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Entered CNET Catalog: 02/13/2005
SKU: 0037988407750
Manufacturer: Panasonic
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Manufacturer description
Panasonic's vision of the digital future is driven by the needs and aspirations of its business customers and millions of consumers around the world who use its products every day. The company shares their dream to live a fuller life by providing ways of working smarter and enjoying the rewards of technological advances.CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 05/20/2005
The XR70S's slim faceplate isn't cluttered with buttons, so it should appeal to buyers who appreciate a less-is-more design approach. We like the buttery-smooth volume control, which lends the receiver a luxurious touch. Setup chores won't faze experienced home-theater buyers, but novices may struggle to make sense of the onscreen menus' less-than-intuitive logic. (For hassle-free setup, check out the Pioneer VSX-D914-K.) The trim remote can adjust subwoofer bass level on the fly and sports a full set of DVD player controls.
Bargain hunters take note: Panasonic's SA-XR50 ($299) lacks the HDMI feature, but in other respects, it looks as if it's a clone of the XR70S. So if you don't have an HDMI-equipped DVD player or TV or if you feel comfortable using a standard digital-audio cable between your HDMI device and your receiver, then you might want to save the two bills and go for the XR50. Panasonic claims that some of the XR70S's sound quality improvements come about through the elimination of the digital-to-analog conversions that take place in all-analog amplifiers. That logic might seem a little confusing, but remember that analog receivers are almost always hooked up to digital audio sources, such as DVD players. Keeping the signals in the digital domain is a good idea.
The Panasonic SA-XR70S's digital amps generate 100 watts for each of its six channels, and the receiver sports a full contingent of Dolby and DTS six-channel processing modes. Since the digital amplifiers are more efficient than conventional amplifiers, they produce a little less heat.
The XR70S is the first receiver we've tested that includes an HDMI input and an HDMI output. Using just a pair of slender cables, its HDMI connection can pass standard or high-definition video to an HDTV and carry Dolby, DTS, and DVD-Audio (but not SACD) signals to the speakers. Just be aware that in order to take advantage of the XR70S's HDMI connectivity, you'll need an HDMI-equipped device--a DVD player or an HDTV receiver--and a television with an HDMI input. If you have two HDMI sources, however, the XR70S may be a disappointment: since it has only one HDMI input, it cannot switch between two HDMI devices connected to one display. The main practical function of the XR70S's HDMI connection is to ease cable clutter by eliminating the need for a separate digital-audio connection between the receiver and the source. It would have been nice for the unit to feature a second HDMI input or even to upconvert the analog video inputs (component, composite, and S-Video) to HDMI for even simpler connectivity, but that's too much to ask from a $500 receiver these days. Give it a year.
We also noted four A/V inputs (two with component video); a set of front-panel A/V inputs with S-Video; 5.1 DVD-A/SACD inputs; two stereo inputs; four digital inputs (two optical and two coaxial), and one optical output. The front-speaker A/B connectors can be reconfigured to biamplify compatible speakers--that's a rare feature, even on grown-up receivers. Those sturdy binding posts accept banana plugs or bare wire ends, but as a space-saving measure, the center- and surround-speaker connectors are relegated to far-less-secure clamping wire connectors. And they accept only the skinniest of bare wire ends--the clamping connectors are a real pain to use. We were a little concerned that the hard-hitting Kill Bill, Volume 1 DVD might rough up the slim-and-svelte Panasonic SA-XR70S, but it came through without a scratch. The fight scenes' gut-wrenching body blows, vivid swordplay, and blood-curdling screams all loomed large when heard through the XR70S. The Moulin Rouge DVD's majestic score unleashed a remarkably spacious soundstage, though we felt the music's dynamic range was scaled back a bit. Overall, we'd say that was impressive performance from a 9.4-pound receiver.
Medeski, Martin, and Wood's Uninvisible DVD-Audio disc is loaded with funky jazz grooves, and the XR70S's sound is deliciously warm and inviting. The surround mix places the keyboards between the left-rear and left-front speakers, the bass in the center speaker, and the drums between the right-front and right-rear speakers. The little XR70S pulled its weight, but when we compared it with the $399 Denon AVR-1705, we were taken aback by what we heard. The Denon sounds pretty good on its own, but the XR70S was more refined, with bigger, fatter bass and a sweeter overall balance. But when we cranked both receivers to higher volume levels, the XR70S's sound hardened--while the Denon was unfazed. Filling our home theater with the sound of Metallica's St. Anger CD, the XR70S kept every instrument distinct and clear--as long as we didn't lean on the volume.
On choice CDs such as Miles Davis's classic Kind of Blue, it was the immediacy of the sound that made the biggest impression. Davis's horn was positively gorgeous, and John Coltrane's sax presence was remarkable. Goosing the low frequencies with the XR70S's Bass Enhancer added a subtle warmth to the sound that we liked.
User opinions
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7/10
Compact, Good Looking Home Theater Receiver
Pros: Small Size, Good Looks
Cons: Only 1 HDMI and that Only for DVD/DVR Not DTV, Hard to Set Up
Review: If you need something good looking and compact and can find other ways to switch hdmi sources, then this unit is a great value.
