Panasonic SA-HE200 AV-receiver

The top model in the company's line implements the latest audio developments of Panasonic, particularly, the Remaster function (transfer of CD stream with the resolution of 16 bit/44 kHz in 24 bit/96 kHz), terminal amplifiers on field transistors (improved H+ scheme), decoding of any 6.1 signal and the possibility to connect two central rear speaker systems. The latter is the company's trick, desiring to put SA-HE200 in the same range with THX certified devices (there is no the seventh amplifier, both speaker systems are sounded by one amp channel). Here are other cessions to common sense in favor to design. For example, Dimmer function turns out to be almost useless: display turns off, but buttons on the front panel are equipped with bright LED indicators, which are always activated. But signal delays and the size of speaker systems are changed only from the front panel. The remote control has a slip cover, but under it there are some frequently used buttons. As for the rest, it is thought out very well: clear separation into two working areas and the buttons with backlight simplify the using in darkness of cinema hall. Initial setting is possible only from the front panel, its algorithm is quite intricate, but logical. The device sounds much better than the models of previous generation. The amps perfectly cope with energetic effects (shots, explosions), the stage, at the same time, is not blurred. We recommend Panasonic SA-HE200 receiver to whose, who seriously thinks to buy DVD-Audio or SACD player and who wants to change a stereo amp to multichannel. The receiver works great with almost any speaker system.