Panasonic SA-XR25 6.1 (THX EX, DTS ES) Channel Compact Home Audio Receiver
Written: Feb 26 '04 (Updated Oct 15 '04)
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Pros: Compact size and low weight, easy to use, stylish, good power and sound quality, inputs
Cons: Poor markings on remote and front panel buttons, could have more high-pass filter points
The Bottom Line: If you are looking for a compact, easy to use receiver compatible with Dolby Digital, DTS, DVD-Audio and SACD as well as with 6.1...
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| dkozin's Full Review: Panasonic SA-XR25 6.1 Channels Receiver |
The Panasonic SA-XR25 is a very compact 6.1 receiver due to its use of the digital amplifier technology. It weighs only 9 lbs and its design matches Panasonic DVD players of late. This is good from aesthetic point, but not too good in terms of ergonomics.
Ergonomics
The little buttons on the front panel are difficult to use. They are located in one row; they are narrow with no space in between them and difficult to read markings.
Another ergonomic issue is the decorative light above the display, which makes the display difficult to read. To get rid of the light, you can use “dimmer” option, but then the display gets dimmer as well.
Despite the above mentioned shortcomings, the receiver is quite easy to use. The volume control knob and the input selection button are relatively prominent and are easy to use. The remote has some buttons that let you control DVD a player, VCR, tape or TV. The markings on the remote are difficult to see in dim light, but the buttons are well-spaced and intuitively laid out.
Features
The receiver features both Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, including 6.1-channel modes, Dolby Pro Logic II and Neo:6. There are DSP modes as well, but I never use them.
The bass and treble controls are present along with a separate subwoofer control and a sleep timer.
Connectivity
The receiver’s rear panel is filled with inputs. Not only because it is compact, but because it has many inputs and outs.
The 6.1 speaker outs include binding posts for the front speakers (subwoofer out is RCA-type).
S-Video inputs include TV In, DVD In and VCR In. There is also a S-Video out.
Component video: TV in and DVD In; TV Out.
There are 2 optical and 1 coaxial digital audio inputs and an optical out.
Composite video: VCR In and Out, DVD In and TV In, TV Out.
There are also audio connectors for 5.1 audio In (DVD), CD In, TV In, VCR In and Out and Tape In/Out.
Also, there are antenna jacks and the standard AC power jack.
Performance
Although the receiver uses digital amplifiers to keep the size and energy consumption down, it doesn’t seem to reflect on the sound quality. The sound in either stereo or multi-channel modes is excellent (but, of course, it mostly depends on your speakers). With 100 Watts per channel (into 6 Ohms that is), the receiver has plenty of power to drive your speakers.
The Filter setup option lets you set the high-pass filter for your speakers if they are set to "Small". The available options are 100, 150 or 200 Hz. I would prefer to have 80, 120 and 150 Hz instead or, better yet, in addition.
The 200 Hz setting, on the other hand, is suitable for only the smallest (in size and sound) speakers, which I would never use with this receiver. After all, you should spend more money on the speakers than on the receiver and, with XR25 costing about $260, you will not get tiny-sounding speakers.
The receiver doesn’t have equalization (either graphical or preset), but features bass and treble controls. With good speakers, you shouldn’t care anyway. I don’t even use bass and treble controls with my Athena speakers. You can adjust the subwoofer level separately. All adjustments are performed using the front panel display – there is no onscreen control (but I would not expect it at this price).
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a compact, easy to use receiver compatible with Dolby Digital, DTS, DVD-Audio and SACD as well as with 6.1 formats, the Panasonic SA-XR25 is a good choice.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 260
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Epinions.com ID:
dkozin
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 in Electronics |
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Location: California
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About Me:
I love to push buttons on electronic (audio and video) equipment. It makes me happy.
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