Denon AVR-S950H vs Pioneer SC-87

      Denon AVR-S950H

      Pioneer SC-87
      87
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      85
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      Highlights

      • 7.2 Channels
      • 7.1 Channel Processing
      • 90 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      • Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
      • HDR10, Dolby Vision
      • 4K/60Hz Passthrough, 4K/30Hz Upscaling
      • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet
      • Phono Input

      Highlights

      • 9.2 Channels
      • 9.2 Channel Processing
      • 140 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      • Dolby Atmos
      • 4K/60Hz Passthrough, 4K/60Hz Upscaling
      • Bluetooth, Ethernet
      • Phono Input

      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Denon AVR-S950H
      4. Advantage of Pioneer SC-87
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Amplifier
      7. Speaker Configurations
      8. Immersive Audio Formats
      9. HDMI
      10. Inputs and Outputs
      11. Evaluations
      12. Specifications

      1. Overview

      Here we are comparing Denon AVR-S950H to Pioneer SC-87 to reveal their common strengths and weaknesses as well as the differences between them which will help you in making a correct decision before the purchase. The Denon AVR-S950H has 7 channel and the Pioneer SC-87 has 9 channel amplifiers with Denon AVR-S950H's being less powerful.


      Denon AVR-S950H Pioneer SC-87

      Denon AVR-S950H was introduced in 2019. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 90 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, passes 4K/60Hz and upscales up to 4K 24/25/30p 4:4:4 video signal.

      Pioneer SC-87 was introduced in 2014. It is equipped with 9 channel amplifier with 140 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz and 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 9.2 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos, passes 4K/60Hz and upscales up to 4K/60p (Marvell Qdeo) video signal.

      We evaluated Denon AVR-S950H and Pioneer SC-87 and gave them scores of 87 and 85 out of 100 recpectively. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

      Denon AVR-S950H

      Pioneer SC-87

      Amplifier
      87
      Amplifier
      92
      Audio Features
      85
      Audio Features
      85
      Video Features
      95
      Video Features
      73
      Connectivity
      87
      Connectivity
      85
      Zones
      77
      Zones
      96
      Radio
      92
      Radio
      85
      OVERALL
      87
      OVERALL
      85

      For more details about the ranking please go to    Evaluations section.

      2. Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Denon AVR-S950H and Pioneer SC-87.

      PROS

      Denon AVR-S950H

      Pioneer SC-87

      •   Dolby Atmos
      •   Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      •   DTS:X
      •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
      •   HDR10
      •   Dolby Vision
      •   eARC
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through
      •   Wi-Fi
      •   Bluetooth
      •   Works with Amazon Alexa
      •   Google Assistant
      •   HEOS
      •   8 HDMI Inputs
      •   USB Input
      •   Phono Input
      •   Composite Video Inputs
      •   Component Video Inputs
      •   Ethernet
      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Spotify
      •   Tidal
      •   High Power Output - 140 W
      •   Front Wide Channel Support
      •   9.2 Channel Processing
      •   Dolby Atmos
      •   DSD via HDMI
      •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
      •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion
      •   Bluetooth
      •   8 HDMI Inputs
      •   4 HDMI Outputs
      •   USB Input
      •   Phono Input
      •   RCA Pre-Outs
      •   Composite Video Inputs
      •   Component Video Inputs
      •   Ethernet
      •   4 Zones
      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Pandora
      •   Spotify

      CONS

      Denon AVR-S950H

      Pioneer SC-87

      •   No Front Wide Channel Support
      •   No IMAX Enhanced
      •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      •   No DSD via HDMI
      •   No HDR10+
      •   No 8K Passthrough
      •   0 8K Input
      •   No RCA Pre-Outs
      •   No Digital Radio
      •   No Pandora
      •   Bluetooth 3․0 + EDR
      •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      •   No DTS:X
      •   No IMAX Enhanced
      •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      •   No HDR10
      •   No HDR10+
      •   No Dolby Vision
      •   No eARC
      •   No 8K Passthrough
      •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
      •   0 8K Input
      •   Few RCA Line Inputs
      •   No Digital Radio
      •   No Tidal


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Denon AVR-S950H

      Pioneer SC-87

      •   7.2 Channels
      •   Power Output - 90 W
      •   7.1 Channel Processing
      •   2 HDMI Outputs
      •   RCA Line Inputs
      •   2 Zones
      •   9.2 Channels
      •   Wi-Fi

      3. Advantage of Denon AVR-S950H

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Denon AVR-S950H over Pioneer SC-87.

