A high-end sounding unit at a low-end price!
Written: Jan 19 '04 (Updated Jan 19 '04)
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Pros: Excellent sound and DSP modes. Nice FM tuner. Component/S-Video Switching. Professional finish.
Cons: No equalizer. Low on features. No backlit remote.
The Bottom Line: This is a professional sounding receiver at a low end price. It produces wonderful sound when connected to a good set of speakers.
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| cnagappa's Full Review: JVC RX-6030V 5.1 Channels Receiver |
Decision to Buy
This unit replaces my nine-year-old Sony Dolby Pro Logic receiver. I was looking for a good budget Dolby 5.1/DTS receiver. I did some research and looked at some receivers in the electronics showrooms. But frankly, it is virtually impossible to do a proper side-by-side comparison of budget receivers because they are rarely set up optimally.
So I decided to go the safe, tried-and-tested Consumer Reports route. Luckily their November 2003 issue (and 2004 annual report) has a section on receivers. The JVC RX-6030V and Sony STR-DE595 were both overall rated "good" (but sound quality was rated "very good"). I went with the JVC because the Sony lacked Component video switching - a feature that I might find useful in the near future.
Review
The unit is quite heavy and has a professional construction and finish. It looks like an expensive unit. It has many connection features like component video and s-video switching. I figured these would come in handy as my HT system grows.
The set up was fairly straightforward. You use a jog dial to set up the front, surround and center speakers as "large", "small" or "none". You can also use the jog dial to set up the bass, treble, speaker volumes and other settings. Once this was done, the unit is easy enough for my wife to use.
The FM tuner is really great - much better than the one in my old Sony.
Sound Quality
I first used the receiver with a pair of old Bose 301 speakers. I can honestly say that I have never heard the Bose 301 speakers sound better! There was clearly more definition and overall response than with my old Sony receiver.
Finally, I connected the receiver to my Cerwin Vega AVS-5.1 set (separately reviewed here: http://www.epinions.com/content_126437133956). I set the front, center and surround speakers to "small" on the receiver and then I was completely amazed by the sound. There is absolutely no audible distortion. The unit sounds really fantastic with the best DVDs - like "Pirates of the Caribbean". In my opinion, even better than the sound in a movie theater.
There are various DSP and Surround modes which you can select depending on the source, including "live club", "pavillion", "dance", "all channel stereo", "music" and "movie". All of these are useful and sound great.
Conclusion
Although low on features, this is a great sounding unit which and I am extremely pleased with it. It looks, feels and - most importantly - sounds like a professional unit. I highly recommend the JVC RX-6030V or the higher-end units in the series (the RX-7030V and RX-8030V).
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): $175
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Epinions.com ID:
cnagappa
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Location: Houston, Texas
Reviews written: 8
Trusted by: 3 members
About Me:
High value at low prices is my motto - until I become a millionaire :)
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