Pioneer SC-1523-K (USA version)

Pioneer SC-1523-K was introduced in 2013. It is equipped with 9 channel amplifier and is capable of 9.1 maximum channel processing.

We evaluated the Receiver and gave 54 overall score out of 100. Our ranking system 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 video signal passthrough and 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...

In this section we present pros and cons of Pioneer SC-1523-K.

Here we are comparing Pioneer SC-1523-K to its predecessor SC-1522-K and displaying the major changes.

UPGRADES	Pioneer SC-1523-K	Pioneer SC-1522-K
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)
More HDMI Inputs	9 (1 front)	8 (1 front)
More HDMI Outputs	3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE)	2 (simultaneous)
More Zones	4	3
Spotify	✔	✖

DOWNGRADES	Pioneer SC-1523-K	Pioneer SC-1522-K
SiriusXM Internet Radio	✖	✔

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Pioneer SC-1523-K vs Pioneer SC-1522-K.

Amplifier

Pioneer SC-1523-K has 9 channel Class D³ amplifier and delivers 135 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven) and also has a stable performance at 4 Ω load. This receiver even supports front wide channels which is found only in a very few high-end receivers these days.

Video Features

The Receiver has 4K passthrough up to 30p and 4K upscaling up to 30p.

Class D³ Amplifier

Pioneer Class D³ 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.

THX™ Certification

Pioneer SC-1523-K is THX™ certified which offers optimal performance, superior quality and seamless integration. THX works with partners from the ground up, so that certified products deliver professional quality audio-visual experiences right out of the box. They only certify the very best products with uncompromised quality, performance and consistency. They ensure that THX certified devices play well with lower performing devices and components. THX listening modes make the receiver to have one speaker set up for movies, music and games. They are tested for power output, bass management, signal-to-noise ratio and feature RE-EQ, timbre matching, boundary gain compensation and THX Loudness Plus. The current model has Select™2 Plus class performance. This means that it is ideally suited for a room where the screen-to-seat viewing distance is approximately 3 to 4 meters, and the room size is approximately 56 cubic meters.

Advanced Sound Retriever

Compressed music enhancement in Pioneer SC-1523-K 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.

Room Correction

Pioneer SC-1523-K comes with MCACC Advanced room correction system and includes the calibration microphone.

Connectivity

Pioneer SC-1523-K 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 9 HDMI inputs and HDCP 2.2 copy protection. There are 11.2 channel analog pre-outs for external amplification.

Front panel has HDMI, USB and Composite Video inputs.

Here we list all the available features and specifications of Pioneer SC-1523-K.

BASICS
Brand	Pioneer
Model	SC-1523-K
Type	A/V Receiver
Country	USA
Release Year	2013

AMPLIFIER
Channels	9.2
Front Wide Channel Support	✔
Amplifier Design	Class D3 (Direct Energy HD)
THX™ Certification	✔ Select™2 Plus
Continuous 6 Ω Rated	✔
Certified 4 Ω Performance	✔
Bi-amp Capability	✔ Front

AUDIO
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engine	Texas Instruments Aureus
DAC	ESS SABRE32 Ultra
Maximum Channel Processing	9.1
Air Studios Monitor Certification	✖
Dolby Atmos	✖
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization	✖
Dolby TrueHD	✔ with Loudness Management
Dolby Digital Plus	✔
Dolby Surround Upmixer	✖
Dolby Pro Logic	✔ PLIIz
Dolby Digital EX	✔
Surround EX	✔
DTS:X	✖
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
IMAX Enhanced	✖
Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer	✖
PCM	✔ 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
Music Playback via USB	MP3, 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
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB	Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
Multi-Channel Music File Playback via USB	✖
Gapless Playback	✔
DSD via HDMI	✔ 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
DSD via USB	✔ 2-ch Input
DSD to PCM Converter	✔
USB DAC	✖
Jitter Reduction	✔ plus PQLS (HDMI Bitstream/ Multi)
Auto Level Control	Multi-Channel
Dialog Enhancement	✔
Dialogue Lift	✔ via Dialog Enhancement
Sound Retriever	✔ Advanced (Multi-Channel / Auto with ARC)
Sound Retriever AIR	✔
Digital Noise Reduction	✔
Tone Control	✔ Front L/R Channels
Compressed Music Enhancer	✔ Advanced Sound Retriever
High-resolution Music Enhancer	✔ Hi-bit32 Audio Processing
Audyssey Dynamic EQ	✖
Audyssey Dynamic Volume	✖
Audyssey LFC	✖
Audyssey Sub EQ HT	✖
Audyssey DSX	✖
Direct Mode	✔
Pure Direct Mode	✔
Auto Surround	✔
Optimum Surround	✔
Advanced Surround	15+1 Mode DSP
Wide Surround	✔
Front Stage Surround Advance	✔
Headphone Surround	✔
Virtual Speakers	Surround Back / Height / Depth / Wide
Virtual Depth	✔
Independent Dual Subwoofer Output	✖

