Broken Record: Pioneer sc-05

Retro152

Sorry guy's but, THIS THING FU@@#$$%^&^&* ROCKS! Paired up with my Xpa-3, and Polk A-7's, i cant believe the clarity and dynamic's this receiver is giving me for 2 channel enjoyment! With all the Audio option's and features' this thing offer's it's well worth dipping into the kid's college fund's.LOL.:D STEREO, A.L.C.: auto level control stereo mode. F.S. FOCUS: front stage surround. F.S. SURROUND WIDE: front stage surround wide. Just to name some of the option's. Take's care of buisness as far as H/T Decoding format's. Call it newb excitement or whatever, This receiver has ended the quest i have been after for 2 channel satisfaction:) Demo it if you can!!!



Pat.

nooshinjohn

congrats!!!! enjoy some sweet tunes!!!

comfortablycurt

I've really been wanting to check out one of those Pio's. I've seen nothing but praise for them.

Good to hear you're happy with your purchase Pat. Maybe I'll get a chance to get my ears on one sometime.

Retro152

Hey guy's, by no mean's trying to up post count or attract attention by sort of "double threading" this subject, But since i got into Home audio such a short time ago, and the "Bug" took over, have been on a quest for the "Ultimate" sound. Granted, Yes. i am a newb, but sorry, i have had an ear to ear shiteatin grin on my face since i picked up this guy!

metal83

retro152 wrote: »

Hey guy's, by no mean's trying to up post count or attract attention by sort of "double threading" this subject, But since i got into Home audio such a short time ago, and the "Bug" took over, have been on a quest for the "Ultimate" sound. Granted, Yes. i am a newb, but sorry, i have had an ear to ear shiteatin grin on my face since i picked up this guy!

The Pioneer Elite AVR's will do that to ya...:D

mantis

If you have not noticed, I pretty much only praise Pioneer ELite receivers anymore. I have worked with just about every make under the sun and I prefer Elite. Sound quality features and reliability are so important to me and Elite holds up to all my standards.

If there was one weakness it would be the ability to drive a full 4 ohm load Lsi system with no external amps. Only the Sc09 can do that. The sc07 and 5 should be able to do so but I personally have not tested this nor are they rated to do so. With the ICE amps , they should have.

Another problem I have with Pioneer ELite is they don't make a Preamp. I would be all over a Sc07 or Sc09 based preamp with full balanced outs and balanced in for cd. Thats my dream preamp.

Dan

Retro152

Thank's Mantis! Yes have read some of your post's regarding the Pioneer's and know you have extensive experience with them. Hoping to get some great advice from you whenever needed. Cant say enough good thing's about this piece of equipment!

Sherardp

Im dying to sit in a room with the SC09 cranked while viewing a front PJ setup. I love the SC07/05. Demoed both and went for the 05, however my dealer talked me into the 07 by offering it to me for 175 bucks more. So needless to say I rock the 07, both are stellar performers. The 07 has slightly better DACs supposedly however both are rock solid and sound great to me. Also 07 has dual HDMI out, so it would be great in a two way setup. Enjoy Retro, and keep up those sick installs Mantis.

sbpolk

mantis wrote: »

If you have not noticed, I pretty much only praise Pioneer ELite receivers anymore. I have worked with just about every make under the sun and I prefer Elite. Sound quality features and reliability are so important to me and Elite holds up to all my standards.

If there was one weakness it would be the ability to drive a full 4 ohm load Lsi system with no external amps. Only the Sc09 can do that. The sc07 and 5 should be able to do so but I personally have not tested this nor are they rated to do so. With the ICE amps , they should have.

Another problem I have with Pioneer ELite is they don't make a Preamp. I would be all over a Sc07 or Sc09 based preamp with full balanced outs and balanced in for cd. Thats my dream preamp.

Dan

I listened to the SC-07 run a room full of Pioneer's flagship speakers at the audioholics show last summer, and was stunned. I beleive those speakers (Not TADs) are 6 ohms speaks, and dip well below 4 ohms. Seven floorstanders and that huge center. It sounded amazing. Sonic nirvanna. The speaks are very expensive, but I was amazed that receiver could so effortlessly run that system. They had an 09 there, but werent' using it.

