|   Technics SA-DA15 | Brucesboat
Jan 10, 2002 11:58 AM | | I'm looking for a relatively inexpensive receiver with decent specs and ran across the Technics SA-DA15/20 models. Does anyone have an opinion on these models? I'm also considering the Yamaha RXV620 or a Harmon Kardan model. Thanks |
| re: Technics SA-DA15 | waVeman
Jan 10, 2002 7:30 PM | | I have had a SA-DX1040 for six months, and have no serious complaints. The SA-DX1040 is a 2001 model, and is almost identical to that year's SA-DA8, which--keep reading!--seems to be about the same as the 2002 SA-DA15. Mine though, doesn't have the new coaxial digital input or front-panel VCR input.
Complaints? Crummy remote.....wish it's dimmer feature had a less-bright setting.....no loudness button for low volume situations......no on-screen display.....gets VERY hot in normal use , so <i>have</i> to provide good ventilation (all present Technics receiver's share this trait because of their modified class "A" power amps, or "Enhanced Class H+" in Technics' lingo).....no indicator light for volume knob, just a gold button--quite irritating!........& no sleep timer!
High points: easy to use.....understandable control layout, i.e., good ergonomics, as my work design professor would say.....gutsy power amplifier that can operate difficult speaker loads, even without the "low impedance" setting activated--I tested this, carefully!, myself......a shallow thing but: it looks quite cool all set-up. It's ultra square-n-spare styling always gets comments. Yes, not always positive but at least it's not boring!.......detailed sound reproduction.
Things not mentioned on Technics' website or listed on receiver's faceplate:.......dynamic range compression (called "midnight mode" by other brands)......variable subwoofer frequency crossover control.......display turns off completely in low-distortion VGCA mode......receiver literally writes out instructions/warnings/reminders via its front panel display........has DTS and PCM "fix" modes if playing weird dvd's or cd's that won't work normally......and a big one for me, receiver remembers individual delay/volume/DSP mode settings for <i>each</i> input......and for vinyl lovers, includes phono input. And front panel IS aluminum. To test, when reciever has been off for a while, panel is cold to the touch. Plastic always feels about the same (can't remember the thermodynamic term for this phenomena). Volume/function knobs are metal over plastic.
Hoped this helped. |
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