Pioneer Elite SC-07 or Emotiva Separates? [Archive]

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SolidSqual

11-03-2009, 11:27 AM

Hey Guys,

Any opinions what's better between the two:

Pioneer Elite SC-07 vs. Emotiva Processor and XPA-5?

concealer404

11-03-2009, 11:45 AM

Hoooooooo boy. I see this thread being fun. ;)

I can't comment on these model specifically, but i think we both agreed in the past that the XPA-series amps would be great for HT.

And i personally, LOVE Pioneer AVRs.

What are you trying to drive and in what size room?

anhchungdoan

11-03-2009, 11:55 AM

Hey Guys,

Any opinions what's better between the two:

Pioneer Elite SC-07 vs. Emotiva Processor and XPA-5?

Just curious that you have the Wyred for sound class D switching amp the why don't you get the W-4_S MC 7 multichannel amps if you do not think the Pio SC-07 has enough juice.

I have the Pio SC05 and I love it. Since my room is small 14X16 and it's upstairs, I do not have the real-estate flexibilty to try the combo out.

concealer404

11-03-2009, 11:58 AM

Just curious that you have the Wyred for sound class D switching amp the why don't you get the W-4_S MC 7 multichannel amps if you do not think the Pio SC-07 has enough juice.

I have the Pio SC05 and I love it. Since my room is small 14X16 and it's upstairs, I do not have the real-estate flexibilty to try the combo out.

I don't think this question is actually for him... he's got another thread asking about a setup he's doing for someone else. :)

olilugo

11-03-2009, 12:03 PM

Hey Solid,
I have the sc-07 and I am on the waiting list for the UMC-1 from emotiva. I have to say I love my SC-07. I am using it as a pre and I feed 5 channels into my sunfire amp.
I would love to compare the emotiva against my sc-07 but I have to say that the emotiva does not handle usb connections and this is a feature that I realy like as I don't have a CD player. I feed all my music using a usb drive and using flac format into my sc-07 and let the sc-07 decode and play. I don't know how much better would it be with a dedicated CD player but I am very happy with my setup as I have it today.
So what I am saying is I will be cancelling my UMC-1 order since I don't really see any better tecnology between the sc-07 and the UMC-1. and I like the extra features of the SC-07

Montoya

11-03-2009, 12:19 PM

The Xpa-5 is a solid amp for home theater but I would pick the pioneer SC-07 or SC-05, even a 94thx over any Emotiva processor. The past processor they made was a pile.

WilliamM2

11-03-2009, 12:56 PM

Hey Guys,

Any opinions what's better between the two:

Pioneer Elite SC-07 vs. Emotiva Processor and XPA-5?

Emotiva doesn't currently offer any processors, so the choice is easy.

iskandam

11-03-2009, 01:33 PM

I used to have a Harman Kardon receiver that I was using as a pre-pro with the XPA-5 then replaced it with the SC-05. I was a bit nervous at first, but I ended up with even better sound. The combination of Wolfson DACs, ICE amps, and very good room correction algorithm really made for a balanced sound from top to bottom that's also clear and very dynamic. I miss nothing from the separates combo in terms of dynamics and impact.

But the UMC-1's spec does look very good and I wonder how the UMC-1/XPA-5 combo would compare against Pioneer Elite's SC-series receivers.

SolidSqual

11-03-2009, 01:34 PM

Thanks guys, this system is for my quasi in-laws. I'm leaning towards the XPA-5 with a good processor or perhaps an XPA-2 and letting a good AVR handle the remaining channels and processing.

buymesome

11-03-2009, 02:40 PM

Surley a dedicated processor like even the emo would win against any avr?

concealer404

11-03-2009, 02:53 PM

Surley a dedicated processor like even the emo would win against any avr?

Eh... you can't really make that generalization. There are some monster AVRs out there, and the SC07 is touching in that realm, in my opinion. I would give my left nut to try one.

