Rob H
01-06-2005, 08:13 PM
Last weekend I purchased a Panasonic XR25 digital receiver to try out with my AR.com DIY speakers. As those who frequent Audio Asylum and Audio Circle will know, there has been LOTS of discussion of these receivers being used in 2-channel audio setups. Many were claiming audio equal to, or better, than some very high end equipment. The XR25 is a discontinued model which I was able to buy locally for $199.00 (!). For $199.00, and the store letting me know that, should the Panasonic not be a good match with my speakers, I could return it...I figured it was a low risk purchase. My previous receiver was a Denon DRA685 (100 wpc) stereo receiver. The DIY's sounded very good with the Denon, albeit a little bright. One of the concerns I had prior to purchasing the Pany, was the "bright" treble some had described with these digital amps. I've only had the Pany since last weekend, so it hasn't really been broken in (some claim huge amounts of break in hours needed for these receivers). Well...how does it sound? Very good! Extremely clean sound...no background noise whatsoever. The treble is actually toned down compared to my Denon. Still detailed, just more balanced. This is possibly due to better bass management with the Pany (than with the Denon)...a topic Ed Frias discussed recently on another post. The Pany is rated at 100 wpc into 6 ohms. Most speculate it is approximately 75wpc into 8 ohms. My listenng room is very large. The Pany can still power the DIY's to fairly loud listening levels. NO distortion no matter how loud you increase the volume. I am VERY pleased with the DIY/Pany combination. I have ordered a PS Audio Power Punch power cord to replace the stock Pany cord. Most discussions of these receivers mention this as a positive upgrade.
As a side note, I've continued to tweak my AR.coms (that's half the fun of building these speakers). T-nuts have been installed so I can remove the drivers without fear of "stripping" holes. I've removed the Poly Fil and installed the half inch foam pads (supplied by Madisound with their version of the kit) to the top, sides and back of the cabinets. I've also installed a piece of Acousta Stuff (from Parts Express) behind the woofer...along the back of the cabinet. In my listening environment, this combination of dampening sounds very good.
I've enjoyed finding great sounding audio equipment for reasonable (i.e., cheap) prices. The DIY's definately fit that category and continue to please with their excellent sound.The Panasonic digital amps are another great buy in audio. The two together are a great match.
As a side note, I've continued to tweak my AR.coms (that's half the fun of building these speakers). T-nuts have been installed so I can remove the drivers without fear of "stripping" holes. I've removed the Poly Fil and installed the half inch foam pads (supplied by Madisound with their version of the kit) to the top, sides and back of the cabinets. I've also installed a piece of Acousta Stuff (from Parts Express) behind the woofer...along the back of the cabinet. In my listening environment, this combination of dampening sounds very good.
I've enjoyed finding great sounding audio equipment for reasonable (i.e., cheap) prices. The DIY's definately fit that category and continue to please with their excellent sound.The Panasonic digital amps are another great buy in audio. The two together are a great match.