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"OFFICIAL" Pioneer SC-1222-K Owners Thread - Page 11

post #301 of 909
2/22/13 at 1:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by audi0file View Post

This is coming from someone who's experienced a few stops since dinosaur -smile.gif
I've transitioned receivers from basic stereo (Harman Kardon mid-70s and Marantz early 90s) through composite (Yamaha around 2001) and HDMI (Onkyo 2008). Add an entry-level Harman Kardon to the latter just 4 months ago. Interest in home theater use (5.1 system since early 200s) including 3D TV and DVD (both purchased October) but music capability is primary (most recent purchase - prior to the SC-1222 - was an Onkyo CD player with better DACs).



I still have my old Kenwood 2-channel stereo receiver from 1976. Somehow I get attached to this stuff, and find it hard to let go. I think I'm going to pull the trigger on this since NewEgg's deal is so good. One more quick question: being the dinosaur that I am I have a lot of vinyl, and still use a turntable; can I go directly into one of the pair of analog inputs from my TT, or does there need to be a pre-amp in between? I've seen something like this mentioned with other receivers. Thanks.
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post #302 of 909
2/22/13 at 2:47pm
Have their been any reports of this receiver being DOA?
From what i have read on newegg and this thread there haven't been any real issues so far.
The reason I am asking is at this price, i am thinking of risking buying one and the warranty will not be honored in Canada.
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post #303 of 909
2/22/13 at 2:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by korkster View Post

I still have my old Kenwood 2-channel stereo receiver from 1976. Somehow I get attached to this stuff, and find it hard to let go. I think I'm going to pull the trigger on this since NewEgg's deal is so good. One more quick question: being the dinosaur that I am I have a lot of vinyl, and still use a turntable; can I go directly into one of the pair of analog inputs from my TT, or does there need to be a pre-amp in between? I've seen something like this mentioned with other receivers. Thanks.

Reviewing the spec sheet and back panel photos it doesn't look like it. However, depeding on how attached you are to your existing phonograph, there's a very well respected Audio Technica player that has this trick feature (and it's also got a USB output to boot):

A selectable internal stereo phono pre-amplifier allows the turntable to plug directly to components with no dedicated turntable input.

http://www.needledoctor.com/Audio-Technica-LP120-USB-Turntable



Can be had for $200 +/- depending on where you look.

Excellent and in depth review:
http://www.soundadviceblog.com/reviews/audio-technica-at-lp120-usb-turntable-a-real-find-at-200/

The conclusion:

Should you buy the AT-LP120-USB?

If you are a serious audiophile or want to become one, if vinyl records are going to be the primary source in your sound system, if you have a lot of records and are growing your collection, sure… spend more and get a Debut III or better. Turntables are one area where spending more can yield big differences if you choose wisely. As much as I like the AT-LP120-USB for what it is and what it does, as an audiophile with thousands of records and a system with expensive electronics and speakers I want something better in my system. If I didn’t have a bunch of turntables already I would certainly consider one for a secondary system or to use exclusively with a computer. I’d upgrade the cartridge, though I have a feeling that most of the general public will hook it up, hear how good it sounds out of the box, and be happy with it the way it is without going through a bunch of upgrading and chasing the vinyl holy grail.

If you do not have a turntable and want to see what vinyl records are all about, if you want good sound but are on a tight budget, if you want to pull out your old records and give them a spin, if you are building a vinyl-based system and you want to save money towards better speakers, or if you need a turntable for a second system or to dedicate to use with your computer… or maybe you just want a good quality, affordable turntable? Then the AT-LP120-USB absolutely belongs in your equipment rack. The installed cartridge and built-in phono preamp means it is the only thing you need to buy and it will match well with home theater receivers, which usually do not have a phono preamp.
Edited by icelt - 2/22/13 at 2:56pm
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post #304 of 909
2/22/13 at 2:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by icelt View Post

Reviewing the spec sheet and back panel photos it doesn't look like it. However, depeding on how attached you are to your existing phonograph, there's a very well respected Audio Technica player that has this trick feature (and it's also got a USB output to boot):

A selectable internal stereo phono pre-amplifier allows the turntable to plug directly to components with no dedicated turntable input.

http://www.needledoctor.com/Audio-Technica-LP120-USB-Turntable



Can be had for $200 +/- depending on where you look.

