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Technics SA-DX930 Audio/Video Receiver

Technics SA-DX930 Audio/Video Receiver

List Price: $399.99
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Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 4 stars
Summary: My Thoughts
Review: For all the rest of the unsatisfied people writing reviews with complaints. My experience with all receivers Ive had (many) is to give them proper ventilation and dont put anything on top of them. What I mean by proper ventilation is explained in the owners manual. This receiver does not cost enough to warrant such protest like the ones Ive read. You get what you pay for. For anybody considering the Technics sa-dx930 go ahead I will back it, mainly because of the cooling fan that comes on when you turn up the volume. The sound quality is great for this price point too! My favorite and main receiver is the Sa-ax7 (Technics) with the VGCA amplifier.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: It's not that bad
Review: I bought this SADX930 when Ward's closed for good. Well ya the fuse blew but I put the 1.6 fuse in and no problems since. What I did for the heat was drilled a hole (with a dremel) just above where the power thing is (by the fan) it is 12v so its kinda loud BUT the system runs cool even when left on for long periods of time. The only reason this doesn't get a 5 star is because it never has been able to play DTS, it always detects dolby digital 5.1 but not the DTS. I read somewhere that someone was having the same problem and said something about going to the repair shop and getting a new one put in (haven't tried this yet). Other then that the thing is a great intro product. While I wouldn't suggest to anyone to go out and get this, if your low on cash and don't mind moding something a little its realy not that bad.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Too Hot
Review: I followed ALL instructions, I even installed two fans one below and one above to keep unit cool. I guess that is why Mine lasted almost 18 months. The thermally controlled fan NEVER went on.

AVOID THIS P.O.S.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Heat problem solution.
Review: I found the solution here:
http://www.audioreview.com/A-V+Receivers/Technics,SA-DX930/PRD_118843_2718crx.aspx

It's a great step-by step. I had the receiver for over a year and then ended up blowing the fuse due to heat buildup when I absent-mindedly covered my stereo center with plastic while painting. Any receiver will run hot. Technics' problem seems to be they put the threshold too high for the thermal fan to get activated.

Here it is copied (thanks to Paul from Colorado Springs);
I purchased at RadioShack the following parts: 270-1051 four-pack 1.6A fuse, 273-0243 12V DC 3" fan, 273-1631 AT&T 9-12V AC adapter, for a total cost of $29.97 plus tax. I chose the AT&T adapter as it was the smallest size and cheapest unit which would provide a 9V DC source (12V runs too loud).

Step 1: Unplug and open unit cover by removing six screws. Locate blown 1A fuse, one of three fuses hanging from circuit board on transformer. Fuse is closest to outside of unit. Replace with 1.6A fuse. Replace unit cover.

Step 2: Remove two philips screws which attach existing fan to back of unit. Remove 1/8" thick plastic fan cover plate, leave fan connected and in place. New fan has two flanges (front & back) with small holes for mounting screws.
*Expand two of these holes on the back flange with a 1/4" dia. drill, which permits the two screws to push all the way through to the front flange.* (I didn't both with this.. I just cut the 2 -not all 4- screw holes on the front so I could put the screws in the back of the new fan) Piggy back the new fan onto the existing fan and reattach the two screws through both fans and into the unit back.

Step 3: Cut the output cable of the AC adapter to about a 12" length. Strip insulation from this cable and the new fan cable. Test polarity of adapter/fan leads (white stripe on adapter cable matched red fan lead on mine) to ensure fan operates. Join fan and adapter leads with technique of your preference. Ensure the adapter is set to 9V DC and plug into the switched AC outlet on unit back. The adapter sitcks out sideways about 1-2".
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Now, I've been running this a few days and no problems. The unit stays way cool since the new fan is on all the time, and the unit won't blow a fuse as easily with the 1.6 amp. You don't have to worry about ventilation and stand-alone fans, also. The unit works great, with digital/optical in and outputs.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Heat problem solution.
Review: I found the solution here:
http://www.audioreview.com/A-V+Receivers/Technics,SA-DX930/PRD_118843_2718crx.aspx

It's a great step-by step. I had the receiver for over a year and then ended up blowing the fuse due to heat buildup when I absent-mindedly covered my stereo center with plastic while painting. Any receiver will run hot. Technics' problem seems to be they put the threshold too high for the thermal fan to get activated.