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      Denon AVR-S950H
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      Denon AVR-S950H vs Pioneer SC-87
      Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization vs
      Dolby Surround Upmixer vs
      DTS:X up to 5.1.2 vs
      DTS Neural:X vs
      DTS Virtual:X vs
      Audyssey Dynamic EQ vs
      Audyssey Dynamic Volume vs
      HDR10 vs
      BT.2020 color space vs
      Dolby Vision vs
      HLG vs
      Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) vs
      Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through vs
      Wi-Fi vs via optional AS-WL300 adapter (sold separately)
      Bluetooth SBC vs via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately)
      Works with Amazon Alexa vs
      AirPlay AirPlay 2 vs AirPlay
      More RCA Line Inputs 4 vs 3
      Analog Tuner FM/AM with RDS vs FM/AM
      Tidal vs
      Deezer vs
      Napster vs
      Color-Coded Speaker Terminals vs
      Bigger Power Supply 460 W vs 370 W
      Longer Warranty 3 Years vs 2 Years Parts & Labor

      4. Advantage of Pioneer SC-87

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer SC-87 over Denon AVR-S950H.

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      Pioneer SC-87
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      Denon AVR-S950H vs Pioneer SC-87
      More Channels 7.2 vs 9.2
      Higher Power Output 90 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) vs 140 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      Front Wide Channel Support vs
      Bi-amp capability vs Front, Center, Surround, SP-B
      More Channel Processing 7.1 vs 9.2
      Air Studios Monitor Certification vs
      Dolby Pro Logic vs PLIIz
      DTS Neo vs Neo:X
      Music Playback via USB MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, DSD vs MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
      High Resolution Audio Formats via USB Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, DSD vs Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
      DSD via HDMI vs 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
      DSD to PCM Converter vs
      Jitter Reduction vs plus PQLS (HDMI Bitstream/ Multi)
      Dialog Enhancement vs
      Dialogue Lift vs via Dialog Enhancement
      High-resolution Music Enhancer vs Hi-bit32 Audio Processing
      Independent Subwoofer Outputs vs
      Video Signal Upscaling up to 4K 24/25/30p 4:4:4 vs up to 4K/60p (Marvell Qdeo)
      Analog To HDMI Upconversion vs Component****, Composite
      MHL Input vs 1 Rear (Version 2.0)
      More HDMI Outputs 2 (simultaneous) vs 3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE)
      USB DC Out Port vs 1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
      More Optical Outputs vs 1
      More Coaxial Inputs/Outputs vs 2
      More RCA Line Outputs vs 1
      More RCA Pre-Outs 0.2 vs 11.2
      More Composite Video Outputs 1 vs 2
      Speaker A/B vs
      More Zones 2 vs 4
      More Powered Zones 2 vs 2, 3 and HDZone
      Zone 2 Outs vs RCA Pre/Line Out + Subwoofer
      RS-232C Interface vs
      +12V Trigger Output vs 2 (Main, Zone2, Zone 3, HDZone)
      Remote (IR) Input/Output 0 / 0 vs 2 / 1
      Pandora vs
      More Speaker Terminals 7 vs 11
      More Large Speaker Terminals 7 vs 11
      Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC) 125 W (0.7% THD) vs 190 W (1.0% THD)
      Higher S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) 100 dB vs 103 dB

      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Denon AVR-S950H Pioneer SC-87
        Dolby Atmos up to 5.1.2 up to with firmware update
        Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. Audyssey MultEQ MCACC Pro
        Bluetooth SBC via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately)
        Many HDMI Inputs8 (1 front)8 (1 front)
        USB Input1 Front for USB memory1 Front
        Phono Input
        Composite Video Inputs22
        Component Video Inputs22
        Ethernet
        Analog Tuner FM/AM with RDS FM/AM
        Spotify
      WEAKNESSES Denon AVR-S950H Pioneer SC-87
        No IMAX Enhanced
        No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
        No HDR10+
        No 8K Passthroughup to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4up to 4K/60p (4:4:4 24-bit)
      4K/60p (4:2:2 36-bit)
      4K/24p (4:4:4 36-bit)
        Few 8K Inputs
        No Digital Radio

      6. Amplifier

      Denon AVR-S950H Pioneer SC-87

      7 channel Amplifier: Denon AVR-S950H features 7 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 90 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.

