1-on-1 Comparison

Side-by-Side Comparison

Pioneer Elite SC-61 (USA version)

SCORE:
77

Highlights

  • 7.2 channels
  • 7.1 channel processing
  • 125 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
  • 1080p Upscaling, 1080p Passthrough
  • AirPlay, DLNA
  • Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
  • USB input

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Content

Overview

Pioneer Elite SC-61 was introduced in 2012. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 125 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing. It passes 1080/60p and upscales up to 1080/24p (Marvell Qdeo) video signal.

We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 77 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
90
VIDEO FEATURES
54
AUDIO FEATURES
73
CONNECTIVITY
82
MULTIZONE
91
MISCELLANEOUS
67
RADIO
85
OVERALL
77

Pros and Cons

In this section we present pros and cons of Pioneer Elite SC-61.

PROS
  Front Wide Channel Support
  DSD via HDMI
  Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
  New HDCP Version
  Analog To HDMI Upconversion
  Ethernet
  Wi-Fi
  Bluetooth
  Many HDMI Inputs
  USB Input
  Composite Video Inputs
  Component Video Inputs
  RCA Pre-Outs
  Zones
  Analog Tuner
  Pandora
CONS
  No Dolby Atmos
  No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
  No DTS:X
  No IMAX Enhanced
  No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
  No eARC
  No HDR10
  No HDR10+
  No Dolby Vision
  No 4K or 8K Video Passthrough
  No 4K or 8K Video Upscaling
  No Chromecast Built-In
  Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
  Few HDMI Outputs
  Few 8K Inputs
  Few Optical Inputs
  No Spotify
  No Tidal

Audio Section

7 channel Class D3 Amplifier

Pioneer Elite SC-61 features 7 channel power amplifier with Class D3 design. It is rated at 125 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.

    Speaker Configurations

    Pioneer Elite SC-61's 7 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

    • Configurations: Available configurations are:
    • 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
    • Front Wide Channel support: Pioneer Elite SC-61 supports front wide channels. 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 - 7.2.
    • 2-ch Bi-Amp: Pioneer Elite SC-61 allows you 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.

    Sound Processing

    • Advanced Sound Retriever: Compressed music enhancement in Pioneer Elite SC-61 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 Calibration

    Pioneer Elite SC-61 comes with Advanced MCACC room correction system and includes the calibration microphone.

    • MCACC: Pioneer’s exclusive Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System (MCACC) delivers an easy-to-use, automatic sound adjustment system to precision-tune your Pioneer and Pioneer Elite receivers with minimal effort. Every MCACC system comes with a microphone to measure and analyze reverb characteristics. The equalizer optimally adjusts sound parameters to fit the size and shape of your home environment while maintaining the integrity of high-resolution playback without any degradation to the quality of your music.

    Video Section

    HDMI

    Pioneer Elite SC-61 features 7 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.

    • 1080/60p Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 1080p video signal.
    • 1080p Upscaling: Pioneer Elite SC-61 can upscale up to 1080/24p (Marvell Qdeo) from HDMI and analog sources.
    • Analog To HDMI Upconversion: The a/v receiver supports video upconversion, so you can connect your analog Component and Composite video sources and Pioneer Elite SC-61 will output them via HDMI. This means that you will need only one HDMI cable to connect to your TV.
    • HDCP 2.2 Copy Protection: All inputs and outputs are HDCP 2.2 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
    • 3D Ready: Pioneer Elite SC-61 is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

    Multi-zone Playback

    Pioneer Elite SC-61 offers multi-zone playback which allows you to play different input sources in 3 different rooms.


    Zone 2

    • Powered Zone 2: You can use the unit's 2 amplifier channels by connecting Zone 2 speakers directly to the speaker terminals. The remaining 5 channels will be left for main zone amplification.
    • Audio Pre/Line Output: If you have a dedicated amplifier for Zone 2 you can connect it to the a/v receiver via pre/line outs and use "pre out" option to control volume from the a/v receiver or use "line out" option - send fixed signal and then control volume on the Zone 2 amplifier.
    • Composite Video Output: Pioneer Elite SC-61 has analog Composite Video output for Zone 2. This means that it can send a different video signal to the TV.

    Zone 3

    • Powered Zone 3: You can use the unit's 2 amplifier channels by connecting Zone 3 speakers directly to the speaker terminals. The remaining 5 channels will be left for main zone amplification.
    • Audio Pre/Line Output: If you have a dedicated amplifier for Zone 2 you can connect it to the a/v receiver via pre/line outs and use "pre out" option to control volume from the a/v receiver or use "line out" option - send fixed signal and then control volume on the Zone 3 amplifier.