I have the non-USB version of this model and have it connected directly to an analog input in the back of the receiver and works and sounds well ofr me. Non-usb version can be had for less than $90 on Amazon.
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post #305 of 909
2/22/13 at 3:07pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by benfica1 View Post

I have the non-USB version of this model and have it connected directly to an analog input in the back of the receiver and works and sounds well ofr me. Non-usb version can be had for less than $90 on Amazon.

You might be referring to the Audio Technica AT-LP60?

If so agreed it is even less expensive, however it is NOT the same version as the LP120 just minus the USB. There are technical reasons why the 60 is less than half the price of the 120, one minor loss of which is the USB capability. A more significant difference is drive mechanism, the 60 is belt driven the 120 direct. And there are others.

Regardless, depending on ones expectations, they are both well regarded turntables. However IMHO the additional features and construciton of the 120 are well worth the nominal up-charge to acquire them.
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post #306 of 909
2/22/13 at 3:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by goblue1 View Post


Ok. In my 5.1, I plan on setting all 4 of my towers & my center to small & crossingover at 80. I also have the crossover dial on the back of my sub turned all the way to direct, which should be 120. Does that sound correct, or does it need to be at 80 like the others?
That's correct. The standard arrangement is to have the sub's crossover set to the max (or turned off entirely, if that's possible), and to have the receiver's crossover set to 80.
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post #307 of 909
2/22/13 at 4:04pm
No one has any experience with video switching issues related to the Wii?
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post #308 of 909
2/22/13 at 4:45pm
I just pulled the trigger on this receiver. The NewEgg deal just seemed too good to pass up. Thanks everyone for your thoughts, I'm sure I'm going to be very pleased. I may have to do some customization to my AV cabinet to fit it though.
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post #309 of 909
2/22/13 at 7:21pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by korkster View Post

I just pulled the trigger on this receiver. The NewEgg deal just seemed too good to pass up. Thanks everyone for your thoughts, I'm sure I'm going to be very pleased. I may have to do some customization to my AV cabinet to fit it though.

While you decide a new turntable, you can use a cheap phono pre-amp like this one

http://www.amazon.com/Pyle-PP999-Phono-Turntable-Pre-Amp/dp/B00025742A/ref=pd_cp_e_0
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post #310 of 909
2/22/13 at 7:22pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob_63 View Post

Did you set the speaker system setting to "Front Bi Amp" in the System Setup menu -> Manual Speaker Setup menu -> Speaker System menu? (page 84) I ran my JBL speakers bi amped w/o problem for a while until I needed the surround rear terminals for 7.2.
Yes the speakers are set up correctly with the 5.2 front biamp. I even re-wired for non biamp (setting zone 2), same results.
Maybe I'm just pushing this receiver too hard. Usually cuts off between -15 and -10db. It's also not predictable when it cuts off. I know it will depend on music type and the settings of the eq.
Even when I'm running that loud the speakers are not distorting and sounds great, I would to push them harder.
Last night I ran the receiver for three hours at -20db, never shut off. I don't think I have a defective reciever.
I do however think that the Quality of the recordings on iTunes plays in to a factor.
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post #311 of 909
2/22/13 at 9:29pm
Ok. For my little issue the restoring to factory defaults technique has restored all the prior network functionality! Very pleased. biggrin.gif

Thanks for the suggestions all.
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post #312 of 909
2/23/13 at 5:50am
Hey guys, just got thru all of this thread. I'm pretty sold on the 1222. However I'm going overseas for about 6-8 months, and won't be in the market for an AVR until end of 2013, probably thanksgiving/ Black Friday etc. Based on your knowledge of market trends , where do you see the price of the 1222 going?

