Verizon Wireless
Entered CNET Catalog: 09/11/2003
SKU: CNETSAXR45S
Manufacturer: Panasonic
Manufacturer description
The SA-XR45 is a Panasonic's second-generation, 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 in sound quality. Boasting power efficiency of over 90 percent, the receivers deliver high output with minimal heat, in this case 100 watts to each of the six channels. The SA-XR45 is equipped with six channel discrete inputs to deliver the enhanced sound quality of DVD-Audio music. It decodes the DTS-ES and Dolby Digital EX surround formats, as well as Dolby Digital 5.1-channel sources and Dolby Pro Logic II, which converts sound from regular two-channel stereo sources into 5.1 channel for spacious surround sound. This model is remarkably thin and is ready to be connected to virtually any other home theater component. A Digital Re-Master feature on the SA-XR45 gives added dimension and adds home-theater-like sound quality to compressed music files such as MP3 tracks. In addition, the SA-XR45 also has a Second-Room Output with Independent Selection, enabling users in one room, for example, to use the receiver to watch a blockbuster film, while those in another room can use it for listening to their favorite CD or DVD-Audio disk.CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 09/24/2003
Just 14 inches deep, the trim XR45S can squeeze onto shelves that are off-limits for most other receivers. The box comes in black (the XR45) and silver (the XR45S).
Aside from the solid-feeling, metal volume knob, the streamlined face has few controls. Pizzazz comes in the form of a 5-inch slit illuminated in pale blue--a distinctive styling touch. At the XR45S's rear is a small fan--all that power in such a compact chassis can generate a lot of heat--but we never detected any whooshing noise.
The setup rigmarole was easy enough. The large remote's button ergonomics are above par, and the control lets you adjust your sub's level on the fly.
Panasonic threw in all the up-to-the-second surround-processing formats: Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS 96/24, as well as 6.1-channel Dolby EX, DTS ES, and DTS Neo:6.
Considering the slim back panel's severely limited space, connectivity options are generous. You get component-video switching, 5.1-channel DVD-A/SACD inputs, and three composite and S-Video A/V ins. There are five digital-audio hookups: one coaxial and three optical inputs, along with one optical output. A single set of stereo analog-audio connections, plus a tape-in and -out, are also present. All the RCA jacks are gold-plated.
Panasonic gave the front-left and -right speakers banana plug-compatible speaker-binding posts, but the other channels have less desirable clamping wire connectors. The receiver lacks A/B speaker switching, but you can use the Second Audio Out jacks with a separate stereo amplifier to send sound to another room.
The XR45S and our reference NHT sub/sat system were pretty darn good together. Their slightly rich sound balance brought out the best in White Stripes' minimalist blues rock: Meg's drum kit kicked hard, and Jack's scorching guitar came alive. Miles Davis's Live at the Blackhawk CD pulled us into the club and its smoky atmosphere.
The supercreepy The Ring DVD kept us on the edge of our seats. Like other modern thrillers, the movie has a soundtrack replete with all sorts of low-frequency rumblings and disturbing, high-pitched screeching noises. Oh, and the phone that rings near the beginning of the story sounded exactly like our phone--that freaked us out more than once.
To complete our listening sessions, we compared the XR45S with the full-size Onkyo TX-SR601, using a Philips 963SA DVD player as a source. The bigger box produced more life and detail; the XR45S mellowed out the sound. When we pushed the volume fairly high, we detected some dynamic shrinkage from the XR45S, but its audio improved once we backed down to moderate levels. The Panasonic's 100-watt-per-channel rating is a tad optimistic (the Onkyo claims 85 watts), so don't expect this skinny receiver to pump out the oomph of a full-size model.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 User Rating: 
8/10
Best for the $$ & incredible w efficient speakers or inefficient ones in smaller rooms.
Pros: Excellent accuracy, Easy to place (or move to reconfigure/reconnect); Quiet, low-heat efficiency; A good match even for audiophile quality speakers within its driving ability; Easy setup; Stylishly sleek; A bargain!
Cons: Compromise on speaker binding posts; Rated for 6 (sic!) ohms only; Manual could have matched the actual unit for ease of use (but it doesn't!).
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