Great receiver that can be had at a great price!
Written: Dec 19 '01
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Pros: THX Select certification, power output, features, hookup options, RF remote
Cons: Inability to go directly to source, but rather having to rotate through all options
The Bottom Line: For the $$$, you won't find a better deal out there!
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| jonwes's Full Review: Kenwood VR-510 5.1 Channels Receiver |
This is a great receiver that I was able to land at a great price. After reading an endless number of reviews, I decided that given my positive experience w/Kenwood receivers in the past, I'd go with the most bang for my buck and buy the Kenwood VR-510. I must say, with THX Select certification, Circle Surround Sound, Dolby Pro Logic II, and a whole host of other features/options, you can't beat this receiver for the $$$. It even has front A/V inputs WITH an S-Video input!
The receiver really comes to life when a DVD player is connected via the optical digital input. It plays loud and clear. As several other people have mentioned, the Pro Logic II can make a world of difference when it comes to non-Dolby Digital sources. Even listening to the radio with this option makes a very noticeable improvement in the listening experience.
The remote for this receiver is OUTSTANDING. Easy to navigate all of the options, RF transmission that can transmit several rooms away (be sure to mount the RF antenna as high as possible), IR transmission giving you the ability to program a universal learning remote like the Sony 2100 with the important receiver commands, an LCD display, and a very sturdy design with grip pads on the side of the remote. After using this remote, I can't imagine going back to the "standard" of having to always be pointing the remote directly at the receiver. Much more user friendly this way.
Conclusion: This is a great receiver that can be had at a great price if you look around. My attitude is that with technology constantly changing, I'm hesitant to spend big bucks on a receiver because I'm probably going to be upgrading within a few years. The VR-510 gives you the best of both worlds, because you're getting the latest that technology has to offer plus the lack of a guilty conscience when it comes time to upgrade, given the small monetary investment here. You won't regret the purchase of this unit, just be sure to read the manual thoroughly so you take full advantage of all that it has to offer!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 374
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jonwes
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