Sa-xr25 volume fluctuation

[JoelK]

I know I've seen this mentioned somewhere else, but I can't locate the thread. So I'm starting a new one hoping that someone can help.

I have a used Panasonic Sa-xr25 that I just purchased through Amazon Marketplace. After some use, I have determined that the volume fluctuates on the TV and VCR analog inputs as well as the optical input assigned to the TV. The DVD coax digital and CD analog inputs are the only ones so far that I've determined do not have this problem. The problem seems to occur immediately.

I'm trying to figure out what to do about this. Music is unbearable when the volume is fluctuating (it will go from fairly loud to barely audible and back many times per minute), and speech is just barely tolerable.

Any suggestions about what to do ? From what I've read of Panasonic's service and warranty, I'll probably pay quite a bit, and it will take a long time to get fixed. I'm not really sure what to do. I don't even think it would work properly with bi-amping because of the problems with the optical inputs. I really don't want to waste the $125 I put into it.

[Smthkd]

I have the same problem with my Panasonic Sa-Xr25. At first I thought it was my system but now I have found out that your having the same problem, I hope someone can answer this question for us!!!

[JoelK]

After some more testing, the DVD 6 channel analog input doesn't seem to suffer from volume fluctuation, either. I noticed that the TV/VHS inputs are the only ones with video inputs and 2 channel analog inputs.

The biggest thing about not being able to use the TV/VHS and optical inputs is that basically removes the S-Video switching capability from the system. My TV doesn't have component inputs, just a single S-Video in. With a PS2, DVD player, and GameCube, I found the switching capability to be extremely useful.

I think the previous thread I can't find offered some blame toward heat. While the problem does seem to get worse over time that the unit is on, it occurs from first startup, which suggests something other than just heat to me.

[JoelK]

I decided to try making the DVD input an to Optical 1 rather than the coax I've been using. There was absolutely no fluctuation at that point. I then tried the coax input assigned to the TV inputl... and the fluctuation was there. I'm convinced the problem is something specific to the TV and VHS inputs. I've also noticed that the volume is softer for TV/VHS than for DVD.

[Smthkd]

I just tested your theory and found the same to be true with my system also! Maybe this is a defect! I also noticed a hugh difference in volume between TV/VHS settings and DVD audio as well! I wonder if there if a fix out there for this problem! Has anybody checked with Panasonic yet?

[JoelK]

Summary of test results

No volume fluctuation:
Any digital input assigned to DVD
DVD 6-channel input
CD analog/digital inputs

Always fluctuation:
Any digital/analog input assigned to TV or VCR

I have not tested the S-Video ports yet. I probably am not even going to use them due to this volume problem. I would REALLY like to know how many people are experiencing this. I'm thinking about trying my luck with a second SA-XR25 off ebay, but if this is a common problem, I won't bother.

I'm praying the problem is due to poor speaker wire (unlikely). I've been using roughly 22-24 guage, and I just bought some 14 guage I'm going to hook up tonight.

[CCarncross]

For the $225 msrp of this thing, I think I would have only bought new. Did you say there was no warranty, or that you just think you'd have trouble getting it fixed under warranty?

[edlib]

i had a xr25 and local repair listed as authorized does not do any repairs to receiver due to trouble getting parts up to 6 months from pan also claims much trouble with receivers suggested sending directly to panasonic.Could be true or not but enough for me to get rid of my xr25.Sound would change from clear to muffled was different through didg auto or didg direct.

[JoelK]

Well, I was unable to locate one new. Maybe I just didn't try hard enough; I don't know. I bought mine used from Amazon.com Marketplace for $125 shipped. I could probably get my money back, but I'm not sure it's worth the hassle.

I don't think Panasonic will warrant the receiver unless it was purchased from an authorized dealer. Also, from reading the Amazon feedback on the receiver, Panasonic's warranty service is extremely poor and can take months.

With the progress I've made in troubleshooting this, I'm tempted to keep it and possibly try again with another one (or an XR50) later for biamping, but I don't know. I'm not satisfied with XR-25's features, but I was trying to keep the price down for now... I figure in a year or two, I'll drop $300-400 on a really good receiver.

I got my Fluance speakers and hooked them up with the 14 guage wire. The receiver is running much cooler with those two speakers vs. the one JBL S38 I've been using. I may try my input tests again.

[mattg3]

No such problems with the xr50 so give it a try if you can find one at a good price.I love mine.