC model or a Marantz model. My college housemate is really pushing either a Marantz receiver on me or to go with Anthem Seperates (way out of my price range). I would get a very nice deal on them through him as he owns the store.

    I think either one of those would hold me over for a while.

    Has anyone gone from the SC-05/07 to the 25/27 or the 35/37? Were their any differences?
    AVR: Pioneer Elite SC-67
    Mains: Polk LSiM707
    Center: Polk LSiM706c
    Rear: Polk LSiM702F/X
    Sub: SVS PC12 Ultra
    TV: Panasonic VIERA TC-P60GT50
    DVD: Xbox 360
    NMT: Popcorn Hour C-200
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  • Grimster74
    Grimster74 Posts: 2,576
    edited April 2011
    I own both the SC-07 as well as the SC-37. No real big difference other than having 2 more HDMI inputs on the 37 compared to the 07. VP in the 37 is different than the 07 and of course 3D compatible on the 37. If you have no need for 3D, look into the 05/07 or 25/27. I didn't need the 3D option either but the price I got the 37 for, just couldn't pass it up.
    Money Talks, Mine says Goodbye Rob!!!!
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  • mu1166
    mu1166 Posts: 172
    edited April 2011
    I don't really forsee the need for 3d... The extra HDMI ports would be great since I'm maxed out on my Onkyo (4 ports) now. Time for some more research...

    Thanks for all of your opinons so far. So far, it's hard to find someone who didn't like the Pioneer SC series...
    AVR: Pioneer Elite SC-67
    Mains: Polk LSiM707
    Center: Polk LSiM706c
    Rear: Polk LSiM702F/X
    Sub: SVS PC12 Ultra
    TV: Panasonic VIERA TC-P60GT50
    DVD: Xbox 360
    NMT: Popcorn Hour C-200
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  • Grimster74
    Grimster74 Posts: 2,576
    edited April 2011
    I loved them enough to purchase a second one. Hell, the SC-37 is being used just as a pre/pro, have a dedicated 7 channel amp I use to power the speakers. When I moved the SC-07 upstairs last week that was the first time the internal ICE amps had every been used.
    Money Talks, Mine says Goodbye Rob!!!!
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  • slk55amg
    slk55amg Posts: 305
    edited April 2011
    Sherardp wrote: »
    The last good ES receiver was 7100ES and I own one. Not sure about the newer models.
    I know that model, outstanding, I have owned my ES5300 3 years, solid as a rock,now only driving my rear surrounds ( a pair of FXI3,s) I remain very happy with it.
    Emotiva XPA5, Sony ES 5300,: Lsi 15,s LSIC, Monitor 70,s, ( side surrounds) FXI 3,s, (rear surrounds)Micropro4000, Velodyne DEQ 10, Sony 55inchXBR 930D Sony BDP 790 Bedroom rig SonyES 3200 RTIA1,s CSIA4 FXI3,s polk PSW 10 SONY 34inch XBR960:cool:SONY BDP550
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  • mu1166
    mu1166 Posts: 172
    edited April 2011
    I have heard the Marantz paired up with a Magnepan speakers and it sounded wonderful. I have not listened to the Pioneer SC unit. I'm simply going off of the praises of it from the many forums.

    I'm still leaning towards the SC unit. Many people are really singing praises to the ICE amps and their ability in a home theater setup.

    How does the MACC compare to Audessey?
    AVR: Pioneer Elite SC-67
    Mains: Polk LSiM707
    Center: Polk LSiM706c
    Rear: Polk LSiM702F/X
    Sub: SVS PC12 Ultra
    TV: Panasonic VIERA TC-P60GT50
    DVD: Xbox 360
    NMT: Popcorn Hour C-200
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  • mdaudioguy
    mdaudioguy Posts: 5,165
    edited April 2011
    If I were in the market for an AVR, didn't need 3D, and wasn't planning on adding additional amplification, I'd do as others have suggested and go with a recent (but not current) Pioneer Elite - all the bells and whistles, and plenty of power. If I planned to also include a separate amp in the system, I'd save even more bucks and go with what I have now - a recent Harman/Kardon model, probably the least expensive model with pre-outs, and I'd probably buy another refurbished unit directly from them on their e-bay store. I just can't reconcile buying a high-end, high-output AVR and then by-passing its amp section, effectively just using it as a pre-amp. But, that's just me. Good luck. :smile: You probably can't go wrong with Pio or Marantz.
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  • mu1166
    mu1166 Posts: 172
    edited April 2011
    Being that my lil bro is getting my old one is the main reason for this upgrade right now. I don't think I'll be adding an amp anytime soon with either of these receivers.

