Buy Kenwood VR-309 Dolby Digital ReceiverKenwood VR-309 Dolby Digital Receiver Product Description:
- Controls most brands of audio-video components
- KAM-1 power-amplifier circuitry
- Quartz PLL-synthesized digital tuning
- Auto function 1-touch operation
- Variable input sensitivity with individual source memory
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
30 of 31 people found the following review helpful.
Dollar for dollar, best receiver available
By A Customer
The VR-309 Dolby Digital/DTS receiver is the best receiver under $700 on the market today. It is designed for the NON-audiophile (ie, most everyone), but in no way does it "cheap out" on anything. Inputs include digital optical in (for DVD) and S-Video in (for DVD and S-VHS VCR's), so it won't be obsolete by next Christmas. Speaker connections include "A" & "B" for versatlity, while the bells and whistles that the average person won't use are omitted. Connection instructions are as straightforward as possible, but if you aren't familiar with surround systems, it may be worth it to pay someone to set it up (properly) for you.
The remote is extremely intuitive WHEN PROGRAMMED PROPERLY. Again, if you are new to surround systems or universal remotes, you may get frustrated. The Kenwood remote has more codes (for other manufacturers equipment) than any other remote I have ever used. It has three macro sequences available that can simplify life greatly. The process of programming the remote will be dificult for those who are technology challenged or don't want to read instructions, but once programmed properly, it can turn your whole system on (TV, VCR, receiver, cable box) by just pressing two buttons. The other macros are handy for setting up DVD on and DVD off, especially if you have to change video inputs on your television.
I have two Kenwood receivers in my home, and I would recommend them to anyone looking to set up a home theater. Just be sure to read the instructions or hire someone to do it for you!
18 of 18 people found the following review helpful.
Fantastic unit, somewhat difficult remote
By A Customer
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!
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful.
Incredible Sounding Receiver!
By A Customer
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.
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