Swiss Army Knife of Receivers...
Written: Aug 04 '04 (Updated Apr 02 '05)
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Pros: Lots of inputs. Powerful. Clean design. Inexpensive. Panasonic reliability.
Cons: Sliding door on the remote. Runs warm. More detail needed in op guide
The Bottom Line: Panasonic stuff is (IMHO) bulletproof. Great value for the money. Excellent tech support also.
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| myoda789's Full Review: Panasonic SA-HE200 6.1 Channels Receiver |
I replaced a Sony STR-DE675 with this receiver - and got an incredible price on this unit in September of 2003. The Panasonic SA-HE200 was being closed out at Circuit City - I picked up an open box display system on the shelf for $239. Has all the bells and whistles anyone could possibly want. I bought it for the digital inputs, DVD Audio six channel inputs, a tape monitor loop, and the phono input. Here's all the stuff plugged into the digital inputs:
Echostar Model 6000 HDTV Satellite Receiver
Echostar Model 501 DVR Satellite Receiver
HP DE100c Digital Entertainment Center
Panasonic DVD-S55 DVD/CD Player
The S55 is also set up for analog six-channel output.
My 20 year old Technics SL-1500 MKII Turntable is jacked into the phono input. The Teac eq in the tape loop only works in analog mode, but it's nice having the capability...
Everything sounds great. Power output is sufficient and clean. I'll admit that my speakers are entry level (AudioSource system 230 with a KLH E-10DB 100 watt powered sub), but the sound is very transparent. Having the extra rear center Panasonic speaker that was included with the receiver is an added bonus when watching DTS-ES encoded material. Watching a 2 year old 51 inch Sony KP-51HW40 rear projection HDTV. I really beat the heck out of this system. Gotta give Panasonic kudos for producing a high-quality, affordable A/V receiver. No problems with the unit. Spend the extra cash (if necessary) for the SA-HE200 over the SA-HE100. If you can find one for less than what I paid for mine, go for it. I would not even have a problem suggesting a refurb. Cheers!
Update 4/2/05
CompUSA was closing out equipment in their audio section of the store - for $250, I picked up an Infinity PS10 250 watt subwoofer ($99), a pair of JBL E20's ($50) for the front speakers, JBL E10's ($50)for the rear surrounds, and a JBL EC25 ($50) center channel speaker. What a world of difference compared to the Audiosource units. The JBL speakers combined with the Infinity sub really crank with the Panasonic SA-HE 200! The extra 150 watts really make a difference with the new subwoofer compared to the KLH sub.
Also picked up another SA-HE 200 for my office from Rex - $252 brand new in the box. Tried three other receivers before settling on this piece again - a Sony STR-DE697 - would not decode DTS audio discs when plugged into the optical input - got a "REC ERROR" and "LOCKED" error message. It would decode properly when connected to the coax input. Goofy, huh. Tried a JVC RX 7030 - it was a nightmare to set up. Also played around with the SA-HE100 - would have kept it, but then Rex put the SA-HE200 on sale for 3 more dollars that the SA-HE100... They also had a set of 5 Panasonic SB-HEP20 speakers for $47! The 100 watt KLH E10-DB sub has been relocated to my office. The guys at Rex also gave me the extra rear center channel speaker that USED to be supplied with the receiver when it was a new product. It sounds great when blasting a DTS audio disc...In the office, I'm running the digital out from the Audigy 2ZS sound card from my main pc into the coax input, got another pc jacked into the s-video and rca audio connectors, and a Sony NS715P DVD into the optical connection. The DVD player is connected to a (guess) 27 inch Panasonic CT-24SX12 television via the component inputs.
By the way, I don't work for Panasonic, I just like the value and the functionality I get out of these produts. With the additional receiver, I have room to upgrade and add even more stuff, if necessary. Even thinking about picking up another turntable for the office. Now I can really annoy my neighbors...
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 239
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Epinions.com ID:
myoda789
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Location: Pittsubrgh, PA
Reviews written: 2
Trusted by: 0 members
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