Pioneer Elite receivers

mantis

Whats up all,
I started a thread that I'm looking to get into the new Rotel preamp. A question came up about Pioneer Elite receivers. I figured we could talk about them in detail here.

So for all who wants to know anything about them current or past, I'll do my best to answer any questions. Anyone else feel free to jump in and talk about this wonderful line of receivers.

So far my experience with the new receivers is limited to the sco09tx, sc03tx but we carry all of the new ones so I'm sure I will be Installing them soon.

As a opening, I find the Elite receivers to sound amazing with Rt series speakers. Awesome dynamics and control. I have done many home theaters with rt series in walls/ceiling and floor/bookshelf speakers all with killer results.

So anyone shopping for a new receiver and own rt series speakers or any 6 to 8 ohm speakers should check out Pioneer Elite.

Dan

O and I'm not working for Pioneer ELite or plan on any time soon( but who knows what the future brings)

MADGSF

Good thread Dan!

I have a VSX-54TX and have been meaning to ask you this for some time now. Is there a way to have the receiver switch the sound format from stereo to a movie format automatically? Say if I go from watching a cable channel with a stereo signal to a HD channel with a 5.1 signal? Now that I have some HD channels and get the 5.1 sound I forget to set it to a movie setting, like THX for instance. I know the receiver sees this signal as the number of speaker indication on the display shows the 5.1 configuration.

Thanks

Mark

disneyjoe7

Mark,

I should let the expert here answer but I too had a question so this is my $.02 ok...

Use two separate inputs for different sound modes, it's what works for me.



Dan, or others.

Something my Onkyo did but a Pioneer Elite not, or I haven't found the way yet.

Is there a way to have the volume set to a preset value upon turn on? I use my receiver for 2 channel and HT so sometimes 2 channel can be loud then turned off. So when turned on at night I need to volume lower, but earlier in the day it first set to last volume which could of been very loud. My Onk could be set to a set value which was low at first, can the Elite do the same?

Sherardp

Im glad this came up Im about to order the SC05 or the SC07 tonight. What are your thoughts on these models compared to the 94. I need to order something since my 7100ES wont pass 1080p. I'll simply be using the Elite as a pre/pro since Im using D Sonic Iceamps and Outlaws to power my speakers. Thoughts appreciated.

Sherardp

Edit: SC07 ordered, couldnt refuse the price on it. 1600 bucks shipped.

mantis

MADGSF wrote: »

Good thread Dan!

I have a VSX-54TX and have been meaning to ask you this for some time now. Is there a way to have the receiver switch the sound format from stereo to a movie format automatically? Say if I go from watching a cable channel with a stereo signal to a HD channel with a 5.1 signal? Now that I have some HD channels and get the 5.1 sound I forget to set it to a movie setting, like THX for instance. I know the receiver sees this signal as the number of speaker indication on the display shows the 5.1 configuration.

Thanks

Mark

The older Model should go into Dolby Digital when the signal is there and the input is set to auto. Then when the digital sigal is gone, it should go back to stereo. This is now the newer models work. But it you can't assign Stereo and THX or any other surround mode to a input at the same time.

mantis

Sherardp wrote: »

Im glad this came up Im about to order the SC05 or the SC07 tonight. What are your thoughts on these models compared to the 94. I need to order something since my 7100ES wont pass 1080p. I'll simply be using the Elite as a pre/pro since Im using D Sonic Iceamps and Outlaws to power my speakers. Thoughts appreciated.

The sc07 has the new Digital amps which sound better to me then the 94's amp. Not to mention they have more kick. Still the 94 is a awesome receiver and has no faults in it's own right and not a bad choice with todays standards even with the new Sc models out.

mantis

I Installed the 01 today with all Inwall and Inceiling Polk Rti speakers. Excellent upgrade from the 90. I don't however like the fact you have to connect you Ipod Via USB in the front now. I really liked the rear Input. I'm suprised Pioneer Removed it.

But now you have Built in Decoding at this leve where the 90 did not. And 3 HDMI inputs as 2 for the 90.

Dan

jchas41

I also have the VSX-54TX, been very happy with it for the last 4 years or so. I am getting more and more anxious though to upgrade to something with HDMI and Dolby TrueHD and DTS-MA. The question is when...:D

cfrizz

Easier access, I would assume.:)

mantis wrote: »

I Installed the 01 today with all Inwall and Inceiling Polk Rti speakers. Excellent upgrade from the 90. I don't however like the fact you have to connect you Ipod Via USB in the front now. I really liked the rear Input. I'm suprised Pioneer Removed it.

