Sony DA3100ES v. Panasonic SA-XR55 v. JVC RX-F10 for 2-chnl

thundernz1 · « **on:** 9 Sep 2005, 12:00 am »

Anyone done any direct comparisons in 2 channel for these? My RX-F10 has up and died (big suprise huh) and I'm debating on which receiver to go for. I like digital amplification and am wondering if one of the other two newer competitors will do better....

thanks

gongos · « **Reply #1 on:** 9 Sep 2005, 01:54 am »

One of the other 2 will be better because they don't have a 50% of blowing up.

thundernz1 · « **Reply #2 on:** 9 Sep 2005, 02:06 am »

unfortunately...that's my thinking as well

Feisal K · « **Reply #3 on:** 9 Sep 2005, 03:09 am »

is the DA3100ES digital? I thought the new line is S-Master only from 5100 or was it 7100 up.

http://www.agoraquest.com/viewtopic.php?topic=19095&forum=51

for 2-channel, I'd say check the other thread "State of Digital Amplification"

gongos · « **Reply #4 on:** 9 Sep 2005, 03:17 am »

I use the XR55 for HT and think it's great. If you're using the coax for 2 channel, I'd give the Panny a shot.

Feisal K · « **Reply #5 on:** 9 Sep 2005, 05:26 am »

Quote from: gongos

I use the XR55 for HT and think it's great. If you're using the coax for 2 channel, I'd give the Panny a shot.

plus - if you are exclusively using it for stereo listening, with the Panny's Party mode, you can bi-amp your speakers

nickspicks · « **Reply #6 on:** 9 Sep 2005, 12:57 pm »

no, the 3100es is not digital. sony pulled the plug on that for all models except the 7100 and 9100.

my sony source says the 7100 sounds better than the old 9000es.

imo, find a 5000es and you're golden,.
DSD upsampling on all inputs. its 2ch, no DSP performance is nothing short of remarkable for the price.

TIC · « **Reply #7 on:** 12 Sep 2005, 01:47 am »

Hey Nick,

I did just that! I found a killer deal on an "A" stamped (latest updates) STR-DA5000ES. I could not be happier with the unit. It sounds fantastic for an HT receiver.

I'm currently using a Sony DVP-NS775 for transport and DVD player duties. The player is stock and sits on some isolation feet and is top loaded with lead shot.

Now, I'm not going to say that the Sony STR-DA5000ES and DVP-NS775 combination matches my Quad 99 CDP cd Player/w volume control connected directly to a pair of Channel Islands VMB-1 mono-blocks. But, it isn't too far off. Matter-o-fact, I'm considering replacing my two different systems that both live in the same room and just using the HT based system for both. I'll keep the current 5.1 HT speaker setup and add my Reference 3A DeCapos on the B speaker output of the Sony STR-DA5000ES. I've been using this setup for about a week and I think I'm pronouncing it "good enough".

BTW, I've owned lots of HT receivers priced from $250-$2800 and the Sony STR-DA5000ES is the best sounding of the lot for both HT and music. I've owned the Panasonic XR10 and XR45 digital receivers, a couple of Denons, several other Sonys and the mighty B&K AVR-202. The Sony sounds better and has better features than any of the others I've owned.

So, since I'm building a new home and will ultimately be building a dedicated room with a new system, I think I'll sell off the current 2-channel rig and live with the STR-DA5000ES base combo system for the next year or so....

Enjoy,

TIC

PS Hey, thanks Nick! Some of your old posts sparked my interest in the digital Sony receivers.

nickspicks · « **Reply #8 on:** 12 Sep 2005, 10:55 am »

adda boy!

feed that Sony a digital signal, and the 3d soundstage and detail is amazing.