Pioneer SC-97 vs Pioneer VSX-530-K

       
       

      Highlights

      • 9.2 Channels
      • 11.2 Channel Processing
      • 140 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      • Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
      • HDR10
      • 4K/60Hz Passthrough, 4K/60Hz Upscaling
      • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet
      • Phono Input

      Highlights

      • 5.1 Channels
      • 5.1 Channel Processing
      • 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      • 4K/60Hz Passthrough
      • Bluetooth

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

      1. Overview

      Here we are comparing Pioneer SC-97 to Pioneer VSX-530-K 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-97 has 9 channel and the Pioneer VSX-530-K has 5 channel amplifiers.


      Pioneer SC-97 Pioneer VSX-530-K

      Pioneer SC-97 was introduced in 2015. It is equipped with 9 channel amplifier with 140 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 11.2 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, passes 4K/60Hz and upscales up to 4K/60p (4:4:4) video signal.

      Pioneer VSX-530-K was introduced in 2015. It is equipped with 5 channel amplifier with 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz and 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 5.1 maximum channel processing. It , passes 4K/60Hz video signal.


      We evaluated Pioneer SC-97 and Pioneer VSX-530-K and gave them scores of 89 and 65 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-97

      Pioneer VSX-530-K

      Amplifier
      92
      Amplifier
      71
      Audio Features
      90
      Audio Features
      62
      Video Features
      83
      Video Features
      66
      Connectivity
      89
      Connectivity
      68
      Zones
      97
      Zones
      55
      Radio
      85
      Radio
      59
      OVERALL
      89
      OVERALL
      65

      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-97 and Pioneer VSX-530-K.

      PROS

      Pioneer SC-97

      Pioneer VSX-530-K

      •   High Power Output - 140 W
      •   Front Wide Channel Support
      •   11.2 Channel Processing
      •   Dolby Atmos
      •   DTS:X
      •   DSD via HDMI
      •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
      •   HDR10
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion
      •   Wi-Fi
      •   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
      •   DSD via HDMI
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   Bluetooth
      •   USB Input
      •   Composite Video Inputs
      •   Analog Tuner

      CONS

      Pioneer SC-97

      Pioneer VSX-530-K

      •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      •   No IMAX Enhanced
      •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      •   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
      •   Bluetooth 2․1 + EDR
      •   Few Channels - 5.1
      •   Low Power Output - 80 W
      •   5.1 Channel Processing
      •   No Dolby Atmos
      •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      •   No DTS:X
      •   No IMAX Enhanced
      •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      •   No Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
      •   No HDR10
      •   No HDR10+
      •   No Dolby Vision
      •   No eARC
      •   No 8K Passthrough
      •   No Wi-Fi
      •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
      •   4 HDMI Inputs
      •   1 HDMI Outputs
      •   0 8K Input
      •   Few RCA Line Inputs
      •   No Phono Input
      •   No RCA Pre-Outs
      •   No Ethernet
      •   No Zones
      •   No Digital Radio
      •   No Pandora
      •   No Spotify
      •   No Tidal
      •   Bluetooth 3.0


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

      AVERAGE

      Pioneer SC-97

      Pioneer VSX-530-K

      •   9.2 Channels

      3. Advantage of Pioneer SC-97

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer SC-97 over Pioneer VSX-530-K.