But now you have Built in Decoding at this leve where the 90 did not. And 3 HDMI inputs as 2 for the 90.

Dan

mantis

cfrizz wrote: »

Easier access, I would assume.:)

I guess but Pioneer had there own connection on the back and you could just leave the cable plugged in all the time. Not to mention you could purchase the optional Dock for a nice Install. You dock when you want.

Honestly I don't care for the front jack, they also make you use the Ipod cable from Apple, they don't supply the cable.

Dan

mantis

jchas41 wrote: »

I also have the VSX-54TX, been very happy with it for the last 4 years or so. I am getting more and more anxious though to upgrade to something with HDMI and Dolby TrueHD and DTS-MA. The question is when...:D

This depends on your HDMI needs.
1) If you have a HDMI monitor and want to get 1080p to it, this is the way.

2) You have more then 1 HDMI soure.

3) Blu Ray only outputs on HDMI VIA 1080p.

4) You wanna hear the new Audio formats correctly(and not have to connect the old fashion way with analog out)

Really I don't see any reason NOT to get into a new receiver. I suggest picking up a vsx92txh if you can find one if money is a concern. Pick up a Vsx94txh if you want there best before the new ones. Then there is all the new models plus Ice amps.

Dan

Sherardp

PM me if you want the best price on a 94. I went Value Electronics and Robert has the best price I have seen on the 94 and the new SC models.

krabby5

mantis wrote: »

I guess but Pioneer had there own connection on the back and you could just leave the cable plugged in all the time. Not to mention you could purchase the optional Dock for a nice Install. You dock when you want.

Honestly I don't care for the front jack, they also make you use the Ipod cable from Apple, they don't supply the cable.

Dan

exactly..I have an 82txv (or whatever) and I leave the cord plugged in at all times. pretty convenient if you ask me..just plug in an go

Although since I got an xbox a couple years ago, I now just stream my music more..

Sherardp

Well I made it back to Japan today, 14 hrs flying. Wasnt too tired to get in there and play in my theater room though. Got the 07 hooked without a problem, ran the setup and then tweaked from there. My initial impressions were WOW! From out of the box to the finish install I am very impressed and happy with my purchase. Detail and clarity is what I noticed right off the top compared to my 7100ES. I run a 7.1 setup and everything sounds excellent, couldnt be happier. I really wasnt prepared for the size of this monster, but it truly is a superb unit. Watched Iron Man on Blu, demoed Hero and Star Wars(pod race) and it was just a stunning experience. Very happy.

mantis

Sherardp wrote: »

Well I made it back to Japan today, 14 hrs flying. Wasnt too tired to get in there and play in my theater room though. Got the 07 hooked without a problem, ran the setup and then tweaked from there. My initial impressions were WOW! From out of the box to the finish install I am very impressed and happy with my purchase. Detail and clarity is what I noticed right off the top compared to my 7100ES. I run a 7.1 setup and everything sounds excellent, couldnt be happier. I really wasnt prepared for the size of this monster, but it truly is a superb unit. Watched Iron Man on Blu, demoed Hero and Star Wars(pod race) and it was just a stunning experience. Very happy.

Yes they are a bit taller then last years models. They also sound better in my opnion. Directly comparing the 94 vs the 05 , I noticed a clear detail that the 94 lacked just a tad. It was difficult to hear the difference at first, not a night and day thing, but if you study certain things , you can hear the Clarity of the new models. It's so cool they Improve year after year.

I have not had a 07 in my hands yet.

disneyjoe7

I use a 84 as a pre pro would I see a difference?


And can anyone answer my other question on turn on pre-set volume.

Sherardp

disneyjoe7 wrote: »

I use a 84 as a pre pro would I see a difference?


And can anyone answer my other question on turn on pre-set volume.

Yes you would notice a difference, the new 05/07 uses the energy efficient Iceamps. These receivers sound freaking awesome, granted Im only allowing the Elite to run my surround back speakers. The processing is simply great and you cant go wrong. If youre interested try valueelectronics, they have prices that you cant resist especially for the 05 and 94 model.

disneyjoe7

As a pre pro I don't use the internal amp.


And I guess there's not preset volume thing a Pioneer Elite AVR can do, something I miss.

