Pioneer Elite SC-99 Review

Pioneer Elite SC-99
Votes 2 2
Rating 5 5
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Pioneer Elite SC-99 review

Many buyers aim to find an AV receiver with good equipment, an advanced decoder, and powerful amplifiers, and the Pioneer Elite SC-99 is sure to be the favorite. After careful consideration of the model, we gave it a 9.5 out of 10. The manufacturer released this model in 2015. The receiver is fitted with an amplifier capable of managing 9.2 channels.

Pioneer Elite SC-99 Pros

  • The receiver has a function of wireless connection to the Internet via Wi-Fi.
  • Bluetooth is now one of the key wireless communication protocols. In AV receivers, it is used for audio signal transmission or remote control. And it is in the model under review that Bluetooth support is implemented.
  • The presence of a USB port allows the receiver to play content from external media.
  • DLNA is a feature that gives the receiver the ability to transmit and receive various media content over the home network, as well as display it in real time.
  • MHL is a mobile audio-video interface standard that combines the functionality of the HDMI and MicroUSB interfaces, its presence in Pioneer Elite SC-99 allows you to connect mobile devices and broadcast content from them.
  • Like any modern receiver, Elite SC-99 has a Phono (MM) input for connecting a phonograph or turntable.
  • Dolby Atmos technology has been included in this model specifically to create a 3D effect when watching movies, which reveals all its features with a minimum 5.1 configuration.
  • With HDR pass-through support, it is possible to transfer data over Elite SC-99 with a much wider range of colors.
  • With 4K/60Hz pass-through support, it is possible to pass data through this model without degrading image quality.
  • ARC feature eliminates the need for an additional composite or optical cable when connecting this unit to a TV.
  • This receiver supports the data encryption protocol HDCP 2.2 which allows licensed devices to play high definition audio and video.
  • Can stream audio using the AirPlay protocol.
  • Stream music from one of the most popular services Spotify directly on the Pioneer Elite SC-99.
  • This receiver consumes less power thanks to ECO mode.
  • Pioneer Elite SC-99 uses bi-amping to amplify each dynamic in a speaker separately, resulting in clearer, better sound.
  • The reviewed receiver has a Pure Direct mode, when used it feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
  • When using the Elite SC-99, it is possible to switch between the main and additional set of speakers - speaker A/B switching.
  • This AV receiver is able to use 3 zones to send a source signal to speakers or a separate audio system in different locations.
  • With the included microphone, the Pioneer Elite SC-99 can use the auto speaker calibration mechanism to create the most suitable soundstage.

Pioneer Elite SC-99 Cons

  • Can not manage the DTS:X surround format.
  • HDMI eARC function not implemented.
  • The manufacturer does not claim support for HDMI CEC.
  • Pioneer Elite SC-99 is unable to use Amazon Music.
  • There is no voice control function.
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Pioneer Elite SC-99 back and front view

Pioneer Elite SC-99 Pioneer Elite SC-99

Pioneer Elite SC-99 specs and features

Amplifier

Channels 9.2
Stereo power (RMS), W/Ohm 140/8, 200/6, 255/4
Output impedance, Ohm 8, 6, 4
Frequency response 20Hz-20KHz
THD in stereo, % 0.08

Audio features

Digital to analog converter (DAC) ESS SABRE 192 KHz/32-bit
Bi-amping
Pure direct (straight)
Auto speaker calibration MCACC Pro
Speaker A/B switching
Other audio features Advanced Sound Retriever

Connectivity

Wi-Fi 2.4/5GHz
USB 1 (USB 2.0)
Bluetooth
Ethernet (RJ45) 1
DLNA
MHL

Streaming services

Apple Music (AirPlay) AirPlay
Amazon Music
Spotify
Other streaming services Pandora

Extensive connection

HDMI input/output 8/3
HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel)
HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel)
HDMI CEC
Digital content protection (HDCP) HDCP 2.2
Subwoofer output (LFE) 2
Headphone output 1 x 6.3
Optical digital input 2
Coaxial digital input 2
Composite input 3
Component input/output 2/1
Phono (MM) input
Front panel connectors USB, HDMI, phones, setup mic
Multi channel preamp output

Video features

HDR (High Dynamic Range)
4K signal pass-through 4K/60Hz
8K signal pass-through
HDMI signal pass-through
3D signal pass-through
HDMI pass-through in standby mode
Video conversion analog to HDMI
Analog to HDMI scaling
HDMI to HDMI scaling
Dolby Vision
Other video features x.v.Color

Additional features

Voice control
App control iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Android
Display fluorescent
Tuner AM, FM
Sleep timer
Auto power off
ECO mode
Graphical user interface (GUI)
Setup assistant
Firmware update network, USB
Other additional features IP Control

Multi-room

Multi-room zones 3
Zone audio output speaker, preout
Zone HDMI output
Multi-room control iControlAV5, AMX, Control4, Crestron
RS-232 1
Remote control input/output (IR) 2/1
DC trigger output (12V) 2

Multichannel surround

Dolby Atmos
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Surround
Dolby (other) Dolby Digital Plus
DTS:X
DTS HD Master
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neural:X
DTS (other) has not
Auro-3D
IMAX Enhanced
Multichannel stereo

Audio file formats

MP3
WMA
AAC
WAV
FLAC
ALAC
Other audio file formats AIFF

Power

Operational power consumption, W 370
Standby consumption, W 0.1
Removable power cord

Dimensions

Size W x H x D, cm/inches 43.5 x 18.5 x 44.1/17 x 7 x 17.3
Weight, kg/lbs 17.6/38.7

Other

Release year 2015