Pioneer Elite SC-97 (North American version)

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

Pioneer Elite SC-97 was introduced in 2015. It is equipped with 9 channel amplifier with 140 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 11.2 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, passes 4K/60Hz and upscales up to 4K/60p (4:4:4) video signal.

We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 88 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-97.

Here we are comparing Pioneer Elite SC-97 to its predecessor SC-87 and displaying the major changes.

UPGRADES	Pioneer Elite SC-97	vs	Pioneer Elite SC-87
More Channel Processing	11.2	vs	9.2
Dolby Surround Upmixer		vs
DTS:X	up to with firmware update	vs
DTS Neural:X	with firmware update	vs
HDR10		vs
Super Resolution		vs
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 RCA Pre-Outs	13.2	vs	11.2

DOWNGRADES	Pioneer Elite SC-97	vs	Pioneer Elite SC-87
Dolby Pro Logic		vs	PLIIz
DTS Neo	Neo:X (before firmware update)	vs	Neo:X
Wide Surround		vs
Virtual Depth		vs
X-Curve		vs
Component Video Maximum Resolution	1080i (1125i)	vs	1080p (1125p)
USB DC Out Port		vs	1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
Less Component Video Outputs		vs	1
Zone 2 Outs	RCA Pre/Line Out	vs	RCA Pre/Line Out + Subwoofer
PreAmp Mode		vs
adapterport		vs

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Pioneer Elite SC-97 vs Pioneer Elite SC-87.

9 channel Class D³ Amplifier

Pioneer Elite SC-97 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.

Speaker Configurations

Pioneer Elite SC-97's 9 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

• Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
5.2.2, 5.2.4, 7.2.2 with internal amplifier.
7.2.4, 9.2.2 with addition of external 2 channel amplifier.
• DTS:X Configurations: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos:
5.2.2, 5.2.4, 7.2.2 with internal amplifier.
7.2.4, 9.2.2 with addition of external 2 channel amplifier.
• Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
5.2, 7.2, 9.2 with internal amplifier.
• Front Wide Channel support: Pioneer Elite SC-97 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, 9.2.2.
• 4-ch Bi-Amp: Pioneer Elite SC-97 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.

Dolby Atmos

Pioneer Elite SC-97 supports Dolby Atmos. It is a cinematic audio format in which sounds exist as individual entities, called audio objects. In Dolby Atmos, any sound can exist as an independent audio object, free of channel restrictions. They can be precisely placed and moved anywhere in your room, including overhead, to flow above and around you in three-dimensional space. Through the use of audio objects, overhead sound, and all the richness, clarity, and power of Dolby sound, Dolby Atmos turns your room into an amazing place for entertainment. The format supports up to 128 simultaneous independent audio objects in a mix for rich, realistic, and breathtaking sound. It recreates the director's original concept through descriptive metadata to provide customized playback for home theater and delivers sounds above you through overhead speakers, special upward-firing Dolby Atmos speakers, or a Dolby Atmos enabled sound bar.

• Dolby Surround Upmixer: If the content is not mixed in Dolby Atmos then the Dolby surround upmixer will expand the audio to all channels including ceiling speakers. The upmixer has replaced the Dolby Pro Logic II family with improved upmixing algorithms.

DTS:X

Pioneer Elite SC-97 supports DTS:X. A technique used in DTS:X is similar to the one used in Dolby Atmos. Instead of a fixed number of channels, DTS:X defines object locations from the listener in polar coordinates. An a/v receiver then dynamically renders sound according to the current speaker configuration. The speaker layout employed by DTS:X is the sum of Dolby Atmos and Auro-3D. It has standard 7.1 channel base layer, a 5 channel height layer above the base layer on the front and side walls, and 3 rows of speakers on the ceiling.

• DTS Neural:X: DTS Neural:X is an advanced upmixer that can take non DTS:X content and upmix it to the DTS:X speaker layout. It has replaced the DTS Neo family with improved flexibility.

Sound Processing

• Advanced Sound Retriever: Compressed music enhancement in Pioneer Elite SC-97 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-97 comes with MCACC Pro 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-97 features 8 HDMI inputs. It has 3 outputs: 2 for MAIN and 1 for MAIN/HDZONE.

