What are your long term thoughts on JVC and Panasonic amps?

KT · « **Reply #20 on:** 9 Nov 2005, 02:47 am »

Quote from: mcgsxr

I am still happy with the baby JVC EX-A1 in my system...

Mark,

I finally looked in the user's manual that came with the EX-A1 and found that I was listening to the Aux input at the "Level 2" setting. That's the setting recommended for sources that overload the input. It's essentially a more attenuated input setting. "Level 1" is the louder default setting. I guess when I was fiddling around with it during setup I accidentally put it in that mode.

I can say that the whole thing sounds much more involving using the default "Level 1" setting. All this time I thought the EX-A1 sounded good but a little underwhelming - now I know why!

Anyhow, I can now understand why you're enjoying it so much with your other speakers. I'm using the EX-A1 with the wood cone speakers in my bedroom setup. Though the wood cones are colored, the setup does sound very enjoyable now that it's back to the "Level 1" setting.

Also, thanks so much for the service manual!

Though the tube preamp and Charlize or Gaincard combo are ultimately more musical, I really am taken by the sound of the digital receivers (JVC ES1-sl & Sharp EX-111) whenever I hook them up, and now I'm starting to really enjoy the EX-A1. Great sounding products and great values, too.

Best,
KT

Horizons · « **Reply #21 on:** 9 Nov 2005, 03:52 am »

Still using TWO JVC F10s to biamp my Maggie 1.6QRs.

I have no intention of upgrading these units. I will likely have to replace them at some point because repairing them if they break might be impossible. Bang for buck I just can't touch them. I also find that using TWO units is better than one.

Finally off the upgrade merry-go-round thanks to the JVC digital units.

dwc · « **Reply #22 on:** 9 Nov 2005, 04:40 am »

I'm still running my JVC 201, and still enjoying it.
-Dan

mcgsxr · « **Reply #23 on:** 9 Nov 2005, 06:48 pm »

Hey KT - glad that you discovered that Level thing, it really does make a difference - I will have to use that when I try my front end, as I recall the Mensa overdrove an old pre of mine...

Glad to help with the info.

It is an amazing little unit, when paired with the right speakers - I STILL have no inclination to even try the stock speakers - the b200 Visatons on open baffles are supremely musical for me, in my room. I thought I was just nuts, until my best friend came over and was also stunned by the combo.

Ridiculous, cheap fun!

Thanks again Dmason!

Carlman · « **Reply #24 on:** 9 Nov 2005, 07:10 pm »

I'm using an unmodified Panasonic XR-25 for my HT system and it sounds OK to fair. I paid about $200 for it and it's as good as a $500 receiver so, the value is there. Also, it fits well where it needs to go under the TV. The sound is kind of thin and lacks depth and impact compared to any 'real' amp I've used.

I'm spoiled on the clean, limitless sound of my various big-rig's, though. I'd like to get something that's a real step up from the XR-25 for my HT. The Xr-25 is barely adequate for Usher's 520-series of speakers... The speakers are much better than the amp in my opinion. I would think any Pioneer receiver in the 200-500 range would be just as good if not better for HT.

Also, I'm using a Sharp EX-111 for non-critical listening in my office. It's a great amp and sounds much better than the XR-25 in 2-channel. I also bought a Sharp 2-channel (with speakers) mini-system for my family last year. Those still sound great. The Sharp 1-bit stuff was a real value and I miss being able to buy it.

-C

mcgsxr · « **Reply #25 on:** 9 Nov 2005, 07:39 pm »

Carlman - there are other 1 Bit Sharp creatures out there - a number of HTIB from Sharp that I see daily on eBay, for reasonable dough...

And I just traded a modded Teac for a Panny, for my family room 2 channel HT (eventually to expand to 5.1) and from your reports, it should be just the ticket with my KIT41 speakers.

Have a great one!

Carlman · « **Reply #26 on:** 10 Nov 2005, 12:48 pm »

The Kit41's and the Panny would make an excellent budget HT system. You'll need a sub, though.

mcgsxr · « **Reply #27 on:** 11 Nov 2005, 02:17 pm »

Agreed, a sub would be excellent.

I could use the 3 foot ported Nakamichi 12 inch I built, but it is still in raw mdf format... not the most WAF for my family room!

Once I finish it (I am thinking wrapping it with grill cloth horizontally and then putting a granite slab on the top) I can use it as an end table, and have bass, and a place for the baby bottles!

Ears · « **Reply #28 on:** 17 Nov 2005, 04:47 am »

Gave away my Jvc rx-10 and Kenwood 7100 as presents...but still have the two modded 45's doing 6.1 duty in a pasive bi amp set up for H/T.

Will not even think of upgrading this H/T set up until Blu Ray decides which new format versions of super duper DD and DTS will be the new standard.....and then I will probably buy two more Panys with the new ss formats.

suits_me · « **Reply #29 on:** 18 Nov 2005, 04:59 am »

Careful about those other Sharp 1-bit units out there. They do not have the same sampling rate as the 111, and the informal end user remarks haven't been as enthusiastic.

ooheadsoo · « **Reply #30 on:** 18 Nov 2005, 05:07 am »

Anyone heard one of these digitals and compared to, say, an odyssey? I've got a jvc rx-es1sl and a sharp ex-111, used with a full range driver.

AphileEarlyAdopter · « **Reply #31 on:** 19 Nov 2005, 04:03 am »

Quote from: Ears

Gave away my Jvc rx-10 and Kenwood 7100 as presents...but still have the two modded 45's doing 6.1 duty in a pasive bi amp set up for H/T.

Will not even think of upgrading this H/T set up until Blu Ray decides which new format versions of super duper DD and DTS will be the new standard.....and then I will probably buy two more Panys with the new ss formats.

Ears,
Maybe you should try biamping with a single XR55. It uses two amps for the bass and one for the highs. Totally 6 out of the 7 amps for stereo. It costs only $230.

Ears · « **Reply #32 on:** 21 Nov 2005, 02:42 pm »

Quote from: AphileEarlyAdopter

Quote from: Ears
Gave away my Jvc rx-10 and Kenwood 7100 as presents...but still have the two modded 45's doing 6.1 duty in a pasive bi amp set up for H/T.

Will not even think of upgrading this H/T set up until Blu Ray decides which new format versions of super duper DD and DTS will be the new standard.....and then I will probably buy two more Panys with the new ss formats.

Ears,
Maybe you should try biamping with a single XR55. It uses two amps for the bass and one for the highs. Totally 6 out of the 7 amps for stereo. It costs only $230.

Even if the 55 was thought to be a better sounding unit than the 45....which I don't belieive is the case....my 45's are pro modded

Not to mention all 6 of my speakers are passively bi amped with two powerd subs....giving me 12.2 surround.....or something