Pioneer SC-68 vs Sony STR-DN1080

      Pioneer SC-68

      Sony STR-DN1080
      83
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      80
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      USA
      USA and Canada
      Europe Oceania
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      Highlights

      • 9.2 Channels
      • 9.1 Channel Processing
      • 140 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      • USB DAC
      • THX™Ultra2 Plus Certified
      • 4K/30Hz Passthrough
      • Bluetooth, Ethernet
      • Phono Input

      Highlights

      • 7.2 Channels
      • 7ch + Phantom 2ch Channel Processing
      • 100 W (6 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      • Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
      • HDR10, Dolby Vision
      • 4K/60Hz Passthrough
      • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet

      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 Pioneer SC-68
      4. Advantage of Sony STR-DN1080
      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 Pioneer SC-68 to Sony STR-DN1080 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 Pioneer SC-68 has 9 channel and the Sony STR-DN1080 has 7 channel amplifiers with Pioneer SC-68's being more powerful.


      Pioneer SC-68 Sony STR-DN1080

      Pioneer SC-68 was introduced in 2012 and represented a flagship model of a manufacturer. 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 9.1 maximum channel processing. It , passes 4K/30Hz and upscales up to 1080/24p (Marvell Qdeo) video signal.

      Sony STR-DN1080 was introduced in 2017. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 100 W (6 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7ch + Phantom 2ch maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, passes 4K/60Hz video signal.

      We evaluated Pioneer SC-68 and Sony STR-DN1080 and gave them scores of 83 and 80 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.

      Pioneer SC-68

      Sony STR-DN1080

      Amplifier
      96
      Amplifier
      69
      Audio Features
      78
      Audio Features
      86
      Video Features
      63
      Video Features
      94
      Connectivity
      88
      Connectivity
      80
      Zones
      96
      Zones
      81
      Radio
      85
      Radio
      58
      OVERALL
      83
      OVERALL
      80

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

      2. Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Pioneer SC-68 and Sony STR-DN1080.

      PROS

      Pioneer SC-68

      Sony STR-DN1080

      •   High Power Output - 140 W
      •   Front Wide Channel Support
      •   THX™ Certification
      •   9.1 Channel Processing
      •   DSD via HDMI
      •   USB DAC
      •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion
      •   Bluetooth
      •   8 HDMI Inputs
      •   4 HDMI Outputs
      •   USB Input
      •   Phono Input
      •   Multi-Channel Input
      •   RCA Pre-Outs
      •   Composite Video Inputs
      •   Component Video Inputs
      •   Ethernet
      •   4 Zones
      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Pandora
      •   Dolby Atmos
      •   DTS:X
      •   DSD via HDMI
      •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
      •   HDR10
      •   Dolby Vision
      •   eARC
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   Wi-Fi
      •   Bluetooth
      •   Chromecast Built-In
      •   USB Input
      •   Composite Video Inputs
      •   Ethernet
      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Spotify

      CONS

      Pioneer SC-68

      Sony STR-DN1080

      •   No Dolby Atmos
      •   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
      •   No Digital Radio
      •   No Spotify
      •   No Tidal
      •   No Front Wide Channel Support
      •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      •   No IMAX Enhanced
      •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      •   No 360 Reality Audio
      •   No HDR10+
      •   No 8K Passthrough
      •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
      •   0 8K Input
      •   No Phono Input
      •   No RCA Pre-Outs
      •   No Digital Radio
      •   No Pandora
      •   No Tidal


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

      AVERAGE

      Pioneer SC-68

      Sony STR-DN1080

      •   9.2 Channels
      •   Wi-Fi
      •   RCA Line Inputs
      •   7.2 Channels
      •   Power Output - 100 W
      •   7ch + Phantom 2ch Channel Processing
      •   6 HDMI Inputs
      •   3 HDMI Outputs
      •   RCA Line Inputs
      •   2 Zones
      •   Bluetooth 4․1

      3. Advantage of Pioneer SC-68

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer SC-68 over Sony STR-DN1080.