      Check the Price

      Pioneer SC-97 vs Pioneer VSX-530-K
      More Channels 9.2 vs 5.1
      Higher Power Output 140 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven) vs 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      Certified 4 Ω Performance vs
      Bi-amp capability Front, Center, Surround, SP-B vs
      Higher DAC Specs 192 kHz/32 Bit vs 192 kHz/24 Bit
      More Channel Processing 11.2 vs 5.1
      Air Studios Monitor Certification vs
      Dolby Atmos vs
      Dolby Surround Upmixer vs
      Dolby Digital EX vs
      DTS:X up to with firmware update vs
      DTS Neural:X with firmware update vs
      DTS Neo Neo:X (before firmware update) vs Neo:6
      DTS Express vs
      DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1 vs
      Music Playback via USB MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD vs MP3, WMA, AAC
      Higher Resolution Music Playback via USB 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz/24 bit vs
      DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-ch Input vs 2-ch Input
      DSD via USB 2-ch Input vs
      DSD to PCM Converter vs
      Jitter Reduction plus PQLS (HDMI Bitstream/ Multi) vs
      Auto Level Control Multi-Channel vs
      Dialog Enhancement vs
      Dialogue Lift via Dialog Enhancement vs
      Sound Retriever Advanced (Multi-Channel / Auto with ARC) vs Advanced (2-Channel)
      Sound Retriever AIR vs
      Digital Noise Reduction vs
      More Tone Control Channels All Channels vs Front L/R Channels
      High-resolution Music Enhancer Hi-bit32 Audio Processing vs
      Optimum Surround vs
      Virtual Speakers (Surround Back/Height/Wide) vs
      Independent Subwoofer Outputs vs
      More Advanced Auto Speaker Calibration System MCACC Pro vs
      Manual MCACC vs
      Auto Phase Control Plus vs
      Full Band Phase Control vs
      Standing Wave Control vs
      More EQ Bands 9-Band (Advanced) vs
      Symmetric EQ vs
      Distance Adjustment 1/2 Inch vs 0.1 feet
      Polarity Check vs
      Auto Subwoofer Crossover vs
      HDR10 vs
      Video Signal Upscaling up to 4K/60p (4:4:4) vs
      Analog To HDMI Upconversion Component****, Composite vs
      Stream Smoother vs
      Pure Cinema vs
      Video Parameter Adjustments YNR, CNR, BNR, MNR, Detail, Brightness, Contrast, Hue, Chroma, Black Level vs
      Triple HD Noise Reduction vs
      Wi-Fi vs
      More HDMI Inputs 8 (1 front) vs 4
      More HDMI Outputs 3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE) vs 1
      More Optical Inputs 2 vs 1
      More Optical Outputs 1 vs
      More Coaxial Inputs/Outputs 2 vs 1
      More RCA Line Outputs 1 vs
      Phono Input vs
      More RCA Pre-Outs 13.2 vs 0.1
      More Composite Video Outputs 2 vs 1
      More Component Video Inputs 2 vs
      Ethernet vs
      Front A/V Inputs HDMI, USB vs USB
      Speaker A/B vs
      Detachable Power Cord vs
      More Zones 4 vs 1
      RS-232C Interface vs
      +12V Trigger Output 2 (assignable) vs
      Remote (IR) Input/Output 2 / 1 vs 0 / 0
      On-Screen Display Graphical User Interface (GUI) with Album Artwork (HDMI only) vs HDMI only
      AVNavigator Built-in vs
      IP Control for CI vs
      Versatile Speaker Configuration Surround Back/Front Height/Front Wide/Front Bi-Amp/Zone 2/B-Speaker/Powered HD Zone vs
      Function Rename vs
      More Presets 63 vs 30
      Internet Radio vTuner vs
      Pandora vs
      Spotify vs
      Advanced Direct Construction Advanced Direct Construction vs []
      More Speaker Terminals 11 vs 5
      More Large Speaker Terminals 11 vs 2
      3D Space Frame Construction vs
      Transformer Stabilizer vs
      Higher S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) 103 dB vs 98 dB
      Longer Warranty 2 Years Parts & Labor vs 1 Year Parts & Labor

      4. Advantage of Pioneer VSX-530-K

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer VSX-530-K over Pioneer SC-97.

      Check the Price

      Pioneer SC-97 vs Pioneer VSX-530-K
      Dolby Pro Logic vs PLII
      Bigger Power Supply 370 W vs 415 W
      Newer Bluetooth Version 2․1 + EDR vs 3.0

      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-97 Pioneer VSX-530-K
        DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-ch Input 2-ch Input
        New HDCP Version2.22.2
        Bluetooth SBC, AAC SBC, AAC
        USB Input1 Front1 Front
        Composite Video Inputs22
        Analog Tuner FM/AM FM/AM
      WEAKNESSES Pioneer SC-97 Pioneer VSX-530-K
        No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        No IMAX Enhanced
        No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
        No HDR10+
        No Dolby Vision
        No eARC
        No 8K Passthroughup to 4K/60p (4:4:4)up to 4K/60p (4:2:0 24-bit)
      4K/24p (4:4:4 24-bit)
      4K/24p (4:2:2 36-bit)
        Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
        Few 8K Inputs
        Few RCA Line Inputs33
        No Digital Radio
        No Tidal
        Old Bluetooth Version2․1 + EDR3.0

      6. Amplifier

      Pioneer SC-97 Pioneer VSX-530-K

      9 channel Class D3 Amplifier: Pioneer SC-97 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.

