XR-70 and DVD-S97

klh · « **on:** 31 Jan 2005, 09:06 pm »

Wayne,

I'm thinking of doing this combo and only using the HDMI linik between the two. As this reqires the S97 to only be a transport, minimal mods would be necessary (bybees and a new power source???). I presume this also means the analogue inputs on the XR-70 wouldn't need to be modded. Have you worked with HDMI and what range in cost are we dealing with to have both units modded. Obviously price cannot be set as you don't know what mods would be necessary on the S97, but roughly what are we looking at.

Thanks,

Krister

Wayne1 · « **Reply #1 on:** 31 Jan 2005, 09:28 pm »

I would have to look at the DVD player to be certain.

I would guestimate around $250.00-$300.00 in mods for power supply, transport dampening and work on the HDMI output for the S97.

The SA-XR70 would get the same mods as normal for the power supply. You will have to decide if you want to keep the Bi-amp feature or not. If you plan to use it just for HT,figure around $800-900.00 in mods for the receiver. Bybees and other goodies would cost more

klh · « **Reply #2 on:** 1 Feb 2005, 01:26 am »

Great, thanks Wayne. I'll have to see about getting my hands on one of each.

Wayne1 · « **Reply #3 on:** 1 Feb 2005, 01:38 am »

J & R has the SA-XR70 in stock.

http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=3964406

I believe they are selling them for $330.00 with Free Shipping

klh · « **Reply #4 on:** 1 Feb 2005, 08:59 pm »

Wayne,

Onecall.com says the SA-XR70 receiver doesn't pass audio through the HDMI port. When I look at the page for the yet to be released DVD-S97, it doesn't mention that. I take this as meaning the HDMI out from the DVD player contains both audio and visual information, but the HDMI out from the receiver only contains video. If all one wanted was one receiver, a DVD player and a projector, then that would be fine, but it would be nice to have the option of daisy chaining a couple for biamping all 5 cannels. Have you heard of this issue or been able to verify it?

Thanks,

Krister

Wayne1 · « **Reply #5 on:** 1 Feb 2005, 10:13 pm »

The HDMI output is only for video.

The receiver was designed to use the DVD-S97 for an input. It will accept DVD-A in pure digital through the HDMI input.

It would then send the HDMI video signal to whatever monitor will accept it. You would use the SA-XR70 for your normal audio duties.

The engineers at Panasonic did not think of anyone using two receivers for bi-amping.

Always keep in mind that Panasonic is basically a mid-fi company. This gear was not designed for audiophiles. It does take some mods to get it to sound its best.

klh · « **Reply #6 on:** 2 Feb 2005, 08:35 pm »

Thanks Wayne