Pioneer Elite SC-07 or Emotiva Separates?

mmadden28 · November 2009

concealer404 wrote: »

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I can't comment on these model specifically, but i think we both agreed in the past that the XPA-series amps would be great for HT.
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Not all XPA amps are created equally--the XPA-1&2 are not the same animal/design as the XPA3&5. The XPA 1&2 (as well as the RPA series) being more for music and XPA 3&5 more for HT.

My personal experiences with both the XPA-2 and XPA-5 really can't be fairly compared. I use an XPA-5 in my HT and couldn't be happier with the results. Satisfied to the point I have no desire to change it. I use the XPA-2 in my 2 ch rig and it rocks-I've never heard sweeter sounds. I'd say I couldn't be happier but I haven't done enough comparing with other amps to say for sure--besides is anybody truly 100% satisifed with no urge to upgrade??

comfortablycurt wrote: »

FWIW, the Emo processor isn't even out yet. It's been delayed a couple times...and now there isn't even a release date as far as I know. That could be a sign of potential problems. I'd wait to get some feedback from other people before going that route.

Generally speaking, just because there is a delay in release is not necessarily a sign of potential problems. Personally I'd rather see a delay in release and for the company to get any issues fixed first, than for a company to release a buggy product. Even the reknowned Oppo BD player wasn't without issues, but they fixed a lot of them before the official release. Ah the blessings of updateable firmware

cnh wrote: »

I've agreed with Doro before on this one but what the heck....upgrades are really more of a 2 channel game--HT...you can do well there without breaking the Piggy Bank...
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I also agree, but it really depends on the application. I hate to say 'just' here, because you don't necessarily want to slight the in-laws, but if its just for a non critical audience I'd say an AVR is more than fine assuming the speakers being used can be properly driven by the AVR.
Personally, adding an external amp to drive my RTi12's made a huge improvement and I wouldn't think of doing it any other way if I had the same setup to do again, even if just for my kids room.

It's difficult to do though-once you externally amplify its hard to go back, even if its not for yourself. I even find myself recommending external amplification to my friends when asked.

anhchungdoan · November 2009

SolidSqual wrote: »

Shoot, I just realized the new models are out. Should I go SC-07 because of the DACs or go with the SC-27?

The SC07 and SC27 use the same Wofson WM8749 DAC.

The SC27 has dettachable pc should you want to upgrade to some other pc as Shunyata, Audience , PS audio....

domflane · November 2009

i had a chance to buy a floor model sc-07 for $700 with a full warranty, went with an hk AVR354 for $250 instead, im happy with the HK, but should i have gotten the elite instead?

concealer404 · November 2009

domflane wrote: »

i had a chance to buy a floor model sc-07 for $700 with a full warranty, went with an hk AVR354 for $250 instead, im happy with the HK, but should i have gotten the elite instead?

If you could have afforded it, yep!

But... if you're happy with the HK, then why worry about it?

thuffman03 · November 2009

I would go with the seperate amp over spending on another AVR. You can always use the amp in your next HT setup.

LessisNevermore · November 2009

thuffman03 wrote: »

I would go with the seperate amp over spending on another AVR. You can always use the amp in your next HT setup.

Not sure if the Emotiva separates are still in the mix, but they are still doing their discount program with their processors. You buy one, and when the next generation comes out, you get 40% off the new ones, and you keep the old one.

BB3 · November 2009

thuffman03 wrote: »

I would go with the seperate amp over spending on another AVR. You can always use the amp in your next HT setup.

I as well recommend going the separates route. You just simply have more flexibility in terms of future upgrades or improvements.

Between the Emotiva and the Pioneer, I would say Emotiva. Besides my feelings on going the separates route and how impressive the Pioneer looks and performs in its audio section, this is an AVR we're talking about now guy's, Pioneer totally dropped the ball on the video processing side of things with this receiver. It's poor at best when it comes this and completely unacceptable for something thats supposed to be an Audio & VIDEO Receiver.

Your money is better spent elsewhere, and you can start right there with the Emotiva.

Take care and best of luck on your decision and I hope that you choose wisely.

BILL(BB3)

SolidSqual · November 2009

BB3 wrote: »

I as well recommend going the separates route. You just simply have more flexibility in terms of future upgrades or improvements.

Between the Emotiva and the Pioneer, I would say Emotiva. Besides my feelings on going the separates route and how impressive the Pioneer looks and performs in its audio section, this is an AVR we're talking about now guy's, Pioneer totally dropped the ball on the video processing side of things with this receiver. It's poor at best when it comes this and completely unacceptable for something thats supposed to be an Audio & VIDEO Receiver.

Your money is better spent elsewhere, and you can start right there with the Emotiva.

Take care and best of luck on your decision and I hope that you choose wisely.
BILL(BB3)

Is it true the Elite SC-27 has bad video processing? I just bought a bad **** projector for them and need good processing. Can anyone else comment on this?

Mike

BB3 · November 2009

Well I'm jealous that you just got a projector, Mike. I'm still dreaming about getting that sort of thing......Anyways, the only processing that Pioneer will do is "pass-through" the signal to your projector and that's not necessarily a good thing. It will depend upon what processing chip is in your projector ?