      9 channel Class D3 Amplifier: Pioneer SC-87 features 9 channel power amplifier with Class D3 design. It is rated at 140 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.


        AMPLIFIER Denon AVR-S950H Pioneer SC-87
        Channels7.29.2
        Power Output90 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)140 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
        Front Wide Channel Support
        THX™ Certification
        Continuous 6 Ω Rated
        Certified 4 Ω Performance
        Bi-amp Capability Front, Center, Surround, SP-B

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        Denon AVR-S950H
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        7. Speaker Configurations

        Denon AVR-S950H's and Pioneer SC-87's amplifiers can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

        • Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
        • Denon AVR-S950H: 5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
        • Pioneer SC-87: 5.2.2, 5.2.4, 7.2.2 with internal amplifier.
        • DTS:X Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for DTS:X:
        • Denon AVR-S950H: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos - 5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
        • Pioneer SC-87: Not supported.
        • Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
        • Denon AVR-S950H: 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
        • Pioneer SC-87: 5.2, 7.2, 9.2 with internal amplifier.
        • Front Wide Channel support: With the presence of two front wide speakers you can enhance the front surround stage. The following speaker configurations are available for front wide channels:
        • Denon AVR-S950H: Does not support.
        • Pioneer SC-87: 9.2.
        • Bi-Amp: Pioneer SC-87 is able to bi-amp up to 4 main channels simultaneously. During bi-amplification two amplifiers are used for one speaker. One amplifier powers the midrange and tweeter section of the speaker and another amplifier powers the low frequency woofers. Each amplifier is less loaded and performs better. In order to use this feature speakers must have 2 pairs of connectors.

        8. Immersive Audio Formats

        Dolby Atmos

        Denon AVR-S950H and Pioneer SC-87 support Dolby Atmos.

        • Dolby Surround Upmixer: Denon AVR-S950H supports Dolby Surround Upmixer. If the content is not mixed in Dolby Atmos then the Dolby surround upmixer will expand the audio to all channels including ceiling speakers. The upmixer has replaced the Dolby Pro Logic II family with improved upmixing algorithms.
        • Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization: Denon AVR-S950H supports Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization which is a digital signal processing solution that leverages Dolby's deep understanding of human audio perception to create the sensation of overhead sound from the listener-level speakers.

        DTS:X

        Denon AVR-S950H supports DTS:X.

        • DTS Neural:X: Denon AVR-S950H supports DTS Neural:X which is an advanced upmixer that can take non DTS:X content and upmix it to the DTS:X speaker layout. It has replaced the DTS Neo family with improved flexibility.
        • DTS Virtual:X: Denon AVR-S950H supports DTS Virtual:X which bridges the gap between DTS:X codec and the reality of so many consumers' homes, allowing you to enjoy multi-dimensional sound regardless of room size, layout, or speaker configuration. If you have a limited speaker setup you will miss a full immersive potential of your entertainment system. DTS Virtual:X adds height and surround audio effect to your system without adding height speakers. It works with multiple configurations and delivers immersive sound experience out of 5.1 or even 2.1 speaker layouts.
        • DTS Dialog Control: Both models have DTS Dialog Control. This function adjusts the dialog levels during playback of the DTS:X stream. It allows you to separately increase the dialog levels in contrast with the background sound and hear dialog easily even under noisy circumstances.
        AUDIO DECODING Denon AVR-S950H Pioneer SC-87
        Dolby Atmos up to 5.1.2 up to with firmware update
        Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        Dolby Atmos Music
        Dolby TrueHD
        Dolby Digital Plus
        Dolby Surround Upmixer
        Dolby Pro Logic PLIIz
        Dolby Digital EX
        Surround EX
        DTS:X up to 5.1.2
        DTS Neural:X
        DTS Virtual:X
        DTS Neo Neo:X
        DTS-HD Master Audio
        DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
        DTS 96/24
        DTS Express
        DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1 Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
        IMAX Enhanced
        Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer

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        Pioneer SC-87
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        9. HDMI

        Denon AVR-S950H comes with 8 HDMI inputs. It has 2 outputs which work parallelly and output the same signal.

