Pioneer Electronics has just annouced two new flagship Pioneer branded receivers, the SC-1222 (7.2-channel) and SC-1522 (9.2-channel) that integrate  Class D3 digital amplification.  The two new receivers are built with custom installation features that offer multi-room setup options, multiple HDMI inputs and PC Setup control, as well as the latest technologies including Apple’s AirPlay, DLNA 1.5, Windows® 7 compatibility, Internet radio and Advanced MCACC auto room calibration.

Pioneer’s Class D3 amplifier utilizes exclusive class D technology that requires less energy than competitive models yet produces more simultaneous power output, and is designed to maximize the audio potential of uncompressed sources such as Blu-ray Disc titles and high-definition audio content distributed on the Internet.

The amplifier section also uses a Direct Signal Path Design, configured with all of its internal components to have the shortest audio signal path possible, eliminating EMI filters, feedback loops, and current limiters that were necessary on previous designs. This results in a reduction of ringing distortion and noise, especially in the high frequency audio band.  The receivers are rated up to 140 Watts-per-channel, while mainting dynamics.

Apple’s AirPlay1, DLNA 1.5 and Bluetooth connectivity are built into both models for wireless access and connection, with the ability to play high resolution FLAC and WAV music files of up to 192kHz/24-Bits. Both receivers offer music entertainment with vTuner, PANDORA Internet radio and access to subscription-based SiriusXM Radio. Pioneer’s Air Jam App2, available at no charge from the Apple App Store on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch or the iTunes store, at www.apple.com/iTunes/, allows connection to personal sources with its ability to pair up to four devices simultaneously via Bluetooth and create group playlists (optional AS-BT200 Bluetooth adapter required).

High Resolution Music Playback – The SC-1222 offers DSD (SACD DFF Files) music file playback via the front USB connection and the SC-1522 offers the 192kHz/32-bit asynchronous USB DAC for ultra-high quality music file playback from a USB3-connected PC or Mac.

MHL-Compatibility Device Connectivity – The SC-1522 features a front Mobile High Definition Link (MHL) connection for compatible smartphones as additional sources for audio and video entertainment. The front-panel HDMI/MHL terminal delivers content with up to 1080p video and 7.1-channel HD audio resolution.

To enhance the video performance from connected sources, both receivers convert all analog signals to digital HDMI and upscale both analog and digital signals to 1080p resolution. The models also use Pioneer’s Advanced Video Adjust to optimize video signals by the type of display connected and the Stream Smoother feature to enhance the picture quality of any source downloaded from the Internet via other devices. The incorporated Marvell Qdeo processor produces true 1080p/24fps video. A 4K Pass Through built in to the SC-1522 ensures consumers have the most up-to-date technology to take advantage of advanced digital formats.

Users have full customizable options for their home theater experience with as many as ten different configurations (SC-1522) to create a full 5.1-channel setup with the ability to use the remaining channels for additional zones. Both models offer entertainment options for up to three zones, with Zone 2 providing composite video output and the ability to handle network and USB content, and Zone 3 offering analog audio input sources. The SC-1522 gives users the option of a dedicated Zone 2 subwoofer output in addition to the two dedicated subwoofer outputs for the main zone.

Both models are compatible with home automation systems from Control4, Crestron and Savant. Additionally, most home theater system needs can be tailored with the ability to control the receivers directly from portable devices running Pioneer’s iControlAV2012 App4.

To help make custom installation more convenient, the Advanced PC Setup feature in the SC-1522 lets installers pre-configure connection settings on a Windows-based personal computer before the actual installation process, as well as perform read and rewrite functions to reset and adjust the receiver from a remote location. Do-it-yourselfers can use Wiring Navi for Windows-based PCs and the iPad, an interactive guide for wiring connections, and the Interactive Manual application that provides a linked two-way manual to dynamically learn about the receiver’s features.

Pioneer SC receiver models utilize Pioneer’s proprietary technologies that include Advanced MCACC for accurate automatic room calibration, Auto Phase Control Plus for real time phase matching to analyze the audio input every 30 seconds, PQLS Bit-Stream to help eliminate distortion caused by digital bit-stream timing errors, and Virtual Speaker Modes for simulating sound coming from various areas in a room without actual additional speakers connected. The SC-1522 has been certified with THX Select 2 Plus.

The Pioneer branded SC receivers have suggested retail prices of $1,099 U.S. (SC-1222) and $1,599 U.S. (SC-1522).  More details can be found at www.pioneerelectronics.com.

About the Author: George de Sa

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