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      Pioneer SC-68
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      Pioneer SC-68 vs Sony STR-DN1080
      More Channels 9.2 vs 7.2
      Higher Power Output 140 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven) vs 100 W (6 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      Front Wide Channel Support vs
      THX™ Certification Ultra2 Plus vs
      Certified 4 Ω Performance vs
      Bi-amp capability Front / Center / Surround / B-Speaker vs
      More Channel Processing 9.1 vs 7ch + Phantom 2ch
      Air Studios Monitor Certification vs
      Dolby Pro Logic PLIIz vs
      Dolby Digital EX vs
      Surround EX vs
      DTS Neo Neo:X vs
      DSD to PCM Converter vs
      USB DAC (Rear Panel B-Type) vs
      DTS Dialog Control [] vs
      Video Signal Upscaling up to 1080/24p (Marvell Qdeo) vs
      Analog To HDMI Upconversion Component****, Composite vs
      MHL Input Front vs
      More HDMI Inputs 8 (1 front) vs 6
      More HDMI Outputs 3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for Sub/Zone4) vs 2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
      USB DC Out Port 1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A) vs
      More Optical Inputs 2 vs 1
      More Optical Outputs 1 vs
      More Coaxial Inputs/Outputs 2 vs 1
      More RCA Line Inputs 5 vs 4
      More RCA Line Outputs 1 vs
      Phono Input vs
      Multi-Channel Input 7.1 vs
      More RCA Pre-Outs 11.2 vs 0.2
      More Composite Video Inputs 5 (1 front) vs 2
      More Composite Video Outputs 2 vs 1
      More Component Video Inputs 3 vs
      More Component Video Outputs 1 vs
      Front A/V Inputs HDMI, USB, Composite Video vs USB
      Detachable Power Cord vs
      More Zones 4 vs 2
      More Powered Zones 2 and 3 vs 2
      RS-232C Interface vs
      +12V Trigger Output 2 (Main, Zone2, Zone 3, Zone 4) vs 0
      Remote (IR) Input/Output 2 / 1 vs 1 / 1
      Analog Tuner FM/AM vs FM
      More Presets 63 vs 30 (30/-)
      Pandora vs
      SiriusXM vs
      More Speaker Terminals 11 vs 9
      More Large Speaker Terminals 11 vs 9
      Gold plated RCA terminals vs
      Bigger Power Supply 370 W vs 240 W
      Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC) 190 W (1.0% THD) vs 120 W (0.9% THD)

      4. Advantage of Sony STR-DN1080

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony STR-DN1080 over Pioneer SC-68.

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      Sony STR-DN1080
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      Pioneer SC-68 vs Sony STR-DN1080
      Dolby Atmos vs up to 5.1.2 plus 2 phantom rear surround channels
      Dolby Surround Upmixer vs
      DTS:X vs up to 5.1.2 plus 2 phantom rear surround channels
      DTS Neural:X vs
      Network Audio Formats LPCM, WAV 192kHz, MP3, ACC, WMA, FLAC 192kHz vs WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD, MP3, WMA, LPCM, Dolby Digital, Apple Lossless, OGG, APE
      Music Playback via USB WAV, MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC, DSD vs WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD, MP3, WMA, LPCM, Dolby Digital, Apple Lossless, OGG, APE
      High Resolution Audio Formats via USB WAV/FLAC/DSD vs WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
      HDR10 vs
      BT.2020 color space vs
      Dolby Vision vs
      HLG vs
      Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) vs
      Video Signal Passthrough up to 4K/30p vs up to 4K/60p (YCbCr4:4:4)
      Wi-Fi via optional AS-WL300 adapter (sold separately) vs
      Bluetooth via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately) vs SBC, AAC, LDAC
      Chromecast Built-In vs
      Zone 2 Outs Component Video, Composite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out + Subwoofer vs HDMI, RCA Pre/Line Out
      Spotify vs
      Higher S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) 103 dB vs 105 dB (500 mV)
      Higher DSD Sampling Rate via USB 2.8 MHz vs 2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz

      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 Pioneer SC-68 Sony STR-DN1080
        DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-ch Input 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
        Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. Advanced MCACC D.C.A.C. EX
        New HDCP Version2.22.2
        Bluetooth via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately) SBC, AAC, LDAC
        USB Input1 Front1 (Front)
        Composite Video Inputs5 (1 front)2
        Ethernet
        Analog Tuner FM/AM FM
      WEAKNESSES Pioneer SC-68 Sony STR-DN1080
        No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        No IMAX Enhanced
        No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
        No HDR10+
        No 8K Passthroughup to 4K/30pup to 4K/60p (YCbCr4:4:4)
        Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
        Few 8K Inputs
        No Digital Radio
        No Tidal

      6. Amplifier

      Pioneer SC-68 Sony STR-DN1080

      9 channel Class D3 Amplifier: Pioneer SC-68 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.

      7 channel Amplifier: Sony STR-DN1080 features 7 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 100 W (6 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven).

        THX™ Ultra2 Plus certification

        Pioneer SC-68 is THX™ Ultra2 Plus certified. This means that it brings the cinematic experience to large home theaters, 3,000 cubic feet (85 cubic meters) in size, with a viewing distance of 12 feet (4 meters) or greater from the screen.



        AMPLIFIER Pioneer SC-68 Sony STR-DN1080
        Channels9.27.2
        Power Output140 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)100 W (6 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
        Front Wide Channel Support
        THX™ Certification Ultra2 Plus
        Continuous 6 Ω Rated
        Certified 4 Ω Performance
        Bi-amp CapabilityFront / Center / Surround / B-Speaker

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        Pioneer SC-68
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        7. Speaker Configurations

        Pioneer SC-68's and Sony STR-DN1080's amplifiers can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

        • Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
        • Pioneer SC-68: Not supported.
        • Sony STR-DN1080: 5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
        • DTS:X Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for DTS:X:
        • Pioneer SC-68: Not supported.
        • Sony STR-DN1080: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos - 5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
        • Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
        • Pioneer SC-68: 5.2, 7.2, 9.2 with internal amplifier.
        • Sony STR-DN1080: 5.2, 7.2 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:
        • Pioneer SC-68: 9.2.
        • Sony STR-DN1080: Does not support.
        • Bi-Amp: Pioneer SC-68 is able to bi-amp up to 4 and Sony STR-DN1080 is able to bi-amp up to 2 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

        Sony STR-DN1080 supports Dolby Atmos.

        • Dolby Surround Upmixer: Sony STR-DN1080 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.

        DTS:X

        Sony STR-DN1080 supports DTS:X.

        • DTS Neural:X: Sony STR-DN1080 features 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 Dialog Control: Sony STR-DN1080 has 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 Pioneer SC-68 Sony STR-DN1080
        Dolby Atmos up to 5.1.2 plus 2 phantom rear surround channels
        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 plus 2 phantom rear surround channels
        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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        Sony STR-DN1080
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        9. HDMI

        Pioneer SC-68 comes with 8 HDMI inputs. It has 3 outputs - 2 for MAIN and 1 for Sub/Zone4.

        Sony STR-DN1080 comes with 6 HDMI inputs. It has 2 outputs - 1 Main and 1 Sub/Zone2.

        • 4K/30Hz Passthrough on Pioneer SC-68: All inputs pass up to 4K/30p video signal.
          4K/60Hz Passthrough on Sony STR-DN1080: All inputs pass up to 4K/60p (YCbCr4:4:4) video signal.
        • 1080p Upscaling on Pioneer SC-68: It can upscale up to 1080/24p (Marvell Qdeo) from HDMI and analog sources.
        • Analog To HDMI Upconversion: Pioneer SC-68 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 Sony STR-DN1080 only).
        • HDCP 2.2 Copy Protection: Both receivers are HDCP 2.2 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)

        Pioneer SC-68 does not support HDR.

        Sony STR-DN1080 supports HDR10, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma. 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)

        Sony STR-DN1080 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.