I read the audioholics test where they said they had problems on the 4ohm load test. I have also heard that is not a real world test, and the 07 ICE amps perform very well with 4 ohm speakers.

I am thinking of demo-ing one with my LSi15 setup.

Sherardp

sbpolk wrote: »

I read the audioholics test where they said they had problems on the 4ohm load test. I have also heard that is not a real world test, and the 07 ICE amps perform very well with 4 ohm speakers.

I am thinking of demo-ing one with my LSi15 setup.

I would definitely recommend you demo one as I think the LSi15s would sound fantastic paired with the 07. And for the prices they're selling for now, its well worth the purchase. I love mine.

Murray1

sbpolk wrote: »

I listened to the SC-07 run a room full of Pioneer's flagship speakers at the audioholics show last summer, and was stunned. I beleive those speakers (Not TADs) are 6 ohms speaks, and dip well below 4 ohms. Seven floorstanders and that huge center. It sounded amazing. Sonic nirvanna. The speaks are very expensive, but I was amazed that receiver could so effortlessly run that system. They had an 09 there, but werent' using it.

I read the audioholics test where they said they had problems on the 4ohm load test. I have also heard that is not a real world test, and the 07 ICE amps perform very well with 4 ohm speakers.

I am thinking of demo-ing one with my LSi15 setup.

Has anyone tried the sc-05 with 15's. Probably getting the 15's soon and will need an avr to go with. Thinking amp down the road but if the 05 is sufficient, maybe I can wait until I recover financially. Was headed toward a Denon 2809 or Oink 806 but Oink glitches have me wondering.

Sherardp

Murray1 wrote: »

Has anyone tried the sc-05 with 15's. Probably getting the 15's soon and will need an avr to go with. Thinking amp down the road but if the 05 is sufficient, maybe I can wait until I recover financially. Was headed toward a Denon 2809 or Oink 806 but Oink glitches have me wondering.

Give the 05 a shot and since they're selling for less than 999 it certainly is worth the try. You have plans to buy an amp anyway, no harm in pairing the two up and seeing what it does before you go for the amp. I dont think the Denon can even compare, and the Onk is getting mixed reviews.

Murray1

Sherardp,

Sounds like you are running the sc-07 with your Lsi15's. Yes?? If so, are you also using an external amp? How do the 15's sound with just the 07 driving them. Are you also running a center and/or surrounds with the 07? If so, same questions as above. Thanks for the info.......

cnh

I've been saying this is the future of amplification long before I was a member of this site. It just makes sense once you solve the class D problems...you've got clean power galore because of their incredible efficiency and the very little heat they put out.

Those Pioneers would definitely be on my list if I could currently afford one....alas...

cnh

Murray1

Looks like all receivers are not the same after all. I am a newbie but have learned alot on this forum over the last several months. Can you illuminate me re: class D problems? Little heat sounds real good. Do you know much about the ICE amplifier Pioneer is using? Do they manufacture the amp or is it coming from a different company? I would be looking at the 05 model @ 130W/channel. Waiting to hear back from Sherardp as it sounds like he has an 07 model. Sure would like to hear from an LSi15 user and find out if the 05 has enough power to drive the 15's. Also wondering if Pioneer receivers have any glitches similar to what has been reported regarding the Onkyo 806. Thanks for your post.......

mantis

Any 4 ohm load speaker is tuff on most receivers as they don't have the current abilities to run them properly. Under reference levels, you can get away with it. I ran the Sc09 which has a dedicated power supply for the amp section did run the RTS in wall package well. They are THX Ultra certified and 4 ohm load.

I wonder if a external power ampw ould have done an even better job... maybe but the 09 did it well. I did remember wondering as I was nervous with the test.

The Sc07 probably could run a 4 ohm load speaker package well but I would not use it for that. If you are planning on a heavy load speaker package, I suggest a external power amp. This will yield the best results.

The Amp section in the 07 is rated to drive 6 ohm load speakers and can do that very well without running out of gas.