I would bet that the majority of the SC07's cost stems from development or features in OTHER than it's amplification, since i believe Class D is reasonably inexpensive. I could be off base here, though.

jinjuku

11-03-2009, 04:08 PM

Surley a dedicated processor like even the emo would win against any avr?

I think the pre-processing is where the larger outfits with more in house engineering have a definitive edge. The only trade off is that the bean counters get involved and force concessions in design.

Onkyo is a perfect example of being able to offer killer AVR's and Pre-pro's. Then again even large manufactures can bring out a severely flawed product (HK 247AVR).

dorokusai

11-03-2009, 04:26 PM

Pioneer.

Sherardp

11-03-2009, 04:40 PM

Pioneer.

This.

SC-07 gets my vote.

SolidSqual

11-03-2009, 04:42 PM

Shoot, I just realized the new models are out. Should I go SC-07 because of the DACs or go with the SC-27?

heiney9

11-03-2009, 04:47 PM

Pioneer.

Ditto.......no need to over complicate things with external amps. They are in-laws (or maybe future in-laws) and I'd bet a bit older and probably not as into audio as most here. So a nice HT AVR like the Pioneer will get the job done in spades.

H9

TOOLFORLIFEFAN

11-03-2009, 05:16 PM

Pioneer SC-07 or 05

I am running the 07 with the XPA-3 with great results.

BlueFox

11-03-2009, 05:41 PM

Shoot, I just realized the new models are out. Should I go SC-07 because of the DACs or go with the SC-27?

Okay, are you saying the old model is better than the new?

BlueFox

11-03-2009, 05:46 PM

I just looked on Amazon and the SC-07 is $1999, while the SC-27 is $1339. Maybe the old is better than the new.

TOOLFORLIFEFAN

11-03-2009, 05:58 PM

I just looked on Amazon and the SC-07 is $1999, while the SC-27 is $1339. Maybe the old is better than the new.

I paid $1000 for my SC-07 brand new at best buy about 9 months ago.

SolidSqual

11-03-2009, 06:02 PM

Yeah I can't figure out the pricing scheme.

WilliamM2

11-03-2009, 06:06 PM

I just looked on Amazon and the SC-07 is $1999, while the SC-27 is $1339. Maybe the old is better than the new.

That's not from Amazon, but one of their partners. Other vendors there have it for $1599. Like anything else, once it stops being manufactured, vendors with the lowest price will sell out first, leaving only the high priced vendors with any stock.

comfortablycurt

11-03-2009, 08:03 PM

FWIW, the Emo processor isn't even out yet. It's been delayed a couple times...and now there isn't even a release date as far as I know. That could be a sign of potential problems. I'd wait to get some feedback from other people before going that route.

The SC-07 is going to be my next AVR. It's got all the features I'll ever need...plus a ton that I won't need, and I've heard nothing but praise for them in general.

olilugo

11-03-2009, 08:09 PM

Sherardp

11-03-2009, 08:34 PM

I heard Robert @ ValueElectronics.com has some in stock. Give him a shout and tell him what you are after. Great guy to work with and he can get you the 05/07.

Retro152

11-03-2009, 09:47 PM

Sc-05,07, and (Gulp) 09, all by themselves all day. My Xpa-3 is in the rig more to justify the purchase than performance, LOL.:p:D

Pat.

mantis

11-03-2009, 10:49 PM

I used to have Rotel separates before I owned the Pioneer Elite SC-07. I will honesty say I don't miss my Rotel separates at all. I thought the SC-07 was going to be a huge step down for music and a slight improvement for movies. I was wrong on both accounts. Music is excellent especially using the Ipod usb port in the front. My Ipod music never sounded like that on any dock or just a 1/8 to rca cables of high quality. The Internal DAC's are top notch and I would not trade it for anything preamp right now. No way!!!

I also used it as a preamp and I was totally happy. I thought it was better then the Rotel in every way. For a while I kept thinking music as just a tad better on the Rotel, over time that opinion also has changed.