• 4K/60Hz Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 4K/60p (4:4:4) video signal.
• 4K Upscaling: Pioneer Elite SC-97 can upscale up to 4K/60p (4:4:4) 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-97 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-97 is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

andh3>HDR (High Dynamic Range)

Pioneer Elite SC-97 supports HDR (high dynamic range) video formats such as HDR10. High dynamic range video has greater dynamic range than standard dynamic range (SDR) video with brighter whites and deeper blacks. The result is greater contrast and more details in dark and bright areas, better color and depth.

• HDR10: HDR10 uses the wide-gamut Rec. 2020 color space. It sends static metadata via video stream to the TV which calibrates its screen brightness and color according to that. HDR10 supports 10-bit color which corresponds to 1024 shades of the primary RGB colors. It is technically limited to a maximum of 10,000 nits peak brightness, however common HDR10 contents are mastered with peak brightness from 1,000 to 4,000 nits.

Pioneer Elite SC-97 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.

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.

Zone 4

• HDMI Output: Pioneer Elite SC-97 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-97 has 13.2 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. Also, Pioneer Elite SC-97 has 11 channel processing but has only 9 channel amplifier, so it needs the external amplifier connected to the analog pre-outs in order to reach the maximum speaker configuration.
• 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-97's XLR Inputs for higher quality balanced connection.
• Analog Line Inputs and Outputs: There are 3 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: 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-97 supports up to 1080i (1125i) resolution on Component video connectors.
Inputs: 2   Outputs: 0

Here we list all the available features and specifications of Pioneer Elite SC-97.

BASICS
Brand	Pioneer
Series	Elite
Model	SC-97
Type	A/V Receiver
Country	North America
Release Year	2015

AMPLIFIER
Channels	9.2
Front Wide Channel Support
Amplifier	Class D3 (Direct Energy HD)
THX™ Certification
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 (ES9016S)
DAC Specs	192 kHz/32 Bit
Maximum Channel Processing	11.2
Air Studios Monitor Certification
Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Atmos Music
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Surround Upmixer
Dolby Pro Logic
Dolby Digital EX
Surround EX
DTS:X	up to with firmware update
DTS Neural:X	with firmware update
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neo	Neo:X (before firmware update)
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	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	11 + 1
Wide Surround
Front Stage Surround Advance	(Focus/Wide)
Headphone Surround
Virtual Speakers	(Surround Back/Height/Wide)
Virtual Depth
Independent Subwoofer Outputs

CALIBRATION
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	MCACC Pro
Manual MCACC
MCACC Memory	6
Reflex Optimizer
Phase Control
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
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/60p (4:4:4)
Video Signal Upscaling	up to 4K/60p (4:4:4)
Analog To HDMI Upconversion	Component****, Composite
Component Video Upscaling
Analog to Analog Video conversion
Component Video Maximum Resolution	1080i (1125i)
Stream Smoother
Pure Cinema
Video Parameter Adjustments	YNR, CNR, BNR, MNR, Detail, Brightness, Contrast, Hue, Chroma, Black Level
Triple HD Noise Reduction
Super Resolution
isf Certified Calibration Control

CONNECTIVITY
MHL Input	1 Rear (Version 2.0)
DLNA 1.5
FireConnect
FlareConnect
Chromecast Built-In
DTS Play-Fi
Works with Amazon Alexa
Works with SONOS
AirPlay	AirPlay
Apple Product Connection	iPod and iPhone via front USB
Remote App	iControlAV5 (for iOS and Android)
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue
Ethernet
Ethernet Switch
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth	SBC, AAC
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
RCA Line Input	3
RCA Line Output	1
XLR Line Inputs
Phono Input
Optical Inputs	2
Optical Outputs	1
Coaxial Inputs	2
Composite Video Input	2
Composite Video Output	2
S-Video Input
S-Video Output
Component Video Input	2
Component Video Output
PC In
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs	13.2
XLR Pre-outs
Front A/V Inputs	HDMI, USB
Speaker A/B
Headphone Out	6.3 mm (1/4")

