Pros: Dolby Digital/DTS-ES/Dolby Pro-logicII, Fun & Easy Set-up, Versatile(latest features); Black or Silver
Cons: Seems to run Hot( however; does not overheat and has a cooling fan).
The Bottom Line: Highly Rated. You would pay much more for the same features in another brand! TECHNICS is made by Panasonic which is always highly rated. Exclusively PANASONIC Brands now manufactured.
tedrik's Full Review: Panasonic SA-HE100 5.1 Channels Receiver
I purchased my Panasonic SA-HE100 Dolby Digital/DTS-ES receiver approximately 3 weeks ago and have enjoyed every minute of use! It has all the latest technology of A/V Receivers costing at least $150-200 more. It not only features Dolby Digital but Dolby DTS-ES(extended surround) and PRO-LOGIC II( an improved version of Dolby Pro-logic which will make your old Videocassettes and TV shows sound almost Digital (Pro-logic II simulates 5.1 surround and is very effective).
The sound is awesome-especially when using the Digital output from my DVD player to the Panasonic Digital input. Digital and DTS soundtracks from DVD movies sound great! I also am using the Optical Digital input to connect my DISH Satellite receiver which allows most of the Premium movie channels (HBO, SHOWTIME, MOVIE CHANNEL, STARZ, PAY-PER-VIEW etc.) to be output in either Digital or DTS, depending on the soundtrack of the movie. Keep in mind- you must have a DISH Satellite receiver with the Optical or Coaxial digital output to match the inputs of the receiver. Which leads me to mention the NUMEROUS inputs/outputs of this Receiver. It has 3 Digital optical inputs(I have used 1 for my Dish receiver as mentioned) and 1 optical out. It also has 1 Coaxial Digital input(which my DVD player is connected). Other inputs/outputs include 3 S-video inputs and 1 S-video output. You can route the S-video through your receiver to the input of your TV or DVD etc. Also, keep in mind, you must have comparable inputs/outputs on the TV/VCR/DVD (most electronics manufactured since 1998 have these features).
It also has 2 sets of COMPONENT inputs (for TV/DVD or Satellite etc) and 1 set of COMPONENT outputs which give you the BEST picture available. COMPOSITE connections are GOOD; S-VIDEO connections= BETTER; COMPONENT connection= BEST. This model also has additional audio input/outputs to connect just about any piece of equipment you have! I guess that's why they are called AUDIO/VIDEO Receivers. I really had fun(I am an audio enthusiast) TWEAKING the system to my listening habits! This only take a few minutes and the instructions are very easy to follow. You can set the receiver so it gives you the best possible sound for SIZE(room size) DISTANCE(set distance from speakers to your listening area) FILTER(Bass configuration)DIGITAL INPUT(you can change from Coaxial input to Optical depending on what you are inputting) SPEAKER OUTPUT( adjust the level of the Center, surround speakers).
I forgot to mention! This is a 6.1 system so you can connect another surround speaker in the Rear(SB). You would have 3 front, 3 Rear, and a subwoofer. If you chose not to add an additional Rear satellite speaker-that's OK. It still sounds great in the 5.1 surround mode! This receiver is made for the FUTURE! As stated -the sound is clear and clean with just enough Bass for most consumers.
I have a PASSIVE subwoofer and do not get as much Bass as I would like, so I am considering purchasing an ACTIVE subwoofer which can be input to the receiver with greater control; or perhaps a complete new surround satellite speaker system ( Bose or Sony). It still sounds sufficient for most people-even with the passive subwoofer.
As far as the receiver running hot. I have decided it is due to the openings(vents) only covering a lesser surface of the unit than most receivers. I have a Sony Pro-logic(moved to the Den) that runs warm because the vents cover the whole top surface. So, when you touch the Panasonic-you are getting a stronger concentration of heat build-up through the smaller openings (am I making sense?!). Bottom line= NO BIG DEAL. It has a cooling fan and a overload message on the front panel. Neither has come on- so it is within acceptable range. There are so many additional features that I have no time to mention. I suggest going to the Panasonic website and looking up this model. I just want to let you know about the positive experience and how satisfied I am with this Panasonic product. You will feel that you received much more than what you paid for! Nowadays-that is RARE!
UPDATE-24Sep02- JUST VISITING MY SITE TO CORRECT SOME GRAMMATICAL ERRORS WHICH WERE SO KINDLY POINTED OUT TO ME. NO PROBLEMS WITH THIS RECEIVER AS I CONTINUE TO ENJOY AFTER MANY HOURS OF SATELLITE AND DVD USE!!
UPDATE!! 6Nov02 I was extremely surprised to view a rating of 1 star by and individual. In fairness to all who read these reviews-you need to know the whole story! The Panasonic Model SA-HE100 which I reviewed here DID NOT advertise or feature DIGITAL EX. The SA-HE200 offered that feature- I don't understand why Panasonic has to suffer a bad rating based on a possible error in purchase judgement by an individual not sufficiently researching the features on the product model he/she is purchasing. I am sure that customer service at Panasonic would not embarrass an individual by explaining that the customer was not reading the information correctly. (SA-HE100 vs. SA-HE200) BUT I CAN- sorry but Fairness should prevail. On a lighter note My Unit is running flawlessly and I continue to enjoy
!UPDATE #2, 20 Feb 03- Just received my Consumer Reports Annual Buying Guide for 2003. Guess what!? The Panasonic SA-HE100 is the No.1 rated receiver of the 14 that they tested! A CONSUMER REPORTS BEST BUY! It beat out the Onkyo, Sony, Yamaha, Kenwood etc. My experience has been flawless with this unit. Really enjoying my Satellite TV and DVD's.
100 watts per channel x 2 (into 6 ohms, 40 Hz to 20 kHz, with less than 0.9 percent THD); 100 watts per channel x 6 (into 6 ohms, 40 Hz to 1kHz, with ...More at Amazon Marketplace
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