Reciever Advice for a newbie please

MonkeyK · « **on:** 10 Dec 2004, 04:59 pm »

I'm looking for some help deciding how to approach a new system.

My current sytem (originally part of a HT setup, but now it is only for 2 channel music):
SliMP3 mp3 client to my server (all music ripped at 320kbps)
Technics 5 CD changer (only used for CDs that I have not yet ripped to the server)
Sherwood RV5030R receiver/amp
Cerwin Vega bookshelf speakers

I know it looks pathetic compared to anything I've seen on this site, but after two years of portable cassette player in the Peace Corps, this system sounded really good. Plus I was enthralled by the remote controlled motorized volume control. Eight years later, I'm not so happy with my setup.

According to the wife, I am allowed to replace one item per year. Since the receiver has started to stop providing output periodically, that is where I plan to start.

Based on what I've seen on AudioCircle, I want to get one of the Panasonic digital receivers: SA-XR45, SA-XR50, or SA-XR70. This is where I currently need some input. I'm a newbie to this stuff, but I tend to obsess over decisions. Is it better to try and get the SA-X45, the readily available SA-XR70, or just get the SA-XR50 and an upgraded power cord (my assumption is that the three scenarios cost about the same).

Next year, I'm thinking I can upgrade the speakers to Axiom M3Ti or M22ti. This may happen sooner than next year since the Cerwin Vegas sound like they're passing gas when trying to reproduce certain voices.

Year after I upgrade the MP3 client to whatever SlimDevices is making at that time

Does this seem like a good approach? Any advice on how to go with the receiver?

ToddSTS · « **Reply #1 on:** 10 Dec 2004, 05:34 pm »

I have a XR45 and really like the sound. Although it can be bright depending on the quality of the recording. That said I have heard that Axioms are 'detailed' speakers. In combination with a XR45/50/70 they might be a little too detailed depending again on the recording. FYI, my speakers in two channel are Athena AS-F2s.

The XR45 supposedly has the most robust power section. (See Boulder Cable Circle) The XR70 has the most features (bi-amp, hi-q, etc). I would think for two channel, if you can find a XR45 at a decent price go for it. Otherwise grab a XR70.

BTW....how much were you factoring for a power cord? THe PS Audio Power Punch is only $50 for 1 meter, its 12ga, shielded and looks nice. Plus you can get it with a C7 connector and won't need an adapter for the Pannies.

Todd

MonkeyK · « **Reply #2 on:** 10 Dec 2004, 06:01 pm »

I guess that I may have overestimated the cost of a power cord. I figured on $115 based on the Bolder Nitro. Like I said, I'm a newbie so I just looked up what I've seen so far.

I've seen the XR45 sell on Ebay for around $350, XR70 at B&H for $370, and the XR50 at various places for around $240. The big problem with the XR45 is finding one. I scour the web every day and have asked friends to check in backwater audio shops.

I was thinking that, since the XR45 has the better power section, I might be able to make up for it by upgrading the power cable. Correct me if I'm wrong please. I'm just beginning to create a picture for myself of how this stuff works.

Wayne1 · « **Reply #3 on:** 10 Dec 2004, 06:59 pm »

While a power cable will help with inital power delivery to the reciever, it will not make up for what is not there.

The SA-XR45 has quite a bit more reserve capacitance in the power supply section than any of the other receivers. The unit is more stable into lower impedances.

While an aftermarket power cable WILL help, it can do nothing about the stock power inlet connector. This is really designed for low current devices such as DVD players. These inlets are only rated for 2.5 amps.

An IEC is rated for 15 amps.

If you can find a SA-XR45, I would suggest that is the way to go. The new series 50 and 70s do not have a fan and DO run much hotter than the 25 and 45.

BTW the power cable I make for the modded Pannys is $70.00

Panny IEC mod and power cable

MonkeyK · « **Reply #4 on:** 10 Dec 2004, 07:34 pm »

Wayne,

Thanks, that makes a lot of sense. The power cable helps get the power to the unit, but the unit still needs to store it --which the XR45 does better.

The total cost that I see for your power inlet mod is $155 ($85 for the inlet and $70 for the cable, on sale). So I could conceivably have a power moded XR50 for just over the price of a XR45 (again if I could find one). I would guess that this would help to fill the capacitors that exist much faster. So heres is the frustrating newbie question: Is it better to fill a smaller capacitance faster, or to have the greater capacitance in the first place.

I'll still be looking for a XR45, but I have to factor in the cost of the search time as to how important it is to find one. Also, the wife has put some pretty strict limits on individual purchases (not allowed to spend more than $500 at a time

).

Wayne1 · « **Reply #5 on:** 10 Dec 2004, 08:26 pm »

The SA-XR45 remains my choice in the Panasonic line, either stock or modded.

MonkeyK · « **Reply #6 on:** 10 Dec 2004, 08:53 pm »

And he gives the answer which doesn't make him money!

Thanks again Wayne. Scratch one more obsesive issue off my checklist. And maybe in a year or so, I'll be back for the power mod anyway

MonkeyK · « **Reply #7 on:** 15 Dec 2004, 05:39 pm »

I can't seem to find an XR45 anywhere. Maybe I'm too impatient, but then again, my current receiver stops outputting sound periodically.

If I could get a NAD C320BEE for around $350, would that be a good alternative to the XR45?

Wayne1 · « **Reply #8 on:** 15 Dec 2004, 07:01 pm »

E-Bay auction

Here is an E-bay auction for a new SA-XR45

I suppose you can get in touch with the seller to see if he would end the auction early for a good price.

MonkeyK · « **Reply #9 on:** 15 Dec 2004, 08:05 pm »

Wayne,
Saw, and submitted a bid on it, just before your comment.

My impatience is mostly due to my current unreliable receiver, but also because my wife has designated this to be a family Christmas present.

Do you know if the XR45 is significantly better than the NAD C320BEE? Both seem to get great reviews (X45 is more mixed but most of the negative reviews seem to be using the analog in).

The NAD is a strictly two channel solution which would limit me from using it in some future HT setup, but I'm not terribly worried about that.

djbnh · « **Reply #10 on:** 15 Dec 2004, 10:57 pm »

Regarding power cords, I (and others) have had great success with Chris VenHaus PCs. There's different versions (Flavor 1, 2, 4) for differnet applications, lengths, terminations, etc. No need to spend huge $$$s. Chris is great to work with, 30 day return guarantee, etc. If you do a search on Chris VenHaus in these forums and on A-Gon, you should have a preponderance of support for the quality of his products and the person.

Best of luck with your decision making, and happy listening.

MonkeyK · « **Reply #11 on:** 17 Dec 2004, 10:59 pm »

Wow, the VHAudio site is really cool! All that DIY info.

I was getting all tempted by the Cat5 speaker cable, until I saw some posts by Wayne saying that the digital amps don't like capacitance very much.

MonkeyK · « **Reply #12 on:** 22 Dec 2004, 05:03 pm »

Dang, EBay is nuts. I set a proxy at $320. The SA-XR45 went for $364.