        VIDEO FEATURES Pioneer SC-68 Sony STR-DN1080
        HDR10
        HDR10+
        Dynamic HDR
        BT.2020 color space
        Dolby Vision
        HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
        HDBaseT Compatible
        Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
        HDCP Version2.22.2
        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/30pup to 4K/60p (YCbCr4:4:4)
        Video Signal Upscaling up to 1080/24p (Marvell Qdeo)

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        Pioneer SC-68
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        10. Inputs and Outputs

        Audio

        • Phono Input: There is an MM phono input on Pioneer SC-68 with built-in phono stage for connecting the moving magnet cartridge output of the turntable directly to the receiver.
        • 7.1 Multichannel Input: In case you have a high quality Blu-Ray or a DVD player with multichannel analog outputs you may connect it to a 7.1 multichannel analog inputs of Pioneer SC-68 and use high quality DACs of the player instead of the ones in the receiver.
        • Analog Pre-Outs: Pioneer SC-68 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. Also, Sony STR-DN1080 has 8 channel processing but has only 9 channel amplifier, so it needs external amplifier connected to the analog pre-outs in order to reach its maximum speaker configuration.
        • Analog Line Inputs and Outputs: There are 5 pair of line inputs on Pioneer SC-68 and 4 pair of line inputs on Sony STR-DN1080 for connecting sources with analog outputs. There is also 1 pair of line outputs on Pioneer SC-68.
        • Digital Inputs and Outputs: 2 optical inputs, 1 optical output and 2 coaxial inputs are available on Pioneer SC-68 and 1 optical input and 1 coaxial input are available on Sony STR-DN1080 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:
        • Pioneer SC-68
          Inputs:           8 (1 front)   Outputs: 3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for Sub/Zone4)
          8K Inputs: 0.
        • Sony STR-DN1080
          Inputs:           6   Outputs: 2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
          8K Inputs: 0.
        • Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
        • Pioneer SC-68
          Inputs:           5   Outputs: 2.
        • Sony STR-DN1080
          Inputs:           2   Outputs: 1.
        • 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.
        • Pioneer SC-68 supports up to 1080p (1125p) resolution on Component video connectors. resolution on Component video connectors.
        • Pioneer SC-68
          Inputs:           3   Outputs: 1.
        • Sony STR-DN1080
          Inputs:           0   Outputs: 0.

        Front A/V Inputs

        • Pioneer SC-68: HDMI, USB, Composite Video
        • Sony STR-DN1080: USB

        Pioneer SC-68

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        Sony STR-DN1080

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        TERMINALS Pioneer SC-68 Sony STR-DN1080
        HDMI Inputs8 (1 front)6
        HDMI Outputs3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for Sub/Zone4)2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
        8K Inputs
        USB Input1 Front1 (Front)
        USB DC Out Port1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
        Optical Inputs21
        Optical Outputs1
        Coaxial Inputs21
        RCA Line Inputs54
        RCA Line Outputs1
        XLR Line Inputs
        Phono Input
        Multi-Channel Input 7.1
        RCA Pre-Outs11.20.2
        XLR Pre-outs
        Composite Video Inputs5 (1 front)2
        Composite Video Outputs21
        S-Video Inputs
        S-Video Outputs
        Component Video Inputs3
        Component Video Outputs1

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        Sony STR-DN1080
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        11. Evaluations

        We evaluated Pioneer SC-68 and Sony STR-DN1080 and gave them scores of 83 and 80 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.


        Pioneer SC-68

        Sony STR-DN1080

        OVERALL
        83
        OVERALL
        80

        Amplifier

        EXCELLENT
        96
        •   9.2 Channels
        •   High Power Output - 140 W
        •   THX™ Certification
        AVERAGE
        69
        •   7.2 Channels
        •   Power Output - 100 W

        Audio Features

        GOOD
        78
        •   9.2 Channels
        •   Front Wide Channel Support
        •   9.1 Channel Processing
        •   No Dolby Atmos
        •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        •   No DTS:X
        •   No IMAX Enhanced
        •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
        •   DSD via HDMI
        •   USB DAC
        EXCELLENT
        86
        •   7.2 Channels
        •   No Front Wide Channel Support
        •   7ch + Phantom 2ch Channel Processing
        •   Dolby Atmos
        •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        •   DTS:X
        •   No IMAX Enhanced
        •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
        •   No 360 Reality Audio
        •   DSD via HDMI

