Technics SA-TX30

Ratings:Top:Audio/Video:Receivers:Technics SA-TX30

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image
Brand and Model:Technics SA-TX30
Price ($USD):$899.00
Features:
checked Tunerchecked Ampchecked Dolby Prologic
un-checked Dolby Digitalun-checked DTSun-checked THX Certified
un-checked 7.1 Channels
Audio Inputs:
6ch:1Phono:0
Digital Coax:0Digital Optical:0
Video Inputs:
Composite:3S-Video:2
Component:
Audio Outputs:
Speaker:2 (A & B) + surrPreamp/6ch.:
Video Outputs:
Composite:2S-Video:2
Component:
Amplifier
Power (Main Speakers):120 x 2* Watts
Power (Surround Speakers):100 x 5 Watts
THD:%
Weight (lbs):23.8 lbs.
Dimensions (w/h/d):16-15/16 " x 6-11/16 "
Description:*Enhanced Class H+ Amplifier Circuitry for high efficiency

*5 Channel Cinema/Dolby Pro Logic Surround/Dolby 3 Stereo/SFC/Stereo/Mono

*7-DSP-equipped Sound Field Control: (Hall/Club/Live/Theater/Church/Stadium/Simulated)

*AC-3 Ready w/6CH discrete inputs or other discrete multi-channel reproduction

*Subwoofer output

*Quartz Synthesized Digital Tuning System - 30 Station AM/FM random access

*On Screen HELP Function / TV Display (AV hookup required)

*Large needle-type power meters w/Light On/Off option (Remote)

*Front VCR inputs (VCR3)

*Individual Level Controls (LF/Center/RF/LR/RR/Subwoofer) for DPL/DSP & 6CH

*Memory to store 10 individual (DPL/DSP & 6CH) level settings

*Remote controllable motorized volume control w/center 0dB indication reference to standard volume level used for movie dubbing stage monitoring

Vote Highlights Vote
Technics SA-TX30
great amp!

Overall Rating: 8
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=384220

Technics SA-TX30
I've had it for 5 years and it got upgraded to Dolby Digital, DTS, DVD-A and SACD in tandem with Pioneer DV-563A.

I'm lucky I got this retro-styled A/V receiver !!!

Overall Rating: 9
Sound Quality:9 Features:8 Ease of Use:6 Value:9
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=353207

Technics SA-TX30
I love this amplifier, not only it works wonder, but it is beautiful !!!

Overall Rating: 9
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=28835

Technics SA-TX30
The audio quality is overall very good. It is lacking in base and there are a lot of useless gadgets on it.

Overall Rating: 8
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=28834

Technics SA-TX30
>> Another great buy @ Fry's Electronics, Sunnyvale (sale-Jun/Jul '98) <<<
The "Technics SA-TX30 Master Reference Home THX Control Receiver" was on sale for $299.99.
A quick check on the WWW proved this was a great price. The Panasonic/Technics WebSite listed the MSRP @ $899.00. Another WebSite had it for sale @ $799.00
-----
NOTE: The SA-TX30 is not THX Certified but is based on the THX specification for Cinema & Dolby Pro Logic surround equalization. The test signal used for equaling the 6 channels balance are based on the THX 75db SPL (Sound Pressure Level) spec. The Onkyo TX-SV545 follows the same philosophy, not THX Certified but based on it. The Technics SA-TX50 & Onkyo DS-TX939 is THX Certified.
--------
The Technics SA-TX30 is an very elegant unit that delivers clean, dynamic power. After balancing all my speakers to within +/- 1/2dB of each other (LFE was higher for obvious reasons) via the 75 dB Reference signal, I did some extensive evaluation using, AC-3 (or Dolby Digital 5.1), Dolby Pro Logic V2.0 DVD and stereo (music CD's) material. Technics provided memory settings for each mode, i.e. AC-3 6-ch & Dolby Pro Logic Cinema/Surround. The SA-TX30 actually has 10 individual memory adjustment settings for DPL/DSP & 6CH modes.

