Panasonic SA XRS Digital amplifier/HT Receiver

_scotty_ · « **Reply #200 on:** 16 Nov 2003, 02:56 am »

ABEX, I am glad that the Panasonic appears to be working out for you.
Do you also put an after market powercord on your transport. This looks like something else that has to be done or the the combination of the Panasonic and the transport can wind up sounding harmonically thin.
As Roseann Roseannadanna used to say "It's always something".

ABEX · « **Reply #201 on:** 16 Nov 2003, 04:23 am »

Scotty:
Awhile back I took the CD-80 top apart with the hugh side panel's which seem to weigh 10lbs each, The thing is a tank!

The PC is hard wired in and I did not want to get into it at the time as I did not want to screw it up.I have a few different types of commercial wires including Carol, I could get another Bob Crump DIY cable,but I am wondering how I get the old PC out and work the new wire into it?

Have you ever replaced the wiring into one of these Phillips tanks? I have had the thing for 13yrs. and got it at a discount when I worked at Sylvania. It has been real loyal to me over the yrs. and has retained it's retail value. I asked one place what mods they could do and they said they would not touch it because it was to old. Someone read the post and wrote me saying if I let go of it for a DVDP that he wanted it as ther ewas no way a Pioneer modded DVD would beat it.

In all the years I have had it there might be 3 CD's it did not track which is quite good. My cousin hates Phillips after comparing a Sony about the same time I bought htis unit,but there are certain players I know in Phillips stable over the yrs. that plainly sucked and then there are players that were truly outstanding and I think this unit is one of them after reading some old reports by pro studios in europe which still use it as a reference.

Either way I shall not be giving it up till it gives up the ghost!

Tell me what you think about changing out the PC? I had wanted to do it for sometime.Thanks for the help!

You might want to checkout the followups here at this thread.

http://www.audioasylum.com/scripts/t.pl?f=amp&m=32359

smargo · « **Reply #202 on:** 16 Nov 2003, 04:24 am »

Quote from: ABEX

I have had this unit inserted in my system for over a week now and I think I can now rate it even though the break-in period is not fully over with.
First off I was more than disappointed in the performance when first trying it out. I did not know what was wrong the first 4days ,but I knew that if this was what to expect I was not going to be giving it more than a rating of 1.The sound was sterile lacked weight and was just bland! After reading the high regard others had using it I knew I was missing some ...

I wonder what the over/under number for abex is, in making it another week without selling his unit. Did someidiot sell his unit yet?

ABEX · « **Reply #203 on:** 16 Nov 2003, 05:28 am »

Geez,I do wish there was an ignore button for those that really do not add anything positive to audio dialog in order to make your listening experience more enjoyable and to increase your system capability!

Nice to know others are looking to criticize how others spend their money as if it were any of their business!

_scotty_ · « **Reply #204 on:** 16 Nov 2003, 06:53 am »

ABEX, I have never seen the inside of CD-80, from what you are describing it sounds like trying to replace the powercord could be opening a can of worms. As an alternative you might replace the molded on plug that goes into the wall with a high quality aftermarket plug from HOME DEPOT or LOWES.
It couldn't hurt and it might make some kind of improvement. ERS paper from StillPoint wrapped around the powercord where it goes into the player might also make an improvement.

BrunoB · « **Reply #205 on:** 16 Nov 2003, 02:50 pm »

Quote from: _scotty_

ERS paper from StillPoint wrapped around the powercord where it goes into the player might also make an improvement.

Has anyone tried one of these
ferrite core on their Panasonic?

They are pretty inexpensive (<$2). Here is the explanation from Parts Express:

Quote

Black plastic enclosed ferrite core for 1/4" AC power cords. Easy to install, simply snap around cord. Helps reduce EMI on AC power lines. Cable core filter will provide common-mode filtering for multi-strand cables and differential mode filtering for single conductors.

I have seen many of these INSIDE my Sony AVD-S50ES. The Sony STR-DA2000ES digital amp is sold with one ferrite core on the PC. Look at the picts on this page from Crutchfield, there are two cable loops around the ferrite core.

