[audioengr]

We have a set of electrical mods similar to those we did on the XR45, and some mechanical mods that improve the binding posts and internal wiring (if you are willing to forgo some of the HT channels).

Makes the XR70 into an audiophile integrated amp, albeit the bass response may not be as tight as higher power amps, depending on speakers.

This receiver can be purchased on-line at:
http://www.onecall.com

See the Empirical Audio website for details.

[brj]

Hi Steve.

I'm glad to see this mod posted!

(Of course, it looks like an SA-XR75 is coming soon, which will presumably be the 7.1 channel replacement for the SA-XR70 and the big brother to the already released SA-XR55! )

A couple of questions about the mods...

1) I understand that if you want the improved binding posts, you have to give up one of the 6 channels due to space restrictions on the back-plate.  There appears to be no other mod that forces you to sacrifice one of the channels.  If this is true, then could you improve all 6 channels instead of just the 5 you list for users willing to live with the stock binding posts?

2) If you want to keep the 6 channels active for home theater use and thus forgo the binding post upgrade, can you still get the associated internal wiring upgrade, and if so, at what price?

3) Is the conversion of a optical in to USB port a separate option at a separate price?  If so, could you list it?

4) Did you happen to evaluate the benefit of a better power cord?  (I don't know that the cord is necessarily a problem, just that it is a common tweak.)

5) Is there anything in the tuner component of the unit, or the signal path from the tuner to the amps, that might benefit from modding?  (Low hanging fruit type mods)

Thanks!

By the way, I found the description of the mod on your webpage, but noticed that you don't yet have a link to it from the top of the "Component Mods" page.  You have a "Panasonic SA-XR70 Receiver mods" entry under "Amplifier mods", but it isn't yet a link to the actual description toward the bottom of the page as was done with your other mod descriptions.

Edit: Added questions 4 and 5.

[brj]

bump!

[audioengr]

Hi Steve.

I'm glad to see this mod posted!
..

1) I understand that if you want the improved binding posts, you have to give up one of the 6 channels due to space restrictions on the back-plate. There appears to be no other mod that forces you to sacrifice one of the channels. If this is true, then could you improve all 6 channels instead of just the 5 you list for users willing to live with the stock binding posts?

Yes, I can do this.  The current mods only add new inductors to the L, C, R channels.

2) If you want to keep the 6 channels active for home theater use and thus forgo the binding post upgrade, can you still get the associated internal wiring upgrade, and if so, at what price?

Internal wiring upgrade is not possible with the existing binding posts.

3) Is the conversion of a optical in to USB port a separate option at a separate price? If so, could you list it?

Sure, this is possible.  It would range from $400-$800 depending on what level of Off-Ramp/Freeway you want.  Fitting it inside may be a trick, but I believe it is possible.

4) Did you happen to evaluate the benefit of a better power cord? (I don't know that the cord is necessarily a problem, just that it is a common tweak.)

No, I didn't

5) Is there anything in the tuner component of the unit, or the signal path from the tuner to the amps, that might benefit from modding? (Low hanging fruit type mods)

Sure, all of the various analog inputs in cluding tuner could be improved with mods.  This would just add to the price.  I have found that the tuners in these are not particularly sensitive though.