A solid performer: JVC RX-8000V
Written: Aug 17 '03
|
Product Rating:
|
|
| Sound: |
 |
|
| Ease of Use: |
|
|
| Durability: |
|
|
|
Pros: Many inputs and features; well-built and produces nice sound for price.
Cons: Can overload in stereo playback.
The Bottom Line: A solid unit that should satisfy most users. Audiophiles, look elsewhere.
|
|
|
| brentv's Full Review: JVC RX-8000V 5.1 Channels Receiver |
COMPANY
JVC is a brand I respect. They consistently offer products with features and performance that most consumers are looking for. They also deliver products that are extremely affordable. In my opinion, they also make some of the best DVD players out there, especially if price and performance is what you’re looking for. You can get a nice player that also has DVD Audio support for about $200.
RECEIVER FEATURES: A LOT OF INPUTS
This receiver was one of a string of purchases that plunged me into home theater. The unit, though not a superior performer in any aspect, is a solid performer in both stereo and surround sound playback. It’s exactly what most mid-range consumers will need if they have a lot of components. With four digital inputs (three optical and one coax), five video inputs, and 5.1 analog inputs, most consumers probably won’t need another receiver if expansion is a concern. The receiver also boasts, whether accurate or not, 120W x 2 in stereo mode and 100W x 5 in surround mode.
SOUND AND VIDEO QUALITY
First, before I can comment on S&V, I should probably run down my setup. I use a pretty basic setup. There’s nothing fancy about any of the components I use. Most users with this receiver probably use similar grade stuff.
I am using:
JVC XV-S502 DVD Player
Yamaha CDC-585 CD Player
Paradigm Mini Monitors V3 (Front Speakers)
Paradigm CC-370 VS (Center Speaker)
Paradigm Atoms V3 (Rear Speakers)
Sony SA-WM40 (Subwoofer)
I use 16 gauge speaker wire and Phoenix Gold interconnects.
First, this receiver reproduces images well. Marginal, if any, detail might be lost by connecting the video through the receiver. Not enough, in my opinion, to be a factor.
Sound is quite good on this receiver as well. For a $300 A/V Receiver like this one, with so many inputs and features, I’m surprised it’s not worse. For CD playback, stereo analog playback is preferred. I find the machine produces well balanced sound across the frequency range. Bass, which I feel is the biggest culprit of inexpensive receivers, is well tempered here. Low frequency is neither boomy or too refined. Let’s be honest, though, this receiver is really tuned for surround sound playback. Both Dolby Digital and DTS recordings are produced with a natural and balanced sound.
PERFORMANCE
I usually don’t have any problems with this machine. With that said, however, in stereo playback, this unit gets really hot at mid to high listening levels. I have discovered that listening to stereo playback using an optical digital cable is useless: after about an hour and a half of playback at high volumes, the receiver breaks up the sound. When using analog as the stereo source, however, you shouldn’t have this problem. The RX-8000V will still get hot, but it shouldn’t stop performing. In surround sound, the receiver never gets more than warm. Even at high levels, the receiver performs like a champ.
The remote is pretty standard fare. It’s a programmable unit that can allow you to use basic functions for other components. I, personally, don’t use the receiver to operate my other components. For me, a universal or learning remote, is the way to go.
WHAT I LIKE
Solid construction and sound; many inputs; ability to listen to one source and watch another; on-screen display for fine-tuning your system; basic graphic equalizer instead of simple bass and treble adjustment.
WHAT I DON’T LIKE
Performance issues in stereo mode; no display dimmer.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 279
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
brentv
|
|
Location: Flagstaff, AZ, USA
Reviews written: 6
Trusted by: 1 member
About Me:
I'm a simple man with a simple plan...of getting us the hell out of here!
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2010 Shopping.com, Inc.