Panasonic SA-HE100 5.1 Channels Receiver

Pros: Powerful!, 6.1, DTS-ES, Simulated Surround, Dolby Pro-Logic II, Many inputs, sophisticated look, GREAT price!
Cons: Runs Hot, No Dolby Digital EX

About a year ago, I decided to venture out into the wide world of 5.1-6.1 sound (AKA surround sound) ...

Pros: Good value, 3 digital optical inputs , 1 coax digital input. Nice sound.
Cons: Front panel not intuitive.. Remote does not have many features. Bad binding post design.

After recently acquiring a digital DVR to go with my satellite TV system I began to think it was time to upgrade my 10-year-old Sony pro-logic surround sound system to a modern receiver with DTS and Dolby Digital capabilities. I also wanted to get ...

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).

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...

Pros: Dolby digital, DTS-ES. Great receiver for the money!
Cons: Does not decode Dolby Digital EX. Remote is not easy to use.

I purchased the Panasonic SA-HE 100 in part based on the reviews posted here and on other sites. In all, I feel it is a very good choice for the budget conscious consumer looking for a good entry level home theater receiver.

The good...
...

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.

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...

Pros: Slightly better than the previous mid level Panasonic receivers. DTS-ES Capability. Clear sound output.
Cons: Misrepresented by various Panasonic sites (See Review). Hard to operate remote.

www.panasonic.ca claims this unit (Both black and silver models) has Dolby Digital EX decoding capabilities. Upon reading about the product specs in panasonic.ca I decided to purchase a unit.
After purchase, I noticed there were no indications...

Pros: Awesome sound! Easy hook-up!
Cons: none

I purchased a Sony receiver and with Sony center, front, surround speakers and sub woofer. I was very disappointed in the sound quality and almost no sound from the surround speakers. Thinking it was the speakers, I considered upgrading but in reviewing...

Pros: nice price, nice sound
Cons: the "manual" is terrible

There are other reviews here with more details, and I am not going to repeat here what has already b ...

Pros: Price, value, performance
Cons: The remote and general ease of use.

Based on numerous reviews of this product, including Consumer Reports I bought the SA-HE100. I am very pleased with the overall performance of this receiver. Lots of clean power. Those considering this model should recognize that the Panasonic High...

Pros: Inexpensive with lots of features
Cons: Fire hazard if placed in a stereo cabinet or enclosed space.

Bought this receiver based on several on-line reviews and Consumer Reports. Upon reading instruction saw, "DO NOT PLACE THIS UNIT IN A STEREO CABINET OR SIMILAR ENCLOSED SPACE OR IT WILL OVERHEAT AND POSSIBLY CAUSE A FIRE (MIGHT ALSO VOID WARRANTY). I...

Pros: price, dolby dig. and dts
Cons: funky remote on off control

i did alot of searching and reading on receivers before i opted for this unit. has plenty of power ...

Pros: good FM receptioon; has phono jacks for turntable
Cons: lacks strong bass

I recently purchased a Panasonic receiver, model SA HE100K(the same as SA HE100, only in black) based upon Consumer Reports rating it as a BestBuy. I am using it strictly for audio (tapes, CDs,& vinyl).I was disappointed in its lack of good bass reserve, even with the bass control turned all the way up. My old cheap Technics receiver, which I was hoping to upgrade, actually produces a richer, fuller sound with stronger bass. I was told by Panasonic that this unit was designed mostly for video surround sound & that regular stereo might be sacrificed because of this. It would have been helpful if Consumer Reports made mention of this. The problem was solved by buying an equalizer which enabled me to hear the sound that I should have gotten from the receiver alone without having to make an additional investment. Also, with the attachment of the equalizer, it makes operating the controls a little more confusing.

Pros: The power, the power!! Also all the input and output connections.
Cons: As previously stated by other reviewers, the remote and the manual are lacking.

I bought this unit to replace my old Sansui receiver that was about twenty some odd years old. I read many reviews on it, and trusted the review in Consumer Reports, and I must say that I am very satisfied with it. The sound that it is capable of is amazing especially for the price, and also it has a phono input , which is not as common these days as it was twenty some odd years ago! I have to agree with several reviewers on the remote being not as functional as it should, and that the manual leaves a bit to be desired, but that being minor issues for me as I enjoy the features and the output of the unit.I am now contemplating moving this unit to our T.V. room and making it our surround sound system, which it can more than handle.

Pros: Good all round receiver for the money.
Cons: As said before the unit does run hot and the remote control could be better.

This is an excellent unit offering all the best features for the money, but I do have one issue concerning the sound synchronization to the picture. The problem started to show when playing a DVD and has now started to affect the satellite receiver as well. I don't know if anyone else has had this type of problem and I am unable to find anything in the trouble shooting guide to rectify the problem, switching the receiver off and then on again gives a temporary fix, any information regarding this quirk would be gratefully received.

I am pleased with the unit. More pleased that I later learned it was given the top rating in Consumer Reports. Reciever does everything I need it to do and has ports for 8 total speakers and is easy to operate. Not pleased that all surround sound varieties are not accessable from one nob or control.