$529 at new egg seems like a steal for this much AVR. In 8 months do you think this piece will be closer to $400? Just trying to feel sure that I shouldn't buy it now at this $529 price and keep it in storage while I'm away Or if I see the 1522 going below $700 I might go that route, but 1222 seems more than adequate for my needs.

Also can you post up your L, R and Center channel speakers you are using well with the 1222? I understand that this AVR makes any speaker sound better but I'd like to see specific speaker models you're using with it. I'm considering Infinity Primus or higher end PSB B6 and C5. They are 6ohm and don't need much wattage, just wondering if this AVR would blast the hell out of them.
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post #313 of 909
2/23/13 at 5:51am
Hi everyone can somebody tell me if 1222 will run just 3.1 setup
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post #314 of 909
2/23/13 at 5:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by realnt View Post

Hi everyone can somebody tell me if 1222 will run just 3.1 setup

Yes, it will. The receiver will play sound with only 1 speaker if that's all you have too.biggrin.gif
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post #315 of 909
2/23/13 at 6:14am
Quote:
Originally Posted by gasdag View Post

Hey guys, just got thru all of this thread. I'm pretty sold on the 1222. However I'm going overseas for about 6-8 months, and won't be in the market for an AVR until end of 2013, probably thanksgiving/ Black Friday etc. Based on your knowledge of market trends , where do you see the price of the 1222 going?

$529 at new egg seems like a steal for this much AVR. In 8 months do you think this piece will be closer to $400? Just trying to feel sure that I shouldn't buy it now at this $529 price and keep it in storage while I'm away Or if I see the 1522 going below $700 I might go that route, but 1222 seems more than adequate for my needs.

Also can you post up your L, R and Center channel speakers you are using well with the 1222? I understand that this AVR makes any speaker sound better but I'd like to see specific speaker models you're using with it. I'm considering Infinity Primus or higher end PSB B6 and C5. They are 6ohm and don't need much wattage, just wondering if this AVR would blast the hell out of them.

This receiver doesn't make the speakers sound better. If you've got crappy speakers the speaker are still going to sound crappy. I still don't understand why people think that the receiver is going to make a crappy speaker sound better rolleyes.gif The SC-1222 goes onsale pretty much every month now, and I don't think that is going to change any time soon because I do not believe anyone in their right mind would pay $1200 MSRP for this receiver. So, I would say the price will remain the same until it is discontinued.
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post #316 of 909
2/23/13 at 8:25am
Quote:
Originally Posted by GusGus748s View Post

This receiver doesn't make the speakers sound better. If you've got crappy speakers the speaker are still going to sound crappy. I still don't understand why people think that the receiver is going to make a crappy speaker sound better rolleyes.gif

See post#153
Quote:
After simply hooking up the Pioneer, running the calibration software once and then streaming some mp3's to it. #*$ Damn did things sound instantly better. Same room, same cables, same power, same speaker placement, same every damn thing. I'm am now hearing things in songs that simply were not there before while running through the Denon (which I've loved for over a decade). I don't fully understand what these D3 amps are doing, but I sure as hell approve of it. Then considering the performance versus price metric, I can't say enough nice things about this receiver.
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post #317 of 909
2/23/13 at 11:05am
A few calibration ?'s...

Each time you run MCACC, does it always put the info on memory 1?

If you change the speaker settings (large/small, crossover), does it only affect MCACC memory 1, or all of them?