I don't have any experience with Emotiva but I would like 2. I'm actually surprised I have not run into there gear in the field yet.

dorokusai

11-03-2009, 11:02 PM

mufsoman

11-04-2009, 07:37 AM

Check out your local Best Buy's. There are still SC-05 and SC-07's out there for big discounts. You have to search. Most are open box or demo's, but still have the full Pioneer warranty and a 30 day return if not satisfied.

cnh

11-04-2009, 08:35 AM

A really good AVR can easily handle any HT duty depending on what it is and what it's being used for. The pre-conception that they all suck is usually from folks who didn't buy the right gear in the first place. The augmenting of gear based on what you already own is great, but don't waste your resources and become constricted in your choices.

I also dislike a high-end AVR simply being used as a pre-pro...what a waste of money. If you make smart choices from the start, your life becomes so much easier.

HT IS NOT THAT DIFFICULT.

I've agreed with Doro before on this one but what the heck....upgrades are really more of a 2 channel game--HT...you can do well there without breaking the Piggy Bank...

My recommendation Pioneer SC-07 all the way...don't own one but I've auditioned them several times with different speaker sets....good, clean, powerful, quick sound....what more could you ask for.

cnh

SolidSqual

11-04-2009, 08:46 AM

Ok, thanks guys. I got the go ahead to buy a Pioneer Elite SC-27. Your insights and recommendations were very helpful.

mmadden28

11-04-2009, 09:15 AM

...

I can't comment on these model specifically, but i think we both agreed in the past that the XPA-series amps would be great for HT.
...

Not all XPA amps are created equally--the XPA-1&2 are not the same animal/design as the XPA3&5. The XPA 1&2 (as well as the RPA series) being more for music and XPA 3&5 more for HT.

My personal experiences with both the XPA-2 and XPA-5 really can't be fairly compared. I use an XPA-5 in my HT and couldn't be happier with the results. Satisfied to the point I have no desire to change it. I use the XPA-2 in my 2 ch rig and it rocks-I've never heard sweeter sounds. I'd say I couldn't be happier but I haven't done enough comparing with other amps to say for sure--besides is anybody truly 100% satisifed with no urge to upgrade??

FWIW, the Emo processor isn't even out yet. It's been delayed a couple times...and now there isn't even a release date as far as I know. That could be a sign of potential problems. I'd wait to get some feedback from other people before going that route.

Generally speaking, just because there is a delay in release is not necessarily a sign of potential problems. Personally I'd rather see a delay in release and for the company to get any issues fixed first, than for a company to release a buggy product. Even the reknowned Oppo BD player wasn't without issues, but they fixed a lot of them before the official release. Ah the blessings of updateable firmware

I've agreed with Doro before on this one but what the heck....upgrades are really more of a 2 channel game--HT...you can do well there without breaking the Piggy Bank...
...

I also agree, but it really depends on the application. I hate to say 'just' here, because you don't necessarily want to slight the in-laws, but if its just for a non critical audience I'd say an AVR is more than fine assuming the speakers being used can be properly driven by the AVR.
Personally, adding an external amp to drive my RTi12's made a huge improvement and I wouldn't think of doing it any other way if I had the same setup to do again, even if just for my kids room.

It's difficult to do though-once you externally amplify its hard to go back, even if its not for yourself. I even find myself recommending external amplification to my friends when asked. :o

anhchungdoan

11-04-2009, 10:02 AM

Shoot, I just realized the new models are out. Should I go SC-07 because of the DACs or go with the SC-27?

The SC07 and SC27 use the same Wofson WM8749 DAC.

The SC27 has dettachable pc should you want to upgrade to some other pc as Shunyata, Audience , PS audio....

xcapri79

11-05-2009, 12:39 AM

Owning a SC-07 and a pair of XPA-5's, I have the best of both worlds. I got the XPA-5's specifically to drive the LSi speakers. I frequently run them loud and didn't not want to damage the SC-07 with the low impedance load. I would say that the LSi's sound excellent with that combination.

