A decent unit for the money.
Written: Apr 19 '03 (Updated Aug 24 '03)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
| Sound: |
 |
|
| Ease of Use: |
 |
|
| Durability: |
 |
|
|
Pros: More features for the money than other units currently on the market.
Cons: Limited remote control capability, instruction manuals are poor, relatively high THD.
The Bottom Line: Extra features do not make up for the high THD and lack of remote tone and balance controls.
|
|
|
| mplieb's Full Review: Panasonic SA-HE100 5.1 Channels Receiver |
Update 6/7/03
I've had an opportunity to review the specs of the Sony STR-DE695 and compare them to the SA-HE100. The Sony beats the Panasonic hands down on Stereo THD 0.09 compared to .9. (Surround Sound THD are comparable, however). And according to a telephone support rep., it can access all front panel functions through the remote, like tone and balance. Two shortcomings when compared to the Panasonic are 1) there is no "Tape Monitor" so you cannot use an external equalizer, and 2) there is no "phono" input. Obviously, if you have no albums, you're okay, but for us older folks, we still have them. This is easily remedied by buying a phono-preamp for about $30 and plugging it into the "aux" jacks.
Update 5/12/03
Well, I returned this unit for a no-questions asked refund to Circuit City. I decided to wait for the Sony STR-DE695. The limited remote capabilities of the Panasonic unit was the deciding factor.
Original Review
I purchased the Panasonic SA-HE100 (black finish, the silver finish was unavailable) after evaluating other units in its price range and reading reviews on the internet. One key point is that Consumer Reports did rate it a "Best Buy." I did not read the review, but just took the rating at its face value, though I do not consider CR's electronics ratings very much (a contradiction, I know).
Nonetheless, this unit has more features, including inputs and speaker configuration than other units in its price range. I believe the Sony STR-DE695, which is not available at the time of this writing, will be comparable and perhaps a better choice.
There are two drawbacks to this unit, one of which may result in my returning it. First, the manuals are poorly written. Relying primarily on graphics, it takes a while to understand what you are being instructed to do, and you have to hunt to determine whether a feature is available. Note that there are two manuals - one for the receiver, one for the remote. The one for the remote is easier to understand, however.
The second drawback is the lack of features available through the remote control, including the inability to adjust the balance and tone remotely. just about every other feature is available remotely, except for those two features, which, are best suited for remote control. I may be returning the unit for this reason alone (Circuit City has a 30-day return policy).
Otherwise, the unit is very good, has good sound quality, and as stated above, more features (primarily digitial inputs) than competitors' units in its price range.
So if you don't mind getting up to adjust the tone and balance, I would recommend this unit, though the Sony STR-DE695 might be a better choice once it becomes available.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 245.00
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
mplieb
|
|
Member: Marc Liebeskind
Location: Highland Park, NJ, USA
Reviews written: 7
Trusted by: 0 members
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.