Pioneer SC-1523-K 9.2-Channel A/V Receiver $849 shipped w/ Prime @ Amazon

[cytoSiN]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DQHZYRI

Half off MSRP for a brand-new, feature-packed AVR. If you're in the market, hard to beat this right now.

 

[mindbomb]

wow, a 32 bit dac

 

[Termie]

Nice find, Cytosin. As it happens, the SC-1323 was over half off two days ago, at $600. It was the deal of the day but sold out before the day was over.

Can someone explain the significance of the 32-bit Sabre DAC that the 1523 has?

By the way, I believe this is identical to the Pioneer Elite SC-75, which retails at brick-and-mortars for $1600.

Edit: Found some discussion of the Sabre DACs - seems like it might be a nice upgrade.

 

[cytoSiN]

wow, a 32 bit dac

Can someone explain the significance of the 32-bit Sabre DAC that the 1523 has?

My understanding is that the 32-bit DAC just allows for additional headroom. Larger digital pipeline, so to speak. So, for example, you could do volume control digitally without losing anything form a 24bit recording. But my understanding is also that this is largely theoretical because there's nothing out there right now to really take advantage of it. Just like the 4k passthrough... Also, keep in mind that "my understanding" isn't really any understanding at all. I'm not a sound engineer, but I can read...I feel like I should add that I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night!

TL;DR: It has no practical use right now for 99.9999999999% of the population, but as the saying goes in the audio (and PC, for that matter) world, there is no such thing as too much headroom.

 

[Awesomedude99]

My understanding is that the 32-bit DAC just allows for additional headroom. Larger digital pipeline, so to speak. So, for example, you could do volume control digitally without losing anything form a 24bit recording. But my understanding is also that this is largely theoretical because there's nothing out there right now to really take advantage of it. Just like the 4k

passthrough... Also, keep in mind that "my understanding" isn't really any understanding at all. I'm not a sound engineer, but I can read...I feel like I should add that I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

TL;DR: It has no practical use right now for 99.9999999999% of the population, but as the saying goes in the audio (and PC, for that matter) world, there is no such thing as too much headroom.

Good info, was useful, thanks i was wondering too
BTW i have a yahmaha, id like to test this one out

 

[Alamat]

9.2....hmm..nine speakers and 2 LFEs/subs? Quite overkill even for me at this point. But honestly, I'd also like to test it out. Since it Prime, returns should be easy.....usually.

 

[cytoSiN]

wow, a 32 bit dac

9.2....hmm..nine speakers and 2 LFEs/subs? Quite overkill even for me at this point. But honestly, I'd also like to test it out. Since it Prime, returns should be easy.....usually.

9 is barely enough for a real home theater. Pro-quality home theaters are using 11 these days. But yes, this thing is about as future-proof as you can get right now, with 32-bit DAC and 4k passthrough, and a ton of other features. If it didn't take a long time to set up properly (wiring, room correction, etc), I too would play around with it. My Onkyo 818 will have to do for now though with it's measly 7.2 and 24-bit DACs

 

[vshah]

only downside is that MCACC isn't quite as good as Audyssey, last I heard. but this is an awesome price.

 

[cytoSiN]

only downside is that MCACC isn't quite as good as Audyssey, last I heard. but this is an awesome price.

Specifically Audessy MultiEQ XT32, as opposed to other flavors. But yes, that is a fact. It's one reason I switched from Pio to Onkyo in the first place last year. But this deal is really terrific, and MCACC is still pretty decent software when properly run (patiently, with a mic stand, at all possible positions and utter silence in the rest of the space, etc.).

 

[cytoSiN]

Back up to $999 (still on sale, but not as good as yesterday).

 

[13Gigatons]

nevermind...

 

[alkemyst]

I wished I snagged the 1323 for $599 last week.

 

[MagickMan]

I'd have a tough time choosing that over the Yamaha RX-A2020, on closeout for $999. My dad got the Yamaha and it's an impressive thing, the setup and menu system is the tits.

 

[Termie]

I'd have a tough time choosing that over the Yamaha RX-A2020, on closeout for $999. My dad got the Yamaha and it's an impressive thing, the setup and menu system is the tits.

That's the other receiver I'm considering. Didn't think they were still available at that low price.

I'd take that over the Pioneer 1523, but I'm tempted by the $600 1323, if it ever reappears.

 

[p_monks33]

Do the higher end Pioneer receivers have on screen setup menus ? I noticed this between my Yamaha receiver and a Pioneer I recently purchased. It is nice to see all the options available on the TV vs. the tiny readout on the front of the Pioneer receiver.

 

[cytoSiN]

Do the higher end Pioneer receivers have on screen setup menus ? I noticed this between my Yamaha receiver and a Pioneer I recently purchased. It is nice to see all the options available on the TV vs. the tiny readout on the front of the Pioneer receiver.

Yes, the Pios have OSD for setup.

 

[Jadow]

well, after suffering constant hdmi handshake problems with my denon, I willl never get another denon thats for sure.

 

[Termie]

well, after suffering constant hdmi handshake problems with my denon, I willl never get another denon thats for sure.

That's what I'm looking to replace. Never again, for the very same reason.

 

[MagickMan]

Do the higher end Pioneer receivers have on screen setup menus ? I noticed this between my Yamaha receiver and a Pioneer I recently purchased. It is nice to see all the options available on the TV vs. the tiny readout on the front of the Pioneer receiver.

They do, but Yamaha destroys them in that area. I'm not a receiver guy, but if I were I wouldn't buy anything else.