      5 channel Discrete Direct Energy Amplifier: Pioneer VSX-530-K features 5 channel power amplifier with Discrete Direct Energy design. It is rated at 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven).



        AMPLIFIER Pioneer SC-97 Pioneer VSX-530-K
        Channels9.25.1
        Power Output140 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
        Amplifier DesignClass D3 (Direct Energy HD)Discrete Direct Energy
        THX™ Certification
        Continuous 6 Ω Rated
        Certified 4 Ω Performance
        Bi-amp Capability Front, Center, Surround, SP-B

        Check the Price

        7. Speaker Configurations

        Pioneer SC-97's and Pioneer VSX-530-K's amplifiers can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

        • Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
        • Pioneer SC-97: 5.2.2, 5.2.4, 7.2.2 with internal amplifier and 7.2.4, 9.2.2 with addition of external 2 channel amplifier.
        • Pioneer VSX-530-K: Not supported.
        • DTS:X Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for DTS:X:
        • Pioneer SC-97: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos - 5.2.2, 5.2.4, 7.2.2 with internal amplifier and 7.2.4, 9.2.2 with addition of external 2 channel amplifier.
        • Pioneer VSX-530-K: Not supported.
        • Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
        • Pioneer SC-97: 5.2, 7.2, 9.2 with internal amplifier.
        • Pioneer VSX-530-K: 5.1 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-97: 9.2, 9.2.2.
        • Pioneer VSX-530-K: Does not support.
        • Bi-Amp: Pioneer SC-97 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

        Pioneer SC-97 supports Dolby Atmos.

        • Dolby Surround Upmixer: Pioneer SC-97 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

        Pioneer SC-97 supports DTS:X.

        • DTS Neural:X: Pioneer SC-97 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.
        AUDIO DECODING Pioneer SC-97 Pioneer VSX-530-K
        Dolby Atmos
        Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        Dolby Atmos Music
        Dolby TrueHD
        Dolby Digital Plus
        Dolby Surround Upmixer
        Dolby Pro Logic PLII
        Dolby Digital EX
        Surround EX
        DTS:X up to with firmware update
        DTS Neural:X with firmware update
        DTS Virtual:X
        DTS Neo Neo:X (before firmware update) Neo:6
        DTS-HD Master Audio
        DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
        DTS 96/24
        DTS Express
        DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
        IMAX Enhanced
        Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer

        Check the Price

        9. HDMI

        Pioneer SC-97 comes with 8 HDMI inputs. It has 3 outputs - 2 for MAIN and 1 for MAIN/HDZONE.

        Pioneer VSX-530-K comes with 4 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.

        • 4K/60Hz Passthrough: On both receivers all inputs pass up to 4K/60p (4:4:4) video signal.
        • 4K Upscaling on Pioneer SC-97: It can upscale up to 4K/60p (4:4:4) from HDMI and analog sources.
        • Analog To HDMI Upconversion: Pioneer SC-97 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.
        • 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-97 supports HDR10

        Pioneer VSX-530-K 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.



