BobbyNGa

Wow! Thanks a bunch! Hugely helpful at this stage of the game...

Disclaimer: I wanted to preface my entire written experience with this new Panasonic SA-XR55K receiver by saying that I am Very Much a fairly inexperienced "audiophile." I have only owned and operated the TEAC AG-D9230 and the new Panasonic on and in my own, mostly Klipsch, speaker environment. Therefore, my opinion and experience as it relates to the many other, often exponentially more expensive, receiver options available is non-existent. I also need to point out that the room my HT is in is our carpeted "great" room (19 feet long by 19.5 feet wide), which has fairly high cathedral ceilings(13.5 feet - the walls angle upward to a flat area, not a point) and no real noise dampening materials on the walls in the large upper ceiling areas. I know sound bounces around up there because if my system is up Real Loud and I hit mute, I can hear a little remaining sound for a fraction of a second, so when it is up loud there is some noise being created by the environment, not the system. With that said... the new unit is in and hooked up in a 5.1 configuration. I am not exactly sure what people mean in these forums when they use the words bright, warm, cool, etc. to explain the sound of speakers. What I can tell you is the receiver, with all of a half hour on it, sounds "exact" or "clear" or "detailed" (digital I guess) and sounds nice to me. I have the volume at about "30db" and have the Eagles Hell Freezes Over concert DVD in 5.1 DTS playing. I plan to let the receiver run for a couple of days, except while sleeping, to "burn in" the receiver. I also have not tuned the system, going so far as to use one of those system configuration DVDs with a sound meter from radio shack, etc., which I did with the old receiver. I report more after the burn in period... Bobby PS - just to clear up any misunderstandings...I DID cancel the original XR55K order, but being the flake I am, I re-reversed my decision the following day and reordered from Amazon... I just told myself "how can I go wrong at THAT price, plus I can sell or return it if I don't like it or decide to move up. I owe it to myself and the community to at least give it a try in MY environment, after all, I would rather spen $230 instead of $700-$1200". I DID NOT purchase the Denon 3803.

Well, I'll know soon enough. And remember... I am coming from a TEAC AG-D9320, so I know no better in my environment. What I am gonna do is slap the panny in and see. In my mind it is still a temporary but immediate fix. I was researching and researching and researching and I still had nothing here for the weekend. These other receivers are between 3 and 5 times the cost of the panny, and I feel confident if/when it IS time to make my move "up", then I can pass the Panny on to someone who wants a small and inexpensive HT solution. I'll know soon enough how it compares to the TEAC. My system will remain a 5.1 for now too... I will report back on my experience with the new unit but you will have to realize I can't offer a comparison with the Denon's, Yammies, B&K, HK, or any others on MY speakers and in my envirement. Thanks, Bobby

I have the XR55K on the way here. Should be here next week - mid-week by my guess. I follow your thinking - I get it and get it in and see. If I no likey, back it can go! Thanks

I had been checking OneCall out yesterday as an option. I found them in the link of authorized dealers on Denon's website. Good Prices. Thanks

OKAY ... FINE! I cancelled the Amazon order for the Panasonic SA-XR55K for now... I am going to give this a bit more time. And thanks for pointing me towards the 3803 - If anyone knows a good place to pick one up, let me know. A warranty would be nice... Plus the 3806 just came out, so maybe some local stores will discount the 3805 to move the unit?... I am a bit scared of some of these guys on eBay.

I do appreciate it fellas. Like I said... when I get this thing in and setup properly I will know more about my choice, but I fet compelled to give it a try at that price. And I will have an immediate solution, under warranty, that *could be* returned or passed on to a friend - heck even to my son's bedroom, or sold to my company, etc. I also think that when I replace it, I will be looking at a Denon 320(x). You guys really think I am making a mistake? It hasn't shipped out yet...

Thanks for all the Great Advice and warm welcomes. I would have replied sooner, but I was expecting email notifications of posts and didn't get any today. So, I have been more active on other forums today. Glad I checked in here... You guys are probably gonna slap me but... well I'll just paste my last reply from this thread elsewhere... ----- From: http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15453 Okay, HALT... I just purchased a Panasonic SA-XR55K for $229.99 on Amazon (free shipping and no tax). I came across quite a large and heated debate on this unit in the many forums, but became convinced to give it a try at THAT price. I figure if it isn't "right" for my HT, I can let it go to someone else and not take a big hit in the pocket... http://forums.audioholics.com/forums...ad.php?t=14778 I know, I know ... "but what about wanting to step up the weakest link in your system to something nicer" - well, if it works out I'll be real happy. And if/when it craps out in a few years, I'll take a look at the current technologies and make another decision then. This unit is still an upgrade to what I had... Again, Thanks to all who helped - and I'm sure others will benefit from this thread. Bobby http://www.BobbyGlover.com ----- So anyway, I would still be interested in any opinions concerning my choice. I would also be happy to report back on my experience with the unit, but I would not be able to be as technical as many of the folks here. Thanks Again!

Hey guys and gals. I need a HT receiver recommendation <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> It has been awhile since I needed to do any AV consumer research, so I wouldnt call myself an audiophile by any stretch just when it came time to create a descent home theater system several years ago, I reached out to a friend and the Web. I am hoping to tap into some of the expertise here to help shortcut my research time as I need a replacement, well, last Saturday night I had a Halloween Party on 10/29 and about 3 hours into the bash my receiver shut off, poof, never to return. The receiver has been problematic over the years (it has gotten hot and shut off before for protection, crackled and popped on all 5 channels when no signal is present on the DVD input, etc.) and was purchased cheap as the weakest link in my system at the time, knowing I would one day invest in a much nicer one. Well, now is the time! I have been focusing on Denon and Yamaha, looking on eBay and options with authorized dealers for warranty considerations. I have found the Yamaha RX-V and HTR series, and the Denon AVR series attractive, specifically the Denon AVR-3205, and the Yamaha HTR-5890 and RX-V2500 models or roughly thereabout. I am looking for some input! Here is my current hardware: Deceased Receiver: TEAC AG-D9320 (not recommended by me AT ALL) DVD: Pioneer DV-C5203 (just wanted something descent and has been fine) IMHO, the speakers are pretty nice and are where I really threw my initial investment. Front L/R: Klipsch KLF 20 (4.74 of 5 154 reviews) http://www.audioreview.com/cat/speakers/floorstanding-speakers/klipsch/PRD_119936_1594crx.aspx Center: Klipsch RC-3 (4.85 of 5 60 reviews) http://www.audioreview.com/cat/speakers/center-channels/klipsch/PRD_119963_2743crx.aspx Surround R/L: Klipsch RS-3 (4.79 of 5 19 reviews) http://www.audioreview.com/cat/speakers/surround-speakers/klipsch/PRD_123912_2742crx.aspx Subwoofer: M&K MPS-2810 http://www.mkprofessional.com/mps2810.htm Whoop-tee-do, right? Okay, whatever. If anyone knows any tricks with this TEAC receiver, let me know. And friend and I did pop the cap on it, test fuses and look for heat damage, to no avail. Thanks!!! Bobby PS I am a B writer, so dont eat me alive for not being perfect