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I have a Panasonic SA-XR55 multichannel amp. Bought it used about 5 years ago (for $75 or $100 via Craigslist.
For home theater, I'm happy with it. For playing music CD's I have some quibbles. There is just a minor bit of added grunge, noise, or phasey-ness. The high frequencies suffer from one-note-cymbal sound. Also highs sometimes have an unpleasant bite to them. The kind of high frequency unpleasantness I never hear with LPs or tube amps.
So, my goal is better music reproduction, but I still want a one box multi-channel set up. Another concern is a limited budget, very limited. I have no qualms about buying used.
I did find an old post about other Panasonic digital home-theater amps.
the poster said:
"All the Panasonic receivers will benefit from AC power conditioning. A balanced power transformer will make more of an impact on the sonics than any differences between the two models." Posted by Wayne1 in Feb 2005.
Comments, ideas? Thanks in advance.
Smoketest: Plug it in, see if it smokes!
Follow Ups:
- RE: Panasonic SA-XR55, looking improve CD sound quality - Disbeliever 23:18:51 05/11/15 (0)
In Reply to: RE: Panasonic SA-XR55, looking improve CD sound quality posted by SmokeTest on May 09, 2015 at 02:05:46
Buy a Sony AVR
- RE: Panasonic SA-XR55, looking improve CD sound quality - noway 22:55:48 05/11/15 (0)
In Reply to: RE: Panasonic SA-XR55, looking improve CD sound quality posted by SmokeTest on May 09, 2015 at 02:05:46
Many people, myself included, complained of the unit emitting a high-pitched squeal sound during some circumstances. From inside the chassis itself, not from the speakers. This is the reason I exercised my return priviledges years ago and moved on.
- RE: Panasonic SA-XR55, looking improve CD sound quality - SmokeTest 15:38:35 05/09/15 (1)
In Reply to: RE: Panasonic SA-XR55, looking improve CD sound quality posted by SmokeTest on May 09, 2015 at 02:05:46
Thanks for the comments and suggestions.
The source for both CD and DVD is an early Oppo DVD player. By entering a "secret code," found in a minute of an internet search, it became a region free player. That is a nice plus, and plan to keep that for the foreseeable future.
It is connected to the Panasonic via an optical cable. There is also audio input from a TV.
Speakers up front are Linaeum 10, with rear speakers small Radio Shack/RCA 'bookshelf' speakers with the Linaeum tweeter. HSU Sub.
This is what is leftover from a system I downsized after the 2007-8 economic crisis. I had a Rega Planet 2000...sigh. I'm still budgeting.
The imperfections in sound quality seem to be there no matter what source, TV, a prior DVD player. I did notice an improvement when I switched the DVD input from analog RCA to the optical input.
A quick and dirty searching for power conditioners make me think they are over my budget. Other than that, I'm still thinking..
- RE: Panasonic SA-XR55, looking improve CD sound quality - mr.bear 14:59:50 05/11/15 (0)
In Reply to: RE: Panasonic SA-XR55, looking improve CD sound quality posted by SmokeTest on May 09, 2015 at 15:38:35
Considering the fact that you heard a significant difference between Toslink and coax digital cable, maybe the receivers for the S/PDIF digital signals are a limiting factor in the unit's performance? Definitely stick with digital inputs but use the best sounding one. Try some different Toslink cables- they don't all sound the same, but the differences are in the 5-sigma range. My best sounding Toslink cable is a rather cheap older Philips, cost about $10 bucks. Some still for sale on Amazombies.
I think a power conditioner is not justified budget-wise but do get a decent cable. Power is power, and 6 x 100w will pull several amps from the 110-volt wall plug, maybe go with 16-gage. I have had good results with an IEC 320 C14 male to IEC C7 AC adapter ($4) plus a DIY heavyweight hospital grade cable. Easy to build, total in the $50-buck range (takes about 3-4" behind the unit however). Much more $$ than that is past the optimum price/benefit.
How are your speaker cables? I really like the sound of these DIY cables from TNT, Thorsten Loesch is a pretty smart guy with a good ear. Read the article. You can make them from old used CAT-5 cables, I got mine for free when they rewired my condo.