For general TV viewing, I run a 50" surroundbar off the SC-07 speaker outputs.
I found the SC-07 on it's own makes the Polk Monitor 70's sound very good.

domflane

11-06-2009, 11:57 AM

i had a chance to buy a floor model sc-07 for $700 with a full warranty, went with an hk AVR354 for $250 instead, im happy with the HK, but should i have gotten the elite instead?

concealer404

11-06-2009, 12:03 PM

i had a chance to buy a floor model sc-07 for $700 with a full warranty, went with an hk AVR354 for $250 instead, im happy with the HK, but should i have gotten the elite instead?

If you could have afforded it, yep!

But... if you're happy with the HK, then why worry about it? :)

thuffman03

11-06-2009, 02:07 PM

I would go with the seperate amp over spending on another AVR. You can always use the amp in your next HT setup.

LessisNevermore

11-06-2009, 02:22 PM

I would go with the seperate amp over spending on another AVR. You can always use the amp in your next HT setup.

Not sure if the Emotiva separates are still in the mix, but they are still doing their discount program with their processors. You buy one, and when the next generation comes out, you get 40% off the new ones, and you keep the old one.

BB3

11-06-2009, 04:35 PM

I would go with the seperate amp over spending on another AVR. You can always use the amp in your next HT setup.

I as well recommend going the separates route. You just simply have more flexibility in terms of future upgrades or improvements.

Between the Emotiva and the Pioneer, I would say Emotiva. Besides my feelings on going the separates route and how impressive the Pioneer looks and performs in its audio section, this is an AVR we're talking about now guy's, Pioneer totally dropped the ball on the video processing side of things with this receiver. It's poor at best when it comes this and completely unacceptable for something thats supposed to be an Audio & VIDEO Receiver.

Your money is better spent elsewhere, and you can start right there with the Emotiva.

Take care and best of luck on your decision and I hope that you choose wisely.

-----BILL(BB3)

SolidSqual

11-06-2009, 05:47 PM

I as well recommend going the separates route. You just simply have more flexibility in terms of future upgrades or improvements.

Between the Emotiva and the Pioneer, I would say Emotiva. Besides my feelings on going the separates route and how impressive the Pioneer looks and performs in its audio section, this is an AVR we're talking about now guy's, Pioneer totally dropped the ball on the video processing side of things with this receiver. It's poor at best when it comes this and completely unacceptable for something thats supposed to be an Audio & VIDEO Receiver.

Your money is better spent elsewhere, and you can start right there with the Emotiva.

Take care and best of luck on your decision and I hope that you choose wisely.

-----BILL(BB3)

Is it true the Elite SC-27 has bad video processing? I just bought a bad ass projector for them and need good processing. Can anyone else comment on this?

Mike

BB3

11-06-2009, 05:55 PM

Well I'm jealous that you just got a projector, Mike. I'm still dreaming about getting that sort of thing......Anyways, the only processing that Pioneer will do is "pass-through" the signal to your projector and that's not necessarily a good thing. It will depend upon what processing chip is in your projector ?

May I ask what projector you have Mike ?----BILL

SolidSqual

11-06-2009, 06:11 PM

Epson 8100 for $1,400 from the Projector People with a Carada Criterion 100" screen.

BB3

11-06-2009, 07:39 PM

Mike, sorry for the delay. I just got home from work. I've
got to tell you that I'm not familiar with your projector. Do
you happen to recall what processing chip is in it ?

I apologize, I wish I could answer right away on this, so I
would appreciate it if you could give me a little more time.

Thank You Mike.----Bill

BB3

11-06-2009, 08:44 PM

Ok Mike, Epson does not list anything at all about what they're using
for video processing. So that has me a little concerned.

Most of the time these companies will brag about this sort of
thing and Epson makes mention of it nowhere, so here's what
I suggest..........

#1 I deep down want you to get what YOU want and what is
ultimately going to make YOU happy, not anyone else, YOU. Period.

