Pioneer SC-85 vs Pioneer SC-81

      Pioneer SC-85

      Pioneer SC-81
      85
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      81
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      USA
      USA
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      Highlights

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

      Highlights

      • 7.2 Channels
      • 7.1 Channel Processing
      • 120 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      • 4K/60Hz Passthrough, 4K/60Hz Upscaling
      • 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-85
      4. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      5. Amplifier
      6. Speaker Configurations
      7. Immersive Audio Formats
      8. HDMI
      9. Inputs and Outputs
      10. Evaluations
      11. Specifications

      1. Overview

      Here we are comparing Pioneer SC-85 to Pioneer SC-81 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-85 has 9 channel and the Pioneer SC-81 has 7 channel amplifiers with Pioneer SC-85's being more powerful.


      Pioneer SC-85 Pioneer SC-81

      Pioneer SC-85 was introduced in 2014. It is equipped with 9 channel amplifier with 135 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.

      Pioneer SC-81 was introduced in 2014. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 120 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz and 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing. It , passes 4K/60Hz and upscales up to 4K/60p (Marvell Qdeo) video signal.

      We evaluated Pioneer SC-85 and Pioneer SC-81 and gave them scores of 85 and 81 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-85

      Pioneer SC-81

      Amplifier
      91
      Amplifier
      89
      Audio Features
      85
      Audio Features
      75
      Video Features
      73
      Video Features
      73
      Connectivity
      83
      Connectivity
      78
      Zones
      96
      Zones
      91
      Radio
      85
      Radio
      85
      OVERALL
      85
      OVERALL
      81

      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-85 and Pioneer SC-81.

      PROS

      Pioneer SC-85

      Pioneer SC-81

      •   High Power Output - 135 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
      •   RCA Pre-Outs
      •   Composite Video Inputs
      •   Component Video Inputs
      •   Ethernet
      •   4 Zones
      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Pandora
      •   Spotify
      •   High Power Output - 120 W
      •   Front Wide Channel Support
      •   DSD via HDMI
      •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
      •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion
      •   Bluetooth
      •   7 HDMI Inputs
      •   USB Input
      •   RCA Pre-Outs
      •   Composite Video Inputs
      •   Component Video Inputs
      •   Ethernet
      •   3 Zones
      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Pandora
      •   Spotify

      CONS

      Pioneer SC-85

      Pioneer SC-81

      •   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 Phono Input
      •   No Digital Radio
      •   No Tidal
      •   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
      •   Few RCA Line Inputs
      •   No Phono Input
      •   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

      Pioneer SC-85

      Pioneer SC-81

      •   9.2 Channels
      •   Wi-Fi
      •   7.2 Channels
      •   7.1 Channel Processing
      •   Wi-Fi
      •   3 HDMI Outputs

      3. Advantage of Pioneer SC-85

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer SC-85 over Pioneer SC-81.

      Check the Price

      Pioneer SC-85
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      Pioneer SC-85 vs Pioneer SC-81
      More Channels 9.2 vs 7.2
      Higher Power Output 135 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven) vs 120 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      Bi-amp capability Front, Center, Surround, SP-B vs Front
      Higher DAC Specs 192 kHz/32 Bit vs 192 kHz/24 Bit
      More Channel Processing 9.2 vs 7.1
      Dolby Atmos up to with firmware update vs
      More Tone Control Channels All Channels vs Front L/R Channels
      Optimum Surround vs
      Independent Subwoofer Outputs vs
      More Advanced Auto Speaker Calibration System MCACC Pro vs Advanced MCACC
      More HDMI Inputs 8 (1 front) vs 7 (1 front)
      More HDMI Outputs 3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE) vs 2 (1 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE)
      More Optical Outputs 1 vs
      More RCA Pre-Outs 11.2 vs 2.2
      More Zones 4 vs 3
      More Powered Zones 2, 3 and HDZone vs 2 and HDZone
      Zone 2 Outs RCA Pre/Line Out + Subwoofer vs RCA Pre/Line Out
      Remote (IR) Input/Output 2 / 1 vs 1 / 1
      Multi-Zone On-Screen Display HDZone vs
      More Speaker Terminals 11 vs 9
      More Large Speaker Terminals 11 vs 9
      Bigger Power Supply 330 W vs 290 W
      Higher Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC) 135 W (0.08% THD) vs 120 W (0.08% THD)
      Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC) 175 W (1.0% THD) vs 150 W (1.0% THD)
      Higher Power Output (4 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven) 220 W (1.0% THD) vs 180 W (1.0% THD)
      Higher Multi Channel Simultaneous Drive (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%) 760 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%) vs 560 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%)
      Higher Rated Lineout Level 390 mV/2.2 kΩ (REC OUT) vs 365 mV/2.2 kΩ (REC OUT)
      Higher S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) 101 dB vs 100 dB
      Higher DSD Sampling Rate via USB 5.6 MHz, 2.8 MHz vs 2.8 MHz

