Pioneer Elite SC-81

Pioneer Elite SC-81 was introduced in 2014. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 120 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing. It passes 4K/60Hz and upscales up to 4K/60p (Marvell Qdeo) video signal.

We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 81 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.

For more details about the ranking please go to    Evaluation section.

In this section we present pros and cons of Pioneer Elite SC-81.

In 2014 Pioneer released 11 new receivers. Here is the lineup:

You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Pioneer SC-89 vs SC-87 vs SC-85 vs SC-82 vs SC-81 vs VSX-80.

Pioneer Elite SC-81 has replaced SC-71. Here we present differences between these two models.

UPGRADES	Pioneer Elite SC-81	vs	Pioneer SC-71
Full Band Phase Control		vs
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 RCA Line Outputs	1	vs
More Composite Video Outputs	2	vs	1
More Powered Zones	2 and HDZone	vs	2
+12V Trigger Output	2 (Main, Zone2, HDZone)	vs	1 (Main, Zone2, HDZone)
Transformer Stabilizer		vs
Bigger Power Supply	290 W	vs	260 W

DOWNGRADES	Pioneer Elite SC-81	vs	Pioneer SC-71
Surround EX		vs
Less HDMI Inputs	7 (1 front)	vs	8 (1 front)
Less RCA Line Inputs	3	vs	4
Less Composite Video Inputs	2	vs	4 (1 front)
Front A/V Inputs	HDMI, USB	vs	HDMI, USB, Composite Video
Zone 2 Outs	RCA Pre/Line Out	vs	Composite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Pioneer Elite SC-81 vs SC-71.

Pioneer Elite SC-81'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-81 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-81 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.

Pioneer Elite SC-81 features 7 HDMI inputs. It has 2 outputs: 1 for MAIN and 1 for MAIN/HDZONE.

• 4K/60Hz Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 4K/60p (4:4:4 24-bit)
  4K/60p (4:2:2 36-bit)
  4K/24p (4:4:4 36-bit) video signal.
• 4K Upscaling: Pioneer Elite SC-81 can upscale up to 4K/60p (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-81 will output them via HDMI. This means that you will need only one HDMI cable to connect to your TV.
• 3D Ready: Pioneer Elite SC-81 is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

VIDEO FEATURES
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
BT.2020 color space
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
HDBaseT Compatible
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
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/60p (4:4:4 24-bit) 4K/60p (4:2:2 36-bit) 4K/24p (4:4:4 36-bit)
Video Signal Upscaling	up to 4K/60p (Marvell Qdeo)

Pioneer Elite SC-81 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.

Pioneer Elite SC-81 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.

Zone 3

Audio

• Analog Pre-Outs: Pioneer Elite SC-81 has 2.2 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 3 line inputs and 1 line output for analog audio connection.
• Digital Inputs: 2 optical inputs 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: 2 (1 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: 2   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-81 supports up to 1080p (1125p) resolution on Component video connectors.
Inputs: 2   Outputs: 1

Front A/V Inputs

• HDMI, USB

In 2015 Pioneer Elite SC-81 was replaced by Pioneer SC-91. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Pioneer Elite SC-81 and its successor.

UPGRADES	Pioneer SC-91	vs	Pioneer Elite SC-81
Higher Power Output	130 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)	vs	120 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
Dolby Atmos		vs
Dolby Surround Upmixer		vs
More Tone Control Channels	All Channels	vs	Front L/R Channels
More Advanced Auto Speaker Calibration System	MCACC Pro	vs	Advanced MCACC
Wi-Fi		vs	via optional AS-WL300 adapter (sold separately)
Bluetooth	SBC, AAC	vs	via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately)
More Speaker Terminals	11	vs	9
More Large Speaker Terminals	11	vs	9
Higher Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC)	130 W (0.08% THD)	vs	120 W (0.08% THD)
Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	170 W (1.0% THD)	vs	150 W (1.0% THD)
Higher Power Output (4 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven)	210 W (1.0% THD)	vs	180 W (1.0% THD)
Higher Multi Channel Simultaneous Drive (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%)	660 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%)	vs	560 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%)
Higher Rated Lineout Level	380 mV/2.2 kΩ (REC OUT)	vs	365 mV/2.2 kΩ (REC OUT)
Higher S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	101 dB	vs	100 dB
Higher DSD Sampling Rate via USB	5.6 MHz, 2.8 MHz	vs	2.8 MHz

DOWNGRADES	Pioneer SC-91	vs	Pioneer Elite SC-81
Dolby Pro Logic		vs	PLIIz
DTS Neo	Neo:6	vs	Neo:X
Wide Surround		vs
Virtual Depth		vs
X-Curve		vs
Component Video Maximum Resolution	1080i (1125i)	vs	1080p (1125p)
Stream Smoother		vs
Pure Cinema		vs
Video Parameter Adjustments		vs	YNR, CNR, BNR, MNR, Detail, Brightness, Contrast, Hue, Chroma, Black Level
Triple HD Noise Reduction		vs
USB DC Out Port		vs	1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
Less Optical Inputs	1	vs	2
Less Coaxial Inputs/Outputs	1	vs	2
Less RCA Pre-Outs	0.2	vs	2.2
Less Component Video Inputs	1	vs	2
Less Component Video Outputs		vs	1
adapterport		vs
On-Screen Display	Icon-based Graphical User Interface (GUI)	vs	Graphical User Interface (GUI) with Album Artwork (HDMI only)
PreAmp Mode		vs

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Pioneer Elite SC-81 vs SC-91.

