The only reason I'm keeping this thing is because I basically got a demo model SA-AX720 + SHAC-500D for an extra $30 compared to the new SHAC-500D that I intended to buy.
The hiss coming out of the rear speakers is quite audible at any volume. There are better units from other companies at similar prices.

In light of that, the only use for this receiver is with a 4+ channel computer soundcard because the noise from the computer fans will drown out the hiss from the rear speakers. Only, of course, if you can get a major discount on the receiver.

But for only $30, I must certainly say it was a great deal on a receiver for my computer.

I bought this reciever almost 8 months ago with technics 688 cd player and SB T-200 tower speakers.I can say this reciever has a great quality of sound,bass sound with those speakers are absolutely perfect.Even when its 1/4 way down all ,i can feel the floor is shaking so badly.So i am very pleased with this one.If you don't earn tons of month ,this is the best product to buy.I don't believe in paying another $1000 over this one to buy a HK or Onkyo. I experience heating problem as well,it goes quite warm but it nevet shut off cause of heat.The best thing is leave the glass window open.
I don't get this hiss sound when the sound level is down.Only when there is no audio signal if i turn it to half way then i can hear hiss but i think this is quite normal.
I am planning to add surround and subwoofer speakers to my system.Is there any suggestion about it??
I give 5 stars to this system,it has everything that i want.Only remote is a bit silly but a 3rd party controller can take care of it.

I have found that using a resistor in series with each surround speaker dramitcally reduces the hiss. With a 4ohm speaker a 25 ohm resistor works excellent, with an eight, try ten to 16. Compensate by bringing up the level via the remote. As a fellow consumer I hope this will help anyone out. There is a big difference when this is done. If anyone has any questions e-mail me.

Appearance

Amp efficiency is very low - looses clarity at 1/4 power level, poor high end

I've had this unit for 6 months - very disappointed. Although it has a stated 100w/channel, the amp is very inefficient causing high end to wash out with volume at 1/4 power level. Technics used to be a reputable name - but they fell off the wagon. Sure, it has bells and whistles - but if you want to listen to clean, crisp sound reproduction - don't waste your money on this one. I suggest a Denon or Yamaha. This one is going to the closet!

Similar Products Used:

Denon, Pioneer

not much it has a good power transformer.thats about it

cheap 3 channel amp module the 2 channel is good cheap pre amp in unit. has hiss in surround mode.help button is sad
no loudness button.

well its a verry cheap unit but with a little moding it has a lot of power for a non surround unit. the 3 channel fried
so instead of fixing it i removed the module.and use the
2 channel module for left and right.and added a loundness button
with verry little work.every thing you need is in the unit
allready

if you have a used one around and want to make it into a
2 channel power house e-mail me

loric@prime-online.com

Similar Products Used:

yamaha older technics

Economically priced, plenty of power

no SVHS inputs for video switching

It is my belief that this was Panasonic's attempt to force it's consumers to purchase their external AC-3 decoder instead of just building it into the same unit like most 5.1 amps today. However, this unit matched nicely with my Sony 850D with its own built in decoder. I find it's much easier to set up and fine tune each speaker from the DVD player than through the head unit.
The AX-720 provides plenty of power to all five speakers with little distortion. A built in fan keeps the transistors cool unlike previous models. The unit lacks some features found on other brands, but I'd never used them anyway!
I was disappointed by the "universal remote" supplied with the unit. While it did work well with other components, the DVD controls are made only for Panasonic brand players.
This is a good starter unit for those who want the benefits of 5.1 surround but still have sense enough not to pay an arm and a leg for it.

(word of advice: make sure you have or get a built in decoder on your DVD player or be prepared to pay the price for an external one!)

Price only -

To many problems with this receiver - it's in the repair shop all the time

I wish I had read these reviews before I purchased the Technics receiver. It overheats, cuts off, and frequent loud humm in the surround speakers. This unit has been in the shop 5 times in the last year - bought it as Best Buy (that was another mistake - they don't support their own warrantly contract).
I'm shopping for a new one - but it's definitly not going to be a Technics!

Similar Products Used:

JVC

Decent power, cost effective

Hissing from centre and rear channels

With this being my first foray into home theatre territory, I must say, I'm quite pleased with this receiver. I have had it for nearly two years now with no problems.

I added the above mentioned decoder about 6 months ago, and it sounds fantastic! (quite a difference between Dolby Pro-Logic and full blown 5.1 digital audio!) Wow!

My only slight problem is that there seems to be no way of correcting the hiss that comes from the centre and rear channels. However, most of the time, it's not noticeable.

I may upgrade to a slightly more expensive model in the future, but the SA-AX720 is great for the beginner on a budget.

(I'm sure this model could be purchased pretty cheap nowadays.)

Similar Products Used:

Technics SHAC500D Dolby Digital/DTS decoder