Features:
- 100 watts x 5 channels
- Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel surround decoding
- 5.1-channel direct inputs
- S-video switching
- RF (radio frequency) remote for multiroom access
Description:
A superb of example of what today's audio-video receiver can be, JVC's RX-9000VBK scores a two-run homer with its striking combination of features and performance. Included is a muscular 100-watt output for all five channels, Dolby Digital and DTS surround decoding, a future-ready 5.1-channel input, S-Video switching, 30 FM and 15 AM tuner presets, and enough connections--including a phono input--to keep even the most crazed home theater enthusiasts happy for years. A unique feature of the RX-9000VBK is that its remote control transmits via both IR (infrared) and RF (radio frequency) signals. Most receivers get their signals via IR transmission. But fact that the RX-9000VBK also transmits and receives RF commands means you can control the receiver from other rooms--which, when you consider the fact that the RX-9000VBK also sports a dedicated "subroom" stereo speaker output for a second room, starts sounding pretty darn convenient. On a more basic level, the RX-9000VBK's controls are intuitively arranged, and the two jog-shuttle controls are a godsend. One selects inputs, while the other governs multifunction settings for speaker balance, channel output levels, speaker crossover points (bass management), assigning source names, and customizing the DSP modes. Setup is further simplified by JVC's fine onscreen display menu, which lets you manage settings from your couch instead of from a crouch. Five audio/video inputs (four of which include S-Video) and three audio-only inputs provide plenty of room to grow your system, and JVC wisely elected to use binding posts for all speaker terminals, a boon to those using (or planning to use) banana-terminated speaker cables for all channels. JVC's Text Compu Link shows CD track and title information (with CD Text-encoded discs) on both the receiver's dimmable florescent display and the on-screen display. The RX-9000VBK's four digital inputs correspond to DVD, CD, TV/DSB, and minidisc, and you can also rename them to suit your needs. While these features are all great, the best is yet to come: the RX-9000VBK's sound is superb. With stereo music the top-to-bottom balance is remarkable, thanks no doubt to the receiver's fully discrete amplifier outputs and JVC's legendary K-2 digital processing. High frequencies sound open, extended, and silky smooth. The bass has speed (dynamic precision) as well as impact. And in the critical midrange area, vocals sound expressive with a good sense of body, while pianos, horns, and string instruments exhibit fine texture and presence. Things get even more exciting with Dolby Digital and DTS music and movies. As we went through our discs, our room became an ever-shifting soundscape--ranging from an intimate recording studio to Carnegie Hall, from a New York street to an outer-space battle zone, with our speakers seeming to vanish into the ether. What more can we say? Good stuff, JVC! --Wayne Garcia Pros: - Excellent sound
- S-Video switching capability
- Binding-post speaker terminals for all speakers
- "Subroom" output (for a second room)
- Onscreen display
- RF/IR antenna
Cons: - No main A/B speaker switch
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