You already know what my thoughts are on going the separates route,
but if it's really a receiver you want, then go for it. I just want to

make sure you get one with superior video processing. Remember, it's
just not all about what something can do with hi-def such as blu-ray where
95% of the time a blu-Ray player handles the processing if it's good enough
and then sends the signal to the receiver which then just shoves it on through
to your display. That to me besides its audio prowness, is the only other thing that
the Pioneer will do well and that's it. An A/V receiver should do alot more than that.

Now here's where superior video processing can really come into play. How about that
signal coming from your cable box or satellite system or even standard DVD, Laserdisc, VCR, etc.etc. They need all the help they can get and that Pioneer just simply can't get that done. That's unacceptable plain and simple.

So, if you want to stay and go the receiver route and one that will handle any all processing here are choices :

The newer Denon models with the Anchor Bay chip or the Realta chip from Silicon Optix.
Yamahas RX-V3900 with Anchor Bay chip.
The higher end only, Onkyo's and Integras with the Reon chip from
Silicon Optix.

Thanks for all of your time with this Mike.Believe me I could go on and on with this, but I'll stop there. I know that without a doubt the information that I'm giving you will definitely help you not only now, but in the future as things progress in this industry.

Happy Listening And Viewing Mike.

-----BILL (BB3)

that I'm giving you will definitely help you out.

PSOVLSK

11-06-2009, 09:39 PM

Epson 8100 for $1,400 from the Projector People with a Carada Criterion 100" screen.

Not sure how the 8100 compares to the 6100, but that's what I have and I love it. $1400 for the PJ and screen?? That's seems like a great deal.

As far as video processing of the Pioneer goes, it may be a non-issue. I personally run my DirecTV, DVD, and Blu-ray directly to my projector.

WilliamM2

11-07-2009, 12:30 AM

Is it true the Elite SC-27 has bad video processing? I just bought a bad ass projector for them and need good processing. Can anyone else comment on this?

Mike

I don't know if it's bad, but it's not top of the line either. I believe HDMI inputs are just pass through, but it will upconvert component and output 1080p over HDMI. I don't really see any use for upscaling in most processors/AVR's. DVD players with excellent upscaling can be had cheap, and Blu Ray doesn't need any upconversion, just pass through.

I think in the current market, the best bet is to get an AVR with all the features you need and pre-outs, and a separate amp at least for the front three channels. Pre-pros become outdated pretty fast these days.

Sherardp

11-07-2009, 08:33 AM

SS, the video processing should be a non-issue bro. Most of the time you dont want HDMI processed anyway. You want the purest form of video possible which is why Pio leaves it alone. Trust me once you see the Epson in action you will be stunned. The Carada screen is definitely going to perform well with it. The 6100 is last yrs model and PSOVLSK is using it in his room. The new 8100 is this yrs model and for the price you got it for you will love it bro. Buy the SC27 and use it as a pre if you want but I dont think you will have to. It definitely has the power to run everything in that new setup.

xcapri79

11-07-2009, 09:26 AM

Ok, thanks guys. I got the go ahead to buy a Pioneer Elite SC-27. Your insights and recommendations were very helpful.

Welcome to the ICE Club.

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80499

Join the ICE club?
Just own a Elite ICE receiver and your in.
Dan

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=81406

BB3

11-07-2009, 12:08 PM

Mike, News update about your projector.......I've just discovered that your Epson uses the Reon Chip by Silicon Optix.

It is without a doubt one the best video processing chips out there. The good news is that, if you were to choose the Pioneer receiver, this will take care of the Pioneers sub-par video processing capabilities, so you're good to go my friend and have my blessing on and if you go with that Pioneer.

Just thought you would want to know Mike. Take Care and Happy Listening and VIEWING, Mike.

------Bill(BB3)

SolidSqual

11-07-2009, 12:13 PM

BB3

11-07-2009, 12:22 PM

Well get ready Mike, because that's exactly what you are going to get.

It's going to be absolutely beautiful.-------Bill