[Horizons]

OK, this is weird for me.

Last night I heard a system similar to my own in that the owner has Magnepan 1.6QRs. But what floored me was that he was driving them with the Panny XR45 and it drove them very well. However he just used the main outputs in stereo to the MG1.6QRs with no sub.

I have a powered sub. In addition, the MG 1.6QRs have biwirings connections. Is is possible to drive the tweeters with 2 channels and the bass/mid panels with the other channels, thus using all 4 channels?

Also, I read on the Newform site that you must set the speakers for large AND disable the sub output to remove the 100Hz high pass filter. So to use a powered sub with this system would you have to tap into the main speaker outs (my sub will accept high or low level inputs).

Has the buzz around the Panny died off, are any owners still happy with this unit?

What I heard last night was a revelation. It sounded incredible and I was amazed that this tiny unit could drive power hungry Maggies. Eyeing a future Panny XR70 now.

Thanks for responding.

[awm]

I love mine and am more than satisfied.  Incredible bang for the buck.  I use it for my home theater and to drive stereo speakers (the mains) full range.  

I have a question for you, though -- I checked the Newform site and couldn't find where it said that "you must set the speakers for large AND disable the sub output to remove the 100Hz high pass filter."  Could you direct me to where that was said?  Thanks.

I have heard from someone on the Madisound board that he runs his sub and his speakers full range wih no issues all the time.  Do a search for "Panny 45" on the site to find his comments.  (His name is Robert Cozine.)

REgardless, I would strongly recommend the 45 and probably the 70, too, though of course I haven't yet heard it.

Andy

[Horizons]

I thought it was here:

http://www.newformresearch.com/digital-amp-packages.htm

but now I can't find it. I'll keep looking.

[JoshK]

Love your avatar!    

[Wayne1]

Horizons,

The Panasonic SA-XR45 can be used in "Party" mode where the same signal is sent to front and rear surround channels. If you set them both to large, there will be no crossover engaged. If either is set to small, then the 100-200 Hz crossover comes into play. If you turn the sub to on, then the 100 hz crossover will filter out the highs from the sub outlput. It will still allow all the other channels to play full range. When in "Party" mode, the rear channels are reversed, L becomes R etc. Take this into account when wiring up your speakers.

This can also be done on the SA-XR50. The set-up is a touch more complicated but the same thing can be accomplished. I have yet to see a SA-XR70

[Horizons]

Wayne:

You are the man, thanks for a specific answer to my question. Sounds like I would biwire the maggies in Party Mode and turn the sub ON and use this low level output to my powered sub.

It appears that all of the Xr45's are gone now. I just hope the XR70 due out in July/August will still fit the bill.

Are you planning on offering mods for the XR70?

[Wayne1]

I will have to wait to see what will be involved in mods for the XR-70. It will require a new design for the speaker connector plate at a minimum.

[ToddSTS]

In regards to your bi-wiring question check out the following link on the XR70's specs.  

http://www.videodirect.com/panasonic/receivers/panasonic-sa-xr70s.html

Especially the Multi-Channel Multi-Drive with Digital Linear Phase* section.  It specifically mentions bi-amping using two of the receiver's other amps in stereo mode.  So no more Party mode tricks would be necessary.....at least as I understand it.  Now if it would just incorporate an active crossover and Room EQ you could basically implement the Newform setup and stay digital all the way through to the output.  BTW I got this link from AVS.  Check out this thread started by Beowulf7:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=3802984#post3802984

Todd