May I ask what projector you have Mike ?----BILL

SolidSqual · November 2009

Epson 8100 for $1,400 from the Projector People with a Carada Criterion 100" screen.

BB3 · November 2009

Mike, sorry for the delay. I just got home from work. I've
got to tell you that I'm not familiar with your projector. Do
you happen to recall what processing chip is in it ?

I apologize, I wish I could answer right away on this, so I
would appreciate it if you could give me a little more time.

Thank You Mike.----Bill

BB3 · November 2009

Ok Mike, Epson does not list anything at all about what they're using
for video processing. So that has me a little concerned.

Most of the time these companies will brag about this sort of
thing and Epson makes mention of it nowhere, so here's what
I suggest..........

#1 I deep down want you to get what YOU want and what is
ultimately going to make YOU happy, not anyone else, YOU. Period.

You already know what my thoughts are on going the separates route,
but if it's really a receiver you want, then go for it. I just want to

make sure you get one with superior video processing. Remember, it's
just not all about what something can do with hi-def such as blu-ray where
95% of the time a blu-Ray player handles the processing if it's good enough
and then sends the signal to the receiver which then just shoves it on through
to your display. That to me besides its audio prowness, is the only other thing that
the Pioneer will do well and that's it. An A/V receiver should do alot more than that.

Now here's where superior video processing can really come into play. How about that
signal coming from your cable box or satellite system or even standard DVD, Laserdisc, VCR, etc.etc. They need all the help they can get and that Pioneer just simply can't get that done. That's unacceptable plain and simple.

So, if you want to stay and go the receiver route and one that will handle any all processing here are choices :

The newer Denon models with the Anchor Bay chip or the Realta chip from Silicon Optix.
Yamahas RX-V3900 with Anchor Bay chip.
The higher end only, Onkyo's and Integras with the Reon chip from
Silicon Optix.

Thanks for all of your time with this Mike.Believe me I could go on and on with this, but I'll stop there. I know that without a doubt the information that I'm giving you will definitely help you not only now, but in the future as things progress in this industry.

Happy Listening And Viewing Mike.

BILL (BB3)

that I'm giving you will definitely help you out.

PSOVLSK · November 2009

SolidSqual wrote: »

Epson 8100 for $1,400 from the Projector People with a Carada Criterion 100" screen.

Not sure how the 8100 compares to the 6100, but that's what I have and I love it. $1400 for the PJ and screen?? That's seems like a great deal.

As far as video processing of the Pioneer goes, it may be a non-issue. I personally run my DirecTV, DVD, and Blu-ray directly to my projector.

WilliamM2 · November 2009

SolidSqual wrote: »

Is it true the Elite SC-27 has bad video processing? I just bought a bad **** projector for them and need good processing. Can anyone else comment on this?

Mike

I don't know if it's bad, but it's not top of the line either. I believe HDMI inputs are just pass through, but it will upconvert component and output 1080p over HDMI. I don't really see any use for upscaling in most processors/AVR's. DVD players with excellent upscaling can be had cheap, and Blu Ray doesn't need any upconversion, just pass through.

I think in the current market, the best bet is to get an AVR with all the features you need and pre-outs, and a separate amp at least for the front three channels. Pre-pros become outdated pretty fast these days.

Sherardp · November 2009

SS, the video processing should be a non-issue bro. Most of the time you dont want HDMI processed anyway. You want the purest form of video possible which is why Pio leaves it alone. Trust me once you see the Epson in action you will be stunned. The Carada screen is definitely going to perform well with it. The 6100 is last yrs model and PSOVLSK is using it in his room. The new 8100 is this yrs model and for the price you got it for you will love it bro. Buy the SC27 and use it as a pre if you want but I dont think you will have to. It definitely has the power to run everything in that new setup.

BB3 · November 2009

Mike, News update about your projector.......I've just discovered that your Epson uses the Reon Chip by Silicon Optix.

It is without a doubt one the best video processing chips out there. The good news is that, if you were to choose the Pioneer receiver, this will take care of the Pioneers sub-par video processing capabilities, so you're good to go my friend and have my blessing on and if you go with that Pioneer.

Just thought you would want to know Mike. Take Care and Happy Listening and VIEWING, Mike.

Bill(BB3)

SolidSqual · November 2009

BB3 wrote: »

Mike, News update about your projector.......I've just discovered that your Epson uses the Reon Chip by Silicon Optix.

It is without a doubt one the best video processing chips out there. The good news is that, if you were to choose the Pioneer receiver, this will take care of the Pioneers sub-par video processing capabilities, so you're good to go my friend and have my blessing on and if you go with that Pioneer.

Just thought you would want to know Mike. Take Care and Happy Listening and VIEWING, Mike.
Bill(BB3)

You know actually that does make me feel better. I'm a two channel guy so I don't know anything about this video junk. I just want a breathtaking picture.

BB3 · November 2009

Well get ready Mike, because that's exactly what you are going to get.

It's going to be absolutely beautiful.

Bill

Pioneer Elite SC-07 or Emotiva Separates?

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