        VIDEO FEATURES Pioneer SC-97 Pioneer VSX-530-K
        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/60p (4:4:4)up to 4K/60p (4:2:0 24-bit)
        4K/24p (4:4:4 24-bit)
        4K/24p (4:2:2 36-bit)
        Video Signal Upscaling up to 4K/60p (4:4:4)

        Check the Price

        10. Inputs and Outputs

        Audio

        • Phono Input: There is an MM phono input on Pioneer SC-97 with built-in phono stage for connecting the moving magnet cartridge output of the turntable directly to the receiver.
        • Analog Pre-Outs: Pioneer SC-97 has 13.2 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, Pioneer SC-97 has 11 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 3 pair of line inputs on both receivers for connecting sources with analog outputs. There is also 1 pair of line outputs on Pioneer SC-97.
        • Digital Inputs and Outputs: 2 optical inputs, 1 optical output and 2 coaxial inputs are available on Pioneer SC-97 and 1 optical input and 1 coaxial input are available on Pioneer VSX-530-K 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-97
          Inputs:
          8 (1 front)   Outputs: 3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE)
          8K Inputs: 0.
        • Pioneer VSX-530-K
          Inputs:
          4   Outputs: 1
          8K Inputs: 0.
        • Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
        • Pioneer SC-97
          Inputs:
          2   Outputs: 2.
        • Pioneer VSX-530-K
          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-97 supports up to 1080i (1125i) resolution on Component video connectors. resolution on Component video connectors.
        • Pioneer SC-97
          Inputs:
          2   Outputs: 0.
        • Pioneer VSX-530-K
          Inputs:
          0   Outputs: 0.

        Front A/V Inputs

        • Pioneer SC-97: HDMI, USB
        • Pioneer VSX-530-K: USB

        Pioneer SC-97

        Image cannot be found Image cannot be found

        Pioneer VSX-530-K

        Image cannot be found Image cannot be found
        TERMINALS Pioneer SC-97 Pioneer VSX-530-K
        HDMI Inputs8 (1 front)4
        HDMI Outputs3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE)1
        8K Inputs
        USB Input1 Front1 Front
        USB DC Out Port
        Optical Inputs21
        Optical Outputs1
        Coaxial Inputs21
        RCA Line Inputs33
        RCA Line Outputs1
        XLR Line Inputs
        Phono Input
        Multi-Channel Input
        RCA Pre-Outs13.20.1
        XLR Pre-outs
        Composite Video Inputs22
        Composite Video Outputs21
        S-Video Inputs
        S-Video Outputs
        Component Video Inputs2
        Component Video Outputs

        Check the Price

        11. Evaluations

        We evaluated Pioneer SC-97 and Pioneer VSX-530-K and gave them scores of 89 and 65 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-97

        Pioneer VSX-530-K

        OVERALL
        89
        OVERALL
        65

        Amplifier

        EXCELLENT
        92
        •   9.2 Channels
        •   High Power Output - 140 W
        GOOD
        71
        •   Few Channels - 5.1
        •   Low Power Output - 80 W

        Audio Features

        EXCELLENT
        90
        •   9.2 Channels
        •   Front Wide Channel Support
        •   11.2 Channel Processing
        •   Dolby Atmos
        •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        •   DTS:X
        •   No IMAX Enhanced
        •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
        •   DSD via HDMI
        AVERAGE
        62
        •   Few Channels - 5.1
        •   5.1 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
        83
        •   HDR10
        •   No HDR10+
        •   No Dolby Vision
        •   No 8K Passthrough
        •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion
        AVERAGE
        66
        •   No HDR10
        •   No HDR10+
        •   No Dolby Vision
        •   No 8K Passthrough

        Connectivity

        EXCELLENT
        89
        •   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
        •   Few RCA Line Inputs
        •   Phono Input
        •   RCA Pre-Outs
        •   Composite Video Inputs
        •   Component Video Inputs
        •   Ethernet
        •   Bluetooth 2․1 + EDR
        AVERAGE
        68
        •   No eARC
        •   New HDCP Version
        •   No Wi-Fi
        •   Bluetooth
        •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
        •   4 HDMI Inputs
        •   1 HDMI Outputs
        •   0 8K Input
        •   USB Input
        •   Few RCA Line Inputs
        •   No Phono Input
        •   No RCA Pre-Outs
        •   Composite Video Inputs
        •   No Ethernet
        •   Bluetooth 3.0

        Zones

        EXCELLENT
        97
        •   4 Zones
        AVERAGE
        55
        •   No Zones