Some PC come with a ferrite jacket. http://www.psaudio.com/products/xstream_power_moreinfo.asp

peakrchau · « **Reply #206 on:** 16 Nov 2003, 08:20 pm »

Quote from: _scotty_

I Thought I would start a thread specifically dealing with this product as I am currently Testing this thing. ...

Here are a couple of links for you interests:

[list=1]

Newform Groups thread: Threaded discussion from users of Newform speakers that John Meyer manufactures.
Updated Evo2 Amp form Bel Canto: There answer to PS Audio upping the quality via the HCA-2

[/list:o]

ABEX · « **Reply #207 on:** 16 Nov 2003, 10:40 pm »

Looking at the price of some of the unit's mentioned makes me criinge!

It seems like Panasonic has made a great sounding unit for an entry level price which is what I look for not being a millionaire yet. Even if I had the $$ I do not think I would waste it on ultra expensive gear.

If you are looking for SOTA and can afford it that's fine ,but what is the scale of improvement. I know there have been lengthy threads on the subject. Cost to performance is what I look to most.

I do not think anything in my system I have spent over $1K with the exception of my total speaker package. The mains being most expensive at $1K.

I have all the units mentioned to be great stuff and I guess another question is what speaker's one is using and which amp are able to support them. I wonder what speakers can be driven by the XR units.

Anyone done Side-by sides using the Panasonic against more expensive amps and speakers?

Thanks for the threads and this one ws really helpful in explaining the Amp Classes with the exception of Cl.D:
http://www.tpub.com/neets/book7/25e.htm

Just thinking!

ABEX · « **Reply #208 on:** 17 Nov 2003, 02:12 am »

Looking for advice on getting a DVDP to be matched with this unit. I use a Phillips CD-80 for Redbook and want a multi format DVD player and was wondering if the Pioneer DV-563A would be a good match with this Panny receiver.

I use a Samsung TXN2771HF
27" Premier Series DynaFlat HDTV Monitor If that matters.

Can anyone give insight to if the Pioneer is what would be a good choice for DVD,DVD-A and SACD playback. I do not know much about all these different formats accept that I use DVD's and I have a generic player at the moment.

TIA

grendel · « **Reply #209 on:** 17 Nov 2003, 03:46 pm »

This may be normal fluctuations, but I just noticed that Amazon has raised their price on the SA-XR45. Was $299, now $319 (black model; silver costs more). I've been watching for a sale or a deal of some kind before I picked one up (don't have the room to put it yet anyway)...a bit annoyed to see that it's going in reverse.
If anyone sees a good deal, let me know. Ebay still has it for $299 shipped.

Brad · « **Reply #210 on:** 17 Nov 2003, 04:19 pm »

In answer to the DVD matching question above, I just ordered a Panny DVD-F85K player to use with the '25. It should be in this week and I'll let you know how they work together...

The F85K was harder to find - most places just have the silver F85S.

No SACD, but it does multchannel DVD-A.

ABEX · « **Reply #211 on:** 18 Nov 2003, 02:48 am »

I recieved an intresting letter from someones ears I trust today who knows more about what is out there than myself.
======================
I would not look to Pioneer for a universal player. Their implementation of SACD in not very good. They have more money invested in DVD-A.

The same thing with Panasonic. They are not willing to pay the money to Sony/Phillips for the SACD rights.

I feel, as far as the high-res digital formats go, SACD has a far better selection and pricing on software.

If you are going to look at a new player, the Sony/Philips lines are pretty good. If you buy an inexpensive one, modding it WILL improve it greatly.
========================
As for myself I think I shall wait for a player to show up that is NEAR SOTA for a great price to show up. Through readings I think the Panasonics have greater video capabilities then audio. I own a good selection of redbook,but I also would like a second unit to be capable of excellent Video and at the very least good audio playback for the other formats.

One advantage for certain is the capability to use the remote synergy when getting a Panny unit.

Tell us how it turns out,good luck!

Brad · « **Reply #212 on:** 18 Nov 2003, 03:47 am »

The other unit I'd look at now is the Sony NC-685V.
It has the SACD section but not DVD-A.
The Video section on it looks pretty good, too.
List is about $250 on it - probably available for less on the web.