    Inputs and Outputs

    Audio

    • Analog Pre-Outs: Pioneer Elite SC-61 has 9.2 preamplifier outputs which allow you to connect the a/v 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 a/v receiver to power the rest.
    • Analog Line Inputs and Outputs: There are 5 line inputs and 1 line output for analog audio connection.
    • Digital Inputs and Outputs: 0 optical input, 2 optical outputs and 2 coaxial inputs are available for digital audio connection.
    • Headphone Output: There is a 6.3 mm (1/4") headphone output jack on the front panel.

    Video

    • HDMI:
    • Inputs: 7 (1 front)   Outputs: 1
      8K Inputs: 0
    • Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
    • Inputs: 5   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. Pioneer Elite SC-61 supports up to 1080p (1125p) resolution on Component video connectors.
    • Inputs: 2   Outputs: 1
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    Specifications

    Here we list all the available features and specifications of Pioneer Elite SC-61.

    BASICS
    BrandPioneer
    SeriesElite
    ModelSC-61
    TypeA/V Receiver
    CountryUSA
    Release Year2012
    AMPLIFIER
    Channels7.2
    Front Wide Channel Support
    AmplifierClass D3
    THX™ Certification
    Continuous 6 Ω Rated
    Certified 4 Ω Performance
    Bi-amp CapabilityFront Channel
    AUDIO
    Digital Signal Processing (DSP) EngineTI Aureus
    DAC Specs192 kHz/24 Bit
    Maximum Channel Processing7.1
    Air Studios Monitor Certification
    Dolby Atmos
    Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
    Dolby Atmos Music
    Dolby TrueHD
    Dolby Digital Plus
    Dolby Surround Upmixer
    Dolby Pro Logic PLIIz
    Dolby Digital EX
    Surround EX
    DTS:X
    DTS Neural:X
    DTS Virtual:X
    DTS Neo 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 USBWAV, MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC,
    High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz/24 bit
    High Resolution Audio Formats via USBWAV/FLAC
    Gapless Playback
    DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-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)
    Sound Retriever AIR
    Digital Noise Reduction
    Tone Control Front L/R Channels
    Compressed Music Enhancer Advanced Sound Retriever
    High-resolution Music Enhancer Hi-bit24 Audio Processing
    Digital Filter Slow Mode
    Audyssey Dynamic EQ
    Audyssey Dynamic Volume
    Audyssey LFC
    Audyssey Sub EQ HT
    Audyssey DSX
    Direct Mode
    Pure Direct Mode
    Auto Surround
    Optimum Surround
    Advanced Surround15 + Headphone Surround
    Wide Surround
    Front Stage Surround Advance (Focus/Wide)
    Headphone Surround
    Virtual SpeakersSurround Back / Height / Depth / Wide
    Virtual Depth
    Independent Subwoofer Outputs
    CALIBRATION
    Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. Advanced MCACC
    Manual MCACC
    MCACC Memory6
    Full Band Phase Control
    Standing Wave Control
    EQ Bands9
    Symmetric EQ
    X-Curve
    Distance Adjustment1/2 Inch
    Precision Distance
    Polarity Check
    Auto Subwoofer Crossover
    VIDEO
    Enhanced ARC
    HDCP Version2.2
    HDR10
    HDR10+
    Dynamic HDR
    Dolby Vision
    HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
    BT.2020 color space
    QMS (Quick Media Switching)
    ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
    VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
    QFT (Quick Frame transport)
    3-D Ready
    Video Signal Passthroughup to 1080p
    Video Signal Upscaling up to 1080/24p (Marvell Qdeo)
    Analog To HDMI Upconversion Component****, Composite
    Component Video Upscaling
    Analog to Analog Video conversion
    Component Video Maximum Resolution1080p (1125p)
    Stream Smoother
    Pure Cinema
    Video Parameter AdjustmentsAdvanced 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
    MHL Input
    DLNA 1.5
    FireConnect
    FlareConnect
    Chromecast Built-In
    DTS Play-Fi
    Works with Amazon Alexa
    Works with SONOS
    AirPlay AirPlay
    Apple Product ConnectioniPod/iPhone/iPad
    Remote AppiControlAV2012(iPad, iPhone, 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
    HDMI Inputs7 (1 front)
    HDMI Outputs1
    8K Inputs
    USB Input1 Front
    USB DC Out Port1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
    RCA Line Input5
    RCA Line Output1
    XLR Line Inputs
    Phono Input
    Optical Inputs2
    Optical Outputs
    Coaxial Inputs2
    Composite Video Input5 (1 front)
    Composite Video Output2
    S-Video Input
    S-Video Output
    Component Video Input2
    Component Video Output1
    PC In
    Multi-Channel Input
    RCA Pre-Outs9.2
    XLR Pre-outs
    Front A/V InputsHDMI, USB, Composite Video
    Speaker A/B
    Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")
    ZONES
    Zones3
    Powered Zones 2 and 3
    Zone 2 OutsComposite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out + Sub
    Zone 3 OutsRCA Pre/Line Out
    RS-232C Interface
    +12V Trigger Output2 (Main, Zone2, Zone 3)
    Remote (IR) Input/Output2 / 1
    MISC
    On-Screen DisplayGUI with Album Art
    Multi-Zone On-Screen Display (Zone 2)
    HDMI Speaker B Link
    AVNavigator
    PC Set-Up
    IP Control for CI
    PreAmp Mode
    Versatile Speaker ConfigurationBi-Amp / Zone 2 / B-Speaker / Surround Back / Front Height / Front Width
    FL Dimmer
    Function Rename
    Remote ControllerLearning
    Detachable Power Cord
    adapterport
    RADIO
    Analog Tuner FM/AM
    Presets63
    Digital Radio
    Internet Radio vTuner
    Pandora
    Spotify
    Tidal
    Deezer
    Napster
    SiriusXM Internet Radio
    CONSTRUCTION
    ChassisInsulated Dual Chassis
    Front PanelHairline
    Solid Aluminum Front
    Advanced Direct ConstructionAdvanced Direct Construction
    Speaker Terminals9
    Large Speaker Terminals9
    Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
    Ceramic Speaker Terminals
    3D Space Frame Construction
    Gold plated RCA terminals
    POWER
    Power SupplyAC 120 V, 60 Hz
    Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer
    Transformer Stabilizer
    Power Consumption290 W
    Standby Power0.1 W
    GENERAL
    Auto Power Standby
    Dimensions (W x H x D)435 mm x 185 mm x 441 mm
    17-1/8" x 7-1/4" x 17-3/8"
    Weight14.4 kg (31.7 lbs)
    Warranty2 Years
    SPECS
    Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2125 W (0.08% THD)
    Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2165 W (1.0% THD)
    Power Output (4 Ω, 1 kHz, 2200 W (1.0% THD)
    Multi Channel Simultaneous Drive (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%)630 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%)
    THD0.04% (1 kHz, 110 W + 110 W, 8 Ω)
    Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)375 mV/47 kΩ (Line)
    Rated Lineout Level and Impedance375 mV/2.2 kΩ (REC OUT)
    S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)101 dB
    DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI2.8 MHz
    Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance1 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-TX
    HDMI Terminal19-pin (not DVI)
    HDMI Output Type5 V, 55 mA
    USB TerminalUSB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 2.1 A
    adapterport Terminal5 V, 100 mA
    Extension Terminal 5 V, 150 mA
    FM Frequency87.5 MHz - 108 MHz
    AM Frequency530 kHz - 1700 kHz

