Pioneer Elite SC-68 (USA version)

Highlights
- 9.2 channels
- 9.1 channel processing
- 140 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
- USB DAC
- THX Ultra2 Plus certified
- 1080p Upscaling, 4K Passthrough
- AirPlay, DLNA
- Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- USB and Phono inputs
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Overview
Pioneer Elite SC-68 was introduced in 2012 and represented a flagship model of the manufacturer. It is equipped with 9 channel amplifier and is capable of 9.1 maximum channel processing.
We evaluated the Receiver and gave 85 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 Elite SC-68.
PROS |
---|
👍 Front Wide Channel Support |
👍 THX™ Certification |
👍 Certified 4 Ω Performance |
👍 Bi-amp Capability |
👍 Many Channel Processing |
👍 Air Studios Monitor Certification |
👍 Dolby TrueHD |
👍 Dolby Digital Plus |
👍 Dolby Pro Logic |
👍 Dolby Digital EX |
👍 Surround EX |
👍 DTS Neo |
👍 DTS-HD Master Audio |
👍 DTS-HD High Resolution Audio |
👍 DTS 96/24 |
👍 DTS Express |
👍 DTS-ES |
👍 High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network |
👍 DSD via HDMI |
👍 DSD via USB |
👍 DSD to PCM Converter |
👍 USB DAC |
👍 DTS Dialog Control |
👍 Dialog Enhancement |
👍 Dialogue Lift |
👍 Sound Retriever |
👍 Sound Retriever AIR |
👍 Compressed Music Enhancer |
👍 High-resolution Music Enhancer |
👍 Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. |
👍 3-D Ready |
👍 4K or 8K Video Passthrough |
👍 Analog To HDMI Upconversion |
👍 MHL Input |
👍 DLNA 1.5 |
👍 Ethernet |
👍 Wi-Fi |
👍 Bluetooth |
👍 New HDCP Version |
👍 Many HDMI Inputs |
👍 Many HDMI Outputs |
👍 USB Input |
👍 Phono Input |
👍 Composite Video Inputs |
👍 Composite Video Outputs |
👍 Component Video Inputs |
👍 Component Video Outputs |
👍 Multi-Channel Input |
👍 Analog Pre-Outs |
👍 Zones |
👍 Detachable Power Cord |
👍 Analog Tuner |
👍 Pandora |
👍 SiriusXM Internet Radio |
👍 Transformer Stabilizer |
CONS |
---|
👎 No Dolby Atmos |
👎 No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization |
👎 No Dolby Surround Upmixer |
👎 No DTS:X |
👎 No DTS Neural:X |
👎 No DTS Virtual:X |
👎 No IMAX Enhanced |
👎 No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer |
👎 No Gapless Playback |
👎 No HDR10 |
👎 No HDR10+ |
👎 No BT.2020 color space |
👎 No Dolby Vision |
👎 No Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) |
👎 No 4K or 8K Video Upscaling |
👎 No Chromecast Built-In |
👎 Does not Work with Amazon Alexa |
👎 Does Not Work with SONOS |
👎 No eARC |
👎 No Spotify |
👎 No Tidal |
👎 No Deezer |
👎 No Napster |
Amplifier
Pioneer Elite SC-68 has 9 channel Class D3 amplifier and delivers 140 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 1080p upscaling.
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 Elite SC-68 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 Ultra2 Plus class performance. This means that it brings the cinematic experience to larg home theaters, 3,000 cubic feet (85 cubic meters) in size, with a viewing distance of 12 feet (4 meters) or greater from the screen.
Advanced Sound Retriever
Compressed music enhancement in Pioneer Elite SC-68 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 Elite SC-68 comes with Advanced MCACC room correction system and includes the calibration microphone.
Connectivity
Pioneer Elite SC-68 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 8 HDMI inputs and HDCP 2.2 copy protection. There is a phono input with built-in phono stage for connecting the cartridge output of the turntable directly to the Receiver. There are 7.1 multi-channel analog inputs and 11.2 channel analog pre-outs for external amplification.
Front panel has HDMI, USB and Composite Video inputs.


Specifications
Here we list all the available features and specifications of Pioneer Elite SC-68.
