JVC RX-DP9VBK
Written: Feb 20 '02
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Pros: Natural sound; THX certified; excellent speaker set-up option.
Cons: Expensive; remote is not learning; only has 7.1 outputs, no inputs; heavy unit.
The Bottom Line: The perfect reciever for any home theater system. Speaker placement calibrator is a good option for optimizing the sound. May be too expensive for some.
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| supahonda's Full Review: JVC RX-DP9V 5.1 Channels Receiver |
The JVC RX-DP9VBK is the latest addition to my home theater system, and I like this reciever, but it wasn't what I expected for the amount I paid for it. Let's get this out of the way: This reciever is very expensive for the average person. I had to have up $1500.00Cdn in toonies ($2 coins) in order to buy this. If you aren't an audio phile (I am) you will never even notice the difference in sound quality, so I suggest you stick with a cheaper reciever. Anyway, I was impressed with all of the features the JVC RX-DP9VBK and I hope to explain them in depth in the next few paragraphs:
Sound Quality
This is the most important factor when deciding on which reciever to spend your money on. The JVC RX-DP9VBK is really one of the best recievers I have even heard, its just the other features that hinder it. The new technology JVC put in to this reciever is really noticed. The sound is natural and free of static. The reciever allows the sound to flow freely from speaker to speaker without any distortion what-so-ever.
A new feature to the JVC RX-DP9VBK reciever is that "zero inferference" function, which eliminates any iterference within the reciever, only producing the greatest sound.
One of my favorite features used in this reciever is the C.C. (Compression Compensative) Converter and the 24bit (192kHz) P.E.M. D.D. d/A Converter, which improves sound quality in CDs and DVDs, giving you sound the way it was meant to be heard.
The JVC RX-DP9VBK features many different decoding formats, including the basic Dolby Digital, Dolby DTS and Dolby Pro-Logic, but this particular model features THX Select Certification (an extremly high standard in the audio world), which means this reciever also has a THX Surround EX Decoder, furthering the sound quality.
This reciever also features 7.1 channel support, with outputs for 7 speakers and a subwoofer.
And the nice people at JVC even included something for you people with only two front speakers. 3D-PHONIC Virtual Surround Sound creates a Home Theater effect only using your two front speakers (left and right or your basic TV speakers).
Ease Of Use
The JVC RX-DP9VBK is very easy to use, but the remote really drags the unit down. First of all, the remote is a LCD multi-brand A/V-DBS-CATV remote control. The LCD screen is very useful, as it displays what function your reciever is currently operating in. My major problem with this remote control is that it isn't "learing". I would have paid the extra $100 to have a learing remote, but nope, JVC would have none of it.
A feature I really like is the speaker calibration. This lets you set up your surround speakers so you get optimal sound. You plug in a whole bunch of different stats, including the size of your speakers (large, small, none), the distance each speaker is from the TV and the size of the room. It then tells you the right placement for your speakers. The reciever also features a sub test, which tests you low frequency response.
Another of my favorite features is the Text COMPU LINK. which takes data from the CD or DVD you have in your DVD player, and shows it on the screen. This works with CDs, showing the Artist and song name being played.
A cosmetic feasture I really like is the mechanical face plate on the front of the reciever. Touching it emits a whirring sound, which opens up a door, giving you access to all the of features on the reciever.
Outputs/Inputs
The JVC RX-DP9VBK features all of the outputs and inputs you could possibly ever need. This includes 1 coaxial and 3 optical digital inputs with assignable functions (TV/DBS, CD, CDR, MD, DVD, VCR1),5 A/V inputs and 4 audio inputs, 1 optical digital output and 3 outputs, Component video terminals : 2 inputs and 1 output, and S-video terminals : 5 inputs and 3 outputs. The JVC RX-DP9VBK also features banana plug inputs for all of the speakers.
Reciever Stats
Stereo : 120 watts per channel, 80 ohms, 20Hz to 20kHz, with 0.02% THD; 120 watts per channel, 4 ohms 20Hz to 20kHz, with 0.08% THD;
Surround : (Front) 120watts per channel, 8 or 4 ohms, 20Hz to 20kHz, 0.02% (8ohms) or 0.08% (4ohms) THD;
(Center) 120 watts, 8 or 4 ohms, 20Hz to 20kHz, 0.02% (8ohms) or 0.08% (4ohms) THD
(Surround) 120 watts per channel, 8 or 4 ohms, 20Hz to 20kHz 0.02% (8ohms) or 0.08% (4ohms) THD
(Surround Back) 120 watts per channel, 8 or 4 ohms, 20Hz to 20kHz, 0.02% (8ohms) or 0.08% (4ohms) THD
Overall, the JVC RX-DP9VBK is an amazing reciever with a few slight flaws. A great investment for any audiophile. But, a word of warning. Make sure you store this on a sturdy shelf, as this baby weighs close to 55lbs!!!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 859.99
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Epinions.com ID: supahonda
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Member: David DiGirolamo
Location: Ontario, Canada
Reviews written: 30
Trusted by: 7 members
About Me: If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email me at phildigirolamo@hotmail.com
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