Pioneer Debuts 3 Elite AV Receivers with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X

Are you ready to rock the entire soundfield? If not, you may want to peek at the latest Pioneer receivers in the Elite lineup.

The company just announced the SC-99, the SC-97 and the SC-95, three new 9.2-channel receivers that can add just about every type of technology you’d want (and expect) in a high-end home theater.

One of those perks is object-based audio. All three of these Pioneer receivers can support 7.2.2 and 5.2.4 Dolby Atmos configurations. Dolby Atmos is an audio format that can: add a new dimension to your: setup.: allowing you to experience: sound from almost every direction—including above. Add in an external two-channel amp, and you can pump that up to 7.2.4 or 9.2.2. There are other object-based audio perks coming in a future DTS:X upgrade as well. Just know that if: you want that type of immersive audio, you will need to add in extra speakers (and actual encoded content).

[For more information about Dolby Atmos, check out “Dolby Atmos is About to Invade Your Home Theater.”]

Each one can also handle 4K/60P/4:4:4/24-bit video signals, with HDCP 2.2 copyright protection and High Dynamic Range (HDR) support. The company has even: added its own Super Resolution technology to give those 4K video signals an extra boost.

It’s easy to keep these receivers connected to updates and an endless amount of music via built-in WiFi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, DLNA and Wireless Direct. Other features across the lineup include two ESS Sabre Ultra DAC (ES9016S) units, MCACC Pro automatic acoustic correction technology and dual subwoofer EQ correction, as well as Full Band Phase Control and Auto Phase Control Plus. All three also work in multizone installs, with an RS-232c interface and full IP control.

These new Elite receivers also have Class D amplifiers. Both the SC-99 and the SC-97 promise 140 watts per channel (8 ohms, 1 kHz, 0.08 %, 2 ch Driven FTC). Both models have also been certified by London’s AIR Studios. The SC-95 can boasts: 135 watts per channel.

All three of the new Pioneer receivers are selling now. The SC-99 has an MSRP of $2,500, the SC-97 is priced at $2,000, and the SC-95 is going for $1,600.