Looks like the 70 is finally out.

dave_c · « **on:** 23 Nov 2004, 02:05 am »

In case you're not reading the XR50 thread.

http://ww1.onecall.com/PID_22427.htm

TheChairGuy · « **Reply #1 on:** 23 Nov 2004, 02:26 am »

Interesting...rated to 6 ohms, too. I think the earlier xr45 was rated at 8 ohms only (?)

The JVC's also changed from 8 to 6 ohm ratings from 1st generation to 2nd (I guess Panny is actually 3rd generation digital now)...and the added control on lower impedence speakers is quite noticeable.

dave_c · « **Reply #2 on:** 23 Nov 2004, 02:37 am »

So when are you going to try it out on the Maggies?

TheChairGuy · « **Reply #3 on:** 23 Nov 2004, 02:42 am »

Quote from: dave_c

So when are you going to try it out on the Maggies?

That would be potentially cruel, wouldn't it? Maybe some day, tho

On second thought, it's still 9.9 lbs and that must mean a dreaded switching power supply...I'll take a pass until it's a linear/toroid or until I hear that switching supplies are as good as linear ones (assuming they can be, tho)

dave_c · « **Reply #4 on:** 23 Nov 2004, 03:16 am »

I think they can. Don't the Linn amps use a switching power supply?

Red Dragon Audio · « **Reply #5 on:** 23 Nov 2004, 05:03 am »

Quote from: TheChairGuy

Interesting...rated to 6 ohms, too. I think the earlier xr45 was rated at 8 ohms only (?)

The JVC's also changed from 8 to 6 ohm ratings from 1st generation to 2nd (I guess Panny is actually 3rd generation digital now)...and the added control on lower impedence speakers is quite noticeable.

Actually the XR45 is rated for 6ohm speakers minimum.

Jon L · « **Reply #6 on:** 23 Nov 2004, 06:08 am »

Why the hell does it say "HDMI switching" when there's only one HDMI in and one HDMI out?

If they had 2 HDMI in, and actual HDMI switching capability, they would sell WAY more units..

intelonetwo · « **Reply #7 on:** 23 Nov 2004, 11:31 pm »

Jon L, doesnt the HDMI I/O work bidirectionally, which would mean the 70 would need only 1 set of HDMI I/O's to suffice for an entire system so long as each component in that system had its own 1 set of HDMI I/O.

The Panasonic as I understand the HDMI protocal is enough for any system.

gongos · « **Reply #8 on:** 24 Nov 2004, 04:31 am »

WHat's the difference between the 50 & 70, and is the 45 still considered the best of the bunch?

intelonetwo · « **Reply #9 on:** 24 Nov 2004, 04:40 am »

Dont know the differences, but I do know that the 70 is an upgrade from the 45. In actuallity it is the replacement for the 45.

gongos · « **Reply #10 on:** 24 Nov 2004, 05:08 am »

Looking at Panasonic's website the only difference I can see between the 50 & 70 are a couple features, but nothing performance wise. I know people like the 45 because of its superior power supply when compared to the other models, and I'm wondering if the 70 shares the same power supply as the 50.

Red Dragon Audio · « **Reply #11 on:** 24 Nov 2004, 05:24 am »

You should ask Wayne at BolderCables as he has seen inside the XR25,XR45,and XR50 and he can tell you of the differences.

From my own personal experience between owning the XR25 and the XR45, there is a very clear difference. The XR45 has more smooth sound to it, albeit still a bit clinical at times with certain recordings...only less so than the 25. Also the background noise is ZERO. Music just emerges from the proverbial black background...but black like space black near the mouth of a blackhole black. There is just no superfluous noise; period.

also the 45 feels more powerful which is probably due to the improved power supply section.

The 45 has a different type of volume control section and therefore is dead silent while increasing/decreasing volume. The 25 makes some clicking noises.

If the 70 is an "upgrade" over the 45 remains to be seen. Wayne pointed out there are now some more "protection features" in the 70 on the speaker outputs that he think might actually degrade sound quality.

Where the 70 is improved is the larger display and addition of HDMI and more inputs/outputs on the back.

I also like the fact there is more real estate in back which makes mods easier to do with more room. "Front Speakers B" would get detached and I would use those extra holes for new binding posts for main center or perhaps someone would want to use this just for biamping their speakers. This allows the swap/mod to be done more easily.

