Product Description The SA-BX500 features a decoder for the HD Audio (Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD Master Audio) now adopted in Blu-ray Disc, so users can enjoy the deep, lifelike ambience of 7.1-channel surround sound that is a Blu-ray hallmark. Those with only a 5.1-channel speaker system can also enjoy 7.1-channel surround sound thanks to the SA-BX500's 7.1channel Virtual Surround Sound function. The receiver also boasts advanced Bi-Amp/Bi-Wiring that drives each of the high frequency and low-frequency speaker units with a separate amp. Panasonic's exclusive proprietary drive system also has an automatic internal circuit switching function that eliminates the need to reconfigure speaker connections when switching between 7.1-channel and stereo sound. Ease-of-use is further enhanced thanks to VIERA Link; a technology that allows the consumer to operate VIERA Link equipped home theater components with a single remote. For example, the user can use the VIERA TV's remote control to operate functions such as Auto Lip Synchronization, which adjusts for any lag between image and sound. This high-performance receiver also automatically optimizes the acoustic field according to the speaker positions.
Customer Reviews:
SA-BX500November 14, 2008 7 out of 8 found this review helpful
No frills receiver without the mediocre video processing customary in entry level units, great sound, biampable front speakers, and HD bitstream decoding. Follows a long tradition of Technics/Panasonic digital amplification, all in 11 lbs. of receiver!
OK, the unit is installed. My system:
1. Polk RT800i biamped / CS400i / M5 surrounds / PSW250 sub. 2. Monster HTS3500 conditioner. 3. Sony XBR910 1080i TV. 4. Samsung BD-P2550 BD/Netflix/Pandora. 5. Philips DVP-3962 $25 HDMI 568p DivX player. 6. Muxlab baluns/IR extender HD from basement VIP622 Dish receiver. 7. Audiovox PPC6700 cell phone WiFi Shoutcast stations via GS Player software. 8. Gold plated spades, silver solder, 12 AWG O2 free wiring.
First impressions are that setup is not as bad as thought of given that there is no OSD.
Fed her some Pandora tunes PCM via the Samsung BD-P2550 and i have to say that dynamic range was impressive out of the box, no calibration. Bass is where this baby excels, it is like someone took the "dynamic range compression" off my former SA-XR70S. I still cannot believe how much detail i hear from this 11 lb marvel. Beautiful polyphony on jazz saxophone pieces like Kenny G, Beasley, or Hardcastle, all instruments come alive, for a moment i thought i was in the basement with my separates system. Does not overheat, it is quiet.
Fed it analog from my old cell phone an Audiovox PPC7600 Shoutcast/GSPlayer WiFi and i loved what i heard, not as clear as the Sammy, but we are talking 44 kHz here.
BD excelled, great surround and enveloping front stage (the CS400 center off Craigslist came right on time for the install) from Ice Age.
And then my $25 Philips 568p passing HDMI region free (thx. videohelp.com) DVD player did not do too bad with my kids DVDs. Had to get it as i have this 3 year old who believes loading a DVD in the tray is just the coolest thing ever, the result is we are on our 3rd player in one year.
The Dish VIP622 via Muxlab baluns carrying component video and coax digital sound did well, Palladia concerts DD 5.1 sounded great, not as enveloping as uncompressed tracks or Pandora stations.
No video processing, so HQV based players are a plus, esp. when you have a 1080i display.
Needless to say i love my SA-BX500 for what it does, ie a simple solution for HD sound with great 2 channel biamping included sound. Agree with this part of the review from Home Cinema Choice:
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Neatly Covering All A/V Formats, Precisely Tailored for Your Home
When it comes to all-in-one home theater, the HT-SR800 has made a clean break from the pack. You're looking at packaged home theater that neatly integrates your high-definition entertainment and your HDTV through an HDMI channel that transports video with a resolution all the way up to 1080p. Ably supported by component video switching, the HT-SR800 will handle most of the A/V components or formats currently available, as well as the spectacular quality of high-definition discs. Also, reinforcing the convenience of matched components, this package is the first to use an Audyssey room-correction technology specifically designed for integrated systems. The options - XM Radio (including 5.1 surround sound radio with Neural Surround decoding) and iPod integration-can really extend your reach, making the HT-SR800 one of the more complete home theater packages available.
Special Features-
HDMI Pass Through (2in/1out , 1080P compatible) - A separate audio connection is necessary
"Audyssey 2EQ" Auto room calibration w/Microphone
XM and Sirius satellite radio ready
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