[pjchappy]

Wayne,

Well, since I haven't been able to get a 45. . .since they are discontinued and out of stock. . .I was wondering if you have plans at taking a look at the XR70 when it comes out?

Thanks!

p

[Wayne1]

When the service manual becomes available, I will take a look at it.

[BenF]

Wayne,

I have apparently missed the XR45 new stock and J&R has changed the order to a XR70. I can find very little about the 70, but it appears to have holes in the top of the case instead of a fan, HDMI (which I can't use for a long time), 8 binding posts instead of 4, A B speakers?, and various other "features." I don't know if it retains all the features of the 45 either and I don't know if the TI chips are better or the same.

I am worried that the new version will be worse in sound quality. I can't use HDMI, and I care most about sound quality and the party mode capabilities for possible bi-amping in the future. I'm afraid I can't get it modded now, since I am trying to get the best sound I can for the buck and from what I can tell this is it for $300 which is about all I have to replace a 15 yr old receiver.

I would appreciate your thoughts on whether it is worth tracking down a current model 45 (demo or full MSRP ($399!), if available) or just see what the 70 is like? Would you mind saying what you would do based on experience with other products new models and what you know about the new XR70? It certainly has different inputs and layout.

Thanks for anything you can say.

Ben

[Rocket]

hi pjchappy,

someone is selling one on audiocircle trading post for $300us.

regards

rod

[Wayne1]

I know absolutely nothing about the SA-XR70 beyond what Panasonic mentions in their press release.

I have no idea what chipset they are using or how the unit will sound.

It appears the this series is being aimed at making life easier for most folks who are confused about hooking up their HT systems. They are adding more features for about the same amount of money.

Until someone sends me one to look at, I really can't make any comments. There is no way to judge future offerings by ANY company based on past performance.

[BenF]

Your honest answer is appreciated.

Ben

[klh]

I was looking at another board that has people posting who work for Panasonic. Interestingly enough, the DVD-S97 will upconvert DVD's signal to 720p/1080i, then pass that signal via the HDMI cable to and through the SAXR70 and on to your projector (HDTV). Pretty damn cool.

Wayne, once the DVD-S97 finally comes out, will you consider modding it, too? Having a Bolder modded DVD-S97 and SAXR70 would kick ass!!! It's all speculative now, but I don't see why that wouldn't be possible.

By the way, here is the link to the board I found:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=8445fb3edc10aaf3a33d17e57d8b92b8&threadid=347960&perpage=20&pagenumber=1

There's a lot of it is speculative crap is on that board, and no, unfortunately, the DVD-S97 doesn't use a Faroudja chip. Supposedly it has one that is just as good, but it sounds like hype to me. If you're bored and/or have time, you may want to go through it, but you're bound to get a headache .

[dave_c]

Have you received your XR70 yet?  Any comments?  I think there are many of us who our SOL as far as getting a 45 and would like to weigh the options.  I've pretty much sold all my gear (except speakers and cables) so I can start fresh.  The appeal of having a one box DAC/Pre/Amp is incredible.  I think I could pay for the 70 after selling my cables alone!  Also, I think being able to send a digital signal from a computer is also a great thing.

Mods or no mods, I hope it sounds decent.

Fill us in!

[Neild]

Dave C,

I came across SA-XR45 here in Canada.  It was $535 Cdn and the one I saw was black.  I have no idea of how many they have in stock or the colors.