Customer Ratings & Reviews

I purchased the SC-99 as a package complete with Elite Dolby Atmos Speakers by Andrew Jones. This is a great sounding system and I guess you can call me a fanboy but I have always been a Pioneer man after being won over with MCACC 10 years ago. Having bought the SC-99 I can say this is a huge upgrade and very well worth the money. The system sounds amazing in Dolby Atmos with a very 3D soundfield that feels like you are enveloped in a bubble of sound. I had a 7.1 setup for almost 10 years and I'm so glad (so was the wifey) I was able to ditch the back surrounds as I always thought they rarely did anything, the surrounds couldn't handle if properly placed. I now have a 5.2.4 system and decided to stay away from Elite Subwoofer since it just doesn't dig deep enough. I picked up 2 SVS SB-2000's that get deep, have tight bass and have great output. Overall I have a much better surround field with just 5 channels and built in upward firing height speakers than I ever had with the 7.1 setup I replaced. I know I could just add another set for 7.1 but the additional amp that would be required wouldn't be worth it for me. I am not missing the back surrounds as I said because the soundfield in a 5.2.4 setup is still more immersive than when I had a 7.1 setup. Well getting back to the receiver the D3 amps with DUAL ess 9016 DAC equals non fatiguing clean crisp highs with warm mids and tight bass. Setting up the system was time consuming but MCAAC was a breeze after discovering the manual doesn't cover a 5.2.4 system. I figured out after you have to set settings for a 7.2.4 pre-out and just ignore not connecting the back surrounds. MCACC will discover this when mic realizes there are no back surrounds attached so it will disable that setting and just convert to a 5.2.4 system. I only adjusted a few settings afterwards like reducing speaker size to small from large with crossover setting dropped down to 80hz from default setting of 150hz. I also increased all height speakers level by 2 decibels per Andrew Jones recommendation online. The subwoofers were individually calibrated with the dual discrete analog subwoofer outputs. The sound in Stereo with music sounds clear and precise. All instruments very seperated with vocals that standout center stage, I've never heard such clarity in placement of everything coming together. You can close your eyes and pinpoint where the instruments and voices are coming from on stage. It's like having the band or singers on stage in front of you. There is a very 3D effect that feels real and convincing of live music. That being said it is also a very unforgiving sound system especially with low resolution or poor recorded material. Everything really sticks out if you are listening to anything other than great Hi-Fi quality material. In other words if you are planning to use Spotify or Pandora you will not be impressed but I'm sure you know this otherwise you wouldn't be looking to purchase an av receiver of this caliber. This Flagship has also seen a reduction in $500 MSRP from last year's model SC-89 which makes it a better buy. All while introducing a firmware update in the near future which will allow for DTS X. The rival codec to Dolby Atmos and should future proof you for at least 5 years. The feature I have been enjoying most so far the most has been the USB-DAC which allows you to connect your PC or Mac so that the amazing ess9016's do the work instead of the mediocre DAC that's probably in your computer. Being able to control the receiver via smartphone app through home network is also a huge plus.There are too many features for me to go over and I'm sure there is still a lot for me to discover but overall my 2 weeks with this receiver has been an amazing experience. In my opinion you just can't go wrong with any of the Elite models by Pioneer but for Dolby Atmos I recommend not grabbing anything less than the SC-95. Hopefully I was able to help with your buying decision but you can check out professional reviews online for the SC-89 which is not much different than this year's SC-99 except for upcoming DTS X firmware update, built in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and the most important 2 HDMI 2.0 inputs with HDCP 2.2 for 4K/60FPS 4:4:4 Chroma passthrough. I believe they will also be upgradeable to HDMI 2.0a via firmware update but don't quote me on that. There are a total of 8 HDMI inputs but only 2 are 2.0 with HDCP 2.2 compatible which is a bit of a letdown but for me the 2 will do fine as I only plan on getting a 4K Blu Ray player when it's released.

The SC99 has a feature rich set of options for every level of user. I recommend using the Magnolia people if you are installing an Atmos based system. Also, be advised that only 2 hdmi ports are hdcp 2.2. If you have more that two sources that require 2.2 then you'll need to buy a separate hdmi sharing device. The unit has met all my needs and would recommend to anyone who is not wanting to compromise. Both audio and video features/software are extensive and complete. The Ipad Ap is very useful once everything is set-up and going.

This receiver is by far the best receiver I have ever owned! The sound quality is ridiculously off the charts!! Thank you Pioneer for another awesome product!!

This is unbelievable outstanding piece of gear. I would recommend it to all

The SC-99 sound is more neutral than the 67, It is also not as loud. The 67 had more of a forward and in your face type of sound . The 99 almost seams like it is not as powerful for a 5.2 setup. 2 channel is loud and has all the power you will need to make your ears bleed. After some time with the 99 I am getting to like it more, It is more natural and sounds like there almost in the room with you. It has a cleaner sound and even my wife said it is not as punchy (her words not mine). Maybe I am just getting use to it. The SC-99 is a better AVR, Now I know what everyone means when they say you can get audio fatigue. The 67 was more stressful to listen to and I never even knew it. I have the same speakers and it is set up in the same room with everything in the same position. Only change was my TV went from a Samsung PN64F8500 to a Sony XBR75X940C

Really good av receiver has all the bells and whistles that you need got for a good price cant beat it

I had a SC-65 but wanted to upgrade because of the new HDCP 2.2 and it also has a phono output. The SC-99 blows the SC-65 out of the water for its clarity and surround sound capabities. Was very easy to set up including wifi. Couldn't be more pleased!

Great receiver for top end audio features with very intuitive design and interface. This is my 3 elite receiver and I've never looked back.

A little difficult to set up but Pioneer's support was good

If your looking for a great receiver that does it all then this is it. If you don't care about the DAC For the USB then get the SC-97

Expected more, bought a onKyo rxa10 and it blew it away, went and got a second one.

I upgraded from last years SC-87 mostly because I wanted HDCP 2.2 for the upcoming 4K Blu-ray players but WOW..... the sound quality jumped noticeably in detail, placement and the width of the soundstage... I naturally swap out the power cord for one made by AudioQuest as I do with EVERY component and it kicked up another notch. For the first time in 35 years of being an Audiophile I am actually truly satisfied and have ZERO regrets about my entire system My friends cant believe I actually don't want to buy anything more but then I remind them there will be a summer 2016 release of the OPPO 4K Blu-ray player that I will be buying........

Fantastic on all fronts. Only problem I have is that only 3 inputs are HDCP 2.2. 4K compatible. Not a deal breaker...yet. iControl App for Android is great and most of all ATMOS ROCKS! Still waiting on DTS:X firmware update. Got it for a great price so make sure to go in and ask.