1-on-1 Comparison

Side-by-Side Comparison

Pioneer Elite SC-79 (USA version)

SCORE:
84

Highlights

  • 9.2 channels
  • 9.1 channel processing
  • 150 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
  • USB DAC
  • THX Ultra2 Plus certified
  • 4K Upscaling, 4K Passthrough
  • AirPlay, DLNA
  • Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
  • USB and Phono inputs

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Content

Overview

Pioneer Elite SC-79 was introduced in 2013 and represented a flagship model of a manufacturer. It is equipped with 9 channel amplifier with 150 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.

AMPLIFIER
98
VIDEO FEATURES
66
AUDIO FEATURES
78
CONNECTIVITY
87
MULTIZONE
95
MISCELLANEOUS
85
RADIO
85
OVERALL
84

Pros and Cons

In this section we present pros and cons of Pioneer Elite SC-79.

PROS
  Front Wide Channel Support
  THX™ Certification
  9.1 Channel Processing
  DSD via HDMI
  USB DAC
  Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
  New HDCP Version
  4K or 8K Video Passthrough
  4K or 8K Signal Upscaling
  Analog To HDMI Upconversion
  Ethernet
  Wi-Fi
  Bluetooth
  Many HDMI Inputs
  Many HDMI Outputs
  USB Input
  Many Optical Inputs
  Composite Video Inputs
  Component Video Inputs
  RCA Pre-Outs
  Zones
  Analog Tuner
  Pandora
  Spotify
  Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer
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 Chromecast Built-In
  Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
  Few 8K Inputs
  No Tidal

Predecessor

Here we are comparing Pioneer Elite SC-79 to its predecessor SC-68 and displaying the major changes.

UPGRADES Pioneer Elite SC-79 vs Pioneer Elite SC-68
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
Video Signal Upscaling up to 4K/30p vs up to 1080/24p (Marvell Qdeo)
HDBaseT Compatible for MAIN/HDZONE (HDMI Extension via CAT5 Cable) vs
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 Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC) 150 W (0.08% THD) vs 140 W (0.08% THD)
Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC) 200 W (1.0% THD) vs 190 W (1.0% THD)
Higher Power Output (4 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven) 255 W (1.0% THD) vs 250 W (1.0% THD)
Higher Multi Channel Simultaneous Drive (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%) 850 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%) vs 810 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%)
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
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-79 vs Pioneer Elite SC-68.

Audio Section

9 channel Class D3 Amplifier

Pioneer Elite SC-79 features 9 channel power amplifier with Class D3 design. It is rated at 150 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.

    THX Ultra2 Plus certified

    Pioneer Elite SC-79 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-79'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-79 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-79 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-79 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-79 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-79 features 9 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-79 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-79 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-79 is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

    Multi-zone Playback

    Pioneer Elite SC-79 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-79 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-79 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-79 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-79 offers HDMI output for Zone 4. This means that it can send two different HDMI signals to two displays.

    Inputs and Outputs

    Audio

    • Analog Pre-Outs: Pioneer Elite SC-79 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-79'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: 9 (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-79 supports up to 1080p (1125p) resolution on Component video connectors.
    • Inputs: 3   Outputs: 1
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    Specifications

    Here we list all the available features and specifications of Pioneer Elite SC-79.

    BASICS
    BrandPioneer
    SeriesElite
    ModelSC-79
    TypeA/V Receiver
    CountryUSA
    Release Year2013
    AMPLIFIER
    Channels9.2
    Front Wide Channel Support
    AmplifierClass 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) EngineTexas Instruments Aureus
    DACESS SABRE32 Ultra
    DAC Specs192 kHz/32 Bit
    Maximum Channel Processing9.1
    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 USBAIFF/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 USBApple 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 192kHz/32-bit
    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 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 Surround15 + 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 Memory6
    Full Band Phase Control
    Standing Wave Control
    EQ Bands9 (Advanced)
    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 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 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 InputAndroid 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 for MAIN/HDZONE (HDMI Extension via CAT5 Cable)
    HDMI Inputs9 (1 front)
    HDMI Outputs3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE)
    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 Outputs1
    Coaxial Inputs2
    Composite Video Input5 (1 front)
    Composite Video Output2
    S-Video Input
    S-Video Output
    Component Video Input3
    Component Video Output1
    PC In
    Multi-Channel Input
    RCA Pre-Outs11.2
    XLR Pre-outs
    Front A/V InputsHDMI, USB, Composite Video
    Speaker A/B
    Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")
    ZONES
    Zones4
    Powered Zones 2 and 3
    Zone 2 OutsComponent Video, Composite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out + Subwoofer
    Zone 3 OutsComposite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out + Subwoofer
    Zone 4 OutsHDMI
    RS-232C Interface
    +12V Trigger Output2 (Main, Zone2, Zone 3, HDZone)
    Remote (IR) Input/Output2 / 1
    MISC
    On-Screen DisplayGraphical User Interface (GUI) with Album Artwork (HDMI only)
    Multi-Zone On-Screen Display
    HDMI Speaker B Link
    AVNavigator Built-in
    PC Set-UpWith Remote Maintenance
    IP Control for CI
    PreAmp Mode
    Versatile Speaker Configuration
    FL Dimmer
    Function Rename
    Remote ControllerLearning Remote Control (Lumius)
    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 PanelAluminum (Hairline)
    Solid Aluminum Front
    Advanced Direct ConstructionAdvanced Direct Construction
    Speaker Terminals11
    Large Speaker Terminals11
    Color-Coded 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 Consumption370 W
    Standby Power0.1 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"
    Weight17.6 kg (38.8 lbs)
    Warranty2 Years Parts & Labor
    SPECS
    Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2150 W (0.08% THD)
    Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2200 W (1.0% THD)
    Power Output (4 Ω, 1 kHz, 2255 W (1.0% THD)
    Multi Channel Simultaneous Drive (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%)850 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%)
    THD0.04% (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 Impedance400 mV/2.2 kΩ (REC OUT)
    S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)103 dB
    DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI2.8 MHz
    DSD Sampling Rates via USB2.8 MHz
    USB DAC TerminalUSB2.0 (Type B)
    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
    HDMI Input/MHL Terminal5 V, 900 mA
    USB TerminalUSB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 2.1 A
    adapterport Terminal5 V, 100 mA
    Extension Terminal
    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 2014 Pioneer Elite SC-79 was replaced by SC-89. Let us now have a look at some important changes that the successor brought.


    UPGRADES Pioneer Elite SC-89 vs Pioneer Elite SC-79
    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-89 vs Pioneer Elite SC-79
    THX™ Certification vs Ultra2 Plus
    Surround EX vs
    Less HDMI Inputs 8 (1 front) vs 9 (1 front)
    Less RCA Line Inputs 3 vs 5
    Less Composite Video Inputs 2 vs 5 (1 front)
    Less Component Video Inputs 2 vs 3
    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
    Lower Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC) 140 W (0.08% THD) vs 150 W (0.08% THD)

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Pioneer Elite SC-79 vs Pioneer Elite SC-89.

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