        Pioneer SC-87 comes with 8 HDMI inputs. It has 3 outputs - 2 for MAIN and 1 for MAIN/HDZONE.

        • 4K/60Hz Passthrough: On both receivers all inputs pass up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4 video signal.
        • 4K Upscaling on Denon AVR-S950H: It can upscale up to 4K 24/25/30p 4:4:4 from HDMI sources.
          4K Upscaling on Pioneer SC-87: It can upscale up to 4K/60p (Marvell Qdeo) from HDMI and analog sources.
        • Analog To HDMI Upconversion: Pioneer SC-87 supports analog to HDMI Upconversion, so you can input your analog video sources and output them digitally via HDMI. This means that you will need only one HDMI cable to connect to your TV.
        • BT.2020 Color Space: BT.2020 or Rec. 2020 is a color standard which delivers a wider color gamut compared to Rec. 709. It covers approximately 75% of the total visual spectrum while the Rec. 709 covers only 35% (available on Denon AVR-S950H only).
        • HDCP 2.3 Copy Protection: Denon AVR-S950H is HDCP 2.3 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
        • 3D Ready: Both receivers are able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

        HDR (High Dynamic Range)

        Denon AVR-S950H supports HDR10, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma.

        Pioneer SC-87 does not support HDR. High dynamic range video has greater dynamic range than standard dynamic range (SDR) video with brighter whites and deeper blacks. The result is greater contrast and more details in dark and bright areas, better color and depth.


        Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)

        Denon AVR-S950H supports Audio Return Channel (ARC) which allows the compatible TV to send audio signal to the a/v receiver through the same HDMI cable which is used to send audio and video signals to the TV. So one HDMI cable is used to transfer audio signal in both directions. New Enhanced ARC will support uncompressed audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio whereas the previous ARC could support only Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, DTS HD, and PCM.


        Gaming Features

        Denon AVR-S950H supports Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for lag-free and smooth gaming.



        VIDEO FEATURES Denon AVR-S950H Pioneer SC-87
        HDR10
        HDR10+
        Dynamic HDR
        BT.2020 color space
        Dolby Vision
        HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
        HDBaseT Compatible
        Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
        QMS (Quick Media Switching)
        ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
        VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
        QFT (Quick Frame transport)
        3-D Ready
        Video Signal Passthroughup to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4up to 4K/60p (4:4:4 24-bit)
        4K/60p (4:2:2 36-bit)
        4K/24p (4:4:4 36-bit)
        Video Signal Upscaling up to 4K 24/25/30p 4:4:4 up to 4K/60p (Marvell Qdeo)

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        Denon AVR-S950H
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        10. Inputs and Outputs

        Audio

        • Phono Input: There is an MM phono input on Denon AVR-S950H and Pioneer SC-87 with built-in phono stage for connecting the moving magnet cartridge output of the turntable directly to the receiver.
        • Analog Pre-Outs: Pioneer SC-87 has 11.2 preamplifier outputs which allows you to connect the receiver to the external power amplifier. You may want to use a high quality external amplifier for certain channels, usually for front L/R and center, and use the receiver to power the rest.
        • Analog Line Inputs and Outputs: There are 4 pair of line inputs on Denon AVR-S950H and 3 pair of line inputs on Pioneer SC-87 for connecting sources with analog outputs. There is also 1 pair of line outputs on Pioneer SC-87.
        • Digital Inputs: 2 optical inputs are available on Denon AVR-S950H and 2 optical inputs, 1 optical output and 2 coaxial inputs are available on Pioneer SC-87 for digital audio connections.
        • Headphone Output: There is a 6.3 mm (1/4") headphone output jack on the front panel of each receiver.

