Here we are comparing Pioneer Elite SC-72 to Pioneer Elite SC-63 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. Both receivers have 7 channel amplifiers with Pioneer Elite SC-72's being more powerful.

Let us have a look at some highlights of the models.

We have evaluated both receivers. Pioneer Elite SC-72 gets higher overall score in our ranking system which is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

Amplifier score is based on power ratings, minimum impedance load, power supply, transformer type, total harmonic distortion, damping factor, signal to noise ratio and other small details. Audio score depends on the number of channels, front wide channel support, maximum channel processing, support of audio formats, DAC specifications, room calibration algorithm... Video score is based on HDR, Dolby Vision and 4K passthrough, upscaling, analog to HDMI upconversion. Connectivity score is defined from all wired and wireless inputs and outputs, internet and bluetooth connections, HEOS, SONOS and others. Multizone score depends on the number of zones with their outputs. Radio score is evaluated form digital radio support and analog tuner with its frequency range, signal to noise ratio, harmonic distortion...

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer Elite SC-72 over Pioneer Elite SC-63.

Pioneer Elite SC-72 has more power per channel and more zones. It supports gapless playback and Spotify.

	Pioneer Elite SC-72	Pioneer Elite SC-63
DTS Neo	✔ Neo:X	✔ Neo:6
Music Playback via USB	MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, 192kHz / 24-Bit WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD	WAV, MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC,
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB	Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD	WAV/FLAC
Gapless Playback	✔	✖
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 4K/30p	up to 1080p
Video Signal Upscaling	✔ up to 4K/30p	✔ up to 1080/24p (Marvell Qdeo)
MHL Input	1 (Front)	✖
More HDMI Inputs	8 (1 front)	7 (1 front)
More HDMI Outputs	2 (1 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE)	1
More Zones	4	3
HDMI Speaker B Link	✔	✖
Spotify	✔	✖
Higher Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC)	130 W (0.08% THD)	125 W (0.08% THD)
Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	170 W (1.0% THD)	165 W (1.0% THD)
Higher Power Output (4 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven)	210 W (1.0% THD)	200 W (1.0% THD)
Higher Multi Channel Simultaneous Drive (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%)	660 W	630 W
Higher Rated Lineout Level	380 mV/2.2 kΩ (REC OUT)	375 mV/2.2 kΩ (REC OUT)

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer Elite SC-63 over Pioneer Elite SC-72.

Only Pioneer Elite SC-63 supports SiriusXM.

	Pioneer Elite SC-72	Pioneer Elite SC-63
Optimum Surround	✖	✔
Multi-Zone On-Screen Display	✖	✔ (Zone 2)
SiriusXM Internet Radio	✖	✔
Extension Terminal	✖	✔ 5 V, 150 mA

Pioneer Elite SC-72 and Pioneer Elite SC-63 share common strengths such as front wide channel support, DLNA 1.5 support, ethernet connection, wi-fi, bluetooth, analog pre-outs, internet radio and Pandora.

STRENGTHS	Pioneer Elite SC-72	Pioneer Elite SC-63
Front Wide Channel Support	✔	✔
DSD via HDMI	✔ 2-ch/Multi-ch Input	✔ 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
DTS Dialog Control	N/A	N/A
DLNA 1.5	✔	✔
Ethernet	✔	✔
Wi-Fi	✔ via optional AS-WL300 adapter (sold separately)	✔ via optional AS-WL300 adapter (sold separately)
Bluetooth	✔ via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately)	✔ via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately)
New HDCP Version	2.2	2.2
Many HDMI Inputs	8 (1 front)	7 (1 front)
USB Input	1 Front	1 Front
Composite Video Inputs	5 (1 front)	5 (1 front)
Component Video Inputs	2	2
Analog Pre-Outs	9.2	9.2
Zones	4	3
Analog Tuner	✔ FM/AM	✔ FM/AM
Internet Radio	✔ vTuner	✔ vTuner
Pandora	✔	✔

Pioneer Elite SC-72 and Pioneer Elite SC-63 share common weaknesses such as no Dolby Atmos support, no DTS:X support, no Auro3D support, no HDR10, no Dolby Vision, no ChromeCast, no DTS Play-Fi, no Amazon Alexa, no SONOS, no phono input, no analog multi-channel input, no Tidal, no Deezer and no Napster.

