I got my KLH R5100 for Christmas two years ago but couldn't review it because Epinions didn't have the item listed. My parents picked one up at Best Buy for $100 after a price drop and rebate.

Overview

Physically, this receiver is larger than most 5.1 models because the internal components are not compacted optimally. However, the large amount of open space does assist with cooling when running at higher volumes. The LCD display is two-color, has a dimmer, and is easy to read from moderate distances. The front buttons and volume dial are all plastic and do have a cheap feel, but what can you expect for a hundred dollar receiver. The rear panel has RCA and SVideo connectors, with specific audio jacks corresponding to the appropriate video signal. VCR1, VCR2, SAT, and DVD can carry audio and video, while CD, TV, AM/FM, and TAPE are strictly audio. The digital Coax and Optical (1 of each) connectors can be assigned to SAT, DVD, TV, or CD.

In the Box

In the box you get the main unit, the remote control, an AM loop antenna, an FM wire antenna, a composite (RCA) video cable, and a stereo RCA cable. If you want to use the digital audio inputs extra cables will be needed. The users manual is decent, but some sections have slightly broken English.

Setup

Setting up this receiver is very easy, primarily because it doesn't have many additional options. The physical connection of the speakers is quick, with spring clips instead of binding posts for connectors. The receiver claims to only accept 8 ohm speakers, but I have used 6 ohm speakers on all 5 channels before with no trouble. This might be an issue if operated near max volume however. The initial setup is performed by holding the TEST button on the front of the receiver, which only asks if there is a subwoofer and whether the main speakers are Large or Small. There is no provision for speaker distance or room size. Pushing the TEST button quickly sends a pink noise signal to each speaker in sequential order for troubleshooting. There is a LEVEL button which lets you adjust the output to each individual speaker, from -10 to +10 decibels. There is a catch to the level adjustment: if you turn the volume down too low all of the negative (-) adjustments are reset, and if you turn the volume up too high the positive (+) adjustments are reset. I find it best to use only positive adjustments and then not to turn the receiver up past the limit.

Audio Settings

This receiver was built to accommodate 5.1 speakers and the best experience will be obtained with a surround setup. The DSP modes (Stadium, Concert, Theater, Church, Arena, and Club) are only for 5.1 configurations, with EQ modes (Rock, Pop, Classical, Vocal, and Jazz) intended for stereo sound. When playing a source encoded for surround (Dobly ProLogic for analog connections, or Dolby Digital for digital connections), the surround button can be used to cycle between them. For analog sources there is also a BYPASS button for direct stereo sound without enhancement. A BASS and TREBLE button are on the front of the receiver and can be used for all modes except 6ch input.

I have a serious issue with this receiver because when using Dolby Digital, there is an audible ticking sound that comes from the speakers, probably from a cheap decoder chip causing interference on the signals. The ticking is not present in any analog modes or when using the 6 channel input, so it may not be an issue for everybody.

6 Channel Input

The 6 channel input on this receiver is unexpected for such an inexpensive model, but it is beneficial because it allows DVD-Audio or SACD decoders to be hooked up to the amplifier. It is also helpful if you have an external Dolby Digital or DTS decoder (as I do, through my computer). It is important to note that the receiver does not perform any enhancement or decoding on the 6 channel input. The LEVEL button can still be used to adjust the output of each speaker. If you have small speakers with a subwoofer, the source player is responsible for any bass redirection to the .1 channel, the receiver will not do it by itself.

Audio Quality

Other than the aforementioned problem with Dolby Digital decoding, I have no issues with the sound output of this receiver. With my 5.1 setup I can play most movies very loud at 2/3 volume, with headroom to spare. The listed distortion for this receiver is 1% at 100 watts, so it's best not to push it all the way to full volume if you want clean sound. I have used it at full volume for an hour-long parade, using 2 main speakers, and the sound quality was still very acceptable. In the event that the receiver overheats it has a protect mode that will shut the unit down.

If you have any other questions about this receiver leave a comment and I will get back to you.

Recommended: No

Amount Paid (US$): 100