        Video

        • HDMI:
        • Denon AVR-S950H
          Inputs:           8 (1 front)   Outputs: 2 (simultaneous)
          8K Inputs: 0.
        • Pioneer SC-87
          Inputs:           8 (1 front)   Outputs: 3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE)
          8K Inputs: 0.
        • Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
        • Denon AVR-S950H
          Inputs:           2   Outputs: 1.
        • Pioneer SC-87
          Inputs:           2   Outputs: 2.
        • Component Video: Component video connection gives you the higher quality video compared to the composite video connection. So in case your old DVD player and other equipment do not have an HDMI output but have Component video output use this connection over the composite one. resolution on Component video connectors.
        • Pioneer SC-87 supports up to 1080p (1125p) resolution on Component video connectors.
        • Denon AVR-S950H
          Inputs:           2   Outputs: 1.
        • Pioneer SC-87
          Inputs:           2   Outputs: 1.

        Front A/V Inputs

        • Denon AVR-S950H: HDMI, USB
        • Pioneer SC-87: HDMI, USB

        Denon AVR-S950H

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        Pioneer SC-87

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        TERMINALS Denon AVR-S950H Pioneer SC-87
        HDMI Inputs8 (1 front)8 (1 front)
        HDMI Outputs2 (simultaneous)3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE)
        8K Inputs
        USB Input1 Front for USB memory1 Front
        USB DC Out Port1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
        Optical Inputs22
        Optical Outputs1
        Coaxial Inputs2
        RCA Line Inputs43
        RCA Line Outputs1
        XLR Line Inputs
        Phono Input
        Multi-Channel Input
        RCA Pre-Outs0.211.2
        XLR Pre-outs
        Composite Video Inputs22
        Composite Video Outputs12
        S-Video Inputs
        S-Video Outputs
        Component Video Inputs22
        Component Video Outputs11

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        Pioneer SC-87
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        11. Evaluations

        We evaluated Denon AVR-S950H and Pioneer SC-87 and gave them scores of 87 and 85 out of 100 recpectively. We also gave separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new receiver is added to the database.


        Denon AVR-S950H

        Pioneer SC-87

        OVERALL
        87
        OVERALL
        85

        Amplifier

        EXCELLENT
        87
        •   7.2 Channels
        •   Power Output - 90 W
        EXCELLENT
        92
        •   9.2 Channels
        •   High Power Output - 140 W

        Audio Features

        EXCELLENT
        85
        •   7.2 Channels
        •   No Front Wide Channel Support
        •   7.1 Channel Processing
        •   Dolby Atmos
        •   Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        •   DTS:X
        •   No IMAX Enhanced
        •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
        •   No DSD via HDMI
        EXCELLENT
        85
        •   9.2 Channels
        •   Front Wide Channel Support
        •   9.2 Channel Processing
        •   Dolby Atmos
        •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        •   No DTS:X
        •   No IMAX Enhanced
        •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
        •   DSD via HDMI

        Video Features

        EXCELLENT
        95
        •   HDR10
        •   No HDR10+
        •   Dolby Vision
        •   Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through
        •   No 8K Passthrough
        GOOD
        73
        •   No HDR10
        •   No HDR10+
        •   No Dolby Vision
        •   No 8K Passthrough
        •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion

        Connectivity

        EXCELLENT
        87
        •   eARC
        •   New HDCP Version
        •   Wi-Fi
        •   Bluetooth
        •   Works with Amazon Alexa
        •   Google Assistant
        •   HEOS
        •   8 HDMI Inputs
        •   2 HDMI Outputs
        •   0 8K Input
        •   USB Input
        •   RCA Line Inputs
        •   Phono Input
        •   No RCA Pre-Outs
        •   Composite Video Inputs
        •   Component Video Inputs
        •   Ethernet
        •   Bluetooth 3․0 + EDR
        EXCELLENT
        85
        •   No eARC
        •   Wi-Fi
        •   Bluetooth
        •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
        •   8 HDMI Inputs
        •   4 HDMI Outputs
        •   0 8K Input
        •   USB Input
        •   Few RCA Line Inputs
        •   Phono Input
        •   RCA Pre-Outs
        •   Composite Video Inputs
        •   Component Video Inputs
        •   Ethernet

        Zones

        GOOD
        77
        •   2 Zones
        EXCELLENT
        96
        •   4 Zones