WEAKNESSES	Pioneer Elite SC-72	Pioneer Elite SC-63
No Dolby Atmos	✖	✖
No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization	✖	✖
No DTS:X	✖	✖
No DTS Neural:X	✖	✖
No DTS Virtual:X	✖	✖
No IMAX Enhanced	✖	✖
No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer	✖	✖
No Audyssey Dynamic EQ	✖	✖
No Audyssey Dynamic Volume	✖	✖
No Audyssey LFC	✖	✖
No Audyssey Sub EQ HT	✖	✖
No HDR10	✖	✖
No HDR10+	✖	✖
No Dynamic HDR	✖	✖
No Dolby Vision	✖	✖
No Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through	✖	✖
No VRR	✖	✖
No QFT	✖	✖
No FireConnect	✖	✖
No FlareConnect	✖	✖
No Chromecast Built-In	✖	✖
No DTS Play-Fi	✖	✖
Does not Work with Amazon Alexa	✖	✖
Does Not Work with SONOS	✖	✖
No eARC	✖	✖
No Phono Input	✖	✖
No Multi-Channel Input	✖	✖
No Tidal	✖	✖
No Deezer	✖	✖
No Napster	✖	✖

Amplifier

Pioneer Elite SC-72 and Pioneer Elite SC-63 have 7 channel amplifiers. Pioneer Elite SC-72 delivers 130 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven) and Pioneer Elite SC-63 delivers 125 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven) and they both have stable performance at 4 Ω load.

Video Features

Pioneer Elite SC-72 supports 4K passthrough up to 30p and Pioneer Elite SC-63 supports 1080p passthrough. Pioneer Elite SC-72 can do 4K upscaling up to 30p and Pioneer Elite SC-63 can do 1080p upscaling.

Class D³ Amplifier

Pioneer Elite SC-72 and Pioneer Elite SC-63 amplifiers have Class D³ design. Such amplifiers contain advanced integrated circuitry technology creating unmatched power without sacrificing sound quality or performance. Class D³ amplifiers use a Direct Signal Path Design to provide the shortest audio signal path possible. By eliminating EMI filters, feedback loops, and current limiters of previous designs, Class D³ reduces ringing distortion and noise, especially in the high frequency audio band.

The power consumption of the Digital Class D³ Amplifier is significantly lower than traditional A/B amplifiers - letting you save energy and generate less heat without compromising performance. The Digital Class D³ Amplifier uses a simple structure employing a straight signal path, resulting in improved sound quality requiring less energy than competitive models yet producing more simultaneous power output. This direct signal path means no EMI filters, feedback loops or current limiting - a true engineering art. Unlike traditional designs, these amps deliver the strength to handle multiple low-impedance speakers without dramatic power loss. The efficiency of Class D³ means cooler operation while drawing just a fraction of the power consumed by conventional amplifiers, enhancing and extending component life and reliability.

Advanced Sound Retriever

Compressed music enhancement in Pioneer Elite SC-72 and Pioneer Elite SC-63 is done by Pioneer’s Advanced Sound Retriever. Hear the detail, warmth and clarity, the way the artist intended it, from all of your highly compressed MP3 and WMA files stored on USB, Smartphone and portable media players. By restoring data that tend to get lost in the digital compression process, Pioneers Advanced Sound Retriever Technology enhances audio reproduction all the way upto 20 Khz frequencies.

Connectivity

Pioneer Elite SC-72

Pioneer Elite SC-72 can be connected to internet using ethernet cable or wirelessly via optional AS-WL300 adapter (sold separately). It can also connect to bluetooth devices via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately). The Receiver supports AirPlay. It has 8 HDMI inputs with HDCP 2.2 copy protection. There are 9.2 channel analog pre-outs for external amplification.

Front panel has HDMI, USB and Composite Video inputs.

