Audio Video News

Pioneer just announced a stunning new line of receivers that are bound to create a stir, mainly due to the impressive feature list. The top-of-the-line Elite SC-07 is code-named "Susano" but we just call it hot. It was designed to integrate seamlessly with Pioneer's new line KURO displays and Blu-ray players. The entire new receiver lineup has built-in decoding of the new lossless formats DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-HD High Resolution, Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus. Pioneer is quite proud of the Direct Energy HD Amplifier with ICEpower analog class D amplifier in the Susano. We're proud that we spelled it all correctly. Seriously, this gives the amplifer a higher output with lower distortion and increased efficiency. Continue reading to see more about the features of the Susano.

Understanding that people listen to music from a variety of sources, Pioneer equipped the receiver with Advanced Digital iPod USB to connect directly to an iPod and use the receiver's remote to control the player with on-screen interface. The Susano has an enhancement program to improve the playback sound of compressed music files. Also knowing that not every listening room is acoustically perfect, the receiver has a calibration system, complete with external microphone to evaluate your room and compensate for irregularities.

Not to forget about the video capabilities, the receiver has HDMI 1.3a with 12-Bit Deep Color. It's designed for 1080p video processing with a Faroudja video scaler chip that ensures up to full 1080p resolutions to connect to any type of display down the line.

The SC-07 will be available in August for $2,200 For full specs and tons of details, visit the Pioneer website.-Leslie Shapiro