Kenwood VR-309 Dolby Digital Receiver
See it at Amazon.com for $239.99Average Customer Rating
(4.0 out of 5)
Amazon Customer Reviews
Most Helpful First | Newest First (4 out of 5)Fantastic unit, somewhat difficult remote
As a previous owner of Kenwood recievers, I knew I would not be disappointed with the VR-309. On top of the great name, I was excited about getting plenty of "home theater" power, AND Dolby Digital/DTS Decoding. 100 watts to all channels has brought Dolby Pro Logic to new life. (Unfortunately, I haven't yet been able to test DVD). As far as versatility, you really couldn't ask for more...multiple video inputs, direct inputs for CD Players, and all of the latest connections (banana plugs, optical/digital hook-ups) make this a "capable" reciever for a long while to come.
My small gripes deal specifically with Kenwood's multi-brand remote and the input selector dial on the receiver. Kenwood certainly goes all out when trying to become compatible with other brands of remotes. Everything from Satellite controls, cable boxes, TV's, CD-players and VCR's seem to be covered. While Kenwood makes a nice attempt at diagraming and explaining usage of their remote, simple tasks like turning on your VCR or TV result in ridiculous three step process (instead of simpler methods). On the receiver itself, things also get "hairy" when attempting to switch from your tuner to your Video or CD units. Instead of assigning specific buttons on the front panel for immediate access, Kenwood jumps on the Sony bandwagon of using spin-dials. This becomes annoying at times when you want to tune into the radio and have to spin the "input selector" ten times to cycle through VCR, CD, DVD, etc just to reach your tuner. If you can overlook these few minor annoyances, I am positive you will be extremely happy with this product.
On a side issue, just last week I misplaced my VR-309 manual and couldn't find it. When I visited Kenwood's website, I was extremely pleased to find that the last four years of manuals are stored in ADOBE Acrobat format that you can download for free! Now that's service!
In conclusion, the only thing keeping this unit from getting 5-stars are the remote and the input selector dial. I love this receiver and am itching to hook my DVD player up...Happy listening!
(4 out of 5)Incredible Sounding Receiver!
The Dolby Digital sound from DVD as well as Pro-Logic from VHS, sound unbelievable. It will blow your mind! The discrete output to your powered subwoofer will rumble your socks off! Haven't yet experienced DTS, not many DVDs out yet that contain it. Setting up the remote was less than straight forward (otherwise I would have rated it five stars) but don't let that stop you from purchasing this bad boy, once you figure it out, it's really not that bad and the sound more than makes up for this minor flaw.
(5 out of 5)Don't let the remote scare you
I got this receiver as part of Kenwood's Digital Home Theater in a Box. I was blown away by the sound. I had returned a different model and was about to give up hope of finding an affordable DTS receiver. I was a little confused by the hook ups and the remote, but a phone call to thier 800 support # cleared up all of my problems. I was able to program the remote to work with my odd mix of stereo and TV components. I would recomend this receiver to anyone looking to make the DTS plunge. I works great with my Sont 530 DVD.
(1 out of 5)Far too Confusing
Without the manual you would be lost!The THD of the so called KAM amplifier is far above any other comparable unit available.I think it is a gimmick to hide a cheap amp! Check the kenwood site for the KAM definition. I don't understand why the video connections on the back of the unit are not common with the front (back-video 1-2-3...front vcr 1-2, dvd). The volume control for all the channels is in db's and seems to be able to go into negative values. Having to scroll through all the audio modes with the selector knob is a joke. I didn't use the reciever long enought to understand all the features,needless to say I returned it. Maybe I expected too much from the kenwood.
(4 out of 5)the good the bad and the ugly
the good thing about this product is the excellent sound output , without any technical mythology,it just sound wonderful and it gives you real home theater experience . the bad is the complexity of instillation and operating the remot , i have to read about 15 pages of information . and i still don't get right . the ugly : the remot , too large size and out of style shape