[Gopher]

I'm curious about the Panasonic SA-XR45 digital reciever. Insprired by a post I did some reasearch and sure enough, the Audio Asylumers seem to be doing jumping jacks over this unit. Have you guys had any expereince with it?

My best friends birthday falls a week before we graduate and splitting the cost with my gf (also very close to him) would make this a potentially perfect gift, and affordable "two birds with one stone" gift. I've spoiled his listening by exposing him to my hifi, and it's only fair I start him off with his own.

I've seen 'em as low as $275 and I'm thinking of buying one next week to audition with my gear (return if I don't like it). He'll probably use the Toshiba 3950 as digital source and I'll help him find some good affordable speakers (thinking MMGs would suite his taste).

lan?

Anyone?

- Fred

 

[dhwilkin]

Been curious myself if these things lived up to the hype. I'd really like to hear from a few people here (as opposed to random AA inmates) how it sounds.

Also, your thread title should say "Panasonic", not "Pioneer".

 

[ooheadsoo]

I'd like to hear this unit some time too. I know lan has a xr-25 unit, which he enjoys.

Also, both 25 and 45 and discontinued and are getting harder and harder to find. The 50, which is supposedly the replacement for the 45 (published specs wise) is now shipping from various online retailers.

 

[Unclewai]

I am planning to buy a xr25 to try it out this weekend.
Last I heard the xr25 is on clearance in circuit city for $140.
Might be a regional deal though, but no harm in trying to see if it's available at that price.

 

[soundboy]

The XR50 is available from J&R for $250 shipped.

I auditioned the XR25 at Circuit City and it is indeed very impressive.

Go to audiocircle.com and go into the "multi-channel and digital" circle, you will find long lengthy discussions on these Panasonic digital receivers. Including the XR50.

I have posted on these receivers here before, including links to the audiocircle.com discussion, but "Search" function is disabled.

 

[lan]

I wrote something here. the forum ate it. i'm mad. grr

 

[lan]

Ok let's try this again.

I have an XR25 which is a cheaper model and I'd imagine the XR45 is a better version but how much I don't know. One thing to note is that they take a while to breakin. I don't know if you have the time to actually burn it in before you really evaluate it.

This digital amp has very good control of the bass, great dynamics and it's also very clear. Sound stage is nice and imaging pretty pin point. Since it's still a piece of digital equipment, you are still at the mercy of good power conditioning and good digital cable. Since this is a cheaper piece of equipment, the power supply isn't as robust so that's why I feel power conditioning affects it a bit more. I also changed the power cable since the stock on these cheaper receivers/DVD players are a joke.

Of course the only thing I miss is tubes. I think you know what I mean if you are a tube lover.

 

[soupy]

I've been looking these things up as well since I've been looking for something affordable to replace my nad 320bee. The one thing I hate about these though are the speaker posts on the back, spring clips! gah!! Looks like the posts on the upcoming XR70 are regular screw/banana hole ones. I think I'm gonna give up my XR45 search and just wait for the 70.

 

[soundboy]

Here's a pic of the back of the XR70 connected to Panasonic DVD-A player via a HDMI connection.

http://www.highfidelityreview.com/ne...umber=18868399

Link to discussion of XR50 on audiocircle.com

http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/viewtopic.php?t=9207

Online manual to the Panasonic XR50

http://service.us.panasonic.com/oper...x?model=SAXR50

Discussion of XR50 on audiocircle (30 pages long)

http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/viewtopic.php?t=4991

Mods of XR45 by Boulder Cable Company

http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/viewtopic.php?t=9271