Pioneer Elite SC-63

Pioneer Elite SC-63 can be connected to internet using ethernet cable or wirelessly via optional AS-WL300 adapter (sold separately). It can also connect to bluetooth devices via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately). The Receiver supports AirPlay. It has 7 HDMI inputs with HDCP 2.2 copy protection. There are 9.2 channel analog pre-outs for external amplification.

Front panel has HDMI, USB and Composite Video inputs.

And in the end let us list the detailed specifications of the receivers side-by-side.

Note: The following table shows only those details which are applicable for both models and excludes the ones that are applicable for only one model. If you want to see a full list of specs for each model please visit their individual pages here - Pioneer Elite SC-72 and here - Pioneer Elite SC-63.

BASICS	Pioneer Elite SC-72	Pioneer Elite SC-63
Brand	Pioneer	Pioneer
Series	Elite	Elite
Model	SC-72	SC-63
Type	A/V Receiver	A/V Receiver
Country	USA	USA
Release Year	2013	2012

AMPLIFIER	Pioneer Elite SC-72	Pioneer Elite SC-63
Channels	7.2	7.2
Front Wide Channel Support	✔	✔
Amplifier Design	Class D3 (Direct Energy HD)	Class D3
THX™ Certification	✖	✖
Continuous 6 Ω Rated	✔	✔
Certified 4 Ω Performance	✔	✔
Bi-amp Capability	✔ Front	Front Channel

AUDIO	Pioneer Elite SC-72	Pioneer Elite SC-63
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engine	Texas Instruments Aureus	TI Aureus
Maximum Channel Processing	7.1	7.1
Air Studios Monitor Certification	✖	✖
Dolby Atmos	✖	✖
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization	✖	✖
Dolby TrueHD	✔	✔
Dolby Digital Plus	✔	✔
Dolby Surround Upmixer	✖	✖
Dolby Pro Logic	✔ PLIIz	✔ PLIIz
Dolby Digital EX	✔	✔
Surround EX	✔	✔
DTS:X	✖	✖
DTS Neural:X	✖	✖
DTS Virtual:X	✖	✖
DTS Neo	✔ Neo:X	✔ Neo:6
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
Music Playback via USB	MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, 192kHz / 24-Bit WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD	WAV, MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC,
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network	✔ 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz/24 bit	✔ 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz/24 bit
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB	Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD	WAV/FLAC
Multi-Channel Music File Playback via USB	✖	✖
Gapless Playback	✔	✖
DSD via HDMI	✔ 2-ch/Multi-ch Input	✔ 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
DSD to PCM Converter	✔	✔
USB DAC	✖	✖
Jitter Reduction	✔ plus PQLS (HDMI Bitstream/ Multi)	✔ plus PQLS (HDMI Bitstream/ Multi)
Auto Level Control	Multi-Channel	Multi-Channel
Dialog Enhancement	✔	✔
Dialogue Lift	✔ via Dialog Enhancement	✔ via Dialog Enhancement
Sound Retriever	✔ Advanced (Multi-Channel / Auto with ARC)	✔ Advanced (Multi-Channel / Auto with ARC)
Sound Retriever AIR	✔	✔
Digital Noise Reduction	✔	✔
Tone Control	✔ Front L/R Channels	✔ Front L/R Channels
Compressed Music Enhancer	✔ Advanced Sound Retriever	✔ Advanced Sound Retriever
High-resolution Music Enhancer	✔ Hi-bit24 Audio Processing	✔ Hi-bit24 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 Surround	15 + Headphone Surround	15 + Headphone Surround
Wide Surround	✔	✔
Front Stage Surround Advance	✔ (Focus/Wide)	✔ (Focus/Wide)
Headphone Surround	✔	✔
Virtual Speakers	✔	Surround Back / Height / Depth / Wide
Virtual Depth	✔	✔
Independent Dual Subwoofer Output	✖	✖

