Pioneer Elite SC-99: Durable and Customizable AVR with Great Connectivity

All the Pioneer Elite SC-99 specs make it a flagship model of the SC series. It is about 9 channels, 11.2 maximum channel processing, and D3 amplification to deliver more power with less consumption and to produce the sound of the highest quality with a minimum of calibration.

Design

The Pioneer Elite SC-99 is noted for a black-brushed aluminum faceplate. It has an orange-lit screen with 3 levels of dimming. The flip-down panel covers inputs and ports on the front panel. The menu navigation controls are there as well. The layout of the back panel is convenient and logical.

The receiver is heavy (33 pounds) but not bulky. Its dimensions (17.1 x 17.4 x 7.3 inches) don’t exceed the standards that’s why it fits in the common theater room’s racks.

Features

The Pioneer Elite SC-99 stereo receiver has the SABRE-32 Ultra DACs technology to get digital-to-analog conversion on all 9 channels. It comes with HDMI 2.0a (8 in/3 out) and compatibility with the 4K tech. The unit supports HDR10 and the latest DTS:X format. The Dolby Atmos supports tons of configurations (9.1.2, 7.1.4, 7.1.2, 5.1.4, and 5.1.2) and makes the sound of any audio format immersive and surround.

Performance

The Pioneer Elite SC-99 AV receiver is extremely efficient due to the Direct Power FET tech. It features lots of power (up to 255W per channel) but stays cool in the long run. This extends component life and stable performance despite the number of channels, content, and other factors.

The AVR works on the short direct single path rather than on interference filters. It allows saving power even if multiple low-impedance speakers are connected.

Sound Quality

The receiver got the sound certification in London AIR Studios to ensure top-quality sound for movie soundtracks. It also has dialogue enhancement to make the music and sound effects keep balance. The item is remarkable for zero distortions and noise at high frequencies. Its Ultra HD upscaling allows delivering original sound to a TV despite the speakers connected to a system, as well as to old DVDs.

Connectivity

The AVR comes with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to stream from a PC, online radio, and music platforms. The Wi-Fi is built-in and it provides an opportunity to download the iControlAV5 app for either Android or iOS to control the AVR remotely. The USB port handles high-resolution digital formats from the flash drive. It’s also possible to hook up the smartphone directly. This model comes with the MHL-compatible HDMI input to enjoy audio content from mobile and Roku streaming devices.

Setup

The MCACC Pro correction system ensures accurate measurements resulting in fast and precise auto adjustments. Besides, it’s possible to adjust 1 or 2 connected subwoofers independently.

Note that the device can drive 9 channels only in a single room setup since it lacks the multi-zone capability. However, 2 extra HDMI outs allow sending the same video to a projector in the same room or to a TV in a different one. Moreover, one can transmit several video content to a screen in a different room. It’s also possible to set, for example, home theater in the living room and stereo system in the bedroom.

Conclusion

In my Pioneer Elite SC-99 review, I should point out the great power of this AVR and all the customization the audiophiles need. Multiple HDMI outputs and precise auto calibration with low noise fan makes this item functional and reliable enough to use it for years hassle-free.