Jon L · « **Reply #12 on:** 24 Nov 2004, 11:10 pm »

Quote from: intelonetwo

Jon L, doesnt the HDMI I/O work bidirectionally, which would mean the 70 would need only 1 set of HDMI I/O's to suffice for an entire system so long as each component in that system had its own 1 set of HDMI I/O.

The Panasonic as I understand the HDMI protocal is enough for any system.

Huh? HDMI switching implies that 2 different components (DVD player and satelite box for example) will connect to the Panny via HDMI, and Panny can switch between the two HDMI sources and out HDMI to a TV. XR70 clearly can't do so b/c it can only accept one HDMI input.

I also do not believe it's bidirectional, b/c on the back panel, there's clearly one HDMI port that's labelled "DVD in" and one HDMI port that says "out."

dave_c · « **Reply #13 on:** 25 Nov 2004, 05:45 pm »

Hey any idea if you can use the front A&B outputs to biamp with the stock XR70 without using Party mode or anything like that?

gongos · « **Reply #14 on:** 27 Nov 2004, 10:38 am »

Has anyone seen inside the 70 to determine if it has the same power supply as the 50? I'm not in desperate need of the extra features the 70 has and would like to know if the extra $100 I'd spend would go towards something other than imputs & features I'm don't need.

Horizons · « **Reply #15 on:** 1 Dec 2004, 09:55 pm »

Quote from: dave_c

Hey any idea if you can use the front A&B outputs to biamp with the stock XR70 without using Party mode or anything like that?

This is what I want to know!!!

Maybe Wayne will post this info after he receives his unit? PLEASE WAYNE

I have been reading and waiting in the wings regarding digital receivers. I have Maggie 1.6 QRs and I am still waiting for a unit that might properly drive these. Even the big Sony digital receivers were a disapointment. I borrowed a JVC F10 and loved the sound but it still didn't make the 1.6 sing. Ditto the Panny XR45. Close but not quite there. I don't listen that loud either, and I have a very average sized room.

I am beginning to wonder if these digital amps just can't provide the current that the Maggies crave despite all of their other sonic attributes.

I am hoping that the XR70 in biamp mode (sending separate amp signals to the biwire terminals of the Maggies) will actually overcome this problem.

Is there such a thing as a digital receiver will big cojones?

StevenACNJ · « **Reply #16 on:** 1 Dec 2004, 10:30 pm »

Quote from: dave_c

Hey any idea if you can use the front A&B outputs to biamp with the stock XR70 without using Party mode or anything like that?

I have read the manual for the xR70 and the Front A & B binding posts are specifically for bi-amping. If I remember correctly, there is also a button on the front to activate bi-amping.

Wayne1 · « **Reply #17 on:** 1 Dec 2004, 10:32 pm »

The 70 just was delivered. I have not had time to even unpack it yet.

A quick perusal of the owner's manual does state that the 70 can Bi-amp through the A & B speaker terminals. This mode can only be used with stereo sources.

sleepkyng · « **Reply #18 on:** 1 Dec 2004, 10:37 pm »

Quote from: Horizons

This is what I want to know!!! Maybe Wayne will post this info after he receives his unit? PLEASE WAYNE

I have been reading and waiting in the wings regarding digital receivers. I have Maggie 1.6 QRs and I am still waiting for a unit that might properly drive these. Even the big Sony digital receivers were a disapointment. I borrowed a JVC F10 and loved the sound but it still didn't make the 1.6 sing. Ditto the Panny XR45. Close but not quite there. I don't listen that loud either, and I have a ...

have you checked out the modded teacs, used as monoblocks?

talk to mcgxsr (mark, i hate your handle! NOT ONE VOWEL!)
he has been using two teacs for a while, tho i forget what eventually he decided on.

Horizons · « **Reply #19 on:** 1 Dec 2004, 10:38 pm »

Quote from: Wayne1

The 70 just was delivered. I have not had time to even unpack it yet.

A quick perusal of the owner's manual does state that the 70 can Bi-amp through the A & B speaker terminals. This mode can only be used with stereo sources.

THANKS Wayne. I'm sure that MANY of us are waiting for your opinions on this unit. I am hoping this is the one that will drive my Maggies!!!