Panasonic is using this week's
CEDIA show to debut its new AV receiver, the SA-BX500, and even though we doubt the nameplate will get much attention from the audiophile crowd, this unit does have a bit of audio-geekery with its bi-amplification/bi-wiring feature. Other stuff that will appeal to a wider audience includes 7x130-Watt amplification, HDMI connectivity (3 inputs, 1 output) that's ready for your 1080p content,
HDMI-CEC in VIERA Link form, support for Dobly TrueHD and DTS-HD MA, and the ability to simulate 7.1-channels of surround in 5.1-channel systems, so you can hear what you're not missing. Available in October for $799, but you can grab a peek at the front and back right now.
posted Sep 4th 2008 2:48AM
Wicked
For $800 this isn't bad at all.
too bad Pioneer can't build the same thing for under $2000.
Panasonic's last batch of receivers from a few years ago were very ho-hum, you can do better than that in sound quality for the same price (ONKYO?). Does anyone have any indication on how much this thing weighs?
gotta agree, you can't post something about an A/V receiver and fail to tell us the weight- borderline sacreligious to the audiophile crowd. $800 for a Panasonic?!?!? you can go and get a Marantz or Denon of comparable spec (maybe a left over from last year) and come out on top.
Is there some rule that stipulates that manufacturers can only supply fugly remotes with AV amps/receivers?
I would guess this would be an ok receiver but $800 for a panasonic is steep. They need to start low, build a reputation that they can build nice receivers then go for higher end ones. I think Ill be sticking with my HK for now and Denon/Onkyo/Pioneer Elite for my next one.
Bi-amplifying and bi-wiring. How much did Monster have to pay them to include this "feature" ?
I think I just threw up in my mouth.
Oddly enough Panasonic almost always has a stupidly high price point for just about everything they introduce, but when the product gets closer to release, the price drops down to a more respectable price. Speaking as a Panasonic/Technics fan, I'm looking forward to this. I've always liked the sound from Panasonic.