Sherardp

Verified, it comes on at the volume the unit was on before shut-off. Hope that doesnt make it a deal breaker for you, these new Elites are stunning.

disneyjoe7

Ok thanks it's confirmed, that was my findings also. Something I miss, but I wouldn't call it a deal breaker at all, as I'm very happy even with an old Elite 84 series. I was even impressed with the amp of this unit as it would drive my RTi150 fronts cleanly at reference volumes. Something I wouldn't suggest as these speakers can dip into the 3 ohm range at times or what I been told. My old AVR Onk would go into protect mode before even getting to reference. This is something I did as a test, but run the 84 as a pre / pro.

mantis

disneyjoe7 wrote: »

Ok thanks it's confirmed, that was my findings also. Something I miss, but I wouldn't call it a deal breaker at all, as I'm very happy even with an old Elite 84 series. I was even impressed with the amp of this unit as it would drive my RTi150 fronts cleanly at reference volumes. Something I wouldn't suggest as these speakers can dip into the 3 ohm range at times or what I been told. My old AVR Onk would go into protect mode before even getting to reference. This is something I did as a test, but run the 84 as a pre / pro.

The new Ice Elites you could easily use the internal amps and find a clarity
that was needed with external amps. They are also very stable. I ran a full RTS THX 7.1 Speaker package with the Sc09tx with no problems at reference volumes. I ran it above reference to see if I could clip it out. I used transformers in HD DVD and Spiderman 3 in Blu ray and could not get it to clip. the lower end models so far have been strong. With Rti speakers , they will Impress you.

As just a Preamp , you will now get processing inside the receiver and a more advanced Mcacc system. However no rear Ipod connection, you have to use the front USB Input and your own cable.
Dan

olilugo

Hey Mantis, have you had a chance to compare the sound quality between any of the new pioneer elite and your own rotel pre-pro?

Sherardp

That SC09 is a monster, would love to have that, just too pricey. The 07 however is freaking awesome.

mantis

olilugo wrote: »

Hey Mantis, have you had a chance to compare the sound quality between any of the new pioneer elite and your own rotel pre-pro?

No , I would love to bring home the Sc09tx and run it against the Rotel setup. The problem with my setup is my damn speakers. They are 86db at 4ohms. They suck all the current out of whatever you connect them 2. So the Elite line is not in the cards. If I where to switch to lets say a full B&W speaker package or a Focal then the Elite would be on my very short list. I probably would own the Sc09tx. The sc07tx is not bad or the sc05 for that matter. They are all fantastic receivers and sound so damn good.

Dan

wingnut4772

I will say this about the MCACC on my 82TXS...nothing beats a good ol' SPL meter so far. It just sounds so much better when I do it myself.

Sherardp

wingnut4772 wrote: »

I will say this about the MCAC on my 82TXS...nothing beats a good ol' SPL meter so far. It just sounds so much better when I do it myself.

I agree with you, I ran the MCACC auto setup on my system, and though it didnt sound bad, I fined tuned using the good ole SPL meter. Glad youre enjoying the 82 though.

wingnut4772

Sherardp wrote: »

I agree with you, I ran the MCACC auto setup on my system, and though it didnt sound bad, I fined tuned using the good ole SPL meter. Glad youre enjoying the 82 though.

Yep. My MCAAC was way off though. Using the SPL was way more than fine tuning. Just waiting on my amp....

Sherardp

wingnut4772 wrote: »

Yep. My MCAAC was way off though. Using the SPL was way more than fine tuning. Just waiting on my amp....

Mine was off with the speaker distances, a few feet here and there. It had my speakers set to large, and there were a few more things I had to change in there. What amp did you get? Sorry if I missed an earlier post where you mentioned it. I only run my surround back speakers off the 07, using D-sonic Iceamps on my fronts, and Outlaws Monos on the center and side surrounds. Still sounds very good, couldnt be happier with the Elite.

wingnut4772

Sherardp wrote: »

Mine was off with the speaker distances, a few feet here and there. It had my speakers set to large, and there were a few more things I had to change in there. What amp did you get? Sorry if I missed an earlier post where you mentioned it. I only run my surround back speakers off the 07, using D-sonic Iceamps on my fronts, and Outlaws Monos on the center and side surrounds. Still sounds very good, couldnt be happier with the Elite.

Waiting on a Parasound 5250...I like my Pioneer too.:)

disneyjoe7

wingnut4772 wrote: »

Yep. My MCAAC was way off though. Using the SPL was way more than fine tuning. Just waiting on my amp....

I found mine dead on


Using a 84 with a tri-pod sitting Mic at ear level at sweet spot. I also shut of all ceiling fans and any noise in the room, stand out of room and hit go. Just beautiful I couldn't ever match it so well if done myself, one of the strong points of Pioneer IMHO.