        Radio

        EXCELLENT
        92
        •   Analog Tuner
        •   No Pandora
        •   Spotify
        •   Tidal
        EXCELLENT
        85
        •   Analog Tuner
        •   Pandora
        •   Spotify
        •   No Tidal

        12. Specifications

        GENERAL Denon AVR-S950H Pioneer SC-87
        BrandDenonPioneer
        SeriesElite
        ModelAVR-S950HSC-87
        TypeA/V ReceiverA/V Receiver
        CountryUKUSA
        Release Year20192014
        PredecessorDenon AVR-S940H Pioneer SC-77
        SuccessorDenon AVR-S960H Pioneer SC-97
        AMPLIFIER Denon AVR-S950H Pioneer SC-87
        Channels7.29.2
        Power Output90 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)140 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
        Front Wide Channel Support
        Amplifier DesignClass D3 (Direct Energy HD)
        Discrete Amplification
        THX™ Certification
        Continuous 6 Ω Rated
        Certified 4 Ω Performance
        Mono Block Power Amplifier Construction
        Bi-amp Capability Front, Center, Surround, SP-B
        AUDIO FEATURES Denon AVR-S950H Pioneer SC-87
        Digital Signal Processing (DSP) EngineTexas Instruments Aureus
        DACAKMESS SABRE32 Ultra (ES9016+ES9016)
        DAC Specs192 kHz/32 Bit
        Maximum Channel Processing7.19.2
        D.D.S.C. HD Digital
        Alpha Processing
        Air Studios Monitor Certification
        Dolby Atmos up to 5.1.2 up to with firmware update
        Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        Dolby Atmos Music
        Dolby TrueHD
        Dolby Digital Plus
        Dolby Surround Upmixer
        Dolby Pro Logic PLIIz
        Dolby Digital EX
        Surround EX
        DTS:X up to 5.1.2
        DTS Neural:X
        DTS Virtual:X
        DTS Neo Neo:X
        DTS-HD Master Audio
        DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
        DTS 96/24
        DTS Express
        DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1 Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
        IMAX Enhanced
        Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
        PCM 2-ch/Multi-ch Input 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
        Network Audio FormatsMP3, WMA, MPEG-4 AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, DSD
        Music Playback via USBMP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, DSDMP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
        High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network up to 192 kHz 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz/24 bit
        High Resolution Audio Formats via USBApple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, DSDApple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
        Gapless Playback
        DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
        DSD via USB 2-ch Input 2-ch Input
        DSD to PCM Converter
        USB DAC
        Jitter Reduction plus PQLS (HDMI Bitstream/ Multi)
        Auto Level ControlMulti-Channel
        DTS Dialogue Control
        Dialog Enhancement
        Dialog Level Adjustment
        Dialog normalization
        Dialogue Lift via Dialog Enhancement
        Sound Retriever Advanced (Multi-Channel / Auto with ARC)
        Sound Retriever AIR
        Digital noise Reduction
        Tone Control All Channels
        Compressed Music Enhancer Advanced Sound Retriever
        High-resolution Music Enhancer Hi-bit32 Audio Processing
        Audyssey Dynamic EQ
        Audyssey Dynamic Volume
        Audyssey LFC
        Audyssey Sub EQ HT
        Audyssey DSX
        Direct Mode
        Pure Direct Mode
        Auto Surround
        Optimum Surround
        Advanced Surround11 + 1
        Wide Surround
        Front Stage Surround Advance (Focus/Wide)
        Headphone Surround
        Virtual Speakers (Surround Back/Height/Wide)
        Virtual Depth
        Independent Subwoofer Outputs
        CALIBRATION Denon AVR-S950H Pioneer SC-87
        Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. Audyssey MultEQ MCACC Pro
        Audyssey App Support
        Manual MCACC
        MCACC Memory6
        Reflex Optimizer
        Phase Control
        Auto Phase Control Plus
        Full Band Phase Control
        Standing Wave Control
        EQ Bands9-Band (Advanced)
        Symmetric EQ
        X-Curve
        Distance Adjustment1/2 Inch
        Precision Distance
