Pioneer SC-91 Elite Dolby Atmos A/V Receiver

Pioneer today introduced the new $1000 SC-91 Elite A/V receiver, featuring support for Dolby Atmos, MCACC Pro, and Class D3 amplifiers for simultaneous high-power output on all channels. The mid-range home theater receiver replaces the SC-81 Elite from last year, which doesn’t have the latest surround sound technology. The new SC-91 supports 4K/60p/4:4:4 video signal transmission with HDCP 2.2 copyright protection technology and compatibility with the multitude of upcoming 4K UltraHD sources. The SC-91 has a host of wireless capabilities, while dedicated smartphone apps Start-up Navi and iControlAV5 let anyone easily and intuitively configure and control their home entertainment system.

Pioneer claims the SC-91 reproduces music and soundtracks with uncompromising authority and realism, exploiting the full dynamics from any media source. It delivers seven channels of cutting-edge Elite Class D3 amplification for a total of 660W multi-channel simultaneous drive. Rated at 130 Watts per channel (8 ohms, 1kHz, THD 0.08%, 2ch Driven FTC), this is significantly more simultaneous multi-channel power than the Class AB competition.

MCACC Pro takes Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration (MCACC) a step further. In addition to automatically compensating for speaker size, level and distance to the listening position as standard MCACC does, MCACC Pro analyzes and corrects the phase and group delay characteristics that are caused by the filtering systems in the speakers. This adjustment is also performed between different channels, in order to provide a smooth flow.

Additional features include independent correction for dual subwoofers, and speaker position adjustments in 1-millimeter increments. For all channels, MCACC Pro corrects phase differences in the original audio, as well as the sounds emitted from the speakers.

Performing fully-automatic corrections to source-derived lags in the bass (LFE elements) on a real-time basis, Auto Phase Control Plus helps reproduce the natural linkage of sound between channels with rich and sharp low-pitched sounds and clear mid- and high-range sounds.

The SC-91 incorporates Dolby Atmos home technology — the exciting advancement in sound that makes music and movies come alive like never before. With Dolby Atmos enabled speakers, sound takes on a whole added dimension. Meanwhile, the Dolby Surround up-mixer brings an enhanced sense of immersion to your existing content. CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs sound more alive and real than you ever imagined.

The SC-91 is equipped with the SABRE ES9006S Premier Audio DAC, a digital-audio converter manufactured by ESS Technology, Inc. exclusively for audio equipment. A new power supply transformer reduces magnetic flux noises while a new insulator suppresses external vibrations. With special tone-tuning, it delivers natural and smooth sound in high quality.

The SC-91 supports 4K/60p/4:4:4 video signal transmission with HDCP 2.2 technology to ensure your receiver’s compatibility with the many upcoming 4K UltraHD sources and televisions. So when you decide to upgrade your visual experience, your audio experience will already be there. Thanks to a Super Resolution feature, the SC-91 plays back HD content with upgraded image quality equivalent to that of a 4K video signal.

The SC-91 delivers the high-resolution music playback that audiophiles demand, with support for 192 kHz 24-bit 2ch WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, and 96 kHz 24-bit Multi-channel WAV, FLAC. Compressed formats, such as MP3, WMA, and AAC are also supported. Stream these files from your home network, tablet, or even the front USB port. Serious listeners will appreciate 2.8 MHz DSD direct playback via network or SACD disc playback via HDMI.

All 2015 Elite models offer built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology and the SC-91 is also equipped with dual antennas that provide Dual Band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) for a much greater network range and connection stability. The SC-91 supports Wireless Direct and even in an environment without wireless LAN, it can be operated to perform wireless playback using the free iControlAV5 control app.

Network and initial settings can be easily configured using any iPhone, iPod touch or iPad via the newly developed Start-up Navi app. Users can install the dedicated control app iControlAV5 on the setup screen for intuitive and easy operation of the SC-91. They are also compatible with Android devices.

The SC-91 offers both RS-232c interface and full IP control providing compatibility with the most popular home automation systems. For custom-installed home theater solutions, it offers multi-zone capability audio video support: Home theater in one room; HDZONE (HDMI) to a second room and listen to analog music in a third room. However you choose to use it, this receiver gives you the features and flexibility that comes with owning an Elite AV receiver. And because Pioneer is dedicated to custom installation, our relationships with custom-control providers like AMX, Control4, Crestron and other leading brands makes the SC-91 the perfect centerpiece for whole-house systems.

With Internet Radio, the SC-91 gives you a world of entertainment options. Not only can you enjoy thousands of Internet radio stations around the world with vTuner, you can also access your favorite music from Pandora and Spotify, complete with on-screen album art and music information. Spotify Connect is a premium subscription feature that lets you play and control Spotify with your smart devices.

Using AirPlay, the SC-91 lets you enjoy effortless streaming music from iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. In addition, the SC-91 is Windows 8.1 Certified, and also supports DLNA 1.5 media streaming and HTC Connect.

Price and Availability
Pioneer’s SC-91 Elite Receiver will be available June 27, 2015 for $1,000.