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

    Successor

    In 2013 Pioneer Elite SC-61 was replaced by SC-71. Let us now have a look at some important changes that the successor brought.


    UPGRADES Pioneer Elite SC-71 vs Pioneer Elite SC-61
    DTS Neo Neo:X vs Neo:6
    Music Playback via USB MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, 192kHz / 24-Bit WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD vs WAV, MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC,
    High Resolution Audio Formats via USB Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD vs WAV/FLAC
    Gapless Playback vs
    Video Signal Passthrough up to 4K/30p vs up to 1080p
    Video Signal Upscaling up to 4K/30p vs up to 1080/24p (Marvell Qdeo)
    MHL Input 1 (Front) vs
    More HDMI Inputs 8 (1 front) vs 7 (1 front)
    More HDMI Outputs 2 (1 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE) vs 1
    HDMI Speaker B Link vs
    Spotify vs

    DOWNGRADES Pioneer Elite SC-71 vs Pioneer Elite SC-61
    Optimum Surround vs
    Less RCA Line Inputs 4 vs 5
    Less RCA Line Outputs vs 1
    Less Composite Video Inputs 4 (1 front) vs 5 (1 front)
    Less Composite Video Outputs 1 vs 2
    Less RCA Pre-Outs 2.2 vs 9.2
    Less Powered Zones 2 vs 2 and 3
    Zone 2 Outs Composite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out vs Composite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out + Sub
    +12V Trigger Output 1 (Main, Zone2, HDZone) vs 2 (Main, Zone2, Zone 3)
    Remote (IR) Input/Output 1 / 1 vs 2 / 1
    Multi-Zone On-Screen Display vs (Zone 2)
    SiriusXM Internet Radio vs
    Transformer Stabilizer vs
    Smaller Power Supply 260 W vs 290 W
    Lower Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC) 120 W (0.08% THD) vs 125 W (0.08% THD)
    Lower Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC) 150 W (1.0% THD) vs 165 W (1.0% THD)
    Lower Power Output (4 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven) 180 W (1.0% THD) vs 200 W (1.0% THD)
    Lower Multi Channel Simultaneous Drive (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%) 560 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%) vs 630 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%)
    Lower S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) 100 dB vs 101 dB
    Extension Terminal vs 5 V, 150 mA

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Pioneer Elite SC-61 vs Pioneer Elite SC-71.

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