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This is just a first impression. It's a brand new unit out of the box, Unmodified!For reference, I have AudioPhysic Virgo speakers, XXXXX British reference integrated amplifier, Van Den hul interconnectis and speaker cables..
Initial sound was, eh, dynamic but tizzy.
Over the hours the tizzy sound has diminished (10+ hours), but the dynamic sound has not.
Now, after 25+ years of audiophilism, I don't want to go overboard, but this amp is crazy good sounding! You would have to spend , "I don't know how much to equal" this sound quality. IT's really better than most "hi-fi " set ups. I would say based on experience that it would take 10K+ to equal or better the $400 sound available here.If you are in the market for a stereo or HT amp look no further! This is IT!
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Follow Ups:
I have the SA-XR25, immediate predeceasor of the XR50: unless the latter is huge improvement, I say these Panny digitals are overrated by many people.They're great a/v receivers for the money but not audiophile. My new, also digital, Bel Canto eVo2i is incomparably better than the XR25 -- should anyone be surprised at 10x the price?
On the other hand, the Bel Canto replaced my aged Phase Linear 400. Versus that relic the Panasonic stands up very well indeed.
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I read the threads about the Panasonic half-heartedly, but finally bought one very recently when it surprisingly re-appeared as an open box at the local CC. I have been using it in a mediocre HT and assumed the in-wall speakers were limiting the digital amp. But I just hooked the XR-25 up to my main speakers in the stereo rig and it sounded like a $150 open box digital receiver.
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Sounds like crap out of the box, you need to break it in for a while, it will transform. Do use a good power cord and a power conditioner if possible. Without these I agree with your assessment.
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I agree;I have the 50 for my HT & I will not use it for audio.But for HT it is hard to beat!Great value;an achievement for Pana..
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How about telling us which XXXX British reference amp you were using?
Please e-mail me if you do not want to post.TIA,
I won't be replacing my CJ PFR pre and PS Audio HCA2 amp with one. They're in a different class soundwise, IMO. It did replace an Audio Refinement Complete amp and B&K TS108 tuner ($1400 package) in my bedroom system, however. The Panny is more open and dynamic, but not as refined as the AR. About the same net sound quality, overall, and the tuner is about as nice sounding as the very musical B&K , but not as sensitive. A lot cheaper and smaller, though. Certainly if you want to spend under $1500 (retail) for an amp and tuner and you don't need a lot of power this unit is worth looking hard at.
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Has anyone hooked up a decent phono preamp and TT to one of these receivers? What were the results?Thanks
I have the above setup running into my XR50. I do like the sound. I dont think there is any difference with the above into my Audio Refinement COmplete, except a little of er.. refinement, like jonbee mentions. But I haven't tried playing a record since I started bi-wiring with A-B speaker terminals. With bi-wiring, I get a better 'sense of ease' to the sound. So I will post my feedback on this, here soon.
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I loved the sound of the AR Complete; Wondering if there is a comparison in this respect...
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You describe the sound of ARC very well. When I got the XR50, I could not 'adjust' myself to the sound at all. It was very forward and so much detail, it was almost distracting.
But after more than a month and getting an aftermarket power cord, which evened out the frequency response, and now biwiring with A-B speaker terminals. I think I am not going back to my ARC.
The sound is much deeper. The images are so much 'fixed' in their position. And the instruments are so real.. the strings in the back, triangles tinkling so close to you etc.
There is so much soundstage, deep and very real. It is very listenable just like the ARC. I think the ARC was faking this (by rolling off the highs) but the XR50 is achieving this by being completely 'high-fidelity.
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Thanks,I too have an MMF-5 and I'm using the phono input of a Rotel RA-1062. Not as good sounding as my previous set-up: Mccormack TLC, ASUSA PP-1 phono pre and Cary SuperAmp. I'm looking at the Panasonic receivers as a further cost saving measure with a baby on the way.
I think you will not be disappointed with the Panny. Will surely beat the Rotel. But wait a while for the XR70. This will have better resolution at all volume levels.
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I've heard the wait for the 70 can be as long as October. What have you heard?
Before the naysayers hit!, i will second that Wineau. I have a Panasonic XR45 ,had it 6 months now.This little thing has now replaced $6k worth of gear here !! (well, $6k is what i sold it all for used !)
No regrets at all, i have better sound, over $6k cash back, a nice tuner (i didnt have one before) and a system that will now play loud all night ( we had a party,it was great ) without almost cooking itself!
I have been into audio a long time too (30yrs+), never thought i would buy any receiver again and i have to say the Xr45 is the best purchase i have made in Audio, (well that and my Von schweikert speakers)
have a good one ;-)
i agree completely. replaced a similar high priced setup, and i have not looked back. it is a m a z i n g!!!
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I took alot of S(*T for recommending the 45 when it came out and trying it. I was a skeptic also until I used one.While these things are great for the $$ in some situations they are not going to be as refined as other pieces that cost more. One has to try them to see.
The PC changeout is essential.
I also hated receivers for decades until I tried this unit. I was blown away at how clean they were.
Things shall get a lot more interesting from here on out with Digi amps being improved with each version.
I still want my Plinius,Electrocompaniet or Dreadnaught though as I am a sucker for the good life,but I can happily live with a Panny. Beats the hell out of HK and similar priced gear!
Just adding here!
I know what you mean, the high priced spread is nice!!Had the Electrocompaniet, Audio Research, Berning, British Fidelity, NAIM, Exposure, etc. Great stuff! The Panasonic digital amp is still kickin' ass around here, no questions asked. The future looks bright!!
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...Yep.
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