Panasonic or Kenwood? I can't decide!!

RobinN · 06-14-2004, 04:04 PM

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to buy a new sub-$300 receiver. 6.1 and Pro Logic II are the only features I REALLY want. It seems that the Panasonic SA-HE100 and Kenwood VR-806 are both very good values. The latter seems almost too good for the very LOW (under $200) price tag. Also, because of its newness, I have not been able to find any opinions or reveiws of it. The Panasonic seems to be accepted as a decent quality entry-level receiver. Can anyone comment on the quality of either brands' low-priced receivers? I currently own a JVC RX-6000 and am a bit dissapointed with the distortion in the center channel as well as lack of PLII support.

Thanks very much for any reccommendations!

Robin

David G Greene · 06-14-2004, 05:03 PM

Have you tried HK?

Johnny_M · 06-14-2004, 05:22 PM

well, I have the kenwood vr7080, which is a 300 or 350 receiver. cant remember what i paid, but i am very happy with it. ive got some yamaha speakers attached to it and people are very impressed when I pop in a dvd.

Johnny

NickSo · 06-14-2004, 05:27 PM

I have an entry level Kenwood reciever got a few years ago for $250 (Kenwood VR-407) and has been serving me very well from day one. Wouldn't mind recommending it!

Have you checked out the new digital recievers from Panasonic? The XR-series has been very well recieved, and i believe right around your price range.

MikeRP · 06-14-2004, 05:58 PM

Take a look at the Pioneer 912K and 914K. ALso Onkyo 601 and 501.

Mike

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Tabish · 06-14-2004, 07:20 PM

I will suggest Panasonic XR50 digital amp, its really good, for your price range I dont think so you can do better than that receiver. Read reviews and other threads about XR50.

RobinN · 06-15-2004, 07:20 AM

Thanks everyone for all your suggestions. After reading some other posts about the SA-XR50 I ordered it yesterday for $245 shipped. The smaller footprint, lower power consumption and less of a need for ventilation were all appealing. I am concerned about people's posts that analog sources sound sub-par on the unit, but will have to try it out for myself to see. Thanks again for the input!

David Judah · 06-15-2004, 11:57 AM

The AD conversion on the XR units isn't as bad as some make it out to be. I think it's a case of expecations of a problem because of the extra conversion rather than a real problem. At least that has been my experience with my equipment going into an XR25 including DVD-A & SACD.

DJ

David Judah · 06-15-2004, 11:57 AM

The AD conversion on the XR units isn't as bad as some make it out to be. I think it's a case of expecations of a problem because of the extra conversion rather than a real problem. At least that has been my experience with my equipment going into an XR25 including DVD-A & SACD.

DJ

Tabish · 06-15-2004, 09:47 PM

if you dont have real high end speakers, you will not even notice a difference, ppl who noticed the difference between digital and analogue are very critical listners and they have very high end speakers. I could not tell the difference though, I have infinity interlude series speakers.