However, setup is difficult using the little screen on the unit. Yes, you can use your display device (plasma, lcd, etc) to set it up but the onscreen menu only works if you attach it with an analog video connector - not something easy to do if your flat panel is already mounted on the wall and you didn't think to run a low resolution composite video cable to it.
The sound quality is excellent and there are a boat load of adjustments that can be made to tailor it to your speakers and your room if you are persistent and go through the multistep menu system
However, setup is difficult using the little screen on the unit. Yes, you can use your display device (plasma, lcd, etc) to set it up but the onscreen menu only works if you attach it with an analog video connector - not something easy to do if your flat panel is already mounted on the wall and you didn't think to run a low resolution composite video cable to it.
The sound quality is excellent and there are a boat load of adjustments that can be made to tailor it to your speakers and your room if you are persistent and go through the multistep menu system
User Rating: 
9/10
great value in a slim receiver
Pros: Hdmi works great
Cons: none at this time
Review: Love using the Hdmi with hdmi dvd. Sound and picture quality is good. I needed a slim design and this fit the bill perfectly and was a modest price. I started to look at the jvc but all the quality issues scared me. I also own a panasonic xr25 and 10. Very nice.
User Rating: 7/10
Great fot the money - stylish - looks great
Pros: Great sound - many options - easy read manual
Cons: Had to call for set up help - tricky HDMI setup for HDTV use
Review: Great for the money paid under $ 300 - nothing close for the money - looks GREAT -
HDMI set up for DVD use - can use for HDTV with reverse setup (DVD = TV and TV = DVD on display) set up of speakers a little tricky but on screen with manual worked OK
HDMI set up for DVD use - can use for HDTV with reverse setup (DVD = TV and TV = DVD on display) set up of speakers a little tricky but on screen with manual worked OK
User Rating: 
8/10
good sound, right mix of inputs, right price
Pros: excellent entry level home theater receiver for hd newbes
Cons: hdmi for dvd only, not sure about dvi
Review: This receiver worked out great for me. It has all the right inputs and outputs for my new dish network 801 hd satelite receiver, Toshiba HD46HM94P tv, and Samsung upconversion DVD player. It does not have all the bells and whistles of the more expensive receivers but it works great for me and is simple enough for my wife to use. I got it as well as all my cables from J&R Music and got a great price with no problems.
User Rating: 
2/10
DONT DO IT!
Pros: Panansonic Name
Cons: Its looks like a Ferrari with a YUGO engine!!
Review: I paid for this item and had it delivered to me...I was so excited! An HDMI receiver to MATCH MY ED (with a sweet HDMI input) Panasonic Plasma...BOO PANANSONIC!! BOO PANASONIC!...they dont mention the fact that its HDMI FOR DVD ONLYS!!! Not to mention that there are about 3 total imputs and 2 optical imputs... I felt like I was done wrong...I returned it and purchased the Harman Kardon AVR-335 with some JBL speakers...now I am rocking and rolling
User Rating: 8/10
overwhelming value
Pros: multiple format connections
Cons: only one hdmi input
Review: About 6 months ago, I converted part of my garage to a home theater. The basis of this value oriented system is a TIVO HR10-250 hi-def receiver, a Samsung HL-P 4663W hi-def DLP monitor (with HDMI), the currently reviewed Panasonic SA-XR70, a Panasonic DVD-F87(5 disc) DVD/CD player, a Panasonic DVD-S87(1 disc)DVD/CD player, all controlled by a programmable Harmony SST-659 remote.
When I was putting this system together, the only other receiver avaiable with HDMI cost more than 10 times the price of the XR70. The receiver (100 watts per channel), 6 good (not great) speakers, and a powered subwoofer for $360 from One Call is an overwhelming value. It provides more than enough volume for my home theater, especially the sub.
The HDMI connections are marvelous. If only there was an additional HDMI input for the S97 which is used to up convert DVDs. Also, the Harmony can't discern between the two Panasonic DVD players. One must be connected and operated manually, but it's worth the effort.
The Panasonic SA-XR70 with its multiple connections, and multiple modes is an excellent value.
When I was putting this system together, the only other receiver avaiable with HDMI cost more than 10 times the price of the XR70. The receiver (100 watts per channel), 6 good (not great) speakers, and a powered subwoofer for $360 from One Call is an overwhelming value. It provides more than enough volume for my home theater, especially the sub.
The HDMI connections are marvelous. If only there was an additional HDMI input for the S97 which is used to up convert DVDs. Also, the Harmony can't discern between the two Panasonic DVD players. One must be connected and operated manually, but it's worth the effort.
The Panasonic SA-XR70 with its multiple connections, and multiple modes is an excellent value.
Updated
The Onkyo speakers and subwoofer did not come with the receiver. They were purchased separately. The receiver remains an overwhelming value.
The Onkyo speakers and subwoofer did not come with the receiver. They were purchased separately. The receiver remains an overwhelming value.