I still have a few SACDS left over from when I had a ModWrighted Sony '333ES. I agree - SACD selection is a lot better than DVD-A.

The Panny was cheap and should be perfect for HT. Also plays JPG disks, which should look nice on the big screen. For redbook, it'll be feeding the receiver direct digital.

someidiot · « **Reply #213 on:** 18 Nov 2003, 07:40 am »

Quote from: ABEX

Looking for advice on getting a DVDP to be matched with this unit. I use a Phillips CD-80 for Redbook and want a multi format DVD player and was wondering if the Pioneer DV-563A would be a good match with this Panny receiver.

Hey Abex,

I have a 563A hooked up to the XR45 ... it sure rocks the house with movies. Haven't tried DVD-A or SACD with it yet but, frankly, I can't imagine the DACs are anything to write home about given the seriously low cost of that unit. I will try it out though, and let you know.

BTW; the Panny remote-control works fine with that Pioneer player ...

satfrat · « **Reply #214 on:** 18 Nov 2003, 08:33 am »

Quote from: ABEX

I recieved an intresting letter from someones ears I trust today who knows more about what is out there than myself.
======================
I would not look to Pioneer for a universal player. Their implementation of SACD in not very good. They have more money invested in DVD-A.

The same thing with Panasonic. They are not willing to pay the money to Sony/Phillips for the SACD rights.

I feel, as far as the high-res digital formats go, SACD has a far better selection and pricing on software.

If y ...

How many more circles are you taking this "letter" to ABEX? It wasn't as interestin the second time around,,,

Regards, Robin

ABEX · « **Reply #215 on:** 18 Nov 2003, 03:41 pm »

SF:
I was trying to find info.

Looking at the Sony DVPNS755V as a contender. Would like to also get a unit which can be modified to bring up performance.

SI how is the Pioneers Video capability?

someidiot · « **Reply #216 on:** 18 Nov 2003, 04:06 pm »

Quote from: ABEX

SI how is the Pioneers Video capability?

Better than expected; I have no complaints. We'll see how it fares when hooked up to a FP next month.

About that letter Abex; you usually really do get what you pay for ... we just got real lucky with the Panny XR series.

Ears · « **Reply #217 on:** 18 Nov 2003, 09:44 pm »

I could not resist buying a 45 and tried two dvd players whith it so far.
The Denon 1600 which is my back up dvd player and does dvd-a and the Phillps 963sa which does sacd and to my suprise, offers better video than the 1600 and better redbook sonics when ran through the little 45.

When you use the 192 upsampling on the 963sa, it displays 192 on the 45 which I find interesting.

After 4 days of 24/7, the little 45 sounds far better than a 300 amp should and I plan on modding it whith binding posts[if there is room...5 sets] an iec socket and some blackgates.... even if case ventilation is required.

_scotty_ · « **Reply #218 on:** 18 Nov 2003, 10:46 pm »

Ears, one place in the XR25/45 that I could see as a potential bottleneck to dynamic performance being everything it could be was the incoming
power filtration inductor and capacitor network. In my experience the inductor in series with the incoming AC power can act to raise the power supply impedance enough that dynamic constriction can result. When I get my hands on a service manual and schematic I am tempted to jumper
around the inductor with some 12ga wire. It would be a reversible experiment that might pay some dividends. If you figure out how to fit
Blackgates,1000mfd 50v between the output inductors for the front channels let me know. The ribbon cable used to connect the speaker
output to the binding posts as well as the wire from the power supply board also looks like a good candidate to be replaced with a larger gauge
conductor if possible. The biggest potential for improvement in this unit
probably lies in lowering the power supply impedance at the very high frequencies that the amp switches at.

Ears · « **Reply #219 on:** 18 Nov 2003, 11:18 pm »

Scotty, I am just a parts swapper and only mess whith cheaper gear... just in case.
The wiring is a given as well as the speaker terminals.
What do you think of a better inducter and a Jensen 4 pole 1000 uf 200v for the main ps cap or maybe even a 1500uf 200v replacement for the stocker?

So if the Bg caps won't fit are there other alternatives that will fit ?