ZONES
Zones	4
Powered Zones	2, 3 and HDZone
Zone 2 Outs	RCA Pre/Line Out
Zone 3 Outs	RCA Pre/Line Out
Zone 4 Outs	HDMI
RS-232C Interface
+12V Trigger Output	2 (assignable)
Remote (IR) Input/Output	2 / 1

MISC
On-Screen Display	Graphical User Interface (GUI) with Album Artwork (HDMI only)
HDMI Speaker B Link
AVNavigator	Built-in
IP Control for CI
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)
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
Front Panel	Brushed
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
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	5.6 MHz, 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/PR) 1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
Ethernet Standard	10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
Wi-Fi Standard	IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n
Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency	5 GHz, 2.4 GHz
Bluetooth Version	2․1 + EDR
Bluetooth Frequency	2.4 GHz
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 High Speed (Type A) 5 V, 1 A
FM Frequency	87.5 MHz - 108.0 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 2017 Pioneer Elite SC-97 was replaced by SC-LX801. Let us now have a look at some important changes that the successor brought.

UPGRADES	Pioneer Elite SC-LX801	vs	Pioneer Elite SC-97
Music Playback via USB	MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD, Dolby TrueHD	vs	MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB	Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, AAC, DSD, Dolby TrueHD	vs	Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
Reflex Optimizer		vs
Dolby Vision		vs
BT.2020 color space		vs
Analog To HDMI Upconversion	Component**, Composite	vs	Component****, Composite
FireConnect		vs
FlareConnect		vs
Chromecast Built-In		vs
DTS Play-Fi		vs
Works with SONOS		vs
More RCA Line Inputs	6	vs	3
More Optical Outputs		vs	1
More Component Video Outputs	1	vs
Zone 2 Outs	HDMI, RCA Pre/Line Out	vs	RCA Pre/Line Out
PreAmp Mode		vs
Tidal		vs
Deezer		vs
Longer Warranty	3 Years Parts & Labor	vs	2 Years Parts & Labor
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	240 W (1.0% THD)
Higher S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	108 dB	vs	103 dB
Higher DSD Sampling Rate via USB	11.2 MHz, 5.6 MHz, 2.8 MHz	vs	5.6 MHz, 2.8 MHz
Newer Bluetooth Version	4․1 + LE	vs	2․1 + EDR
Wider AM Frequency Range	530 kHz - 1710 kHz	vs	530 kHz - 1700 kHz

DOWNGRADES	Pioneer Elite SC-LX801	vs	Pioneer Elite SC-97
Front Wide Channel Support		vs
Bi-amp capability		vs	Front, Center, Surround, SP-B
Dolby Digital EX		vs
DTS Neo		vs	Neo:X (before firmware update)
DSD to PCM Converter		vs
Sound Retriever	Advanced	vs	Advanced (Multi-Channel / Auto with ARC)
Sound Retriever AIR		vs
Digital Noise Reduction		vs
High-resolution Music Enhancer		vs	Hi-bit32 Audio Processing
Optimum Surround		vs
Headphone Surround		vs
Virtual Speakers		vs	(Surround Back/Height/Wide)
Higher MCACC Memory	3	vs	6
Stream Smoother		vs
Pure Cinema		vs
Video Parameter Adjustments		vs	YNR, CNR, BNR, MNR, Detail, Brightness, Contrast, Hue, Chroma, Black Level
MHL Input		vs	1 Rear (Version 2.0)
DLNA 1.5		vs
Less HDMI Outputs	2 (1 MAIN, 1 SUB/ZONE 2)	vs	3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE)
Less RCA Line Outputs		vs	1
XLR Line Inputs		vs
Less Composite Video Outputs		vs	2
Less RCA Pre-Outs	11.2	vs	13.2
Less Zones	3	vs	4
Less Powered Zones	2 and 3	vs	2, 3 and HDZone
On-Screen Display	Icon-based Graphical User Interface (GUI)	vs	Graphical User Interface (GUI) with Album Artwork (HDMI only)
AVNavigator		vs	Built-in
Less Presets	40	vs	63
Smaller Power Supply	320 W	vs	370 W
Lower Multi Channel Simultaneous Drive (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%)	770 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%)	vs	810 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%)

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Pioneer Elite SC-97 vs Pioneer Elite SC-LX801.