Good sound all the way to the top of the volume range.

Remote looses programing, passive subwoofer sold in set is lousy, can't control volume from my TiVo remote.

Great sound. Purchased as part of a set at Sam's club. The passive subwoofer was ok, but only when run off of a seperate amp. When used passively the center channel was left out and sounded tinny. I purchased an active subwoofer on ebay and have no complaints.

Similar Products Used:

Sony

Low Cost, Universal Remote, Dolby Digital 5.1

Switching Functions on Remote can be tricky

I bought this in October 99 after looking at the Yamaha 5150, Sony 835, Sony 935, and the Kenwood 309. I pleased with the performance for the cost ($299). Does not have any special extras like DSP's, DTS or S-Video switching but if you are looking for a receiver that handle Dolby Digital 5.1 at a reasonable cost this is an excellent choice.

Similar Products Used:

Sony 835, Kenwood 309

good sound quality, nice bass , easy to use

cheap remote and not as many video and audio inputs

good piece of equipment.bought the receiver as the HTB-302 which i heard was qualified as one of the best systems of '99
and so far i like it alot
it's a good buy
no other system wouldve matched this for the price i payed
700$ canadians with taxes included

Similar Products Used:

pioneer, sony

COST - I got this receiver as part of the HTB-402 system, like others, from Sam's Club. Value for money, it would be hard to beat this receiver/system with the Dolby Digital capability. Setup is easy. Sound quality is superior.

Remote - seems able to control numerous A/V components but always seems to be missing one key function for each component. Also, not the easiest or most intuitive to use.

It's early - I've only had the system a month - but so far, I'm pleased with the VR-357.

Similar Products Used:

Sansui Receiver (ancient).

Best value I could find without having to go to the internet.

none really

This product rocks! I picked it up through Sam's Club as part of a Dolby Digital kit that comes with speakers. I'm very pleased with it.

Similar Products Used:

Various Pioneers

good sound, doesn't get hot, don't have to worry about "dsp's" that you never use

figuring out the myriad of things the remote does

This is a great reciever. It isn't the best out there, but you can't go wrong with the price. I got last years model, last one on the floor, for $215. great deal. The best thing that I love about it is that I don't have to worry about all the dsp's that no one ever uses. Sounds great too. buy it for a good deal

Similar Products Used:

aiwa, sony, onkyo

Ease of setup, features for the price, sound

Not aware of any so far

The Kenwood 357 came included as part of their Home Theater system HT-402. The included speakers are ok and include a passive sub-woofer. The instructions included make hook up as easy as possible. The 357 uses several types of binding posts, universal types for the main speakers and quick lock types for the others. The quick lock ones felt a little cheap but worked well nevertheless.

The Kenwood 357 produces acceptably loud clean sound. I feel this receiver would sound even better hooked up to a higher level of speaker. Bass output is a bit weak even with the passive sub. I have heard the same receiver packaged with a powered sub, and the bass response was much better (although the package was approx $200.00 more).

The amp switches automatically among stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1 and Pro Logic, depending on the source of the material. VHS tapes, CD's, cable broadcasts, all sound great. I am pretty impressed with how video tape programming can sound so good.

I would and my son would recommend this receiver to anyone. I might prefer to purchase it on its own, and add a different set of speakers

Similar Products Used:

Older Onkyo Stereo only receiver

Nice options

Power, doesnt put out 100 per channel

The power that is claims to have isnt what it outputs, other then that and the problem of over heating, its good

Similar Products Used:

JVC

Price, great sound quality, easy setup, doesnt have a
history of over heating or blowing the internal amps
like some Sony's do.

Remote is a bit cluttered, lighting on the remote would
also have been nice

Picked this up on clearance at Best buy for $179 and love
it. Setup was ok, but they labeling of the jacks could have
been more clear. Other than the remote I love it totally.

Similar Products Used:

Sony, Pioneer

Easy to set up.

The remote could integrate the functions of the receiver better.

Purchased this receiver as part of the HT-402 package from Sam's Club after spending a week listening to a friend's JVC's DS-TP220 Home Theater package he bought at Costco. Played the same music and DVDs on both systems.

For $50.00 more, the JVC system was the clear winner for a better overall home theater experience. Returned the Kenwood system in favor of the DS-TP220 from JVC.

Similar Products Used:

JVC