A Quality Receiver
Written: Feb 04 '03 (Updated Feb 05 '03)
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Pros: Great sound, lots of power, multiple optical inputs, lots of features
Cons: Haven't found any!
The Bottom Line: I like Technics products in general; they've never given me problems (like some Sony & Aiwa systems I've had). This receiver is no exception. I continue to be impressed.
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| ewilliam's Full Review: Technics SA-DX1050 5.1 Channels Receiver |
Previously, I had owned a Technics receiver, one model lower than this model. I was pleased with it, except for one problem: no optical inputs, so my Phillips DVD player outputs were not entirely compatible, and my surround was not the best.
So, I saw an opportunity, and I jumped on it: I saw this receiver at Best Buy as an open-box buy, for very cheap. At the same time, my friend was looking for a receiver, and agreed to buy my old one.
The SA-DX1050 is somewhat similar to the other model, but it had more output wattage, and 3 digital optical inputs. What a difference they make! I now have true digital dolby surround on my DVD player. I really like to functionality of the receiver. It even tells me, if watching DVD's, which speakers are working with the input. A couple times,it has saved me; sometimes, certain DVD's are set up for default audio modes that only activate my 2 front speakers. Little icons on the receiver display notify me of which ones are operating, so that I can switch the audio on the DVD if necessary.
Otherwise, I have everything hooked up to it, and my CD player and DVD are both optically run. The system is easy to control, and another plus is that I can control the subwoofer volume from the receiver, instead of having to reach to the back of the sub every time I want to adjust the volume or frequency. The SFC settings, configured according to virtual environments (such as club, live, theater, etc) are also a nice feature. They really do change the ways CD sound, and are fun to change for different moods or functions.
The input selector dial is well-designed and easy to use. A definite plus in that arena is the fact that you can use the menu functions to assign each of the three optical input ports to whichever input mode. This is useful: the receiver has 2 optical digital inputs and one RCA digital input. While they all perform similarly, you must have the expensive optical cords to run optically, while RCA cords are a dime a dozen. And, while my DVD player can output digital signals via RCA or optical, my CD player can only digitally output via optical cords. So, I use my one optical cord for my CD player, and I use a high-quality RCA cable for my DVD's digital output. Then, I merely assign those digital inputs to their respective input setting.
You also have a option for a 2nd VCR input via front RCA inputs; this is useful when hooking up external outputs such as camcorders. The front controls also allow you to select or deselect digital input for each input device, turn 6ch DVD input on or off, and adjust the level and the delay for certain speakers. The rear input array would be complicated, however, it has all of the ports labeled in an easy-to-read overlay map, which makes hookup a breeze. It allows for 2 VCR's, DVD, Phono, Tape (with record monitor), CD and tuner. The FM tuner needs to have an antenna attached (not included), as do most receiver's fm modulators. The product DOES come with an AM antenna though, which I have yet to use.
The outputs include 2 sets of front channels, a center channel, and a subwoofer. The output is 100W/channel. It also has built-in DTS, Dobly Pro Logic, and Dobly Digital decoders, which make it pretty much compatible with any DVD or SACD out there.
Overall, the receiver is a gem. I love it, love it, love it...and I've found no cons as of yet. It does everything I need it to do, and more; compatibility is not an issue. The wide array of input and output options (especially the digital/optical and S-Video inputs/outputs), coupled with a powerful amp and high-quality capacitor, make this one mean machine.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 175 (sale)
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Epinions.com ID:
ewilliam
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Reviews written: 17
Trusted by: 0 members
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