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

VIDEO
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
Video Signal Upscaling	✔ up to 4K/30p
Analog To HDMI Upconversion	✔ Component****, Composite
Component Video Upscaling	✖
Analog to Analog Video conversion	✖
Component Video Maximum Resolution	1080p (1125p)
Stream Smoother	✖
Pure Cinema	✔
Video Parameter Adjustments	YNR, CNR, BNR, MNR, Detail, Brightness, Contrast, Hue, Chroma, Black Level
Triple HD Noise Reduction	✔
Super Resolution	✖
isf Certified Calibration Control	✖

CONNECTIVITY
MHL Input	✔ 1 Front (Version 2.0)
DLNA 1.5	✔
FireConnect	✖
FlareConnect	✖
Chromecast Built-In	✖
DTS Play-Fi	✖
Works with Amazon Alexa	✖
Works with SONOS	✖
AirPlay	✔ AirPlay
Apple Product Connection	✔ iPod, iPhone and iPad via front USB
Remote App	✔ iControlAV2013 (for iOS and Android)
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue	✖
Ethernet	✔
Ethernet Switch	✖
Wi-Fi	✔ via optional AS-WL300 adapter (sold separately)
Bluetooth	✔ via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately)
HDBaseT Compatible	✖
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)	✖
HDCP Version	2.2
HDMI Inputs	9 (1 front)
HDMI Outputs	3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE)
USB Input	1 Front
USB DC Out Port	1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
Analog Audio Line Inputs	5
Analog Audio Line Outputs	1
Phono Input	✖
Optical Inputs	2
Optical Outputs	1
Coaxial Inputs/Outputs	2 / No
Composite Video Inputs	5 (1 front)
Composite Video Outputs	2
S-Video Inputs	✖
S-Video Outputs	✖
Component Video Inputs	2
Component Video Outputs	1
PC In	✖
Multi-Channel Input	✖
Analog Pre-Outs	11.2
XLR Inputs	✖
XLR Pre-outs	✖
Front A/V Inputs	HDMI, USB, Composite Video
Speaker A/B	✔
Headphone Out	✔ 6.3 mm

ZONES
Zones	4
Powered Zones	✔ 2
Zone 2 Outs	Composite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out + Subfoower
Zone 3 Outs	RCA Pre/Line Out
Zone 4 Outs	HDMI
RS-232 Interface	✔
+12V Trigger Output	2 (Main, Zone2, Zone 3, HDZone)
Remote (IR) Input/Output	2 / 1

MISC
On-Screen Display	Graphical User Interface (GUI) with Album Artwork (HDMI only)
Multi-Zone On-Screen Display	✖
AVNavigator	✔ Built-in
IP Control	✖
PreAmp Mode	✔
Versatile Speaker Configuration	Surround Back/ Front Height/ Front Wide/ Front Bi-Amp/ Zone 2/ B-Speaker
FL Dimmer	✔
Function Rename	✔
Remote Controller	Learning Remote Control
Detachable Power Cord	✔
adapterport	✔

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

CONSTRUCTION
Chassis	Insulated Dual Chassis
Front Panel	Brushed
Solid Aluminum Front	✔
Construction	Advanced Direct Construction
Speaker Terminals	11
Large Speaker Terminals	11
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals	✖
Ceramic Speaker Terminals	✖
3D Space Frame Construction	✖
Gold plated RCA terminals	✖

POWER
Power Supply	AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer	✖
Transformer Stabilizer	✔
Power Consumption	330 W
Standby Power	0.1 W

GENERAL
ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function	✔
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"
Weight	15,0 kg (33 lb 1 oz)
Warranty	1 Year Parts & Labor

SPECS
Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC)	135 W (0.08% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	175 W (1.0% THD)
Power Output (4 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven)	220 W (1.0% THD)
Multi Channel Simultaneous Drive (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%)	760 W
THD	0.04% (1 kHz, 110 W + 110 W, 8 Ω)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)	390 mV/47 kΩ (Line)
Rated Lineout Level and Impedance	390 mV/2.2 kΩ (REC OUT)
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	101 dB
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI	2.8 MHz
DSD Sampling Rates via USB	5.6 MHz, 2.8 MHz
Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance	1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component Y) 0.7 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component PB/CB, PR/CR) 1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
Ethernet Standard	10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
HDMI Terminal	19-pin (Not DVI)
HDMI Output Type	5 V, 55 mA
HDMI Input/MHL Terminal	5 V, 900 mA
USB Terminal	USB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 2,1 A
adapterport Terminal	5 V, 100 mA
Extension Terminal	✖
FM Frequency	87.5 MHz - 108 MHz
AM Frequency	530 kHz - 1700 kHz

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