GENERAL
Brand	Pioneer
Series	Elite
Model	SC-81
Type	A/V Receiver
Country	USA
Release Year	2014
Predecessor	Pioneer SC-71
Successor	Pioneer SC-91

AMPLIFIER
Channels	7.2
Power Output	120 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
Front Wide Channel Support
Amplifier Design	Class D3 (Direct Energy HD)
THX™ Certification
Continuous 6 Ω Rated
Certified 4 Ω Performance
Bi-amp Capability	Front

AUDIO FEATURES
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engine	Texas Instruments Aureus
DAC	SABRE Premier (ES9006S)
DAC Specs	192 kHz/24 Bit
Maximum Channel Processing	7.1
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	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
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-bit24 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	11 + 1
Wide Surround
Front Stage Surround Advance
Headphone Surround
Virtual Speakers	(Surround Back/Height/Wide)
Virtual Depth
Independent Subwoofer Outputs

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

VIDEO FEATURES
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
BT.2020 color space
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
HDBaseT Compatible
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
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/60p (4:4:4 24-bit) 4K/60p (4:2:2 36-bit) 4K/24p (4:4:4 36-bit)
Video Signal Upscaling	up to 4K/60p (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	YNR, CNR, BNR, MNR, Detail, Brightness, Contrast, Hue, Chroma, Black Level
Triple HD noise Reduction
isf Certified Calibration Control

CONNECTIVITY
Wi-Fi	via optional AS-WL300 adapter (sold separately)
Bluetooth	via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately)
Works with Amazon Alexa
Chromecast Built-In
Works with SonoS
DTS Play-Fi
MHL Input	1 Rear (Version 2.0)
DLNA 1.5	(DMR)
AirPlay	AirPlay
Apple Product Connection	iPod and iPhone via front USB
Remote App	iControlAV5 (for iOS and Android)
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue

TERMINALS
HDMI Inputs	7 (1 front)
HDMI Outputs	2 (1 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)
Optical Inputs	2
Optical Outputs
Coaxial Inputs	2
RCA Line Inputs	3
RCA Line Outputs	1
XLR Line Inputs
Phono Input
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs	2.2
XLR Pre-outs
Composite Video Inputs	2
Composite Video Outputs	2
S-Video Inputs
S-Video Outputs
Component Video Inputs	2
Component Video Outputs	1
Ethernet
Ethernet Switch
PC In
Front A/V Inputs	HDMI, USB
Speaker A/B
Headphone Out	6.3 mm (1/4")
Detachable Power Cord
adapterport

ZONES
Number of Zones	3
Powered Zones	2 and HDZone
Zone 2 Outs	RCA Pre/Line Out
Zone 3 Outs	HDMI
RS-232C Interface
+12V Trigger Output	2 (Main, Zone2, HDZone)
Remote (IR) Input/Output	1 / 1

MISCELLANEOUS
On-Screen Display	Graphical User Interface (GUI) with Album Artwork (HDMI only)
Multi-Zone On-Screen Display
AV Navigator	Built-in
IP Control
PreAmp Mode
Versatile Speaker Configuration	Surround Back/ Front Height/ Front Wide/ Front Bi-Amp/ Zone 2/ B-Speaker/ Powered HD Zone
FL Dimmer
Function Rename
Remote Controller	Learning Remote Control (Lumius)

RADIO
Analog Tuner	FM/AM
Presets	63
Digital Radio
Internet Radio	vTuner
Pandora
Spotify
Tidal
Deezer
Napster
SiriusXM

CONSTRUCTION
Front Panel	Brushed
Solid Aluminum Front
Construction	Advanced Direct Construction
Speaker Terminals	9
Large Speaker Terminals	9
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	290 W
Standby Power	0.1 W
ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function
Auto Power Standby

PHYSICAL
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	14.3 kg (31.5 lbs)

SPECIFICATIONS
Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC)	120 W (0.08% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	150 W (1.0% THD)
Power Output (4 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven)	180 W (1.0% THD)
Multi Channel Simultaneous Drive	560 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%)
THD	0.04% (1 kHz, 100 W + 100 W, 8 Ω)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)	365 mV/47 kΩ (Line)
Rated Lineout Level and Impedance	365 mV/2.2 kΩ (REC OUT)
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	100 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
Wi-Fi Terminal	5 V, 600 mA
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, 1 A
FM Frequency	87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz
AM Frequency	530 kHz - 1700 kHz
Warranty	2 Years Parts & Labor

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