I was just looking around in another audio forum and read about a guy looking for a budget system and he wanted the Panasonic Xr55. Everyone was telling him to go with something else and then he posted a link about a guy replacing his Rotel 1095 and M-Audio delta 1010 10 channel computer DAC with the Panasonic Xr55, stating that it sounds as good if not better. He makes these claims because of the digital amps in the Panasonic.
I would like to hear your thoughts on this.

Here's the link if you're interested.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6492921#post6492921

Link

Yeah, that's the link I posted at the end of my thread. I'm just curious about this receiver after reading about it. Just wanted to heard some opinions on this forum. Is anyone using this with axioms? Just curious about the quality.

If I wanted a budget receiver for either 5.1 HT or 2.1 channel stereo, I'd get the SA XR25, or any of its successors. The 25 can be had for under $200. Sounds terrific!

If you were going to drive M80's (4ohm) I would get something else. However, this receiver probably would not have a problem driving the other 8ohm speakers that Axiom sells.

Agree with sirquack. I wouldn't choose the Panny digitally amplified to drive M80s, but I am certain that the 100 wpc/6 ohms SA XR receivers will have absolutely and unquestionably no trouble driving any other Axiom speaker.

I drove a pair of M3s and M22s with a 5 wpc tube amp and to say there was no problem is an understatement ... a thing of beauty.

Most of the time at moderate listening levels your amps are not putting out more than ONE watt (though spiking to 3 watts) to drive your Axiom speakers.

Well, I was just curious about this particular receiver. I'm planning on going with a HR 345 or Denon 2601, but since people are selling their Marantz's, Rotel's, Denon's, etc. to buy the Panasonic, I thought I would look into this, especially for the price.
I just don't think Panasonic is as good as the other brands mentioned, except when it comes to displays. Those can be quite nice. Anyway, I appreciate the comments.

hehe. I am not planning to sell my Marantz and buy the panasonic.

I don't blame you. Which receiver do you have and how does it handle the axioms?

uh oh.. I have been caught. I am still saving up for the axioms. As I started down the road, I thought I could just buy speakers and be happy. But then I realized my Pioneer VSX-108 was way-underpowered and not even 5.1.

so.. this Christmas I have purchased a Marantz 7500 and the HSU VTF3-MK2 subwoofer (and their VT-12 satellites). The sub is outstanding and I am still left desiring better speakers for the fronts and surround. Actually the VT-12's have a decent center, which surprised me.

Come tax-refund time, the VT-12's will go to the kids TV room and I will be getting 2xM22i's, 1 VP 150 and 2 QS8's. I think the Marantz will sound even sweeter on those.