So the bottom line when you are building a system, you must consider the load. If the load is steep like 4 ohms, then separates or a receiver with a external power amp will yield better performance.

I have a full 4 ohm load speaker package and I'm picking up a sc07 to use as a preamp for now. Once I move all my 4 ohm load speakers, I'm going with 8 ohm load speakers. At this time I will no longer need the external power amp. I suggest others using this as a guide. Ice amps in general are suppose to be stable down to 4 ohms with no problems but I'm thinking maybe Pioneer didn't put a big enough power supply in the sc07 for it to handle such loads at reference levels. So the 6 ohm load is a safety net so when you sit and listen to your system. you are not lacking the dynamic range recorded into the source material.

Don't be brave and run your receivers amp out of gas, you will be less then happy with it in this condition.

Dan

Sherardp

If you're going LSi15s it wouldnt hurt to try it just not at loud volume perhaps. I would highly recommend you follow Mantis's advice as he is more of the guru with the experience of driving 4ohms loads off the new Pio SC05/07/09. I myself run a full RTi setup with the 07 as a pre/pro.

As for the Elites themselves they got it right with these new models, they run cool, are energy efficient, and are built on a very nice chasis to look at. As for Class D, ICEAmps, whatever you choose to call them I have experienced them with my current 07 and using D-Sonic ICEAmps both which are based on using the B&O modules. Very detailed, dynamic, clear with excellent midbass has been the results of using Icepower on my RTi12s. I currently use my 07 as a pre and power the other 5 speakers with my newly installed Sunfire 5200. I would even suggest D-Sonic or Wyred4Sound IceAmps if they fit the budget. Sunfire of course sounds fantastic as it has been proven around here as of late, since quite a few of us own them, I just got on board myself and am very happy.

As for problems, I have not experienced any with the 07 itself, it will pass 1080p untouched which is actually a good thing, and offers more bells and whistles than one could ask for. Even when I stream audio to it via my network it sounds very good. Dual HDMI out so you could run two displays if you wanted, i.e LCD and a front projector in a 2way setup. Hope this has helped you out somewhat. The 05/07 are very good choices. See one of my gear racks here.

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1021365&postcount=32

mantis

Sherardp wrote: »

If you're going LSi15s it wouldnt hurt to try it just not at loud volume perhaps. I would highly recommend you follow Mantis's advice as he is more of the guru with the experience of driving 4ohms loads off the new Pio SC05/07/09. I myself run a full RTi setup with the 07 as a pre/pro.

As for the Elites themselves they got it right with these new models, they run cool, are energy efficient, and are built on a very nice chasis to look at. As for Class D, ICEAmps, whatever you choose to call them I have experienced them with my current 07 and using D-Sonic ICEAmps both which are based on using the B&O modules. Very detailed, dynamic, clear with excellent midbass has been the results of using Icepower on my RTi12s. I currently use my 07 as a pre and power the other 5 speakers with my newly installed Sunfire 5200. I would even suggest D-Sonic or Wyred4Sound IceAmps if they fit the budget. Sunfire of course sounds fantastic as it has been proven around here as of late, since quite a few of us own them, I just got on board myself and am very happy.

As for problems, I have not experienced any with the 07 itself, it will pass 1080p untouched which is actually a good thing, and offers more bells and whistles than one could ask for. Even when I stream audio to it via my network it sounds very good. Dual HDMI out so you could run two displays if you wanted, i.e LCD and a front projector in a 2way setup. Hope this has helped you out somewhat. The 05/07 are very good choices. See one of my gear racks here.

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1021365&postcount=32

I think I asked you this before but have you tried running your speakers off the Sc07's amps? I have installed that receivers many times an never once felt the need to add external amps. Especially with easy to drive speakers like the Rti series. The clarity and dynamic range of the internal amps are amazing. It's what sold me on leaving separates and going back to a receiver.
I'm sure with your external amps, by the way nice choices sound awesome. I'm just wondering if there could have been other improvements to your system with that money that might have given you better overall performance.