      4. 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-85 Pioneer SC-81
        High Power Output135 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)120 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
        Front Wide Channel Support
        DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-ch Input 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
        Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. MCACC Pro Advanced MCACC
        Analog To HDMI Upconversion Component****, Composite Component****, Composite
        Bluetooth via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately) via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately)
        Many HDMI Inputs8 (1 front)7 (1 front)
        USB Input1 Front1 Front
        RCA Pre-Outs11.22.2
        Composite Video Inputs22
        Component Video Inputs22
        Ethernet
        Zones43
        Analog Tuner FM/AM FM/AM
        Pandora
        Spotify
      WEAKNESSES Pioneer SC-85 Pioneer SC-81
        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 Passthroughup to 4K/60p (4:4:4 24-bit)
      4K/60p (4:2:2 36-bit)
      4K/24p (4:4:4 36-bit)      		up to 4K/60p (4:4:4 24-bit)
      4K/60p (4:2:2 36-bit)
      4K/24p (4:4:4 36-bit)
        Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
        Few 8K Inputs
        Few RCA Line Inputs33
        No Phono Input
        No Digital Radio
        No Tidal

      5. Amplifier

      Pioneer SC-85 Pioneer SC-81

      9 channel Class D3 Amplifier: Pioneer SC-85 features 9 channel power amplifier with Class D3 design. It is rated at 135 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.

      7 channel Class D3 Amplifier: Pioneer SC-81 features 7 channel power amplifier with Class D3 design. It is rated at 120 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.


        AMPLIFIER Pioneer SC-85 Pioneer SC-81
        Channels9.27.2
        Power Output135 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)120 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
        Front Wide Channel Support
        Amplifier DesignClass D3 (Direct Energy HD)Class D3 (Direct Energy HD)
        THX™ Certification
        Continuous 6 Ω Rated
        Certified 4 Ω Performance
        Bi-amp Capability Front, Center, Surround, SP-B Front

        Check the Price

        Pioneer SC-85
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        6. Speaker Configurations

        Pioneer SC-85's and Pioneer SC-81's amplifiers can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

        • Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
        • Pioneer SC-85: 5.2.2, 5.2.4, 7.2.2 with internal amplifier.
        • Pioneer SC-81: Not supported.
        • Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
        • Pioneer SC-85: 5.2, 7.2, 9.2 with internal amplifier.
        • Pioneer SC-81: 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-85: 9.2.
        • Pioneer SC-81: 7.2.
        • Bi-Amp: Pioneer SC-85 is able to bi-amp up to 4 and Pioneer SC-81 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.

        7. Immersive Audio Formats

        Dolby Atmos

        Pioneer SC-85 supports Dolby Atmos.

        AUDIO DECODING Pioneer SC-85 Pioneer SC-81
        Dolby Atmos up to with firmware update
        Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        Dolby Atmos Music
        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: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-81
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        8. HDMI

        Pioneer SC-85 comes with 8 HDMI inputs. It has 3 outputs - 2 for MAIN and 1 for MAIN/HDZONE.

        Pioneer SC-81 comes with 7 HDMI inputs. It has 2 outputs - 1 for MAIN and 1 for MAIN/HDZONE.

        • 4K/60Hz Passthrough: On both receivers all inputs pass up to 4K/60p (4:4:4 24-bit)
          4K/60p (4:2:2 36-bit)
          4K/24p (4:4:4 36-bit) video signal.
        • 4K Upscaling: Both receivers can upscale up to 4K/60p (Marvell Qdeo) from HDMI and analog sources.
        • Analog To HDMI Upconversion: Both receivers support 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.
        • 3D Ready: Both receivers are able to pass 3D video through HDMI.


