Kenwood VR-7070 6.1 Channels Receiver

Pros: Great design, THX quality (!), Kenwood name, 6.1 surround sound
Cons: Setup can be slightly confusing, heavy (pro or con??)

This receiver allows the user to truly get into the world of THX audio for a decent price. Many THX receivers can cost into the thousands of dollars, but this receiver can be afforded by the middle income family-and provide stylish looks, as well as wonderful sound quality. Although the features and ease of use take a while to get used to, I was able to completely figure out hook-up and accessibility through trial and error. It didn't take me more than 30-45 minutes to do a complete hook up to six channels of surround sound-and to have a decent grasp on equalization settings. This receiver is large, but yet feels extremely well-built. While you will find this receiver for $450 at retail price through stores such as Bestbuy and circuit city-I purchased this new system through etronics.com. A new receiver is precisely what I got! Highly recommended to all! Overall, if you don't mind a large-designed receiver (no one would consider this receiver "sleek!"), you will undoubtedly have no convictions about this purchase at a comparable quality to many other receivers that may cost upwards of a thousand dollars. Great THX quality!

Pros: Good solid performance, Good bang for buck, Excellent THX Select unit.
Cons: No on-screen display

Just got my VR7070 about a month ago and I finally figured it out. If getting one you must use the fiber optic digital output. I am using a Cerwin Vega 5" center channel, Cerwin Vega 10"sub, KLH 12"sub, 15"Fosgate/Kicker 3 way front speakers, Polk Audio Bipolar rear surround speakers. First thing I must say is the BASS can get a bit wild very quickly. Excellent for LFE explosions while the other surround speakers fill in the mid and high gaps. Dolby Digital and DTS work excellent with DVDs that aren't THX stamped. But when its THX like Finding Nemo DVD hold on tight. My tv is a Mitsubishi 65" Platinum Series Widescreen HD-Ready TV which I am using with a Sony Progressive Scan DVD player hooked up with component video. If on a budget the Kenwood VR7070 won't disappoint. Trust me my living room feels like being in a mini-IMAX theater.

Pros: Great features for the money optical inputs HDTV Component Video Switching 6.1 and THX certified
Cons: No on screen display (makes setup harder that it should be) Funky remote control

I purchased this unit because I was upgradeing from my Beloved JVC unit that has done me well for years. I wanted to get a receiver that has component switching for HDTV and DVD. This had it, packed more power than the competition, and seemed like it was a pretty good deal.

So far It is doing ok for me, I am having a hard time getting used to the silver face plate (still like black) and the lack of on screen display is somewhat frustrating.

has a good number of inputs and outputs, and so far things are working pretty smoothly. The remote control is weird, takes some time to get used to.

One thing that really bugs me is the fact that the owners manual looks more about the size of a warranty disclamer.

Very little help with setup and configuration, my JVC owners manual was about the thickness and size of an average magazine, this one is about 10 pages.