Pioneer Elite SC-77 (USA version)

•   Overview
•   Pros and Cons
•   Predecessor
•   Audio Section
•   Video Section
•   Multi-zone Playback
•   Inputs and Outputs
•   Specifications
•   Successor

Pioneer Elite SC-77 was introduced in 2013. It is equipped with 9 channel amplifier with 140 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 9.1 maximum channel processing. It passes 4K/30Hz and upscales up to 4K/30p video signal.

We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 84 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.

In this section we present pros and cons of Pioneer Elite SC-77.

Here we are comparing Pioneer Elite SC-77 to its predecessor SC-67 and displaying the major changes.

UPGRADES	Pioneer Elite SC-77	vs	Pioneer Elite SC-67
THX™ Certification	Ultra2 Plus	vs	Select™2 Plus
Music Playback via USB	AIFF/WAV/Apple Lossless/FLAC/MP3/WMA/AAC/DSD 5.6Mhz	vs	WAV, MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC, DSD
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB	Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD	vs	WAV/FLAC/DSD
Gapless Playback		vs
Precision Distance		vs
Video Signal Upscaling	up to 4K/30p	vs	up to 1080/24p (Marvell Qdeo)
More Component Video Outputs	2	vs	1
Spotify		vs
Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer		vs
Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	190 W (1.0% THD)	vs	180 W (1.0% THD)
Higher Power Output (4 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven)	240 W (1.0% THD)	vs	230 W (1.0% THD)
Higher Multi Channel Simultaneous Drive (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%)	810 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%)	vs	770 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%)
Higher DSD Sampling Rate via USB	2.8 MHz	vs	2.8 MHz

DOWNGRADES	Pioneer Elite SC-77	vs	Pioneer Elite SC-67
Multi-Zone On-Screen Display		vs	(Z2 & Z3)
SiriusXM Internet Radio		vs
Extension Terminal		vs	5 V, 150 mA

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Pioneer Elite SC-77 vs Pioneer Elite SC-67.

9 channel Class D³ Amplifier

Pioneer Elite SC-77 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.

THX Ultra2 Plus certified

Pioneer Elite SC-77 is THX Ultra2 Plus certified. This means that it brings the cinematic experience to large 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.

• THX™ Certification: THX™ Certification 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 THX Loudness Plus, Boundary Gain Compensation, Timbre Matching and RE-EQ.
• Power Output: Power output is tested to ensure the receiver accurately plays source material at THX Reference Level in every input and mode and at every sampling rate for all possible playback combinations selected by the listener.
• Frequency Response: THX has strict requirements for frequency response to ensure that you hear all the details in high-resolution tracks, ensures dialog in movies, and vocals in music are clear while maintaining deep, impactful bass output that doesn’t overpower the listening experience.
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: THX tests the signal-to-noise ratio to ensure the unit is designed to have low noise performance with very little to no audible hiss from the speakers.
• Bass Management: THX requires an 80Hz crossover point in the setup menu to ensure proper bass management in every THX Certified AVR. This setting confirms that the subwoofer handles low frequencies, freeing up the loudspeakers to handle mids and highs.
• THX Loudness Plus™: THX Loudness Plus™ is a volume control technology featured in THX Certified Dominus, THX Certified Ultra and THX Certified Select AV Receivers, and preamplifiers that automatically adjusts the front-to-back speaker level relationship as you turn the volume down. With THX Loudness Plus, home theater audiences can now experience the rich details of surround sound at any volume level.
• Boundary Gain Compensation: Sitting near a wall may result in increased acoustic levels at the lower frequencies. BGC corrects the way low frequency sound is perceived when seated near a wall. This results in a more accurate bass response.
• Timbre Matching: Your ears hear different tonal qualities in sounds coming from different directions. Timbre Matching restores the frequency balance between your front and surround speakers ensuring seamless and smooth panning between the front to back of the room.
• RE-EQ: Many movie soundtracks are mixed in studios for playback in large cinema auditoriums with an array of speakers. When played on home systems, they may appear abrasive and edgy. Re-EQ establishes a more accurate tonal balance when enjoying movies in your home.

Speaker Configurations

Pioneer Elite SC-77's 9 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

• Configurations: Available configurations are:
5.2, 7.2, 9.2 with internal amplifier.
• Front Wide Channel support: Pioneer Elite SC-77 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 - 9.2.
• 4-ch Bi-Amp: Pioneer Elite SC-77 allows you 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.

Sound Processing

• Advanced Sound Retriever: Compressed music enhancement in Pioneer Elite SC-77 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-77 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.

HDMI

Pioneer Elite SC-77 features 8 HDMI inputs. It has 3 outputs: 2 for MAIN and 1 for MAIN/HDZONE.

• 4K/30Hz Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 4K/30p video signal.
• 4K Upscaling: Pioneer Elite SC-77 can upscale up to 4K/30p 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-77 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-77 is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

Pioneer Elite SC-77 offers multi-zone playback which allows you to play different input sources in 4 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 7 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-77 has analog Composite Video output for Zone 2. This means that it can send a different video signal to the TV.
• Component Video Output: Pioneer Elite SC-77 has analog Component Video output for Zone 2, so you can send a different video signal to the TV. Component video connection provides the higher image quality than the composite and S-Video connections.

