Pioneer Elite SC-87: believe in a true power of quality

The Pioneer brand is regarded as one of the most famous creators of music devices. Of course, I always wanted to test its products and the Pioneer Elite SC-87 became a perfect example. The item performs its main tasks greatly and in this version, the maker fixed all the problems, which appeared in earlier creations.

Design

The Pioneer brand is regarded as one of the most famous creators of music devices. Of course, I always wanted to test its products and the Pioneer Elite SC-87 became a perfect example. The item performs its main tasks greatly and in this version, the maker fixed all the problems, which appeared in earlier creations.

Characteristics

It was interesting to find out that thanks to the Class D3 technology, Pioneer Elite SC-87 consumes electricity cost-effectively. The device has even a special label on it. The creators implemented in their product one of the most interesting innovation technologies so it has low-impedance speaker loads that allow not losing power significantly. The Class D3 technology also takes care of the cooling process and the channels controlling. I would recommend using the iControlAV5 app for the smartphone. I’ve got an opportunity to monitor the functions of the SC-87 without problems, moreover, there was no need to use the onscreen menus built into the Pioneer product. The switch process between surround modes also was easy. Finally, I could enjoy the stereo audio from all the speakers. Important to remember: the Pioneer Elite SC-87 can’t propose WI-Fi or Bluetooth, but Ethernet is enough for unlocking the device’s potential. The updating process to new firmware version is a quick task without unpredictable consequences. Interestingly, that most receivers have 30 preset FM/AM stations, but the Pioneer Elite SC-87 has 63. OF course, built-in o’clock and sleep timer are also there.

Performance

The sound effects are thrown around with certainty and amazing speed. The receiver really plays the 5.1 flacs. I’m a movie buff so the restrictions on Atmos support made me sad. The unit proposes 9 power amps and the Atmos decoder will won’t go further than 9 channels sub(s), even if I had a desire to use the pre-outs for 2 channels. The solid 1080p video made me feel inside the displayed world and the sound quality only improved that effect. The using of Play To from a Surface Pro 3 was a little bit unpleasant for me. Within the hour of working the system displayed a “Server error” and it was impossible for me to turn the receiver off “thanks” to the power button disability. The only solution was to reset the device. A built-in equalizer became a true helper to me because it balanced my speakers easily and quickly.

Sound Quality

Speech is sounded with fabulous precision. Words were resonated clearly, so I could enjoy even the subtlest inflection. The bass is tight but not imposed, so I perceived it as an additional sound bonus. It was easy to split the characters dialogue from different channels. After making a short Pioneer Elite SC-87 review, I can definitely say, that the speech is not overpowered by surround sounds, as bombs explosion or something like this. Music is crystal clear. Great-recorded selections sound amazing.

Connectivity

I can comprehend as a downside the fact that the video signal goes blank with a 50 feet HDMI cable. The HDMI switching between sources was a little bit longer because the picture on the screen appeared after 15 seconds of waiting. I can plug my PC into the Type B USB socket at the rear side of the device and use Pioneer’s built-in DAC instead. After checking the Pioneer’s back, I found 2 coaxial and optical inputs for digital sound, 4 inputs for composite video and 3 for the component. All of them work well without pauses. The AirPlay works flawlessly with my iMac and there were no problems with connectivity.

Setup

The setting process was not as easy, as I thought. It took me a few attempts and finally I hooked up a Smart TV, Xbox, Apple TV, and cable box. The MCACC room correction was performed without problems. Except for one thing, I had to improve manually my subwoofers according to the proposed settings. Most of the configurations were done through the OSD and that was very comfortable. The receiver calibrated itself without the need for manual intervention.

Conclusion

Due to the high-level Pioneer Elite SC-87 specs, the unit came out really impressive and with greatly performed opportunities. I was pleasantly surprised when detected that my home theater was reborn. It doesn’t matter whether I was listening to stereo music or enjoying a movie in surround sound, my ears got true enjoying. The device has such positive peculiarities as the implementation of Class D3 technology, the accessibility of iControlAV5 app, 63 preset FM/AM stations, and clear sound. It can’t propose WI-Fi or Bluetooth and has limits on Atmos support, but it’s easy to adapt for usage.