CALIBRATION	Pioneer Elite SC-72	Pioneer Elite SC-63
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	✔ MCACC Advanced	✔ MCACC Advanced
Manual MCACC	✔	✔
MCACC Memory	6	6
Full Band Phase Control	✖	✖
Standing Wave Control	✔	✔
EQ Bands	9	9
Symmetric EQ	✔	✔
X-Curve	✔	✔
Distance Adjustment	1/2 Inch	1/2 Inch
Precision Distance	✖	✖
Polarity Check	✔	✔
Auto Subwoofer Crossover	✔	✔

VIDEO	Pioneer Elite SC-72	Pioneer Elite SC-63
HDR10	✖	✖
HDR10+	✖	✖
Dynamic HDR	✖	✖
BT.2020 color space	✖	✖
Dolby Vision	✖	✖
Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG)	✖	✖
Quick Media Switching (QMS)	✖	✖
Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)	✖	✖
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)	✖	✖
Quick Frame Transport (QFT)	✖	✖
3-D Ready	✔	✔
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 4K/30p	up to 1080p
Video Signal Upscaling	✔ up to 4K/30p	✔ up to 1080/24p (Marvell Qdeo)
Analog To HDMI Upconversion	✔ Component****, Composite	✔ Component****, Composite
Component Video Upscaling	✖	✖
Analog to Analog Video conversion	✖	✖
Component Video Maximum Resolution	1080p (1125p)	1080p (1125p)
Stream Smoother	✔	✔
Pure Cinema	✔	✔
Video Parameter Adjustments	YNR, CNR, BNR, MNR, Detail, Brightness, Contrast, Hue, Chroma, Black Level	Advanced 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 Elite SC-72	Pioneer Elite SC-63
MHL Input	1 (Front)	✖
DLNA 1.5	✔	✔
FireConnect	✖	✖
FlareConnect	✖	✖
Chromecast Built-In	✖	✖
DTS Play-Fi	✖	✖
Works with Amazon Alexa	✖	✖
Works with SONOS	✖	✖
AirPlay	✔ AirPlay	✔ AirPlay
Apple Product Connection	✔ iPod, iPhone and iPad via front USB	iPod/iPhone/iPad
Remote App	✔ iControlAV2013 (for iOS and Android)	iControlAV2012(iPad, iPhone, Android)
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue	✖	✖
Ethernet	✔	✔
Ethernet Switch	✖	✖
Wi-Fi	✔ via optional AS-WL300 adapter (sold separately)	✔ via optional AS-WL300 adapter (sold separately)
Bluetooth	✔ via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately)	✔ via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately)
HDBaseT Compatible	✖	✖
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)	✖	✖
HDCP Version	2.2	2.2
HDMI Inputs	8 (1 front)	7 (1 front)
HDMI Outputs	2 (1 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE)	1
USB Input	1 Front	1 Front
USB DC Out Port	1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)	1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
Analog Audio Line Inputs	5	5
Analog Audio Line Outputs	1	1
Phono Input	✖	✖
Optical Inputs	2	2
Optical Outputs	✖	✖
Coaxial Inputs/Outputs	2 / No	2 / No
Composite Video Inputs	5 (1 front)	5 (1 front)
Composite Video Outputs	2	2
S-Video Inputs	✖	✖
S-Video Outputs	✖	✖
Component Video Inputs	2	2
Component Video Outputs	1	1
PC In	✖	✖
Multi-Channel Input	✖	✖
Analog Pre-Outs	9.2	9.2
XLR Inputs	✖	✖
XLR Pre-outs	✖	✖
Front A/V Inputs	HDMI, USB, Composite Video	HDMI, USB, Composite Video
Speaker A/B	✔	✔
Headphone Out	✔ 6.3 mm	✔ 6.3 mm

ZONES	Pioneer Elite SC-72	Pioneer Elite SC-63
Zones	4	3
Powered Zones	✔ 2 and 3	✔ 2 and 3
Zone 2 Outs	Composite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out + Subwoofer	Composite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out + Sub
Zone 3 Outs	RCA Pre/Line Out	RCA Pre/Line Out
RS-232 Interface	✔	✔
+12V Trigger Output	2 (Main, Zone2, Zone 3, HDZone)	2 (Main, Zone2, Zone 3)
Remote (IR) Input/Output	2 / 1	2 / 1

