Pioneer SC-1523-K (USA version)
Highlights
- 135 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
- THX Select™2 Plus certified
- 4K Upscaling, 4K Passthrough
- AirPlay, DLNA
- Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- USB input
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Pioneer SC-1523-K Overview
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...
Pros and Cons
In this section we present pros and cons of Pioneer SC-1523-K.
PROS |
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Front Wide Channel Support | 👍 | ||||
Many Channel Processing | 👍 | ||||
DSD via HDMI | 👍 | ||||
DSD via USB | 👍 | ||||
DTS Dialog Control | 👍 | ||||
4K or 8K Video Passthrough | 👍 | ||||
4K or 8K Signal Upscaling | 👍 | ||||
MHL Input | 👍 | ||||
DLNA 1.5 | 👍 | ||||
Ethernet | 👍 | ||||
Wi-Fi | 👍 | ||||
Bluetooth | 👍 | ||||
New HDCP Version | 👍 | ||||
Many HDMI Inputs | 👍 | ||||
Many HDMI Outputs | 👍 | ||||
USB Input | 👍 | ||||
Composite Video Inputs | 👍 | ||||
Component Video Inputs | 👍 | ||||
Analog Pre-Outs | 👍 | ||||
Zones | 👍 | ||||
Analog Tuner | 👍 | ||||
Internet Radio | 👍 | ||||
Pandora | 👍 | ||||
Spotify | 👍 |
CONS |
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---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 | 👎 | ||||
No SiriusXM Internet Radio | 👎 |
Major Changes from its predecessor
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.
Selected Features
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.


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