        Radio

        EXCELLENT
        85
        •   Analog Tuner
        •   Pandora
        •   Spotify
        •   No Tidal
        AVERAGE
        59
        •   Analog Tuner
        •   No Pandora
        •   No Spotify
        •   No Tidal

        12. Specifications

        GENERAL Pioneer SC-97 Pioneer VSX-530-K
        BrandPioneerPioneer
        SeriesElite
        ModelSC-97VSX-530-K
        TypeA/V ReceiverA/V Receiver
        CountryNorth AmericaUSA
        Release Year20152015
        PredecessorPioneer SC-87 Pioneer VSX-524-K
        SuccessorPioneer SC-LX801 Pioneer VSX-531
        AMPLIFIER Pioneer SC-97 Pioneer VSX-530-K
        Channels9.25.1
        Power Output140 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
        Front Wide Channel Support
        Amplifier DesignClass D3 (Direct Energy HD)Discrete Direct Energy
        THX™ Certification
        Continuous 6 Ω Rated
        Certified 4 Ω Performance
        Bi-amp Capability Front, Center, Surround, SP-B
        AUDIO FEATURES Pioneer SC-97 Pioneer VSX-530-K
        Digital Signal Processing (DSP) EngineTexas Instruments AureusTexas Instruments Aureus
        DACESS SABRE32 Ultra (ES9016S)
        DAC Specs192 kHz/32 Bit192 kHz/24 Bit
        Maximum Channel Processing11.25.1
        Air Studios Monitor Certification
        Dolby Atmos
        Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        Dolby Atmos Music
        Dolby TrueHD
        Dolby Digital Plus
        Dolby Surround Upmixer
        Dolby Pro Logic PLII
        Dolby Digital EX
        Surround EX
        DTS:X up to with firmware update
        DTS Neural:X with firmware update
        DTS Virtual:X
        DTS Neo Neo:X (before firmware update) Neo:6
        DTS-HD Master Audio
        DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
        DTS 96/24
        DTS Express
        DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
        IMAX Enhanced
        Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
        PCM 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
        Music Playback via USBMP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSDMP3, WMA, AAC
        High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz/24 bit
        High Resolution Audio Formats via USBApple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
        Gapless Playback
        DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-ch Input 2-ch Input
        DSD via USB 2-ch Input
        DSD to PCM Converter
        USB DAC
        Jitter Reduction plus PQLS (HDMI Bitstream/ Multi)
        Auto Level ControlMulti-Channel
        Dialog Enhancement
        Dialogue Lift via Dialog Enhancement
        Sound Retriever Advanced (Multi-Channel / Auto with ARC) Advanced (2-Channel)
        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
        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 + 110 + 1 Mode
        Wide Surround
        Front Stage Surround Advance (Focus/Wide)
        Headphone Surround
        Virtual Speakers (Surround Back/Height/Wide)
        Virtual Depth
        Independent Subwoofer Outputs
        CALIBRATION Pioneer SC-97 Pioneer VSX-530-K
        Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. MCACC Pro
        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 Inch0.1 feet
        Precision Distance
        Polarity Check
        Auto Subwoofer Crossover
        VIDEO FEATURES Pioneer SC-97 Pioneer VSX-530-K
        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/60p (4:4:4)up to 4K/60p (4:2:0 24-bit)
        4K/24p (4:4:4 24-bit)
        4K/24p (4:2:2 36-bit)
        Video Signal Upscaling up to 4K/60p (4:4:4)
        Analog To HDMI Upconversion Component****, Composite
        Component Video Upscaling
        Analog to Analog Video conversion
        Component Video Maximum Resolution1080i (1125i)
        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 Pioneer SC-97 Pioneer VSX-530-K
        Wi-Fi
        Bluetooth SBC, AAC SBC, AAC
        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
        AirPlay AirPlay AirPlay
        Apple Product Connection 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-97 Pioneer VSX-530-K
        HDMI Inputs8 (1 front)4
        HDMI Outputs3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE)1
        8K Inputs
        USB Input1 Front1 Front
        USB DC Out Port
        Optical Inputs21
        Optical Outputs1
        Coaxial Inputs21
