Recommendation To Replace JVC RX-F10

hershey 22 · « **on:** 27 Feb 2006, 09:14 pm »

I still think the RX-F10 still sounds really good but I have grown tired of the flimsy spring clips and the fan noise. Is there any way I can match/or improve upon the sound of this unit for $400-450 or less in todays market? I know that's probably a tall order but I'm going to give it a try.

I have found that I prefer listening to redbook through the digital output of my Toshiba universal player. I guess this means I am going to have to find a receiver with the best possible DAC's for the money. I also have quite a few SACD's and DVD-A's for multichannel. I am really not interested in movies for this system. I am just looking for the best musical sound reproduction possible.

Just at a glance I have looked at the Onkyo TX-SR503 and the Marantz SR4600. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Feisal K · « **Reply #1 on:** 28 Feb 2006, 03:07 am »

Quote from: hershey 22

I still think the RX-F10 still sounds really good but I have grown tired of the flimsy spring clips and the fan noise. Is there any way I can match/or improve upon the sound of this unit for $400-450 or less in todays market? I know that's probably a tall order but I'm going to give it a try.

I have found that I prefer listening to redbook through the digital output of my Toshiba universal player. I guess this means I am going to have to find a receiver with the best possible DAC's for the money.

Panasonic XR55? $230 shipped from Amazon

If you were using the digital output of the DVD player for redbook, I don't see why you went with the RX-F10 in the first place - it is better than the older Pannys for analog input.

So anyway things look to have improved with analog input on the XR55, but using the digital input on (any of the) the XR means that you really don't have any D-A conversion in the system at all.

Additionally, if you are primarily into music - Panny have introduced some automatic relays that conscript the surround back amps into powering the front speakers (ONLY if you are listening to 2-channel program material, in stereo mode).

hershey 22 · « **Reply #2 on:** 28 Feb 2006, 08:08 pm »

Thanks for the response Feisel. I appreciate it. I have both the RX-F10 and an SA-XR10 and I honestly like the RX-F10 digital better. The Panasonic has a very detailed but very sterile sound from the digital. I haven't heard the huge gap that everyone is talking about between the JVC's digital and DVD/Multi analog section. There is a slight difference but I wouldn't call it stunning or negative from either side.

I have run three different digital sources and three different sets of interconnects to the JVC with the similar results. I am still to this day not sure what the JVC uses if any for DAC conversion. I have read about the Motorola chip that most of their receivers use but haven't seen alot of information. I have been very frustrated by both JVC and Panasonic's customer service and would like to move away from both of them if I could.

It could be that the JVC sound is much more colored than most because of the negative feedback process it uses. Good receiver but the problems with the spring clips and the fan have pushed me to the brink!! Maybe time to move on!!

jswallac · « **Reply #3 on:** 28 Feb 2006, 09:11 pm »

These will not do anything for the fan noise, but they solve the spring clip problem: http://www.boldercables.com/servlet/Detail?no=37

LageB · « **Reply #4 on:** 1 Mar 2006, 11:29 am »

I apologize for cutting in with other Question, but I am very interested in this:

Feisal wrote:

"So anyway things look to have improved with analog input on the XR55.."

I currently have XR45 and in my (Newform) application can only use analog DVD 6-channel input on the XR45.

If it is commonly noted that XR55 has better "analog in", then I want to upgrade from XR45 to XR55 so I would be very glad to hear more thoughts in this subjet. What has actaully been changed in the XR55 when it comes to the Analog source, for example

Thanks a lot

LageB

Feisal K · « **Reply #5 on:** 1 Mar 2006, 02:55 pm »

hershey,

if thats the case, moving away might be the answer; the new JVCs didn't get the same enthusiastic response as the F10

LageB

I'm using a XR25 myself - but it seems to be the general er, feeling - on the humongous XR55 thread on AVSforum. it's using new TI boards so the ADC bits may have been improved. One thing i can see is that Panny seems to keep an ear on the ground as regards XR - the 55 has binding posts instead of spring clips and an adjustable LFE xover going down to 80Hz. maybe a listen is in order

AphileEarlyAdopter · « **Reply #6 on:** 2 Mar 2006, 08:00 am »

I second the XR55. Compared to other Panasonic xr receivers this one has received a formidable following at avsforum.com (including myself). You need to check it out. Very cheap at $230. A black version (rare these days) supposedly sold for $350 on ebay.
I am sure you guys all have golden ears, but I wanted to share my criterion for high fidelity - soundstage or venue ambience. To me, if ambience has been recreated then high-fidelity has been maintained. Bi-amping with XR55 I have very good soundstage. If you turn up the volume, the sound of the instruments is so very real.

LageB · « **Reply #7 on:** 2 Mar 2006, 12:33 pm »

Thanks Feisal,

As regards to the biding posts no-one can argue the improvement. As for sound maybe harder to judge I suppose (as usual).

LageB

PhilNYC · « **Reply #8 on:** 2 Mar 2006, 01:52 pm »

Just curious...anyone ever compare the Sharp 1-bit units with these JVC and/or Panasonic units?

mcgsxr · « **Reply #9 on:** 2 Mar 2006, 02:06 pm »

I have owned the JVC ES-1, I own the Panny XR-25, did briefly own the Panny XR-55, and have had Vinnie's modded Sharp EX-111 at my house before. Whew!

To me, the Panny XR-25 and 55 were not significantly different enough to warrant the $$.

I found the Panny better than the JVC for my applications, and sold that JVC off to a friend, for use in his whole home audio system.

The Sharp I liked, but for my application the bass was not enough - but they are naturally bass shy open baffle speakers, so read into that what you should.

In the end, I use a little JVC executive unit, the EX A1 for my system today, it betters all listed. For me, in my room, with my speakers and ears etc.

I do hear great things about the modded Panny's, but have never heard one of those.

For HT use, I would grab a Panny 55 and be done - 7 channels, simple, decent sound, and for 2 channel use, it reassigns 2 more channels for extra power etc.

dwc · « **Reply #10 on:** 6 Mar 2006, 04:06 am »

I second (third?) the Panny xr-55. I had the JVC 202, and it was fine until it exploded. The Panny does a great job with digital input, and if your speakers have bi-wire inputs, you will be especially pleased.

-Dan