Kenwood KR-V990D Receiver

Pros: Good sound (450 watts) Great digital surround separation Digital audio input for LDs
Cons: No digital audio for DVDs Problems with surround select Other universal remotes won't work

You probably won't find the Kenwood KR-V990D on any reputable store shelves these days because this product first came out on the market in 1997, but it still makes some good sounds if you come across this older unit. However, be aware of some serious drawbacks.

Firstly, this unit was produced BEFORE the era of DVDs so there's no digital audio interface (SPDIF) for DVDs, but if you still have a relatively new LaserDisc player, this might be the perfect unit for you because there's actually a coaxial digital interface for LD players.

Secondly, there's a glitch in the auto surround sound selection process. After the receiver finds a digital audio source it won't automatically switch back to Dolby Pro Logic sound without either powering down the unit or manually changing the surround sound selection. (I actually use the macro feature to get around this, but what a pain!)

Thirdly, this Kenwood (like so many others) uses a high-frequency remote control, so almost ALL universal remotes will not control this receiver.

This was state-of-the art in 1997, but there are certainly better receivers out there today.