        Video Features

        AVERAGE
        63
        •   No HDR10
        •   No HDR10+
        •   No Dolby Vision
        •   No 8K Passthrough
        •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion
        EXCELLENT
        94
        •   HDR10
        •   No HDR10+
        •   Dolby Vision
        •   No 8K Passthrough

        Connectivity

        EXCELLENT
        88
        •   No eARC
        •   New HDCP Version
        •   Wi-Fi
        •   Bluetooth
        •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
        •   8 HDMI Inputs
        •   4 HDMI Outputs
        •   0 8K Input
        •   USB Input
        •   RCA Line Inputs
        •   Phono Input
        •   Multi-Channel Input
        •   RCA Pre-Outs
        •   Composite Video Inputs
        •   Component Video Inputs
        •   Ethernet
        GOOD
        80
        •   eARC
        •   New HDCP Version
        •   Wi-Fi
        •   Bluetooth
        •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
        •   Chromecast Built-In
        •   6 HDMI Inputs
        •   3 HDMI Outputs
        •   0 8K Input
        •   USB Input
        •   RCA Line Inputs
        •   No Phono Input
        •   No RCA Pre-Outs
        •   Composite Video Inputs
        •   Ethernet
        •   Bluetooth 4․1

        Zones

        EXCELLENT
        96
        •   4 Zones
        GOOD
        81
        •   2 Zones

        Radio

        EXCELLENT
        85
        •   Analog Tuner
        •   Pandora
        •   No Spotify
        •   No Tidal
        AVERAGE
        58
        •   Analog Tuner
        •   No Pandora
        •   Spotify
        •   No Tidal

