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Submitted by
Stliong
a AudioPhile
from Date Reviewed: December 10, 2007
Strengths: The cleanest most accurate amplifier in the world that's also HDMI, biamp, and biwire capable in a single box. No analog amp can match the clarity and accuracy of this receiver. Heck, I've sold my Krell and Bryston for it.Weaknesses: No built in digital crossover to complete the built-in digital biamp+biwire. But I guess that's asking too much from a sub $500 receiver. THD can be better but that's an inherent problem with all digital amp designs. Bad recordings really sound bad due to the transparency. Initial setup is primitive with no on screen menu.Bottom Line: I never ever give 5 stars on both value and overall ratings, but this single product clearly deserves it. Simply the most advanced, no analog signal involved, digital amp in the world. The SA-XR700 is better due to the blue-ray disc compatibility but at twice the price why bother, though even at its price of $800 I'd still get it over Yamahas and Denons. I currently use it with Onkyo DV-SP504 DVD/SACD player that's claimed to be the most accurate when used as a transport, I must say with this receiver and HDMI, SACD sounds better on the CD layer than the analog DSD layer. With the Newform Research R630 ribbons, it's just the most accurate system I've ever built though it may not be suitable for those looking for sweet tube-like sound.
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At: Circuit City
Similar Products Used: Integrateds from Musical Fidelity, Krell, Bryston, Roksan, Sim Audio. Receivers from Harman, Denon, and Yamaha.
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Submitted by
mnorman2001
a AudioPhile
from Date Reviewed: June 14, 2007
Strengths: SoundWeaknesses: Set-UpBottom Line: I have had the opportunity to have this receiver in my system after getting some great advice from someone in the industry. Basically he told me that this out does receivers many, many times it's price and he is right.
I cannot believe how good this sounds after it is set up properly. It is not pretty, it is a bit of a pain to set up but if you are interested in an immense amount of detail and loads of clean power this is the ticket. I have not used anything this inexpensive for 20 years and can't believe it!
The only negative thing about it's sound it that if the DVD/CD sounds bad it will sound terrible as everything is revealed warts and all. With a great sounding disc it is pure magic. If you like your gear to sound warm I don’t think this would work out, otherwise it is a fantastic. I will be picking one of these for sure.
Similar Products Used: Denon,Nad,Yamaha,Bryston
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Submitted by
Norman
a AudioPhile
from Date Reviewed: June 14, 2007
Strengths: Ridiculous value,solid sound and great detailWeaknesses: a little awkward to set upBottom Line: I have had the opportunity to have this receiver in my system after getting some great advice from someone in the industry. Basically he told me that this out does receivers many, many times it's price and he is right.
I cannot believe how good this sounds after it is set up properly. It is not pretty, it is a bit of a pain to set up but if you are interested in an immense amount of detail and loads of clean power this is the ticket. I have not used anything this inexpensive for 20 years and can't believe it!
The only negative thing about it's sound it that if the DVD/CD sounds bad it will sound terrible as everything is revealed warts and all. With a great sounding disc it is pure magic. If you like your gear to sound warm I don’t think this would work out, otherwise it is a fantastic
Similar Products Used: Denon,Yamaha,Bryston,NAD
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Reviews 1 - 3 (3 Reviews Total)
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