Kenwood VR-309 Dolby Digital Receiver

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic unit, somewhat difficult remote
Review: As a previous owner of Kenwood recievers, I knew I would not be disappointed with the VR-309. On top of the great name, I was excited about getting plenty of "home theater" power, AND Dolby Digital/DTS Decoding. 100 watts to all channels has brought Dolby Pro Logic to new life. (Unfortunately, I haven't yet been able to test DVD). As far as versatility, you really couldn't ask for more...multiple video inputs, direct inputs for CD Players, and all of the latest connections (banana plugs, optical/digital hook-ups) make this a "capable" reciever for a long while to come.

My small gripes deal specifically with Kenwood's multi-brand remote and the input selector dial on the receiver. Kenwood certainly goes all out when trying to become compatible with other brands of remotes. Everything from Satellite controls, cable boxes, TV's, CD-players and VCR's seem to be covered. While Kenwood makes a nice attempt at diagraming and explaining usage of their remote, simple tasks like turning on your VCR or TV result in ridiculous three step process (instead of simpler methods). On the receiver itself, things also get "hairy" when attempting to switch from your tuner to your Video or CD units. Instead of assigning specific buttons on the front panel for immediate access, Kenwood jumps on the Sony bandwagon of using spin-dials. This becomes annoying at times when you want to tune into the radio and have to spin the "input selector" ten times to cycle through VCR, CD, DVD, etc just to reach your tuner. If you can overlook these few minor annoyances, I am positive you will be extremely happy with this product.

On a side issue, just last week I misplaced my VR-309 manual and couldn't find it. When I visited Kenwood's website, I was extremely pleased to find that the last four years of manuals are stored in ADOBE Acrobat format that you can download for free! Now that's service!

In conclusion, the only thing keeping this unit from getting 5-stars are the remote and the input selector dial. I love this receiver and am itching to hook my DVD player up...Happy listening!

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Performance at Excellent Value
Review: Having recently purchased a DVD player, I was looking for a digital receiver that could maximize the terrific sound that DVDs are known for.

I wanted to find one with DTS. I was dismayed at the prices I would have to pay to get that feature. When I found this receiver with DTS at this price, I was ecstatic.

The sound quality is terrific. I am 100% satisfied that I bought a great piece of audio equipment.

Rating:
Summary: i have a similar model,model 1080 it is super
Review: i bot a similar older model of this unit 2 years ago,a model 1080..i can not think of a better performing or better made unit for the money.

Rating:
Summary: Don't let the remote scare you
Review: I got this receiver as part of Kenwood's Digital Home Theater in a Box. I was blown away by the sound. I had returned a different model and was about to give up hope of finding an affordable DTS receiver. I was a little confused by the hook ups and the remote, but a phone call to thier 800 support # cleared up all of my problems. I was able to program the remote to work with my odd mix of stereo and TV components. I would recomend this receiver to anyone looking to make the DTS plunge. I works great with my Sont 530 DVD.

Rating:
Summary: Incredible Sounding Receiver!
Review: The Dolby Digital sound from DVD as well as Pro-Logic from VHS, sound unbelievable. It will blow your mind! The discrete output to your powered subwoofer will rumble your socks off! Haven't yet experienced DTS, not many DVDs out yet that contain it. Setting up the remote was less than straight forward (otherwise I would have rated it five stars) but don't let that stop you from purchasing this bad boy, once you figure it out, it's really not that bad and the sound more than makes up for this minor flaw.

Rating:
Summary: the good the bad and the ugly
Review: the good thing about this product is the excellent sound output , without any technical mythology,it just sound wonderful and it gives you real home theater experience . the bad is the complexity of instillation and operating the remot , i have to read about 15 pages of information . and i still don't get right . the ugly : the remot , too large size and out of style shape

Rating:
Summary: Best value!
Review: The sound from this receiver is impressive. The offering of both Dolby Digital and DTS decoding at this low price range is another great feature (The Eagles DVD was what drove me to upgrade to include DTS). Yes, the KAM amplifier, that some may view as cheap, is probably how Kenwood can keep the price down and yet can offer all the other features. A home theater magazine tested this receiver in the lab and their measured figures are actually much better than what was published in the Kenwood spec. You have to read the instructions to set this receiver up to make it play. It is true for all receivers with all these features. To some, it may be confusing. The pink noise generator in the receiver does not seem to help balance the channels properly during the setup. I ended up using a home theater calibration DVD with a sound pressure level meter to balance all the channels. I drive with this recevier a pair of Polkaudio RT800 speakers with its matching center channel and bipole/dipole switchable rear channel speakers, plus a Infinity powered sub. The sound is just unbeleivable. The only complain with this receiver I have is that it has only 1 optical audio input. I would like to have one more for the satellite receiver. I have to settle for the copper digital input. The 3 macro keys on the remote are extremely handy. Once programmed, you can push just one macro key to turn on and set up all the necessary components, such as the DVD player, the receiver with the correct audio/video input, and the TV with the correct video input. Push the same macro key once again to turn off all the components when done watching your favorite video. I am extremely happy with this receiver.

Rating:
Summary: Dollar for dollar, best receiver available
Review: The VR-309 Dolby Digital/DTS receiver is the best receiver under $700 on the market today. It is designed for the NON-audiophile (ie, most everyone), but in no way does it "cheap out" on anything. Inputs include digital optical in (for DVD) and S-Video in (for DVD and S-VHS VCR's), so it won't be obsolete by next Christmas. Speaker connections include "A" & "B" for versatlity, while the bells and whistles that the average person won't use are omitted. Connection instructions are as straightforward as possible, but if you aren't familiar with surround systems, it may be worth it to pay someone to set it up (properly) for you.

The remote is extremely intuitive WHEN PROGRAMMED PROPERLY. Again, if you are new to surround systems or universal remotes, you may get frustrated. The Kenwood remote has more codes (for other manufacturers equipment) than any other remote I have ever used. It has three macro sequences available that can simplify life greatly. The process of programming the remote will be dificult for those who are technology challenged or don't want to read instructions, but once programmed properly, it can turn your whole system on (TV, VCR, receiver, cable box) by just pressing two buttons. The other macros are handy for setting up DVD on and DVD off, especially if you have to change video inputs on your television.

I have two Kenwood receivers in my home, and I would recommend them to anyone looking to set up a home theater. Just be sure to read the instructions or hire someone to do it for you!

Rating:
Summary: Far too Confusing
Review: Without the manual you would be lost!The THD of the so called KAM amplifier is far above any other comparable unit available.I think it is a gimmick to hide a cheap amp! Check the kenwood site for the KAM definition. I don't understand why the video connections on the back of the unit are not common with the front (back-video 1-2-3...front vcr 1-2, dvd). The volume control for all the channels is in db's and seems to be able to go into negative values. Having to scroll through all the audio modes with the selector knob is a joke. I didn't use the reciever long enought to understand all the features,needless to say I returned it. Maybe I expected too much from the kenwood.