Dan

Sherardp

mantis wrote: »

I think I asked you this before but have you tried running your speakers off the Sc07's amps? I have installed that receivers many times an never once felt the need to add external amps. Especially with easy to drive speakers like the Rti series. The clarity and dynamic range of the internal amps are amazing. It's what sold me on leaving separates and going back to a receiver.
I'm sure with your external amps, by the way nice choices sound awesome. I'm just wondering if there could have been other improvements to your system with that money that might have given you better overall performance.

Dan

To answer you, no I havent experienced the 07 without my external amps. I think I should as that has been asked before. As for being capable I'm quite sure it could handle the Rti speakers with ease, but being that I already vested in the amps, I keep them in my setup. As for more improvements in my system, there's always room I'm sure but overall I'm not sure where. Better front PJ? CDp? what? I'd like to think I'm done for some time though I am thinking of a better CDp and moving the current Marantz in the bedroom.

Murray1

mantis wrote: »

Any 4 ohm load speaker is tuff on most receivers as they don't have the current abilities to run them properly. Under reference levels, you can get away with it. I ran the Sc09 which has a dedicated power supply for the amp section did run the RTS in wall package well. They are THX Ultra certified and 4 ohm load.

I wonder if a external power ampw ould have done an even better job... maybe but the 09 did it well. I did remember wondering as I was nervous with the test.

The Sc07 probably could run a 4 ohm load speaker package well but I would not use it for that. If you are planning on a heavy load speaker package, I suggest a external power amp. This will yield the best results.

The Amp section in the 07 is rated to drive 6 ohm load speakers and can do that very well without running out of gas.

So the bottom line when you are building a system, you must consider the load. If the load is steep like 4 ohms, then separates or a receiver with a external power amp will yield better performance.

I have a full 4 ohm load speaker package and I'm picking up a sc07 to use as a preamp for now. Once I move all my 4 ohm load speakers, I'm going with 8 ohm load speakers. At this time I will no longer need the external power amp. I suggest others using this as a guide. Ice amps in general are suppose to be stable down to 4 ohms with no problems but I'm thinking maybe Pioneer didn't put a big enough power supply in the sc07 for it to handle such loads at reference levels. So the 6 ohm load is a safety net so when you sit and listen to your system. you are not lacking the dynamic range recorded into the source material.

Don't be brave and run your receivers amp out of gas, you will be less then happy with it in this condition.

Dan

May I ask why you are going with 8 ohm speakers???????

jchas41

Just wanted to mention that valueelectronics has an insane deal on this and other Elite models. The SC-05 is $899 right now. If my job security wasn't a little sketchy right now, I'd be all over that.

Retro152

Sherardp, real nice looking setup.:D. As the above poster mentioned, he saw the sc-o5 for $899. Why is it the prices' are dropping so quickly on these receivers? Think they just came out in what? Sept?/08. The economy?, I spent $1400 at BB shortly before i posted this thread. No regrets though, well worth the money!:)

metal83

retro152 wrote: »

Sherardp, real nice looking setup.:D. As the above poster mentioned, he saw the sc-o5 for $899. Why is it the prices' are dropping so quickly on these receivers? Think they just came out in what? Sept?/08. The economy?, I spent $1400 at BB shortly before i posted this thread. No regrets though, well worth the money!:)

As far as i can tell, it's only that one store offering such a huge discount.
Best buy is currently charging $1800 for the 05, and $2200 for the 07.

That's the main reason i'm trying to get rid of my 92, so i can grab the 07 at an amazing price of $1300. I called VE, and the sale ends at the end of the month, at least that's what the woman on the phone told me.

jchas41

Yeah the econony is ruining my fun right now. Unfortunately, the agency I work for will likely be affected by Gov Patterson's cuts and I need to have some extra scratch set aside just in case.

It sucks right now too because I just saw that Sony 52W4100's on sale at Amazon for $1650 and I'd really like to upgrade my display too...

Retro152

metal83 wrote: »

As far as i can tell, it's only that one store offering such a huge discount.
Best buy is currently charging $1800 for the 05, and $2200 for the 07.