        Polarity Check
        Auto Subwoofer Crossover
        Optimized Bass Redirection
        Bass Sync
        VIDEO FEATURES Denon AVR-S950H Pioneer SC-87
        HDR10
        HDR10+
        Dynamic HDR
        BT.2020 color space
        Dolby Vision
        HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
        HDBaseT Compatible
        Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
        HDCP Version2.3
        QMS (Quick Media Switching)
        ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
        VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
        QFT (Quick Frame transport)
        3-D Ready
        Video Signal Passthroughup to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4up to 4K/60p (4:4:4 24-bit)
        4K/60p (4:2:2 36-bit)
        4K/24p (4:4:4 36-bit)
        Video Signal Upscaling up to 4K 24/25/30p 4:4:4 up to 4K/60p (Marvell Qdeo)
        Analog To HDMI Upconversion Component****, Composite
        Component Video Upscaling
        Analog to Analog Video conversion
        Component Video Maximum Resolution1080p (1125p)
        Stream Smoother
        Pure Cinema
        Video Parameter AdjustmentsYNR, CNR, BNR, MNR, Detail, Brightness, Contrast, Hue, Chroma, Black Level
        Triple HD noise Reduction
        Super Resolution
        isf Certified Calibration Control
        CONNECTIVITY Denon AVR-S950H Pioneer SC-87
        Wi-Fi via optional AS-WL300 adapter (sold separately)
        Bluetooth SBC via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately)
        Bluetooth Headphone Transmission
        Works with Amazon Alexa
        Google Assistant
        Chromecast Built-In
        Apple Siri
        Works with SonoS
        HEOS
        DTS Play-Fi
        MHL Input 1 Rear (Version 2.0)
        DLNA 1.5 (DMR)
        AirPlay AirPlay 2 AirPlay
        Apple Product Connection iPod, iPhone and iPad iPod and iPhone via front USB
        Remote App Denon 2016 AVR Remote App for iOS and Android devices and Kindle Fire iControlAV5 (for iOS and Android)
        InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue
        TERMINALS Denon AVR-S950H Pioneer SC-87
        HDMI Inputs8 (1 front)8 (1 front)
        HDMI Outputs2 (simultaneous)3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE)
        8K Inputs
        USB Input1 Front for USB memory1 Front
        USB DC Out Port1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
        Optical Inputs22
        Optical Outputs1
        Coaxial Inputs2
        RCA Line Inputs43
        RCA Line Outputs1
        XLR Line Inputs
        Phono Input
        Multi-Channel Input
        RCA Pre-Outs0.211.2
        XLR Pre-outs
        Composite Video Inputs22
        Composite Video Outputs12
        S-Video Inputs
        S-Video Outputs
        Component Video Inputs22
        Component Video Outputs11
        Ethernet
        Ethernet Switch
        PC In
        Front A/V InputsHDMI, USBHDMI, USB
        Speaker A/B
        Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")6.3 mm (1/4")
        Detachable Power Cord
        adapterport
        ZONES Denon AVR-S950H Pioneer SC-87
        Number of Zones24
        Powered Zones 22, 3 and HDZone
        Zone 2 OutsRCA Pre/Line Out + Subwoofer
        Zone 3 OutsRCA Pre/Line Out
        Zone 4 OutsHDMI
        RS-232C Interface
        +12V Trigger Output2 (Main, Zone2, Zone 3, HDZone)
        Remote (IR) Input/Output0 / 02 / 1
        MISCELLANEOUS Denon AVR-S950H Pioneer SC-87
        On-Screen Display Advanced Graphic User InterfaceGraphical User Interface (GUI) with Album Artwork (HDMI only)
        GUI Languages9
        Web Control
        Multi-Zone On-Screen Display HDZone
        AV Navigator Built-in
        IP Control
        Control4 SDDP
        PreAmp Mode
        Versatile Speaker ConfigurationSurround Back/ Front Height/ Front Wide/ Front Bi-Amp/ Zone 2/ B-Speaker/ Powered HD Zone
        Display 1 line
        FL Dimmer
        Function Rename
        Remote ControllerRC-1228Learning Remote Control (Lumius)
        Pre-programmed / Learnable / LCD Display / /
        Denon Link HD
        Setup Assistant
        Quick Select plus / Quick Select /
        RADIO Denon AVR-S950H Pioneer SC-87
        Analog Tuner FM/AM with RDS FM/AM
        Presets63
        Digital Radio
        Internet Radio TuneIn vTuner
        Pandora
        Spotify
        Tidal
        Deezer
        Napster
        SiriusXM