        12. Specifications

        GENERAL Pioneer SC-68 Sony STR-DN1080
        BrandPioneerSony
        SeriesElite
        ModelSC-68STR-DN1080
        TypeA/V ReceiverA/V Receiver
        CountryUSAUSA and Canada
        Release Year20122017
        PredecessorSony STR-DN1070
        SuccessorPioneer SC-79 Sony STR-AN1000
        AMPLIFIER Pioneer SC-68 Sony STR-DN1080
        Channels9.27.2
        Power Output140 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)100 W (6 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
        Front Wide Channel Support
        Amplifier DesignClass D3
        THX™ Certification Ultra2 Plus
        Continuous 6 Ω Rated
        Certified 4 Ω Performance
        Bi-amp CapabilityFront / Center / Surround / B-Speaker
        AUDIO FEATURES Pioneer SC-68 Sony STR-DN1080
        Digital Signal Processing (DSP) EngineTI Aureus x 2
        DAC Specs192 kHz/32 Bit
        Maximum Channel Processing9.17ch + Phantom 2ch
        Air Studios Monitor Certification
        Dolby Atmos up to 5.1.2 plus 2 phantom rear surround channels
        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 plus 2 phantom rear surround channels
        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
        360 Reality Audio
        PCM 2-ch/Multi-ch Input 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
        Network Audio FormatsLPCM, WAV 192kHz, MP3, ACC, WMA, FLAC 192kHzWAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD, MP3, WMA, LPCM, Dolby Digital, Apple Lossless, OGG, APE
        Music Playback via USBWAV, MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC, DSDWAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD, MP3, WMA, LPCM, Dolby Digital, Apple Lossless, OGG, APE
        High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz/24 bit up to 192 kHz
        High Resolution Audio Formats via USBWAV/FLAC/DSDWAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
        Gapless Playback
        DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-ch Input 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
        DSD via USB 2-ch Input 2-ch Input
        DSD to PCM Converter
        USB DAC (Rear Panel B-Type)
        Jitter Reduction plus PQLS (HDMI Bitstream/ Multi)
        Auto Level ControlMulti-Channel
        DTS Dialogue Control
        Dialog Enhancement
        Dialogue Lift via Dialog Enhancement Center Speaker Lift Up
        Digital Legato Linear
        In-Ceiling Speaker Mode
        OP Processing
        Sound Optimizer
        Sound Retriever Advanced (Multi-Channel / Auto with ARC)
        Sound Retriever AIR
        Digital noise Reduction
        Tone Control All Channels All Channels
        Compressed Music Enhancer Advanced Sound Retriever
        High-resolution Music Enhancer Hi-bit32 (96 kHz) Audio Processing DSEE HX
        Digital Filter Slow Mode 192 kHz
        Audyssey Dynamic EQ
        Audyssey Dynamic Volume
        Audyssey LFC
        Audyssey Sub EQ HT
        Audyssey DSX
        Direct Mode
        Pure Direct Mode
        Auto Surround
        Optimum Surround
        Advanced Surround15 + Headphone Surround
        Wide Surround
        Front Stage Surround Advance (Focus/Wide)
        Headphone Surround
        Virtual SpeakersSurround Back / Height / Depth / Wide
        Virtual Depth
        Independent Subwoofer Outputs
        CALIBRATION Pioneer SC-68 Sony STR-DN1080
        Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. Advanced MCACC D.C.A.C. EX
        Calibration MicrophoneStereo
        Speaker Relocation
        Automatic Phase Matching
        Manual MCACC
        MCACC Memory6
        Auto Phase Control Plus
        Full Band Phase Control
        Standing Wave Control
        EQ Bands9
        Symmetric EQ
        X-Curve
        Distance Adjustment1/2 Inch
        Precision Distance
        Polarity Check
        Auto Subwoofer Crossover
        VIDEO FEATURES Pioneer SC-68 Sony STR-DN1080
        HDR10
        HDR10+
        Dynamic HDR
        BT.2020 color space
        Dolby Vision
        HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
        HDBaseT Compatible
        Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
        HDCP Version2.22.2
        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/30pup to 4K/60p (YCbCr4:4:4)
        Video Signal Upscaling up to 1080/24p (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 AdjustmentsAdvanced Video Adjust - HD Sources Progressive Motion - YNR, CNR, BNR, MNR, Detail, Brightness, Contrast, Hue, Chroma, Black level
        Triple HD noise Reduction
        Super Resolution
        isf Certified Calibration Control
        CONNECTIVITY Pioneer SC-68 Sony STR-DN1080
        Wi-Fi via optional AS-WL300 adapter (sold separately)
        Bluetooth via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately) SBC, AAC, LDAC
        Works with Amazon Alexa
        Chromecast Built-In
        Works with SonoS
        DTS Play-Fi
        MHL Input Front
        DLNA 1.5
        Music Connect
        Remote Monitoring with ihiji
        AirPlay AirPlay AirPlay
        Apple Product ConnectioniPod/iPhone/iPad iPod, iPhone and iPad
        Remote AppiControlAV2012(iPad, iPhone, Android)
        InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue
        TERMINALS Pioneer SC-68 Sony STR-DN1080