Here it is copied (thanks to Paul from Colorado Springs);
I purchased at RadioShack the following parts: 270-1051 four-pack 1.6A fuse, 273-0243 12V DC 3" fan, 273-1631 AT&T 9-12V AC adapter, for a total cost of $29.97 plus tax. I chose the AT&T adapter as it was the smallest size and cheapest unit which would provide a 9V DC source (12V runs too loud).

Step 1: Unplug and open unit cover by removing six screws. Locate blown 1A fuse, one of three fuses hanging from circuit board on transformer. Fuse is closest to outside of unit. Replace with 1.6A fuse. Replace unit cover.

Step 2: Remove two philips screws which attach existing fan to back of unit. Remove 1/8" thick plastic fan cover plate, leave fan connected and in place. New fan has two flanges (front & back) with small holes for mounting screws.
*Expand two of these holes on the back flange with a 1/4" dia. drill, which permits the two screws to push all the way through to the front flange.* (I didn't both with this.. I just cut the 2 -not all 4- screw holes on the front so I could put the screws in the back of the new fan) Piggy back the new fan onto the existing fan and reattach the two screws through both fans and into the unit back.

Step 3: Cut the output cable of the AC adapter to about a 12" length. Strip insulation from this cable and the new fan cable. Test polarity of adapter/fan leads (white stripe on adapter cable matched red fan lead on mine) to ensure fan operates. Join fan and adapter leads with technique of your preference. Ensure the adapter is set to 9V DC and plug into the switched AC outlet on unit back. The adapter sitcks out sideways about 1-2".
------------------------------------

Now, I've been running this a few days and no problems. The unit stays way cool since the new fan is on all the time, and the unit won't blow a fuse as easily with the 1.6 amp. You don't have to worry about ventilation and stand-alone fans, also. The unit works great, with digital/optical in and outputs.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Runs a little hot, but good value.
Review: I have the SADX940, which I believe replaces this model. It does run on the hot side, but if you give it the 4 in of ventilation that the manual calls for, you will be OK. Many reviews that I've read have cited the heat, but almost always they have solved the problem with a little more ventilation or by putting a fan near the unit.

Overall, it is a strong value. Sound quality is good, and it has enough power to hit you with when you've got an action DVD playing. If you are on a budget and want a surround starter system, consider this unit.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: VERY UNRELIABLE
Review: I purchased a Technics SADX930 and it failed within 10 uses (each use being the playing of a single DVD movie). I also noticed several audio review websites which have MANY people reporting this unit as running too hot and failing in a very short period of time. I highly recommend against buying this unit.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Would be outstanding minus the heat it creates
Review: I purchased the 930 based on the recommendation from a magazine. While I agree the sound is excellent, the heat it creates is hot enough to fry an egg on. And yes, after one year of use my 930 did burn out one of the fuses. Thankfully I had purchased 3-year extended warranty on it, so I was able to get it repaired for free.
If it weren't for the heat, I would have given the 930 a five-star rating. The sound is that impressive.
My recommendation: If you purchase this receiver, make sure you get an extended warranty with it. If you don't, you will probably be disappointed.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Technics Can't Make A Good Surround Sound Receiver
Review: I purchased this receiver from my local Circuit City almost right after it came out. I have used it constantly for the past 3 years and never had one problem. I have not altered the system in any way, such as those described in earlier reviews. It has been hooked up to my big-screen TV, my playstation and playstation 2, my DVD player, tape deck, and CD player. Never once have I noticed a problem. Maybe I have just gotten lucky, but for my money I couldn't have purchased a better receiver. It has everything I could need.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Almost 3 years and not one problem
Review: I purchased this receiver from my local Circuit City almost right after it came out. I have used it constantly for the past 3 years and never had one problem. I have not altered the system in any way, such as those described in earlier reviews. It has been hooked up to my big-screen TV, my playstation and playstation 2, my DVD player, tape deck, and CD player. Never once have I noticed a problem. Maybe I have just gotten lucky, but for my money I couldn't have purchased a better receiver. It has everything I could need.


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