        VIDEO FEATURES Pioneer SC-85 Pioneer SC-81
        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/60p (4:4:4 24-bit)
        4K/60p (4:2:2 36-bit)
        4K/24p (4:4:4 36-bit)        		up 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/60p (Marvell Qdeo) up to 4K/60p (Marvell Qdeo)

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        Pioneer SC-85
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        9. Inputs and Outputs

        Audio

        • Analog Pre-Outs: Pioneer SC-85 has 11.2 and Pioneer SC-81 has 2.2 preamplifier outputs which allow you to connect the receivers to the external power amplifiers. 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 3 pair of line inputs on both receivers for connecting sources with analog outputs. There are also 1 pair of line outputs on the receivers.
        • Digital Inputs and Outputs: 2 optical inputs, 1 optical output and 2 coaxial inputs are available on Pioneer SC-85 and 2 optical inputs and 2 coaxial inputs are available on Pioneer SC-81 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-85
          Inputs:           8 (1 front)   Outputs: 3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE)
          8K Inputs: 0.
        • Pioneer SC-81
          Inputs:           7 (1 front)   Outputs: 2 (1 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.
        • Pioneer SC-85
          Inputs:           2   Outputs: 2.
        • Pioneer SC-81
          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. Both receivers support up to 1080p (1125p) resolution on Component video connectors.
        • Pioneer SC-85
          Inputs:           2   Outputs: 1.
        • Pioneer SC-81
          Inputs:           2   Outputs: 1.

        Front A/V Inputs

        • Pioneer SC-85: HDMI, USB
        • Pioneer SC-81: HDMI, USB

        Pioneer SC-85

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        Pioneer SC-81

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        TERMINALS Pioneer SC-85 Pioneer SC-81
        HDMI Inputs8 (1 front)7 (1 front)
        HDMI Outputs3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE)2 (1 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE)
        8K Inputs
        USB Input1 Front1 Front
        USB DC Out Port1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
        Optical Inputs22
        Optical Outputs1
        Coaxial Inputs22
        RCA Line Inputs33
        RCA Line Outputs11
        XLR Line Inputs
        Phono Input
        Multi-Channel Input
        RCA Pre-Outs11.22.2
        XLR Pre-outs
        Composite Video Inputs22
        Composite Video Outputs22
        S-Video Inputs
        S-Video Outputs
        Component Video Inputs22
        Component Video Outputs11

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        Pioneer SC-81
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        10. Evaluations

        We evaluated Pioneer SC-85 and Pioneer SC-81 and gave them scores of 85 and 81 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-85

        Pioneer SC-81

        OVERALL
        85
        OVERALL
        81

        Amplifier

        EXCELLENT
        91
        •   9.2 Channels
        •   High Power Output - 135 W
        EXCELLENT
        89
        •   7.2 Channels
        •   High Power Output - 120 W

        Audio Features

        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
        GOOD
        75
        •   7.2 Channels
        •   Front Wide Channel Support
        •   7.1 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

        Video Features

        GOOD
        73
        •   No HDR10
        •   No HDR10+
        •   No Dolby Vision
        •   No 8K Passthrough
        •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion
        GOOD
        73
        •   No HDR10
        •   No HDR10+
        •   No Dolby Vision
        •   No 8K Passthrough
        •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion

        Connectivity

        GOOD
        83
        •   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
        •   No Phono Input
        •   RCA Pre-Outs
        •   Composite Video Inputs
        •   Component Video Inputs
        •   Ethernet
        GOOD
        78
        •   No eARC
        •   Wi-Fi
        •   Bluetooth
        •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
        •   7 HDMI Inputs
        •   3 HDMI Outputs
        •   0 8K Input
        •   USB Input
        •   Few RCA Line Inputs
        •   No Phono Input
        •   RCA Pre-Outs
        •   Composite Video Inputs
        •   Component Video Inputs
        •   Ethernet

        Zones

        EXCELLENT
        96
        •   4 Zones
        EXCELLENT
        91
        •   3 Zones

