Kenwood VRS-N8100 Network Receiver

Rating:
Summary: Kenwood VRS-N8100 - Great Performance!
Review: After 7 years with my old Kenwood 1080VR, I was in the market for a new receiver to take me through the next several years of technology. This VRS-N8100 Networked receiver does just that. Its all digital processing delivers amazing sound and the ability to stream media files from your PC or home network is a great addition.

PROS:
- Sound performance is great, while auto-detecting all the major surround audio signals
- Network capabilities ... allows you to take advantage of your PC media files without the need for a media hub
- Extremely easy on-screen setup process!!!
- 4 digital audio inputs (2 opt, 2 coax) are completely assignable via the on-screen setup
- Composite, S-video, and component video ins and outs ... HDTV ready
- Fully 7.1 compatible with LB and RB pre-outs (Surr Back speaker outs)
- Slim attractive design
- Many gaming and headphone options to enhance game play

CONS:
- Could always have more inputs, but the slim design limits space. I had plenty for my setup, but it is fewer than other high end models.
- I didn't see this one coming ... but the remote now controls both the old 1080VR (which is powering speakers in other rooms) and the VRS-N8100 simultaneously. I don't know if there is a way around this.

In all, you will be happy with this receiver. Just with my 5.1 setup and Dolby Digital movie, I could tell a substantial difference in sound quality over the 1080VR Dolby Digital. Maybe it's the ease that you can adjust the speaker settings or the state of the art digital processing. But what is for sure is that this little receiver packs a lot into its small frame.

I highly recommend the VRS-N8100 as a truly future-ready receiver, already!

Rating:
Summary: Wonderfull Receiver
Review: I did a lot of research when looking for a new low profile receiver for my home theater. Being small was important, but I wanted something that sounded great too.
I read great reviews on the Panasonic SA-XR50S and Onkyo TXLR-552S which fit the bill, but I was really enticed by the Kenwood VRS-N8100 networking features. I didn't see many reviews on it, so it had me a little nervous and I was afraid I was going to compromise sound quality by going with something gadgety. Well I went for it anyway, and I'm so happy I did.

Just judging it as a low profile home theater receiver it more than justifies the investment. It sounds great with my S300 and MC300 speakers and subwoofer. I love the feedback of seeing the autodetect indicators on the front telling you if the incoming signal is DTS, Dolby Digital, or whatever.

It was also super easy to setup and get going with the onscreen configuration.

I highly recommend this unit.