        HDMI Inputs8 (1 front)6
        HDMI Outputs3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for Sub/Zone4)2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
        8K Inputs
        USB Input1 Front1 (Front)
        USB DC Out Port1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
        Optical Inputs21
        Optical Outputs1
        Coaxial Inputs21
        RCA Line Inputs54
        RCA Line Outputs1
        XLR Line Inputs
        Phono Input
        Multi-Channel Input 7.1
        RCA Pre-Outs11.20.2
        XLR Pre-outs
        Composite Video Inputs5 (1 front)2
        Composite Video Outputs21
        S-Video Inputs
        S-Video Outputs
        Component Video Inputs3
        Component Video Outputs1
        Ethernet
        Ethernet Switch
        PC In
        Front A/V InputsHDMI, USB, Composite VideoUSB
        Speaker A/B
        Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")6.3 mm (1/4")
        Detachable Power Cord
        adapterport
        ZONES Pioneer SC-68 Sony STR-DN1080
        Number of Zones42
        Powered Zones 2 and 3 2
        Zone 2 OutsComponent Video, Composite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out + SubwooferHDMI, RCA Pre/Line Out
        Zone 3 OutsComposite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out + Sub
        Zone 4 OutsHDMI
        RS-232C Interface
        +12V Trigger Output2 (Main, Zone2, Zone 3, Zone 4)0
        Remote (IR) Input/Output2 / 11 / 1
        MISCELLANEOUS Pioneer SC-68 Sony STR-DN1080
        On-Screen DisplayGUI with Album Art Graphical User Interface
        GUI Languages3
        Multi-Zone On-Screen Display (Z2 & Z3)
        HDMI Speaker B Link
        AV Navigator
        PC Set-UpWith Remote Maintenance
        IP Control
        PreAmp Mode (Front Off, Front & Center Off)
        Versatile Speaker Configuration10 Mode (Bi-Amp / Zone 2 / B-Speaker / Surround Back / Front Height / Dront Width
        FL Dimmer
        Function Rename
        Remote ControllerLearning
        RADIO Pioneer SC-68 Sony STR-DN1080
        Analog Tuner FM/AM FM
        Presets6330 (30/-)
        Digital Radio
        Internet Radio vTuner
        Pandora
        Spotify
        Tidal
        Deezer
        Napster
        SiriusXM
        CONSTRUCTION Pioneer SC-68 Sony STR-DN1080
        ChassisInsulated Dual Chassis
        Front PanelAluminum (Hairline)
        Solid Aluminum Front
        ConstructionAdvanced Direct Construction
        Speaker Terminals119
        Large Speaker Terminals119
        Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
        3D Space Frame Construction
        Gold plated RCA terminals
        POWER Pioneer SC-68 Sony STR-DN1080
        Power SupplyAC 120 V, 60 HzAC 120 V, 60 Hz
        Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer
        Transformer Stabilizer
        Power Consumption370 W240 W
        Standby Power0.1 W0.4 W
        ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function
        Auto Power Standby
        PHYSICAL Pioneer SC-68 Sony STR-DN1080
        Dimensions (W x H x D)435 mm x 185 mm x 441 mm
        17-1/8" x 7-1/4" x 17-3/8"        		430 mm x 156 mm x 331 mm
        17" x 6-1/4" x 13-1/8"
        Weight17.8 kg (39.2 lbs)9.1 kg (20 lbs. 1 oz.)
        SPECIFICATIONS Pioneer SC-68 Sony STR-DN1080
        Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC)140 W (0.08% THD)
        Power Output (6 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)100 W (0.09% THD)
        Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)190 W (1.0% THD)120 W (0.9% THD)
        Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, FTC)165 W (0.9% THD)
        Power Output (4 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven)250 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)
        Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)400 mV/47 kΩ (Line)500 mV/50 kΩ
        Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM)5 mV/47 kΩ
        Rated Preout Level and Impedance2 V/1 kΩ (Zone2 and Subwoofer)
        Rated Lineout Level and Impedance400 mV/2.2 kΩ (REC OUT)
        S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)103 dB105 dB (500 mV)
        S/N Ratio (digital)100 dB (20 kHz LPF)
        Frequency Response (Analog In)10 Hz - 100 kHz/+0.5 dB, -2 dB
        DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI2.8 MHz2.8 MHz
        DSD Sampling Rates via USB2.8 MHz2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz
        USB DAC TerminalUSB2.0 (Type B)
        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 (Composite)
        Ethernet Standard10BASE-T/100BASE-TX100BASE-TX
        Wi-Fi StandardIEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n
        Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency5 GHz, 2.4 GHz
        Bluetooth Version4․1
        Bluetooth Frequency2.4 GHz
        HDMI Terminal19-pin (not DVI)
        HDMI Output Type5 V, 55 mA
        HDMI Input/MHL Terminal5 V, 1 A
        USB TerminalUSB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 2.1 AType A, Ver. 2.0, 5 V, 1 A
        FM Frequency87.5 MHz - 108 MHz87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz
        AM Frequency530 kHz - 1700 kHz
        Warranty2 Years2 Years

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

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