        Radio

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

        11. Specifications

        GENERAL Pioneer SC-85 Pioneer SC-81
        BrandPioneerPioneer
        SeriesEliteElite
        ModelSC-85SC-81
        TypeA/V ReceiverA/V Receiver
        CountryUSAUSA
        Release Year20142014
        PredecessorPioneer SC-75 Pioneer SC-71
        SuccessorPioneer SC-95 Pioneer SC-91
        AMPLIFIER Pioneer SC-85 Pioneer SC-81
        Channels9.27.2
        Power Output135 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)120 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
        Front Wide Channel Support
        Amplifier DesignClass D3 (Direct Energy HD)Class D3 (Direct Energy HD)
        THX™ Certification
        Continuous 6 Ω Rated
        Certified 4 Ω Performance
        Bi-amp Capability Front, Center, Surround, SP-B Front
        AUDIO FEATURES Pioneer SC-85 Pioneer SC-81
        Digital Signal Processing (DSP) EngineTexas Instruments AureusTexas Instruments Aureus
        DACESS SABRE32 Ultra (ES9016+ES9016)SABRE Premier (ES9006S)
        DAC Specs192 kHz/32 Bit192 kHz/24 Bit
        Maximum Channel Processing9.27.1
        Air Studios Monitor Certification
        Dolby Atmos up to with firmware update
        Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        Dolby Atmos Music
        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: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
        Music Playback via USBMP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSDMP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
        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 USBApple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSDApple Lossless, WAV, 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
        Jitter Reduction plus PQLS (HDMI Bitstream/ Multi) plus PQLS (HDMI Bitstream/ Multi)
        Auto Level ControlMulti-ChannelMulti-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 All Channels Front L/R Channels
        Compressed Music Enhancer Advanced Sound Retriever Advanced Sound Retriever
        High-resolution Music Enhancer Hi-bit32 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 Surround11 + 111 + 1
        Wide Surround
        Front Stage Surround Advance (Focus/Wide)
        Headphone Surround
        Virtual Speakers (Surround Back/Height/Wide) (Surround Back/Height/Wide)
        Virtual Depth
        Independent Subwoofer Outputs
        CALIBRATION Pioneer SC-85 Pioneer SC-81
        Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. MCACC Pro Advanced MCACC
        Manual MCACC
        MCACC Memory66
        Reflex Optimizer
        Phase Control
        Auto Phase Control Plus
        Full Band Phase Control
        Standing Wave Control
        EQ Bands9-Band (Advanced)9-Band (Advanced)
        Symmetric EQ
        X-Curve
        Distance Adjustment1/2 Inch1/2 Inch
        Precision Distance
        Polarity Check
        Auto Subwoofer Crossover
        VIDEO FEATURES Pioneer SC-85 Pioneer SC-81
        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/60p (4:4:4 24-bit)
        4K/60p (4:2:2 36-bit)
        4K/24p (4:4:4 36-bit)        		up 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/60p (Marvell Qdeo) up to 4K/60p (Marvell Qdeo)
        Analog To HDMI Upconversion Component****, Composite Component****, Composite
        Component Video Upscaling
        Analog to Analog Video conversion
        Component Video Maximum Resolution1080p (1125p)1080p (1125p)
        Stream Smoother
        Pure Cinema
        Video Parameter AdjustmentsYNR, CNR, BNR, MNR, Detail, Brightness, Contrast, Hue, Chroma, Black LevelYNR, CNR, BNR, MNR, Detail, Brightness, Contrast, Hue, Chroma, Black Level
        Triple HD noise Reduction
        isf Certified Calibration Control
        CONNECTIVITY Pioneer SC-85 Pioneer SC-81
        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)
        Works with Amazon Alexa
        Chromecast Built-In
        Works with SonoS
        DTS Play-Fi
        MHL Input 1 Rear (Version 2.0) 1 Rear (Version 2.0)
        DLNA 1.5 (DMR) (DMR)
        AirPlay AirPlay AirPlay
        Apple Product Connection iPod and iPhone via front USB iPod and iPhone via front USB
        Remote App iControlAV5 (for iOS and Android) iControlAV5 (for iOS and Android)
        InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue
        TERMINALS Pioneer SC-85 Pioneer SC-81
        HDMI Inputs8 (1 front)7 (1 front)