BASICS | |
---|---|
Brand | Pioneer |
Series | Elite |
Model | SC-68 |
Type | A/V Receiver |
Country | USA |
Release Year | 2012 |
AMPLIFIER | |
---|---|
Channels | 9.2 |
Front Wide Channel Support | |
Amplifier Design | Class D3 |
THX™ Certification | Ultra2 Plus |
Continuous 6 Ω Rated | |
Certified 4 Ω Performance | |
Bi-amp Capability | Front / Center / Surround / B-Speaker |
AUDIO | |
---|---|
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engine | TI Aureus x 2 |
Maximum Channel Processing | 9.1 |
Air Studios Monitor Certification | |
Dolby Atmos | |
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization | |
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: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 | WAV, MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC, 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 | WAV/FLAC/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 | (Rear Panel B-Type) |
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 | All Channels |
Compressed Music Enhancer | Advanced Sound Retriever |
High-resolution Music Enhancer | Hi-bit32 (96 kHz) Audio Processing |
Digital Filter Slow Mode | 192 kHz |
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 + Headphone Surround |
Wide Surround | |
Front Stage Surround Advance | (Focus/Wide) |
Headphone Surround | |
Virtual Speakers | Surround Back / Height / Depth / Wide |
Virtual Depth | |
Independent Dual Subwoofer Output |
CALIBRATION | |
---|---|
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. | Advanced MCACC |
Manual MCACC | |
MCACC Memory | 6 |
Full Band Phase Control | |
Standing Wave Control | |
EQ Bands | 9 |
Symmetric EQ | |
X-Curve | |
Distance Adjustment | 1/2 Inch |
Precision Distance | |
Polarity Check | |
Auto Subwoofer Crossover |
VIDEO | |
---|---|
HDR10 | |
HDR10+ | |
BT.2020 color space | |
Dolby Vision | |
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) | |
QMS (Quick Media Switching) | |
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) | |
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | |
QFT (Quick Frame transport) | |
3-D Ready | |
Video Signal Passthrough | up to 4K/30p |
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 Resolution | 1080p (1125p) |
Stream Smoother | |
Pure Cinema | |
Video Parameter Adjustments | Advanced 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 | Front |
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/iPad |
Remote App | iControlAV2012(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 | |
Enhanced ARC | |
HDCP Version | 2.2 |
HDMI Input | 8 (1 front) |
HDMI Output | 3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for Sub/Zone4) |
USB Input | 1 Front |
USB DC Out Port | 1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A) |
Analog Audio Line Input | 5 |
Analog Audio Line Output | 1 |
Phono Input | |
Optical In | 2 |
Optical Out | 1 |
Coaxial In/Out | 2 / |
Composite Video Input | 5 (1 front) |
Composite Video Output | 2 |
S-Video Input | |
S-Video Output | |
Component Video Input | 3 |
Component Video Output | 1 |
PC In | |
Multi-Channel Input | 7.1 |
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 and 3 |
Zone 2 | Component Video, Composite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out + Subwoofer |
Zone 3 Outs | Composite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out + Sub |
Zone 4 Outs | HDMI |
RS-232 | |
+12V Trigger Output | 2 (Main, Zone2, Zone 3, Zone 4) |
Remote (IR) Input/Output | 2 / 1 |
MISC | |
---|---|
On-Screen Display | GUI with Album Art |
Multi-Zone On-Screen Display | (Z2 & Z3) |
HDMI Speaker B Link | |
AVNavigator | |
PC Set-Up | With Remote Maintenance |
IP Control for CI | |
PreAmp Mode | (Front Off, Front & Center Off) |
Versatile Speaker Configuration | 10 Mode (Bi-Amp / Zone 2 / B-Speaker / Surround Back / Front Height / Dront Width |
FL Dimmer | |
Function Rename | |
Remote Controller | Learning |
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 | Aluminum (Hairline) |
Solid Aluminum Front | |
Advanced Direct 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 | 370 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 7-1/4" x 17-3/8" |
Weight | 17.8 kg (39.2 lbs) |
Warranty | 2 Years |
SPECS | |
---|---|
Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 | 140 W (0.08% THD) |
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 | 190 W (1.0% THD) |
Power Output (4 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 | 250 W (1.0% THD) |
Multi Channel Simultaneous Drive (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%) | 810 W |
THD | 0.04% (1 kHz, 130 W + 130 W, 8 Ω) |
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line) | 400 mV/47 kΩ (Line) |
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM) | 5 mV/47 kΩ |
Rated Lineout Level and Impedance | 400 mV/2.2 kΩ (REC OUT) |
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) | 103 dB |
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI | 2.8 MHz |
DSD Sampling Rates via USB | 2.8 MHz |
USB DAC Terminal | USB2.0 (Type B) |
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, 1 A |
USB Terminal | USB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 2.1 A |
adapterport Terminal | 5 V, 100 mA |
Extension Terminal | 5 V, 150 mA |
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
Successor
In 2013 Pioneer Elite SC-68 was replaced by SC-79. Let us now have a look at some important changes that the successor brought.
UPGRADES | Pioneer Elite SC-79 | vs | Pioneer Elite SC-68 |
---|---|---|---|
Gapless Playback | vs | ||
Video Signal Upscaling | up to 4K/30p | vs | up to 1080/24p (Marvell Qdeo) |
More HDMI Inputs | 9 (1 front) | vs | 8 (1 front) |
More HDMI Outputs | 3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE) | vs | 3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for Sub/Zone4) |
Spotify | vs | ||
Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer | vs | ||
Higher DSD Sampling Rate via USB | 2.8 MHz | vs | 2.8 MHz |
DOWNGRADES | Pioneer Elite SC-79 | vs | Pioneer Elite SC-68 |
---|---|---|---|
Multi-Channel Input | vs | 7.1 | |
SiriusXM Internet Radio | vs |
For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Pioneer Elite SC-79 vs Pioneer Elite SC-68.