[Axeman]

Hi all,


Newbie alert!


A few weeks ago I bought a technics Sa-DX950- DD, DTS, and 5.1 analog in. Once I got it home, I discovered some things about it that I didn't like(as well as a flaky input). The receiver has bass and treble adjustments, but they only work when it is in two channel mode. As soon as you switch to multi-channel in, or DVD, or even apply one of the DSP settings to a stereo source, the EQ was defeated. Also, the receiver lacks a "5 speaker stereo" setting- all of the dsp effects have a front-back delay that I personally don't care for.

The flaky input actually has given me an opportunity to exchange the receiver for something else. I've been looking at the JVC RX-6020VBK- It's got "all channel stereo", and EQ in all sound modes. As a plus it's got PLII and is rated for 100WPC at 8ohms rather than 6ohms, which is what I think the Technics is rated at.

The Sales-slime at Futureshop tried to tell me that the JVC receiver isn't high-current like the technics, and would not handle sustained loudness very well. He tried to demonstrate this by plugging the receiver into the smallest satellite speakers he could find, and turning it up until (I imagine) the speakers distorted.

I can replace the technics with the equivalent Panasonic receiver(with PLII!) for the same price when they get them in. Should I stick with the Panasonic? I would like to have the ability to EQ my DVDs. Any help would be _greatly_ appreciated. Thanks!


Phil

 

[Greg_R]

The "Sales-slime" was correct... the JVCs amp section is underpowered. Manufacturers like to rate their amps differently. Is the measurement peak power? Over what frequency range? Will it drive different loads? An amp rated at 100W at 1kHz could be 30W at other frequencies...


What are looking to spend on a receiver (and what features are critical)? What speakers are you trying to drive? http://www.cheaphometheater.com has some budget receiver reviews that may be of interest to you. Good luck!

 

[Axeman]

Thanks for the advice, and the link.


I paid $314 CDN ($196 US) for the technics initially. It was an "open box" sale, which is why I didn't find it surprising to find a defect. I was looking for something around the same price, but I am willing to spend more- depending on what I find. I was thinking about mabye getting my money back and mabye going with a Marantz SR4200. Critical features are DD and DTS, 5.1 in, and some sort of EQ. The speakers i'm driving now are not very impressive- a set of panasonic 3-way mains, a DIY center channel, and realistic rears from 197x.... I will have to go check out the panasonic SA-HE70K to see if it suffers from the same feature set as the technics.

 

[ChrisAG]

If you want to stay with Future Shop, look for the low-end Harmon Kardon (AVR-120?), though it may be out of your price range. You'd also be better off with the Marantz SR4200 rather than JVC or Technics.

 

[Defcon]

I would like to recommend the Kenwood VR-507 as an excellent budget receiver with a ton of builtin features - DD 5.1, DTS, PL II, Circle Surround etc.


It is available for quite cheap - around $220 or less

 

[Norm Strong]

Sounds to me like you might be happier with a Kenwood VR-509, or the newer Technics SA-DX1050.


I'm curious about the Panasonic that you say is shortly to arrive on the market. Panasonic is the name used by Matsushita for their video line; Technics is the name they use for their audio line. Perhaps they feel they can get more sales by having a choice between the 2 marques in the audio-video world.

 

[ClarkeBar]

Also, the Marantz 4200 does not have 5.1 inputs but does have pre-outs. Go figure.


I would go with a Kenwood in that price range. Mass market JVC's are generally fine for stereo but multi-channel is a weakness. The power drop and noise levels are not kosher. Try running that 6020 at reference level and then an H/K 120. You will hear the difference.

 

[Axeman]

Thanks for the advice, guys.


I ended up getting a good deal on a Yamaha RX-V430, so I returned the Technics to Future Shop, and went elsewhere. I am very pleased with it's sound, even with the eq flat- I was surprised at the difference between the two receivers. Plus it's got PLII(which is great for music), and some interesting DSP modes. .06% THD. Highly recommended. The bass/treble knobs only apply to the mains, but that's good enough. There's a bass/treble adjustment in the setup for the inputs, but I haven't figured it out yet. Perhaps it applies to all speakers.


The story with the Panasonic is that the Technics line is apparently disappearing, with panasonic taking it over. I actually saw the Panasonic unit, but that was the only one they had.


Thanks again!


Phil

 

[rt297]

That Kenwood VR 507 sounds interesting. How does it compare to the Denon 1802? I need a new receiver for my daughter's bedroom. How much was the Yamaha V430 if you don't mind my asking?

 

[Axeman]

The Yamaha RX-V30 can be had for around $500 CDN($313 USD) here in Canada. I was thinking originally that anything I got for $300 or thereabouts would be good enough for me, not considering myself a serious audiophile. But, you get what you pay for I guess. The technics would probably satisfy a casual listener- but I generally like to tweak the sound on every amp I encounter. This Yamaha has put a few smiles on my face since I got it(looking very cool all the while)- it was worth the extra bucks.