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 7 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.
• Composite Video Output: Pioneer Elite SC-77 has analog Composite Video output for Zone 3. This means that it can send a different video signal to the TV.

Zone 4

• HDMI Output: Pioneer Elite SC-77 offers HDMI output for Zone 4. This means that it can send two different HDMI signals to two displays.

Audio

• Analog Pre-Outs: Pioneer Elite SC-77 has 11.2 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.
• XLR Inputs: There is one pair of XLR inputs on this a/v receiver. If your CD player, Blu-Ray player or other source have XLR outputs you can connect them to the Pioneer Elite SC-77's XLR Inputs for higher quality balanced connection.
• Analog Line Inputs and Outputs: There are 5 line inputs and 1 line output for analog audio connection.
• Digital Inputs and Outputs: 1 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: 8 (1 front)   Outputs: 3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE)
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-77 supports up to 1080p (1125p) resolution on Component video connectors.
Inputs: 3   Outputs: 2

Here we list all the available features and specifications of Pioneer Elite SC-77.

BASICS
Brand	Pioneer
Series	Elite
Model	SC-77
Type	A/V Receiver
Country	USA
Release Year	2013

AMPLIFIER
Channels	9.2
Front Wide Channel Support
Amplifier	Class D3 (Direct Energy HD)
THX™ Certification	Ultra2 Plus
Continuous 6 Ω Rated
Certified 4 Ω Performance
Bi-amp Capability	Front, Center, Surround, SP-B

AUDIO
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engine	Texas Instruments Aureus
DAC	ESS SABRE32 Ultra
DAC Specs	192 kHz/32 Bit
Maximum Channel Processing	9.1
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: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	AIFF/WAV/Apple Lossless/FLAC/MP3/WMA/AAC/DSD 5.6Mhz
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
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	All 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 + Headphone Surround
Wide Surround
Front Stage Surround Advance	(Focus/Wide)
Headphone Surround
Virtual Speakers
Virtual Depth
Independent Subwoofer Outputs

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

VIDEO
Enhanced ARC
HDCP Version	2.2
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 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	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	Android MHL 3D/Full-HD/Charge
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
HDMI Inputs	8 (1 front)
HDMI Outputs	3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE)
8K Inputs
USB Input	1 Front
USB DC Out Port	1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
RCA Line Input	5
RCA Line Output	1
XLR Line Inputs
Phono Input
Optical Inputs	2
Optical Outputs	1
Coaxial Inputs	2
Composite Video Input	5 (1 front)
Composite Video Output	2
S-Video Input
S-Video Output
Component Video Input	3
Component Video Output	2
PC In
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs	11.2
XLR Pre-outs
Front A/V Inputs	HDMI, USB, Composite Video
Speaker A/B
Headphone Out	6.3 mm (1/4")

ZONES
Zones	4
Powered Zones	2 and 3
Zone 2 Outs	Component Video, Composite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out + Subwoofer
Zone 3 Outs	Composite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out + Subwoofer
Zone 4 Outs	HDMI
RS-232C 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
HDMI Speaker B Link
AVNavigator	Built-in
PC Set-Up	With Remote Maintenance
IP Control for CI
PreAmp Mode
Versatile Speaker Configuration
FL Dimmer
Function Rename
Remote Controller	Learning Remote Control (Lumius)
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
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 7-5/16" x 17-3/8"
Weight	17.5 kg (38.6 lbs)
Warranty	2 Years Parts & Labor

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	240 W (1.0% THD)
Multi Channel Simultaneous Drive (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%)	810 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%)
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
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

In 2014 Pioneer Elite SC-77 was replaced by SC-87. Let us now have a look at some important changes that the successor brought.

UPGRADES	Pioneer Elite SC-87	vs	Pioneer Elite SC-77
Dolby Atmos	up to with firmware update	vs
Independent Subwoofer Outputs		vs
More Advanced Auto Speaker Calibration System	MCACC Pro	vs	Advanced MCACC
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 4K/60p (4:4:4 24-bit) 4K/60p (4:2:2 36-bit) 4K/24p (4:4:4 36-bit)	vs	up to 4K/30p
Video Signal Upscaling	up to 4K/60p (Marvell Qdeo)	vs	up to 4K/30p
More Powered Zones	2, 3 and HDZone	vs	2 and 3
Multi-Zone On-Screen Display	HDZone	vs

DOWNGRADES	Pioneer Elite SC-87	vs	Pioneer Elite SC-77
THX™ Certification		vs	Ultra2 Plus
Surround EX		vs
Precision Distance		vs
Less RCA Line Inputs	3	vs	5
Less Composite Video Inputs	2	vs	5 (1 front)
Less Component Video Inputs	2	vs	3
Less Component Video Outputs	1	vs	2
Front A/V Inputs	HDMI, USB	vs	HDMI, USB, Composite Video
Zone 2 Outs	RCA Pre/Line Out + Subwoofer	vs	Component Video, Composite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out + Subwoofer
Zone 3 Outs	RCA Pre/Line Out	vs	Composite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out + Subwoofer
Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer		vs

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Pioneer Elite SC-77 vs Pioneer Elite SC-87.