SA-XR25 or SA-XR45 ?


The only diffs I can detect btw these models is:
DTS: 96/24 supported on XR45
"Multi-Source Re-Master Processing"
# of digital inputs (3 vs 4)
Remote control (custom vs universal)

Here are Panasonic's links to both:
http://catalog2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ModelDetail?displayTab=F&storeId=11251&catalogId=11005&itemId=63386&catGroupId=11135&modelNo=SA-XR25&surfModel=SA-XR25]XR25
http://catalog2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ModelDetail?displayTab=F&storeId=11251&catalogId=11005&itemId=63385&catGroupId=11135&modelNo=SA-XR45S&surfModel=SA-XR45S]XR45

I found the XR25 for around $220 (vs around $290 for the XR45).
My main interest is stereo MP3 playback (*not* movies or 5.1).
Why should I pay more for the XR45 ?
Will this "Multi-Source Re-Master Processing" feature make a significant diff for MP3s ?
Thanks !
captainbeyond
Just a week ago, I ordered a 45 from Videodirect or one of those places, but they came back a few days later and said it had been discontinued and they couldn't get any. However, they said they are being told March or April on the XR70, so I'm going to believe them on that and wait for the 70. If it turns out to be July, I'll be pissed.
The Re-Mastered fields will have an effect on playback as I have tested them for regular recordings,but not for MP3's.

In any event the unit is well worth the $$.I think it is the best deal in affordable audio right now unless you use analog.

From some others comments it beats out some great Rotel gear and others.As for myself it bests my older Rotel gear and falls just shy of my Passive setup which cost around $1500 without having the ability for HT.

You might want to wait for the XR-70 model,but if you have no need for HDMI hook-up why wait.

Panny

Great deal!
I have the SA-XR25 model for my "souped up" TV (I really can't call it HT). However I do have the whole 5.1 setup, and agree with others that this is one fine piece of equipment.

Features that the 45 has which the 25 does not are:

1. On screen display for setup purposes. Not really a problem because the front panel buttons are really more convenient. If one plans to use the unit just for audio the OSD would be a waste of money.

2. Low level outputs (stereo) for driving an amplifier at a second listening location. You probably don't need this.

3. The remote has a button labeled "TONE" but the 25 does not respond.

I don't know what Gmood1 means when he talks of direct digital input. Mine has it. 2 Optical, 1 coax, and 1 optical output (shown connected to a CD recorder). The 45 has 3 optical in, said to be ready for 192KHz.

All performance specs are the same.
Drubin ..I hope they are right..then I will be buying the XR70 sooner than what I thought!
Hello Eldartford...I meant it would have HDMI interface ..that will allow transmission of DVD-Audio in the digital domain .If you look at the back of XR25/XR45 it's set up for 6 channel analog input. Also I hear there's a XR50 coming out..not sure the differences between it and the XR70.

Also Panny you can give the top end a smooth ,detailed and natural response by adding a Crescendo bypass capacitor of .01uF to the tweeter/midrange crossover.It seems to take out any high freqs ac noise or hash.Bypass caps are used within the unit to filter out ac noise already.It only makes sense to add another line of filtering at the speakers.I've been toying with the bypass caps for a couple of days now..it makes the Panny have even more air and makes the soundstage tightly focused.I didn't know Maggies could have the pin point imaging of stand mounted speakers...they do now!

Try it and see.. I think you will be very suprised! The $8.50 per cap plus shipping is worth it. It really turns this light weight into a heavy weight in the amplifier world! The filtering caps should also help other amplifiers or speakers with high freqs ac noise.
I'm curious, pople have mentioned mods to these units. Who is doing the mods and what are they doing, does anyone know?