        RCA Line Inputs33
        RCA Line Outputs1
        XLR Line Inputs
        Phono Input
        Multi-Channel Input
        RCA Pre-Outs13.20.1
        XLR Pre-outs
        Composite Video Inputs22
        Composite Video Outputs21
        S-Video Inputs
        S-Video Outputs
        Component Video Inputs2
        Component Video Outputs
        Ethernet
        Ethernet Switch
        PC In
        Front A/V InputsHDMI, USBUSB
        Speaker A/B
        Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")6.3 mm (1/4")
        Detachable Power Cord
        adapterport
        ZONES Pioneer SC-97 Pioneer VSX-530-K
        Number of Zones41
        Powered Zones2, 3 and HDZone
        Zone 2 OutsRCA Pre/Line Out
        Zone 3 OutsRCA Pre/Line Out
        Zone 4 OutsHDMI
        RS-232C Interface
        +12V Trigger Output2 (assignable)
        Remote (IR) Input/Output2 / 10 / 0
        MISCELLANEOUS Pioneer SC-97 Pioneer VSX-530-K
        On-Screen DisplayGraphical User Interface (GUI) with Album Artwork (HDMI only) HDMI only
        HDMI Speaker B Link
        AV Navigator Built-in
        IP Control
        PreAmp Mode
        Versatile Speaker ConfigurationSurround Back/Front Height/Front Wide/Front Bi-Amp/Zone 2/B-Speaker/Powered HD Zone
        FL Dimmer
        Function Rename
        Remote ControllerLearning Remote Control (Lumius)System Remote Control
        RADIO Pioneer SC-97 Pioneer VSX-530-K
        Analog Tuner FM/AM FM/AM
        Presets6330
        Digital Radio
        Internet Radio vTuner
        Pandora
        Spotify
        Tidal
        Deezer
        Napster
        SiriusXM
        CONSTRUCTION Pioneer SC-97 Pioneer VSX-530-K
        Front PanelBrushedBrushed
        Solid Aluminum Front
        ConstructionAdvanced Direct Construction
        Speaker Terminals115
        Large Speaker Terminals112
        Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
        Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals
        3D Space Frame Construction
        Gold plated RCA terminals
        POWER Pioneer SC-97 Pioneer VSX-530-K
        Power SupplyAC 120 V, 60 HzAC 120 V, 60 Hz
        Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer
        Transformer Stabilizer
        Power Consumption370 W415 W
        Standby Power0.1 W0.1 W
        ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function
        Auto Power off
        PHYSICAL Pioneer SC-97 Pioneer VSX-530-K
        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 168 mm x 331.5 mm
        17-1/8" x 6-5/8" x 13-1/16"
        Weight17.5 kg (38.6 lbs)8.3 kg (18 lb 5 oz)
        SPECIFICATIONS Pioneer SC-97 Pioneer VSX-530-K
        Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)80 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)190 W (1.0% THD)
        Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, FTC)140 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)
        Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)400 mV/47 kΩ (Line)200 mV/47 kΩ
        Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM)5 mV/47 kΩ
        Rated Lineout Level and Impedance400 mV/2.2 kΩ (REC OUT)
        S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)103 dB98 dB
        S/N Ratio (Line, EIA, at 1 W (1 kHz))79 dB
        DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI2.8 MHz2.8 MHz
        DSD Sampling Rates via USB5.6 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/PR)
        1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
        1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
        Ethernet Standard10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
        Wi-Fi StandardIEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n
        Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency5 GHz, 2.4 GHz
        Bluetooth Version2․1 + EDR3.0
        Bluetooth Frequency2.4 GHz2.4 GHz
        HDMI Terminal19-pin (not DVI)Type A (19-pin)
        HDMI Output Type5 V, 55 mA5 V, 55 mA
        HDMI Input/MHL Terminal5 V, 900 mA
        USB TerminalUSB2.0 High Speed (Type A) 5 V, 1 AUSB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 0.5 A
        FM Frequency87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz87.5 MHz - 108 MHz
        AM Frequency530 kHz - 1700 kHz530 kHz - 1700 kHz
        Warranty2 Years Parts & Labor1 Year Parts & Labor

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

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