    I'm still now sure which one to go with... Maybe I can find somewhere and some time to go and take a listen.... Who knows. I'm still leaning more towards the Pioneer at the moment.
    AVR: Pioneer Elite SC-67
    Mains: Polk LSiM707
    Center: Polk LSiM706c
    Rear: Polk LSiM702F/X
    Sub: SVS PC12 Ultra
    TV: Panasonic VIERA TC-P60GT50
    DVD: Xbox 360
    NMT: Popcorn Hour C-200
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  • Cmiller
    Cmiller Posts: 108
    edited April 2011
    ICE BABY...I love my SC-25,but i added a Adcom 7500 "150W" per channel..but it was not needed,i have a little more power,but the ICE Amp works very well...
    Samsung PN50B550 Plasma
    Pioneer Elite SC-25
    Pioneer Elite BDP-23FD
    Adcom 7500 Amp-Panamax 4300 Conditioner
    Polk RTi10's Fronts
    Polk Csi A6 Center-Polk M60s rear Surrounds
    Klipsch Synergy Sub-10 X2
    Klipsch Synergy S-10 Premium back surround
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  • mu1166
    mu1166 Posts: 172
    edited April 2011
    Well, the Pioneer SC-35 it is. Ordered one yesterday (first time I've bought from a non authorized agent, but a 2 year aftermarket warranty was included). Hopefully I don't have any problems.

    Can't wait for it to get here. Between the audio upgraditis and that my little bro is going to be around this weekend (bye bye Onkyo). I'll be with sound till it shows up.
    AVR: Pioneer Elite SC-67
    Mains: Polk LSiM707
    Center: Polk LSiM706c
    Rear: Polk LSiM702F/X
    Sub: SVS PC12 Ultra
    TV: Panasonic VIERA TC-P60GT50
    DVD: Xbox 360
    NMT: Popcorn Hour C-200
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  • mu1166
    mu1166 Posts: 172
    edited May 2011
    Well the SC-35 showed up yesterday. Spent a little time hooking it up last night, reprogramming the Harmony, running the MCACC (full auto). All I can say so far is wow, what a crazy difference in sound. I can't believe how much difference there is between the 2 receivers. I can't wait to spend some more time with it, tweaking settings, watch a few more movies (How to Train Your Dragon was watched last night, very impressed).

    The only thing that is bugging me so far is the lack of an on screen display (input, volume level etc). All my equipmet sits in the basement directly under my living room. It is very nice to see what level I have the volume at, what sound mode is selected, etc.. Anyone have any advice on this?
    AVR: Pioneer Elite SC-67
    Mains: Polk LSiM707
    Center: Polk LSiM706c
    Rear: Polk LSiM702F/X
    Sub: SVS PC12 Ultra
    TV: Panasonic VIERA TC-P60GT50
    DVD: Xbox 360
    NMT: Popcorn Hour C-200
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  • Cmiller
    Cmiller Posts: 108
    edited May 2011
    mu1166 wrote: »
    Well the SC-35 showed up yesterday. Spent a little time hooking it up last night, reprogramming the Harmony, running the MCACC (full auto). All I can say so far is wow, what a crazy difference in sound. I can't believe how much difference there is between the 2 receivers. I can't wait to spend some more time with it, tweaking settings, watch a few more movies (How to Train Your Dragon was watched last night, very impressed).

    The only thing that is bugging me so far is the lack of an on screen display (input, volume level etc). All my equipmet sits in the basement directly under my living room. It is very nice to see what level I have the volume at, what sound mode is selected, etc.. Anyone have any advice on this?

    Congrats!..Yea, i also miss the GUI on my Onkyo 608,but after awhile you forget about it..just knowing how much better these ice amps are,makes up the difference for me..I had my SC-25 for about 3 months now,and im still tweeking it..lol
    Samsung PN50B550 Plasma
    Pioneer Elite SC-25
    Pioneer Elite BDP-23FD
    Adcom 7500 Amp-Panamax 4300 Conditioner
    Polk RTi10's Fronts
    Polk Csi A6 Center-Polk M60s rear Surrounds
    Klipsch Synergy Sub-10 X2
    Klipsch Synergy S-10 Premium back surround
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