MISC	Pioneer Elite SC-72	Pioneer Elite SC-63
On-Screen Display	Graphical User Interface (GUI) with Album Artwork (HDMI only)	GUI with Album Art
Multi-Zone On-Screen Display	✖	✔ (Zone 2)
HDMI Speaker B Link	✔	✖
AVNavigator	✔ Built-in	✔
PC Set-Up	With Remote Maintenance	With Remote Maintenance
IP Control	✔	✔
PreAmp Mode	✔	✔
Versatile Speaker Configuration	Bi-Amp / Zone 2 / B-Speaker / Surround Back / Front Height / Front Width	Bi-Amp / Zone 2 / B-Speaker / Surround Back / Front Height / Front Width
FL Dimmer	✔	✔
Function Rename	✔	✔
Remote Controller	Learning Remote Control (Luminous)	Learning
Detachable Power Cord	✔	✔
adapterport	✔	✔

RADIO	Pioneer Elite SC-72	Pioneer Elite SC-63
Analog Tuner	✔ FM/AM	✔ FM/AM
Presets	63	63
Digital Radio	✖	✖
Internet Radio	✔ vTuner	✔ vTuner
Pandora	✔	✔
Spotify	✔	✖
Tidal	✖	✖
Deezer	✖	✖
Napster	✖	✖
SiriusXM Internet Radio	✖	✔

CONSTRUCTION	Pioneer Elite SC-72	Pioneer Elite SC-63
Chassis	Insulated Dual Chassis	Insulated Dual Chassis
Front Panel	Brushed	Aluminum (Hairline)
Solid Aluminum Front	✖	✔
Construction	Advanced Direct Construction	Advanced Direct Construction
Speaker Terminals	9	9
Large Speaker Terminals	9	9
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals	✖	✖
3D Space Frame Construction	✖	✖
Gold plated RCA terminals	✖	✖

POWER	Pioneer Elite SC-72	Pioneer Elite SC-63
Power Supply	AC 120 V, 60 Hz	AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer	✖	✖
Transformer Stabilizer	✔	✔
Power Consumption	290 W	290 W
Standby Power	0.1 W	0.1 W

GENERAL	Pioneer Elite SC-72	Pioneer Elite SC-63
Auto Power Standby	✔	✔
Dimensions (W x H x D)	435 mm x 185 mm x 441 mm 17-1/8" x 7-5/16" x 17-3/8"	435 mm x 185 mm x 441 mm 17-1/8" x 7-1/4" x 17-3/8"
Weight	14.5 kg (32.0 lbs)	14.6 kg (32.2 lbs)
Warranty	2 Years Parts & Labor	2 Years

SPECS	Pioneer Elite SC-72	Pioneer Elite SC-63
Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC)	130 W (0.08% THD)	125 W (0.08% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	170 W (1.0% THD)	165 W (1.0% THD)
Power Output (4 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven)	210 W (1.0% THD)	200 W (1.0% THD)
Multi Channel Simultaneous Drive (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%)	660 W	630 W
THD	0.04% (1 kHz, 110 W + 110 W, 8 Ω)	0.04% (1 kHz, 110 W + 110 W, 8 Ω)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)	380 mV/47 kΩ (Line)	375 mV/47 kΩ (Line)
Rated Lineout Level and Impedance	380 mV/2.2 kΩ (REC OUT)	375 mV/2.2 kΩ (REC OUT)
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	101 dB	101 dB
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI	2.8 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)
Ethernet Standard	10BASE-T/100BASE-TX	10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
HDMI Terminal	19-pin (Not DVI)	19-pin (Not DVI)
HDMI Output Type	5 V, 55 mA	5 V, 55 mA
USB Terminal	USB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 2.1 A	USB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 2.1 A
adapterport Terminal	5 V, 100 mA	5 V, 100 mA
Extension Terminal	✖	✔ 5 V, 150 mA
FM Frequency	87.5 MHz - 108 MHz	87.5 MHz - 108 MHz
AM Frequency	530 kHz - 1700 kHz	530 kHz - 1700 kHz

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