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Entered CNET Catalog: 01/09/2002
SKU: 0037988406043
Manufacturer: Panasonic
Manufacturer description
This sleek model is the first fully digital receiver. Since a digital receiver processes everything from input to output in the digital domain, amplification with virtually no signal degradation is possible. The result is a new dimension of sound quality. Boasting power efficiency of over 90 percent, the dts/Dolby Digital receiver delivers high output with minimal heat, in this case 100 watts to each of the five channels (1kHz, 6ohms, 0.9% TDH). This characteristic allows for a remarkably thin (just 1.7 inches high) unit to deliver the sweeping 5.1-channel sound that previously required a large amplifier. The SA-XR10, which has an appealing half-mirror silver cabinet, also features Pro Logic II, six channel inputs, and universal remote control. It is DVD-Audio ready.CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 09/16/2002
Can it ever be too thin?
This daring yet elegant design stands just a shade more than two inches tall. The chromed metalwork, tiny LED indicator lights, and beveled top plate lend a jewel-like appearance to this high-tech receiver. Inside, the SA-XR10 is just as different: its efficient, all-digital circuitry is responsible for radical component-parts size reduction and drastic weight loss. Instead of the average 20-plus pounds, this receiver tips the scales at just 7.5 pounds. Nevertheless, Panasonic made room for the standard surround-processing formats: DTS, Dolby Digital, and Dolby Pro Logic II. A matching DVD-Audio (DVD-A)/video player, the XP-50, goes for $349.
The downside of this minimalist styling is that it imposes its own limitations. The display is awfully small but manages to eke out the bare essentials regarding source selection, surround status, and volume level. Back-panel real estate is severely restricted. Instead of the more versatile speaker-binding posts, you get cheesy, spring-loaded wire connectors. Video-switching facilities are scarce, and component-video and S-Video offerings are nonexistent. Phono input and A/B speaker switching are absent as well, so the XR10 will be at home with more modest systems. You do get 5.1 DVD-A/Super Audio CD inputs along with a select group of inputs, outputs, and digital-audio connections.
Since the unit lacks onscreen displays, the speaker-setup hassles tested our patience, but we did figure everything out in less than 30 minutes. The remote's ergonomics are distinctly average.
Sound off
We first partnered the SA-XR10 with a speaker package, and frankly, we were underwhelmed by the brash, hard sound; sitting through even a single DVD was a trial. That's funny because the Polk kit won us over when it was teamed up with our Pioneer VSX-27TX receiver. We took the hint, swapped out the Polks, hooked up our Energy Take 5.2 system, and bingo--the gritty sound disappeared. Even when we tried a less than stellar-sounding DVD such as Pulp Fiction, the XR10's sonics were quite acceptable. The lesson that we learned: The XR10 is picky about speakers, and the Energy's laid-back demeanor was a better fit. We'd guess that Paradigm, Mirage, and Infinity speakers would also work.
Wilco's Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is one of the best CDs of the year, and the XR10 uncovered all of the music's dense textures and layered sounds. We next took advantage of the DVD-A inputs and checked out Bobby Short's finger-poppin' Piano DVD. The late-night jazz disc sounded gorgeous, but more demanding, higher-energy music and special-effects-laden DVDs pushed the XR10 to its limits. We felt that the 100-watts-per-channel power rating was unrealistic; this receiver doesn't come close to displaying the effortless dynamic agility of its 100-watt-per-channel brethren. That said, as long as the XR10 is partnered with a compatible sub/sat speaker system and used in small rooms, it will have the necessary moxie to handle the job.
Though the SA-XR10 carriers a suggested retail price of $599.95, you can find it online for closer to $400, which makes it easier for us to recommend. If this Panasonic had more power, we'd have worked up even more enthusiasm. That said, if you love this receiver's look and don't need a powerhouse, check out the SA-XR10 for yourself.
User opinions
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9/10
It`s a great Amp, Real power, with no lack of quality even at higher levels!
Pros: Great size, no heating problems, great stylish look, tweeters sound balanced and crystal like defined even with piezo-electric drivers!
Cons: Not easy-2-use Universal control, not learning function, not enough RCA audio connections 4 old devices like phono-tape-vcr-tv
Features overload auto-sense protection at higher levels of volume (activates when the dynamic range is over-reached). I wouldīve asked for some loudness or 3-band eq (or bass/treble) control when in surround mode to create a custom environmental effect...
It has a subwoofer control, perfect to balance the whole dynamic range. I really appreciated programming the sub freq, so when using a powerful sub driver, itīs ok the balance with rubber suspension drivers. A great feature is when U set sub to "on", the 5 satellites just play mid and high range sounds -ensuring a perfect definition with no distortion at all; but when in "off", the amp really empowers the speakers with low freq waves, so U need to attach a set of more than only 100-watt speakers!! (I suggest also a pair of at least 10" drivers front speakers).
Innexpensive device, great quality for affordable price.
It`s made in Japan, so itīs one of the best last-ones amps on the market made there (performance & durability is for sure). It's worth the price dll by dll!!! I guess itīs Technics` engineered amp since the sound definition is just awsome... a shame that brand is dead now...
Sorry; I havenīt used the radio that much, but it has plenty of room for Ur favorite stations to allocate in auto or manual mode.
Iīve had hours of great enjoyment from 2004 trough 2007. If somebody wants a cheap but high qlty surround sound system, this is a must at home!!
User Rating: 
2/10
piece of garbage
Pros: digital but so is my watch
Cons: get more static from my radio the music
a very diisapointed young customer
User Rating: 
8/10
Good home amp without breaking the bank
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