Home > Consumer Reviews > Panasonic SA-XR45 Home Theater Receiver (Black)

Having read about this new receiver based on Panasonic's digital amp technology, I was curious to learn more. I've had the unit in my 2-channel audio system for several days now and I am truly astonished at the sound from this amp. So astonished that I've decided to replace my B&K preamp and B&K dual mono amp with this Panasonic unit. Mine is only partially broken in and the sound quality really is that good.

PROS:
- Above all, sound quality (greater apparent dynamic range, tighter & more powerful bass, wider soundstage)
- Power seems more than ample for most setups (contrary to what some have said)
- Tiny form factor for receiver/amp (<10 lbs, 3" high)
- High efficiency of digital amps produces little heat and requires less power than tube or solid state electronics.P>I can't really comment on use for home theater surround setups, but I'm thoroughly impressed with stereo music performance. All around though, I highly recommend this XR45. You'd have to spend at least 3-5x more to achieve sound this excellent. My next plan is to try using the XR45 in a biamped configuration with a active crossover.

I have owned this receiver for a week. (edit: almost a year now) I have done extensive research on receivers and chose this model specifically after reading glowing reviews in audiophile magazines. The common theme was that it is amazing what Panasonic did with the digital amps, in their opinion it measures up to ~$1000 analog amps. It takes up a lot less space though (ie. less then 30%). They seem to also prefer the sound after about 100 hours of use, I guess I wait and see. -- Well, I waited and saw. And I like it!

Pros:

1. Universal remote (Apex DVD, Philips TV, Quasar VHS)
2. Good looks
3. Good instructions
4. Mostly optical digital inputs (1 customizable coax input is available), or analog
5. On TV screen setup
6. Top value (defined as price per performance ratio)
7. True 6.1 setup

Cons:

1. Remote lacks some useful functionality, so your old remotes will have to be reachable on occasion (DVD setup menu, TV setup menu)
2. Mostly optical digital inputs (you are out of luck if your DVD / CD / DVR does not support it, or you have to buy converters...)
3. Un-coordinated color scheme (nit-picking, but the New Beetle look is sure nice!). The power LED and surround mode LEDs are red, the display is mostly blue, the line above is blue, but the light-up button for digital remaster is green. All could have been blue...
4. Neo:6 has negligible subwoofer output if speakers are set to LARGE. (problem with algorithm, not with this particular receiver)
5. Full spectrum sub out would have been nice for us who own subs with built-in low-pass filters. Would have been easier to blend the subwoofer...

The design is truly remarkable. For a digital amp it is sufficiently loud and it has very good sound quality. It may not be able to compete with $800 analog amps, but at this price it is a great bargain. Friendly operation. Many inputs... Not too different form XR25, this one has gold plated connections and digital remastering...
I would strongly recommend it...

SAXR 45 is an excelent receiver, combined with good speakers and DVD player gives long lasting pleasure to the user. Great sound reproduction, great picture...SIMPLY THE BEST.I am pleased that I "gave" my money buing this product.

This all-digital receiver is truly remarkable. It is easily comparable with models that cost thousands of dollars and I would recommend it to anyone.

It supports all major 6.1 and 5.1 sound formats, such as Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital-EX, DTS, and DTS-ES. It also supports Pro Logic II and NEO:6, giving you a lot of choices for matrixed surround sound. Listening to some of my old songs on this unit is as if I had received a new set of ears. Overall, the sound is very "bright" and clear, truly an immersive listening experience.

At 100 Watts per channel, it is more than enough for most home theater systems, but remains affordable enough to be a bedroom system as well. This slim beauty will clearly get you the most receiver for the least amount of money -- a great deal for the enthusiast or the amateur. Products like this don't come around very often, people will remember this one like they remember the RP82 DVD player. Get one now before it's obsoleted!