Best of luck!
- I have a Panasonic SA-XR45 - jedrider 09:37:35 05/09/15 (0)
In Reply to: RE: Panasonic SA-XR55, looking improve CD sound quality posted by SmokeTest on May 09, 2015 at 02:05:46
Not completely sure if they are similar.
I thought it was a complete non-starter until I figured out to connect the CD audio to the CD input. I was using the DVD input for the longest time and didn't like the results. For home theater, of course, it is just fine. Beats me why different inputs would give different results.
I think for home theater, I had no problems with the sound, although a little hard sounding through the digital inputs. It's become a nice low-profile family room unit. (I didn't really want a 30 pound monster in the TV room because I don't care for that sort of thing).
I suggest you buy a nice power cord for the unit and use the CD inputs for music listening and save for a nicer two-channel amplifier as well.
- I used a PS3 via optical to my Panny - G Squared 08:45:37 05/09/15 (0)
In Reply to: RE: Panasonic SA-XR55, looking improve CD sound quality posted by SmokeTest on May 09, 2015 at 02:05:46
Not bad at all.
- RE: Panasonic SA-XR55, looking improve CD sound quality - Mr Peabody 08:43:13 05/09/15 (0)
In Reply to: RE: Panasonic SA-XR55, looking improve CD sound quality posted by SmokeTest on May 09, 2015 at 02:05:46
I doubt an entry level receiver would have any better digital playback than the Panny. The Panny receivers were well talked about for good performance, too bad they were phased out before the buzz caught on.
What speakers are you using? Whether using a digital vs. analog connection for music is a good one. After exploring this if I was going to spend money I would look at either an entry Marantz or Music Hall CD player if looking for a more musical or warm presentation. Marantz is just good bang for buck good sound, where Music Hall is a warm smooth presentation.
If willing to experiment you can pick up a Pangea power cord for probably under $50.00 with a return policy if not satisfied. The Pangea have a good rep for value.
- Digital input and Power cord - Jon L 07:02:55 05/09/15 (0)
In Reply to: RE: Panasonic SA-XR55, looking improve CD sound quality posted by SmokeTest on May 09, 2015 at 02:05:46
I still use a XR55 in my family room. Its claim to fame is the "pure digital path" using Texas Instrument's Equibit technology, so one MUST use the digital input to achieve good sonics. Analogue inputs are no good.
One of two ways to improve the sound is to use a good digital transport with good digital cable. They don't need to be expensive, but even among cheap DVD players, there are better sounding units. Same with digital cable.
Second way is to get rid of the ludicrous 18 AWG unshielded power cord. One does not need to spend money on power conditioner necessarily. Get a C8 to C14 adapter and use a decent, well-shielded, power cord (DIY if need) to improve SQ.
- RE: Panasonic SA-XR55, looking improve CD sound quality - Scholl 04:57:01 05/09/15 (0)
In Reply to: RE: Panasonic SA-XR55, looking improve CD sound quality posted by SmokeTest on May 09, 2015 at 02:05:46
Are you using analog rca inputs or digital? I had xr45 and digital sounded better than analog inputs.
- Buy a new amp - Jack G 04:54:20 05/09/15 (0)
In Reply to: RE: Panasonic SA-XR55, looking improve CD sound quality posted by SmokeTest on May 09, 2015 at 02:05:46
Power conditioning really isn't the best use of your money at this point.
Jack
- RE: Why buy used.? - BCR 04:49:24 05/09/15 (0)
In Reply to: RE: Panasonic SA-XR55, looking improve CD sound quality posted by SmokeTest on May 09, 2015 at 02:05:46
You can get something new like this for under $200.
- {{{Comments, ideas?}}} ... - three_sox 03:01:11 05/09/15 (0)
In Reply to: RE: Panasonic SA-XR55, looking improve CD sound quality posted by SmokeTest on May 09, 2015 at 02:05:46
... Forget about power conditioning for your receiver, save your pennies for a better receiver.
I suggest you toss a coin & blindly spend another $75 ~ $100 on anything you can find for the money you are wishing to spend.
Have fun!
Smile
Sox
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