Digital Drive: REVIEW: Panasonic SA XR-70 Receiver by FastEddy

Model:	SA XR-70
Category:	Receiver
Suggested Retail Price:	$499
Description:	Home Theater Receiver with Digital Amplifier and Built-In DTS® 96/24, DTS-ES, and Dolby Digital® EX Decoders, Silver
Manufacturer URL:	Panasonic
Model Picture:	View

Review by FastEddy ( P ) on June 18, 2006 at 19:14:13
IP Address: 206.176.231.190

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Preliminary review of the Panasonic SA XR-70 "Home Theater" Receiver
Lack of binding posts on SR, SL, Center channels presented considerable dfficulties with connections and programming setup (processor/firmware sensitive to lack of surround connections, defeating setup routine).
Hours of struggle required to accomplish connections resulting in undesirable modifications to the surround speaker cables (SR, SL, Center), plus confusion in the manual about setup (the video monitor fails to operate without all surround speakers in place and active). This user finally threw caution to the wind and resorted to inferior cabling, inferior speakers and connectors, several power downs (inc. unplugging) in order to get the processor to reset and allow the setup to proceed (almost as bad as overcoming a Windows Blue Screen error).
The plathora of video options get in the way of audio setup and operations. Since most users will direct connect video without using all these extra features and connectors (DVD player direct to TV is the norm). There is a shortage of digital optical inputs requiring the connection to computer to be designated as source = "TV".
If it were possible to completely bypass and defeat all of the video control functions ... and/or dump all the associated video connections in back and add real binding posts to all outputs and additional analog and digital (coaxial and optical) sources, this unit could pass muster as a "hot tip" audio receiver for entry level to the audiophile world. The unit is way overly complicated for use as a "pure" audio center and overly complicated for use as an entry level multimedia center. Panasonic seems to be trying to do way too much in one box, while short changing the units star qualities: the preamp, mixer, tuner and class d amplifier.
This owner will be consulting with several modifiers to make appropriate changes to the back panel, power line filtering, etc. (boldercables.com, et al)

Product Weakness: Lack of binding posts on secondary outputs. Programming setup is way too complicated (or unavailable if some surround speakers are not operational). Too many video connections and not enough digital audio connections result in a complicated hardware setup.
Product Strengths: Great sound, full bass, tight high end, plenty of guts. FM reception and quality is very good. When A + B main speakers (stereo only) are active, sound is awsome for the price. An almost "star quality" entry level audio system.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Integrated Class D Amp Receiver: 100 watts to
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None (Integrated)
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	All digital: Samsung & Pioneer CD/DVD players, Apple MacBook
Speakers:	Mix of DIY boxes, 4 main, 4 surround, subwoofers
Cables/Interconnects:	14 AWG copper for all channels, Belkin PureAV optical & coaxial
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Blues, Classical, Pink Rock, Opera ...
Room Size (LxWxH):	36' x 15' x 10' to 16'
Room Comments/Treatments:	sloped ceiling, 10' to 16', equipment/speakers at low ceiling end
Time Period/Length of Audition:	3 days, on and off
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	DIY power line filters
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition):	several available for comparison, a digital and analog electronics professional

Product Weakness:	Lack of binding posts on secondary outputs. Programming setup is way too complicated (or unavailable if some surround speakers are not operational). Too many video connections and not enough digital audio connections result in a complicated hardware setup.
Product Strengths:	Great sound, full bass, tight high end, plenty of guts. FM reception and quality is very good. When A + B main speakers (stereo only) are active, sound is awsome for the price. An almost "star quality" entry level audio system.