I used "Delos DVD Spectacular" 5.1 test signals to finalized my AC-3 6-ch balance and the SA-TX30 internal signal generator for Dolby Pro Logic.
The adjustments;
- In a 20' x 20' family entertainment room
- Measured 12' from the 35" Toshiba & JBL Center Channel - sitting location
-------
For:
Dolby Pro Logic/AC-3 Dolby Digital<>:
FL = -5 / -2
FC = +2 / +2
FR = -4 / -1
RSL = 0 / +3
RSR = 0 / +3
LFE = +3 / +3 (adjusted via room rumble, hearing, overall-balance and feel)
-------
DVD Unit: RCA RC5500P w/Built-in AC-3 Encoder
Radio Shack Sound Level Meter #(330-2050)
Max. SPL peaks did not exceed 101db (Class C; Fast; Dial set = 0 db = 100 db)
-------
1) "Tomorrow Never Dies" - opening scenes, song & credits; remote Beamer garage getaway; helicopter landing; motorcycle
chase scene)
2) "Dave Grusins presents West Side Story"
3) "Tremors" - Dolby V2.0
4) "Goldeneye"
5) "Dante's Peak"
6) "Dragonheart" - Draco circling Dennis Quaid while discussing the Old Knights Code (provides a unique 360 degree sound
demonstration starting from the left front channel going clockwise, . . .thats most glorious!)
7) "Sphere" - In the Space ship & Monster chapters
========
The AC-3 (5.1) Digital Surround Sound was alittle more realistic compared to my older bargain (was last year) priced Sony STR-DE515. At no time did I hear any strains or problems, even when I first sampled "Tommorow Never Dies" opening song and the bass note indicated 105db - - wow!! All cinema blockbuster content came in crystal clear, filling the room with all the sonic impact and intended special effects sound spread with glorious fashion!

Actually, both receivers exhibited clean, unstrained power with low distortion & full frequency output (about 30 Hz - 20kHz +/- 4dB* overall in my 20' x 20' family room that includes a free-standing fireplace located to the left corner and a 6' Yamaha Grand piano to the right corner of my Home Theater setup , but I must admit, . . . . the SA-TX30 exibited the traits of a higher-end system by improving the detail, speed, and sonically deeper presentation of the reviewed AC-3 / Dolby Pro Logic Surround material.

The SA-TX30 tuner was superior though compared to the Sony STR-DE515, well, . . . .what do you expect? The STR-DE515 MRSP is $360.00 vs the SA-TX30 $899.95 MSRP.

The DSP modes (7) are well done and proved it's not a novelty. My favorite with stereo (non-Dolby encoded) is 'Theater' or "Simulated' which can be used on non-Dolby encoded VHS Stereo Tapes / DVDs; and with some Joe Sample, Dave Grusin, David Benoit, Rippington's or Bob James Music Jazz CD's I like the 'Club' & 'Live' settings. A very nice you-are-there simulation with no loss of stereo location and presence.

A nice feature is the 'Light' off key on the remote to turn-off the main panel light that illuminates the large Needle-Type Power Meters. The whole unit looks impressive overall, and for $299.99, (I sold the Sony to my brother) it's a great bargain.

My previous Receiver (Sony STR-DE515, owned 1 year) compares well with the Technics SA-TX30 because the differences that I heard would not justify spending $539.95 (MSRP comparision) more! All the sonic differences are subjective but what I did measure in frequency response and heard from my DVDs indicated both units are of high quality.

I was gratified that my SA-TX30, was just sailing through my usual torture tests in splendid fashion. Not only does the Technics get very loud (remember my initial 105 db reading), it does so very quickly, conveying blockbuster special effects with frightening impact. - yes!!

Having Home Theater Sound is not a necessity but a luxury 'want', so getting 'high end' sound without spending 'high end' monies has always been my hobby / priority! If you find this monster AC-3 Digital-Ready Receiver for $299.99 - - - get it! You won't be sorry! The SA-TX30 is a great foundation for the 'high end' Home Theater Sound for a the price.

Overall Rating: 10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=28822

Technics SA-TX30
Is Magnific

Overall Rating: No Vote
Weight: <none>
Date:
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Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=28824

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