        CONSTRUCTION Denon AVR-S950H Pioneer SC-87
        Front Panelnot MetalBrushed
        Solid Aluminum Front
        ConstructionAdvanced Direct Construction
        Speaker Terminals711
        Large Speaker Terminals711
        Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
        Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals
        3D Space Frame Construction
        High Grade Audio Components
        Gold plated RCA terminals
        POWER Denon AVR-S950H Pioneer SC-87
        Power SupplyAC 230 V, 50/60 HzAC 120 V, 60 Hz
        Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer
        Transformer Stabilizer
        Power Consumption460 W370 W
        No Sound PowerECO On/Off: 35 W/75 W
        Standby Power0.1 W0.1 W
        ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function
        Auto Power Standby
        Auto Power off
        PHYSICAL Denon AVR-S950H Pioneer SC-87
        Dimensions (W x H x D)434 mm x 167 mm x 341 mm (with antenna: 434 mm x 237 mm x 341 mm)
        17 1/8" x 6 5/8" x 13 1/2" (with antenna: 17 1/8" x 9 3/8" x 13 1/2")        		435 mm x 185 mm x 441 mm
        17-1/8" x 7-5/16" x 17-3/8"
        Weight9.5 kg (20 lbs 15 oz)17.5 kg (38.6 lbs)
        SPECIFICATIONS Denon AVR-S950H Pioneer SC-87
        Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)90 W (0.08% THD)
        Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC)140 W (0.08% THD)
        Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)125 W (0.7% THD)190 W (1.0% THD)
        Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA or IEC)185 W (10% THD)
        Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC)145 W (1% THD)
        Power Output (4 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven)240 W (1.0% THD)
        Multi Channel Simultaneous Drive810 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%)
        THD0.04% (1 kHz, 130 W + 130 W, 8 Ω)
        Phono Distortion0.03% (1 kHz, 3 V)
        Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)200 mV/47 kΩ400 mV/47 kΩ (Line)
        Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM)2.5 mV5 mV/47 kΩ
        Rated Lineout Level and Impedance400 mV/2.2 kΩ (REC OUT)
        S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)100 dB103 dB
        S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A)74 dB
        Phono RIAA Deviation±1 dB (20-20 kHz)
        Frequency Response (Analog In)+1/-3 dB (10 Hz to 100 kHz, Direct mode)
        DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI2.8 MHz
        DSD Sampling Rates via USB5.6 MHz, 2.8 MHz5.6 MHz, 2.8 MHz
        Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance 1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component Y)
        0.7 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component PB/CB, PR/CR)
        1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)        		1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component Y)
        0.7 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component PB/CB, PR/CR)
        1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
        Video Frequency Response5 Hz to 10 MHz, 0 dB/-3 dB (Composite)
        5 Hz to 60 MHz, 0 dB/-3 dB (Component)
        Ethernet Standard100BASE-TX10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
        Wi-Fi StandardIEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n
        Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency5 GHz, 2.4 GHz
        Wi-Fi Terminal5 V, 600 mA
        Bluetooth Version3․0 + EDR
        Bluetooth Frequency2.4 GHz
        HDMI Terminal19-pin (not DVI)
        HDMI Output Type5 V, 55 mA
        HDMI Input/MHL Terminal5 V, 900 mA
        USB TerminalUSB2.0 5V, 1 AUSB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 1 A
        FM Frequency87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz
        FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.)Mono: 2.8 µV (20.2 dBf)
        FM Effective Sensitivity1.2 µV (12.8 dBf)
        FM S/N RatioMono/Stereo: 70 dB/67 dB
        FM Harmonic Distortion (IHF, 1 kHz)Mono/Stereo: 0.7%/1.0%
        AM Frequency522 kHz - 1611 kHz530 kHz - 1700 kHz
        AM Effective Sensitivity18 µV
        Warranty3 Years2 Years Parts & Labor

        * - 480i/576i and 480p/576p only
        ** - 480i/576i only
        *** - no 1080p/24 upconversion
        **** - 1080p signal is not converted

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