What is this feature on pioneer AV receivers?

It's the Pioneer version of Audyssey, Trinnov etc... In short it's the automated calibration procedure of the receiver. I have the Pioneer SC-05 with MCACC. I like what it does (especially standing wave correction) but I prefer to defeat the EQ settings it comes up with. That's just my preference, there is no right or wrong to it. Overall I personally like MCACC - though I will readily admit I have not experienced Audyssey or any of the others available on differing receiver brands.

That was exactly what I was gonna ask. Which one is better, Audissey or the MCACC. LOL

That is a can of worms with no one correct answer! I won't speak for anyone but you will find a wide variety of opinions about the different methods out there and even if people like to use them or not. I'm sure those with more experience and wisdom than I will be along to help fill in the gaps. There really is a wealth of knowledge about this subject among all of the forum members here. Let me know if you have any specific MCACC questions and I'll try and help. There's a few of us with Pio receivers.

Cheers,

How do you like your Pio receiver? Would you get a Onkyo or Denon if you had a choice?

I love my Pioneer Elite receiver. Personally, I wouldn't get one unless it was one of the Elite models. I have the cheapest of the Elites. When I bought it, it was $700 and I got it for $630 with 10% off. The last I checked, on-line, it was MSRP $800, but perhaps it's gone back down since then. I'm only driving 8 ohm speakers, but, so far, I haven't heard anything negative about the Elites not being able to drive the 4 ohm loads. It has plenty of power to drive what I currently have.

MCCACC is simple to use and seup with a single microphone position. You also can save up to 6 seperate settings with the one I have. The cheaper ones have less.

If I ever buy another one, I might get a Denon just so I can experience the difference. I think the Denon may be superior to the Onkyo, but I don't have anything to back that up really, so I really don't know. Just that I've heard a lot of good things about Denon.

Personally, after functionality, I would probably base my decision on weight, because I think that with added weight comes superior power supply, which to me equates to better sound.

One thing I realized is that the onkyos have more video outputs then the Denons. I like the back panel of the onkyos better, but it seems to me people believe the Denons are better.

It probably depends on which Denon AVR... The more expensive ones look good. I'm not so sure about the cheaper ones.

I like my Pio for my particular situation. There are pros and cons of course. My biggest issue with the Pio is that it only has one system wide crossover setting. OTOH the class D amps on the Pio Elites create an amazing amount of power so give you more headroom for the $ than other receivers (at least back when I was shopping). I could have individual cross overs with the same ICE amps I would be 100% happy. There are a couple of threads where the Pioneer receivers were discussed. I'll link to them later when I have time to dig (I'm at work now).

I don't think I'd like having global crossovers. My 8 year old H/K has independent crossovers. You'd think other manufacturers would get on the bandwagon already.