Pioneer SC-89 9.2 channel networked class D3 AV receiver with HDMI 2.0 is a device that belongs to the Elite Series. It follows Pioneer's best models with a modern touch.
Article continues below
The new Elite SC-89 receiver is upgradable to Dolby Atmos. Along with Pioneer's new Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers it is a great way to experience Dolby Atmos which adds height to the sonic landscape, creating a multi-dimensional space that puts listeners inside the experience. In support of the great sound there is HDMI 2.0, which offers increased bandwidth, resolution and frame-rate capability, supporting 4K resolution at 60 frames per second. With 7 HDMI inputs and 2 outputs, you've got plenty of connectivity options for the growing number of high-definition sources available.
The Elite SC-89 is rated at 140 Watts x 9 channels (8 Ohms, 1kHz, 0.08% THD 2 Ch) and delivers a total of 850 Watts multi-channel simultaneous drive. The SC-89's Class D3 amps have the power to drive multiple channels simultaneously with no significant drop in per-channel output. With a direct signal path and no EMI filters, feedback loops or current limiting, Pioneer Class D3 amps have the durability to handle multiple low-impedance speaker loads where other receivers lose power dramatically.
Efficient Class D3 means the Elite SC-89 runs cool and draws just a fraction of the power consumed by conventional amplifier designs. And because it consumes so little power, its cool operation enhances component life and reliability too. That's one of the reasons why the Elite SC-89 has been certified at London's legendary AIR Studios, whose work is respected worldwide for award-winning motion picture soundtracks and peerless digital CD recordings. We must also mention MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration), taken to a new level of performance with MCACC Pro.
MCACC Pro calibrates sound output using a microphone to monitor the sound environment and an equalizer to optimize and precision-tune each speaker to the room.
The new standard for multi-zone HD connectivity, HDBaseT is streaming uncompressed full 4K UltraHD digital audio and video without an HDMI cable, using just one standard LAN cable as long as 100 meters without any drop in quality. The Elite SC-89 delivers up to four different zones of content, capable of powering a 5.1 Home Theater System in the main zone, stereo audio in Zones 2 and 3, and HD video content in Zone 4 via HDMI or HDBaseT. All zones can enjoy different content at the same time.
Pioneer's iControlAV5 Android/IOS application lets you control the entire experience. HDBaseT supports all standard surround sound formats.
An MHL 2.0 port supports the small but mighty Roku Streaming Stick, which lets you stream more than 1,000 channels of TV, tens of thousands of movies and other programming options. In addition to being DLNA 1.5 and Windows 8 certified, the Elite SC-89 features AirPlay to wirelessly stream iTunes music from your PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad or iPod touch through your home theater system at the touch of a button. And because it supports network audio sources in other zones, you can even send music to another room. ■