        HDMI Outputs3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE)2 (1 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE)
        8K Inputs
        USB Input1 Front1 Front
        USB DC Out Port1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
        Optical Inputs22
        Optical Outputs1
        Coaxial Inputs22
        RCA Line Inputs33
        RCA Line Outputs11
        XLR Line Inputs
        Phono Input
        Multi-Channel Input
        RCA Pre-Outs11.22.2
        XLR Pre-outs
        Composite Video Inputs22
        Composite Video Outputs22
        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 Pioneer SC-85 Pioneer SC-81
        Number of Zones43
        Powered Zones2, 3 and HDZone2 and HDZone
        Zone 2 OutsRCA Pre/Line Out + SubwooferRCA Pre/Line Out
        Zone 3 OutsRCA Pre/Line OutHDMI
        Zone 4 OutsHDMI
        RS-232C Interface
        +12V Trigger Output2 (Main, Zone2, Zone 3, HDZone)2 (Main, Zone2, HDZone)
        Remote (IR) Input/Output2 / 11 / 1
        MISCELLANEOUS Pioneer SC-85 Pioneer SC-81
        On-Screen DisplayGraphical User Interface (GUI) with Album Artwork (HDMI only)Graphical User Interface (GUI) with Album Artwork (HDMI only)
        Multi-Zone On-Screen Display HDZone
        AV Navigator Built-in Built-in
        IP Control
        PreAmp Mode
        Versatile Speaker ConfigurationSurround Back/ Front Height/ Front Wide/ Front Bi-Amp/ Zone 2/ B-Speaker/ Powered HD ZoneSurround Back/ Front Height/ Front Wide/ Front Bi-Amp/ Zone 2/ B-Speaker/ Powered HD Zone
        FL Dimmer
        Function Rename
        Remote ControllerLearning Remote Control (Lumius)Learning Remote Control (Lumius)
        RADIO Pioneer SC-85 Pioneer SC-81
        Analog Tuner FM/AM FM/AM
        Presets6363
        Digital Radio
        Internet Radio vTuner vTuner
        Pandora
        Spotify
        Tidal
        Deezer
        Napster
        SiriusXM
        CONSTRUCTION Pioneer SC-85 Pioneer SC-81
        Front PanelBrushedBrushed
        Solid Aluminum Front
        ConstructionAdvanced Direct ConstructionAdvanced Direct Construction
        Speaker Terminals119
        Large Speaker Terminals119
        Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
        3D Space Frame Construction
        Gold plated RCA terminals
        POWER Pioneer SC-85 Pioneer SC-81
        Power SupplyAC 120 V, 60 HzAC 120 V, 60 Hz
        Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer
        Transformer Stabilizer
        Power Consumption330 W290 W
        Standby Power0.1 W0.1 W
        ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function
        Auto Power Standby
        PHYSICAL Pioneer SC-85 Pioneer SC-81
        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 7-5/16" x 17-3/8"
        Weight15.1 kg (33.3 lbs)14.3 kg (31.5 lbs)
        SPECIFICATIONS Pioneer SC-85 Pioneer SC-81
        Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC)135 W (0.08% THD)120 W (0.08% THD)
        Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)175 W (1.0% THD)150 W (1.0% THD)
        Power Output (4 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven)220 W (1.0% THD)180 W (1.0% THD)
        Multi Channel Simultaneous Drive760 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%)560 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%)
        THD0.04% (1 kHz, 110 W + 110 W, 8 Ω)0.04% (1 kHz, 100 W + 100 W, 8 Ω)
        Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)390 mV/47 kΩ (Line)365 mV/47 kΩ (Line)
        Rated Lineout Level and Impedance390 mV/2.2 kΩ (REC OUT)365 mV/2.2 kΩ (REC OUT)
        S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)101 dB100 dB
        DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI2.8 MHz2.8 MHz
        DSD Sampling Rates via USB5.6 MHz, 2.8 MHz2.8 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 Standard10BASE-T/100BASE-TX10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
        Wi-Fi Terminal5 V, 600 mA5 V, 600 mA
        HDMI Terminal19-pin (not DVI)19-pin (not DVI)
        HDMI Output Type5 V, 55 mA5 V, 55 mA
        HDMI Input/MHL Terminal5 V, 900 mA5 V, 900 mA
        USB TerminalUSB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 1 AUSB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 1 A
        FM Frequency87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz
        AM Frequency530 kHz - 1700 kHz530 kHz - 1700 kHz
        Warranty2 Years Parts & Labor2 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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