That's the main reason i'm trying to get rid of my 92, so i can grab the 07 at an amazing price of $1300. I called VE, and the sale ends at the end of the month, at least that's what the woman on the phone told me.

Metal, if you can swing it, this line of Pioneers' is simply amazing. No regrets on the price i paid, im in sonic heaven! Right now dont give a rats' **** about the price i paid, this thing really cranks':D Hope you can make it happen!:)


Pat.

Sherardp

retro152 wrote: »

Sherardp, real nice looking setup.:D. As the above poster mentioned, he saw the sc-o5 for $899. Why is it the prices' are dropping so quickly on these receivers? Think they just came out in what? Sept?/08. The economy?, I spent $1400 at BB shortly before i posted this thread. No regrets though, well worth the money!:)

Dont feel bad I paid 1600 for the 07 last yr from VE. No regrets here either as it happens allot. I dont know if it has anything to do with the Pio annoucement or what have you, but the prices have dropped siginificantly. Now is a great time to jump in on these models. The 09 prices have not dropped though and that's where my interest really is.:eek: Then again I'd be just wasting money at that rate and would sell both amps and the 07 if I bought one. At 4k though, I think I'm good.

metal83

retro152 wrote: »

Metal, if you can swing it, this line of Pioneers' is simply amazing. No regrets on the price i paid, im in sonic heaven! Right now dont give a rats' **** about the price i paid, this thing really cranks':D Hope you can make it happen!:)


Pat.

I definitely want either the 05 or 07, i'm just trying to sell my 92 first.
No bites on it yet though, i've got it posted on here and on craigslist.

Retro152

metal83 wrote: »

I definitely want either the 05 or 07, i'm just trying to sell my 92 first.
No bites on it yet though, i've got it posted on here and on craigslist.

Good luck with that! Interested to hear your thoughts on the 05/07 if you nab one with your setup, similar to mine.:D

sbpolk

Sherardp wrote: »

Dont feel bad I paid 1600 for the 07 last yr from VE. No regrets here either as it happens allot. I dont know if it has anything to do with the Pio annoucement or what have you, but the prices have dropped siginificantly. Now is a great time to jump in on these models. The 09 prices have not dropped though and that's where my interest really is.:eek: Then again I'd be just wasting money at that rate and would sell both amps and the 07 if I bought one. At 4k though, I think I'm good.

How have you liked the JVC Projector? I am thinking I may pick up a Pioneer Elite Pro-FPJ1 as well, since they can be had for such a song right now. I really love the Epson ProCinema 1080UB I have, but the siren's song calls....

Sherardp

sbpolk wrote: »

How have you liked the JVC Projector? I am thinking I may pick up a Pioneer Elite Pro-FPJ1 as well, since they can be had for such a song right now. I really love the Epson ProCinema 1080UB I have, but the siren's song calls....

Sbplok I love the JVC and the pq is simply stunning, mind you I have the HD1 in my setup. Those Pios are a freaking steal, as I have posted it here for those to jump in if they were interested. 2800 bucks is a give away as these were once going for 8-9k like 3-4 months ago. Sell the UB, as you will notice deeper black level. Fade to black scenes will best the Epson. The epson is brighter but if you have total light control its not of any concern. I would suggest it as I have seen the HD1(my own), Sony VW80, JVC RS2, RS350, RS750. I try to keep my eye on the latest and great PJs as I'm thinking of selling my HD1 and going for JVC 750 around Dec this yr once prices drop. All are very close in performance, but nothing can touch the JVC in black level. Pio is a clone is the RS2, hope this helps you.

digitalvideo

I'm still thinking of buying my friend's SC-05 or the new '09 models coming out in April.

Does the SC-05 support 48-bit Deep Color? I can't find where it says it does. All I can find about what the SC-05 supports is =

•Deep Color / 30-bit / 36-bit 4:4:4 color depth / X.V. Color Support."

The new Pioneer bluray BDP-23FD player supports 48-bit deep color and so does the new Pioneer 2009 models "VSX-1019AH" reciever, but I can't find anywhere where it says the SC-05 supports 48-bit Deep color.