Is there a listening mode in which you can listen to 2.0 or 2.1 with no MCACC or speaker settings? For example, if I want to listen to music through my front towers in full band with or without the sub.
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post #318 of 909
2/23/13 at 11:25am
Am I missing something or is the HDMI pass through only in Standy bye mode? I've also been trying to listen to music through airplay or pandora while a video source is passed through to my tv (cable box through receiver).
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post #319 of 909
2/23/13 at 11:44am
Goblue1
When you run auto mcacc, the parameter mcacc on the first page is the memory slot you want to put that calibration in. You can also select thx mode yes or no , which will generally equate to small for yes or large for no.
You can also try using the Pure Direct mode, press the 1 key( Stereo/ALC/Direct) until it displays PureDirect.. which should remove mcacc and play plain old 2 channel
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post #320 of 909
2/23/13 at 12:46pm
Watching skyfall from my PS3 (downloaded from Playstation store), but getting no sound on 5.1 output. On my 1222-k I see source as MPEG-2 AAC. changing it to just regular output works fine.

Any ideas?
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post #321 of 909
2/23/13 at 3:05pm
How bad is remote?
My wife has to manage this at times, so it could be deal breaker..

Newegg $549 appears pretty good eh?


I have Onkyo TX706 receiver that HDMI board slowly failing...


speakers:
HSU Hybrid package 15 (with VTF-15 sub)
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post #322 of 909
2/23/13 at 5:52pm
Oh yeah I love the iPad app! It's so much easier to edit input names or for inputting information like my SiriusXM info than using the lame pioneer remote!!!
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post #323 of 909
2/23/13 at 5:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jlm86 View Post

How bad is remote?
My wife has to manage this at times, so it could be deal breaker..

Newegg $549 appears pretty good eh?


I have Onkyo TX706 receiver that HDMI board slowly failing...


speakers:
HSU Hybrid package 15 (with VTF-15 sub)

+ $20 off w/ promo code EMCXVWL97, ends 2/25
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post #324 of 909
2/23/13 at 6:40pm
Going from memory here so you'll need to confirm ...
Quote:
Originally Posted by goblue1 View Post

A few calibration ?'s...

Each time you run MCACC, does it always put the info on memory 1?

It defaults, starts with, which ever memory you were last on - you can change it though before starting.

Quote:
Originally Posted by goblue1 View Post

A few calibration ?'s...

If you change the speaker settings (large/small, crossover), does it only affect MCACC memory 1, or all of them?

ALL of them. Changing speaker size (Large / Small) or Yes / No- effects all MCACC memories.

Quote:
Originally Posted by goblue1 View Post

A few calibration ?'s...

Is there a listening mode in which you can listen to 2.0 or 2.1 with no MCACC or speaker settings? For example, if I want to listen to music through my front towers in full band with or without the sub.

(kind of - see below)

Yes or No, depending on how you have your speakers set:

If set to Large, then YES you can get 2.0 full range. If the source is stereo, you are set. If not, you can force it to stereo - just press "standard" (#2) on the remote twice. Display should say "STEREO" - then press "AUTO/ALC/DIRECT" (#1) until you get to "PURE DIRECT."

If set to Small, then yes you can get 2.1 full range. Again, by using "PURE DIRECT." I believe x-over changes go across ALL 6-memories, so you cannot get 2.0 full range if set to small because of the x-over.


From interactive manual: (the "kind of" part)

DIRECT – Plays back sound from the source with the least modification next to PURE DIRECT. With DIRECT, the only modifications added to PURE DIRECT playback are calibration of the sound field by the MCACC system and the Phase Control effect.

PURE DIRECT – Plays back unmodified sound from source with only minimal digital treatment.

It does not say what "only minimal digital treatment" means.
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post #325 of 909
2/23/13 at 6:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by eyekode View Post

Arg! Switching into protect is not good. Is it possible there is an intermittent short? Sorry to ask a dumb question but did you remove the shorting bar on the speaker terminals? Do you have another amp you can try them with? Can you measure the resistance between the terminals?
Went ahead and re-wired all speakers and receiver connections with banana jacks. Like you mentioned maybe a short. I think there might have been. I have been pushing the receiver very hard for two hours. No issues. Very solid and large sound! Very impressed!!
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post #326 of 909
2/23/13 at 6:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jlm86 View Post

How bad is remote?
My wife has to manage this at times, so it could be deal breaker..

