I've been using VR-309 for a week now and must conclude that despite all the shorcomings I'm describing below, the bottom line is this piece of equipment is excellent, especially for the money. The quality of sound it outputs is very decent; I've had a chance to compare it to a pair of Sony and one HK: both Sony sounded almost the same, if not slightly worse, the HK had a better "soundstage" but only with certain music played. However, all three units cost more (HK -- significantly more) than Kenmore. And get this -- none of these guys had DTS!
Now, sadly, the other side of the coin. The remote. Being very convenient to hold and operate, it has weird drawbacks in its functions. For example, it doesn't control all the equipment in my house. I'm not surprised about it at all -- Kenwood politely reminds us in the receiver manual it's normal. But is it normal when a remote controls a piece of equipment only partially, skipping its major operational modes? That's what happens with both my VCR and TV. I don't want to go into unnecessary details and will only say it's extremely annoying.

Going back to the lighter side, the unit doesn't heat up as much as many other amps or receivers. I've heard recently: "I never wipe dust off my receiver -- it all burns up anyway". After playing a heavy bass music loudly for a long time, my VR-309 was "actively" warm to touch but nowhere near hot.

I give VR-309 five stars for the value, five stars for the quality of sound and five for construction, but only two stars for the remote. Overall rating -- a bit over four stars.

I upgraded my Kenwood system to a VR-309 from the 1060 receiver. I was antipating a DVD purchase soon, therefore the VR-309 features were attractive.
This was three months ago. My Kenwood CD-203 changer works well, but the remote for the VR-309 does not operate the CD-203 properly. The supposed 'Universal Remote' will only operate equipment manufactured up until a few years ago. Current equipment is incompatible! Believe it or not, but Kenwood sells these two components as a package. They now say they are not compatible. Some firmware error.

I have never received a reply from Kenwood directly. I have had to 'motivate' my dealer to actually find out what the problem was. I am now shopping for a different manufacturers product that is compatible. The universal remote features are important to me.

Bottom line is the VR-309 works OK by itself but don't try to integrate it with Kenwood's own products or any other manufacturers. The support from Kenwood was non-existent and disappointing.

Had the unit only a very short time. Got it from Circuit City for $329. I purchased it because I was looking for S-Video switching and digital inputs. If you are buying this for the S-Video switching, be prepared to lose a lot in the quality department. Going through the Kenwood, my video looked worse than compostie video with big white lines scrolling through the picture. Not what I was looking for from my S-Video inputs. I took it back and got the Sony 935 which is a great amp at only $100 or so more than the Kenwood. I also took the Sony back and got a JVC 888, but that's a different story...
The Kenwood gets 2 stars from me because of the poor video quality. Sound wise it was fine for a $300 amp, but both the Sony 935 and JVC 888 blew it away.

I owned the VR-309 for only a month for use while me normal receiver, a VR-2080, was in the shop. The 309 served as a quite adaquate temp receiver. I liked the S-Video switching, 100Wx5, Dolby Digital, and DTS for under $400. (You can find it under $300 if you look hard enough.) The value is simply unbeatable. The sound quality was good, but lacking some bass. Dolby Digital, Pro-Logic, and DTS playback were all good. Stereo wasn't great, but good speakers and a powered subwoofer will help this system a lot. I personally don't care about the lack of ambiance modes. The remote is good. Worked will with all of my components, including a Panasonic VCR, Panasonic DVD player, a Kenwood 200 disc CD changer, and a digital cable receiver. Worked really well with the Kenwood CD changer. Overall, sound quality was good, not great. It was very easy to use and setup. But for the price it can't be beat.

I've had this unit for about a month now and really, really enjoy it. I'm not a gadget freak, so I knew going in that I didn't want a receiver that had all sorts of bells and whistles -- such as those annoying listening modes -- that you use once and then forget about. What I wanted was a solid, reliable DD/DTS receiver with S-Video switching and real banana plug speaker connections for an inexpensive price, and I definitely got what I was looking for with this receiver.
Everything works great, the sound is excellent with my speaker setup (Pioneer three-way floorstanding fronts, a Yamaha center, Infinity quadpolar surrounds and a Pioneer powered sub), and considering I paid just $299 shipped, I'm thrilled to death with my purchase. Gadget nerds should shop elsewhere, but if you're looking for a reliable, good-sounding, no-nonsense DD/DTS receiver on the cheap that doesn't feel like it's made of balsa wood, you can't go wrong with this unit.

I have owned a 1080VR which I beleive came with the same remote that I have seen people posting about here. I found the remote to be sleek and efficient. While I can't comment on available documentation for programming and use, I can say that I had no problems setting the remote up for use with my components at the time. And setting up macros was just as easy. As for the poist regarding the dispaly of vcr1- vcr3 on the OSD when you cycle thru video components, be aware that these are the default video devices. Once you program a specific device as a video component (such as a DVD player), this will change to from VCR to DVD, or the appropriate component on the OSD.
I wish I could offer coment about the receiver, but I have never had a problem with kenwood over a 12yr relationship. I still have that 12yr old receiver in use (though the model number escapes me). And I am happy to report that the VR-3100 I bought recently has been blowing me away. 5-stars for kenwood and their reliability and quality.

Overall, a pretty decent receiver that handles DD/DTS for a decent price. The remote is cumbersome to say the least.

Only problem: irritating clicking sound everytime I skip chapters. Any pointers on how to get rid of it? The strange thing is that it did not produce any clicking before I did some furniture rearrangement, i.e., unplugging the unit and reconnecting it again.

I am satisfied with the unit.

Great value, good clarity (slightly scratchy top end)

can sound weak

A great value when purchased as a home theater system.

Price

No sound fields for music

It may be a cheap way to get Dolby Digital and DTS but with no sound fields for music I am disappointed. I am returning this receiver and searching for another. To bad the Teac 9100 doesn't have DTS.

Similar Products Used:

Teac 9100

Great price, easy to use

Not enough sound fields, remote

This is a excellent buy for anyone who is tight on cash. I purchased mine from Crutchfield for $299.00, and am loving it. The remote is a little cumbersome, and I wish the receiver had more listening choices or fields....much like Sony's recievers.....but for 299.00 Brand New....who cares. If you are looking for an inexpensive quality Dolby Digital/DTS reciever...this is it! I highly recommend!!!!

Similar Products Used:

Kenwood VR 307, Old Pioneer stereo receiver