RT2500 Receiver -- Adequate while it lasted
Written: May 22 '05
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Product Rating:
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Pros: 5.1 Channel Input for Dolby Digital, DSP modes, Night Mode, Test Setup, 6-channel for DVD
Cons: Not built to last, speakers are only adequate (subwoofer non-powered)
The Bottom Line: It would have been an ok unit if it just lasted for more than a year or two.
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| mrobbeloth's Full Review: RCA RT2500 Theater System |
This receiver from RCA served it needs while it lasted, but I found its reliability wanting (I also had a 32" TV from RCA, which did it last over two years -- a trend?). It lasted about two years (Part of that time in storage) before it would turn on, but no longer power-up.
The unit is easy to set up and comes with a universal remote control. However, this CRK76 remote control unit is not very universal in my opinion as I still needed multiple remotes, especially with newer equipment. It also comes with rather weak FM and AM antennas, an audio cable, a video cable, instruction manual, and set of AA batteries.
The instruction manual is reasonably easy to follow and gets you up and running in short order (provided you have an adequate cable supply). It has a coaxial CD connection, a dolby digital PCM hookup with two/ optical connectors (one for your SAT, the other for your DVD), 6 channel direct input to a multi-channel decoder (for instance, dTS), three S-Video connections (two input, one output), four A/V outputs, one A/V input (for VCR recording), two audio connections for Tape/CD player, and speaker connections.
I never connected a pair of headphones, but the night mode is nice to have to keep your significant other from being distribted if he/she sleeps lightly. I found the other DSP modes (Stadium/concert/theater/arena/church/club/off)and EQ (classic/pop/rock/jazz/vocal/flat) modes made for an easy way to get an adequate (not great) sound setup configured. It has the usual treble and bass controls and these work as expected. Oh, keep in mind that the subwoofer is non-powered and if you decided to ever keep the speakers for use with a new receiver (I'm not made of money), the subwoofer is not likely to be useful on the new system. It was an excuse for me to get a cheap powered subwoofer. In general the speakers are just ok, nothing special. Finally, keep in mind this is a consumer, budget setup, it is not for those with discerning tastes (thankfully, I'm not too terribly picky). The amplifer is rated as 0.9% THD @ 1 kHz with 100 W to all 5 channels @ 6 ohms (the subwoofer has 200w ratting at 3 ohm) and has a frequency response in the 40Hz to 20 kHz range (+/- 3dB) and a signal-to-noise ratio of 65dB.
The unit includes a front A/V hookup, which prove useful for connecting a karoke machine or camcorder.
The unit has a standby mode to go back to the mode it was in before power off. It also has a sleep mode that can activate after 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes. I never used it though. I just fall asleep on the sofa and later drag myself to bed at which time I turn it off.
The antennas provided very poor reception, especially on the AM band.
It was an ok unit, I just wished it had lasted longer (I would have liked to got 5 years of this piece of equipment).
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
mrobbeloth
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Location: Carlisle, OH
Reviews written: 4
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
I'm a 26 year-old, married software engineer in the Dayton, OH area.
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