I do not like the remote. It could definitely be improved but just how bad it is, depends on how you use it. What I mean is that most of the functions are labeled on the remote - so if you use it in a well lit room - no problem. Just look on the remote for the button you need and press.

Personally, I prefer watching in a dark or dimly lit room. For me, a good remote has good tactile cues so you can tell, by touch, which button is which. For this, I find the Pio remote severely lacking.
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post #327 of 909
2/23/13 at 8:43pm
I am looking for help with pandora. I have had my Sc-1222k for about 3 weeks and love it. The only problem I am having is with pandora. When I try to listen to Pandora with a wireless connection, the music stops after a few songs. This has happened with two different access points. When I hard wire the receiver to the router, I am able to listen with no interuptions.

The router is a Netgear 3700. The acces points are an Asus N router set to repeater per instructions. And an older Netgear wireless G hub. Any Ideas? Any one else having troubles with wireless pandora?

I am running the latest firmware downloaded from the Pioneer site.



Thanks in advance!
Edited by Schweizerfan - 2/23/13 at 9:47pm
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post #328 of 909
2/23/13 at 9:18pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by happy2Lurk View Post

Going from memory here so you'll need to confirm ...
It defaults, starts with, which ever memory you were last on - you can change it though before starting.
ALL of them. Changing speaker size (Large / Small) or Yes / No- effects all MCACC memories.


(kind of - see below)

Yes or No, depending on how you have your speakers set:

If set to Large, then YES you can get 2.0 full range. If the source is stereo, you are set. If not, you can force it to stereo - just press "standard" (#2) on the remote twice. Display should say "STEREO" - then press "AUTO/ALC/DIRECT" (#1) until you get to "PURE DIRECT."

If set to Small, then yes you can get 2.1 full range. Again, by using "PURE DIRECT." I believe x-over changes go across ALL 6-memories, so you cannot get 2.0 full range if set to small because of the x-over.


From interactive manual: (the "kind of" part)

DIRECT – Plays back sound from the source with the least modification next to PURE DIRECT. With DIRECT, the only modifications added to PURE DIRECT playback are calibration of the sound field by the MCACC system and the Phase Control effect.

PURE DIRECT – Plays back unmodified sound from source with only minimal digital treatment.

It does not say what "only minimal digital treatment" means.

I figured I couldn't get full range/band after setting to small, but was hoping for a way for 2ch music purposes.

So far I'm not a huge fan of MCACC's channel levels. It keeps increasing the db's of the surround towers to higher than the front stage, eventhough the surrounds are much closer to the mic than the front stage. The sub is also being put at -12, which is way too low. I've moved it to -2.5 instead for now. Any recommendations?
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post #329 of 909
2/23/13 at 9:22pm
I just sold my AVR with a 5.1 set up that I had laying around. I sold it the same day I posted it on craiglist for $200 dollars. Now, I need a new receiver and a center channel. I will be ordering the 25C to match with my Monitor 70s. I've been waiting for the CS2 series II to come back to newegg, but it appears they are not going to return.mad.gif

So, at the moment I am looking at this AVR or buying a refurbished DENON AVR 3313ci.
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post #330 of 909
2/23/13 at 9:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by GusGus748s View Post

I just sold my AVR with a 5.1 set up that I had laying around. I sold it the same day I posted it on craiglist for $200 dollars. Now, I need a new receiver and a center channel. I will be ordering the 25C to match with my Monitor 70s. I've been waiting for the CS2 series II to come back to newegg, but it appears they are not going to return.mad.gif

So, at the moment I am looking at this AVR or buying a refurbished DENON AVR 3313ci.

I can tell you that this receiver is very good, I can't tell you how good because my Monitor 75T's are the limiting factor here. You should upgrade your speakers before buying a high end receiver like the 3313. But for $530, I couldn't resist.
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AVS › AVS Forum › Audio › Receivers, Amps, and Processors › "OFFICIAL" Pioneer SC-1222-K Owners Thread