Good multi-channel versatility, including the ability to play:
Dolby Digital
Dolby PRO LOGIC II
Dolby 3 Stereo
DTS
SRS Circle Surround
6-channel input
Universal Infrared remote controls all system components
Phonograph capability
Source Direct function to pass the analog source material direct to the amplifier,
bypassing any audio processing.
Robust power
No GUI
System Control SL16 for connecting to other Kenwood audio components

Inability to adjust speaker levels when in 6-channel input mode.
No HDMI

I recently purchased the Kenwood VR-507 receiver as an upgrade from my Kenwood VR-410. The important upgrade features for me were the Dolby PRO LOGIC II capability and the infrared remote control. I use this receiver as the heart of my 5.1 channel music listening system. With both Dolby PRO LOGIC II and SRS Circle Surround, this receiver is ideal for playing back quadraphonic era matrix encoded records and tapes, synthesizing a 5.1 sound field from 2.0 channel stereo sources and playing modern multi-channel sources. The DVD 6-channel input capability allows one to connect a universal disc player to play SACD and DVD-Audio high resolution music discs.

After reading the manual and setting up the remote control, I was able to operate all the other components in my system including my Kenwood CT-405 cassette deck. In my small listening room, the VR-507 amplifiers are easily capable of driving my low sensitivity (82 dB/W/m) loudspeakers to louder than prudent listening levels. The remote control fits in my hand easily and gets the job done. On the remote, each component input has a direct access button, a definite plus. The VR-507 does not have a GUI, a strong advantage for use in an audio only system like mine. Not having to turn on the TV to operate controls or adjust settings is a big plus. Another nice feature is that the receiver remembers the listening modes for each of the inputs.

The AM radio section is only useful with very strong or very local stations. The FM performance was much better than I expected. Using the supplied single wire antenna, the tuner cleanly pulled in a myriad of radio stations. Setting up and using the station presets was easy and convenient. The phono section delivered fine results working with my Shure V-15 type VMR phonograph cartridge. The SL16 system control allows one to synchronize recording between by Kenwood CD player and cassette deck, an occasionally useful feature.

My Kenwood VR-507 has proven to be an excellent and versatile performer when used in my audio only application. Highly recommended for those who are interested in multi-channel audio.

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Kenwood VR410, Kenwood VR-509, Harman Kardon 900+, Fisher 404

FOR THE MARKET PRICE OF THIS EQUIPMENT? YOU SHOULD BE KIDDING!

FOR THIS PRICE YOU SHOULD BE KIDDING.

There are three kinds of audiophiles. 1. The Purist (They look for frequency response, total harmonic distortion(THD) and the simplicity of operation in the equipment(They prefer 20hz-20 khz). Although they take the brand names for considerations, frequency and total harmonic distortion (THD) is the epitone of their quest in the above mentioned. 2. The enthusiast. They look for the bells and whistles of the equipment. This type does not have any contentment, for they like to have, what others don't have. They usually fall prey to marketing stragedy of the manufacturer. 3. The novice. They listen to the best talker in the store they are in. QUESTION: What's the difference between the audio salesmen and the car salesmen??? ANSWER: The audio salesmen does not even know if they are lying or not. I am an audio consultant by profession, and I have been in this business for quite sometimes. For the price range and the bells and whistles of this equipment, it should be adequate enough to satisfy my parameter to recommend this equipment to somebody that does not want to spend a fortune in an equipment, and still be in the middle ground between low and highends equipment in terms of bells, whistles and audio qualities. Dolby Pro-Logic II Dolby Digital 5.1 DTS Dolby-3 Strereo Circle Surround S-Video Switching Digital, Coaxial, and Analog Audio Input Connections 6-Channel analog audio inputs Five DSP modes 100 Watts x 5 IR Pre-programmed Remote control Stereo Power: 100 Watts per Channel RMS (Left/Right, 20Hz - 20Khz, 0.7% THD, 8 ohms, FTC) Surround Power: 100 Watts + 100 Watts (Left/Right, 20Hz - 20kHz, 0.7% THD, 8 ohms) Surround Power: 100 Watts (Center, 20Hz - 20kHz, 0.7% THD, 8 ohms) Surround Power: 100 Watts + 110 Watts (Lsurround/Rsurround, 20Hz - 20kHz, 0.7% THD, 8 ohms)

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I once installed a $?00,000,00 system in Saudi Arabia. Would that satisfy you what similar product I dealt with???

Price, 3 Stereo, PL II

Goes into protect when pushed to the limits.

This is a great value for a very decent reciever for both audio and video. I didnt know what Pro Logic II was untill after I bought this baby, and damn its great. I dont know why people are ripping on this thing. When you review a product it should be done in relativity to its price. And whoever wanted a luminated remote, it would be nice, but you have to be a retard if you can''t remember where buttons are. There are some great settings for audio, like the 3 stereo setting and I also use the PL II for music. Some one said that this product is "horrid" for movies, I dont know what setting they are watching movies but that''s far from the truth. I also watch several audio DVDs with this reciever, including a Red Hot Chili Peppers DVD in DTS and it sounds awesome. I have one complaint about this product, someone let me know if they have a similar problem...Sometimes the reciever will go into protect if played at high volumes. I dont think this is normal because my main speakers are rated at 150 watts.

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Older Kenwood Stereo Reciever

receiever allows for expandablility. features. I happen to like the remote, even though it is not backlit. subwoofer was better than I expected (handles most high volume bass without significant distortion as long as your home theater room is not too big). VALUE!!! I now have a home theater that sounds awesome for under $400 (not including dvd player and TV, easily remedied by getting a great deal at etronics)

audiophiles will want to upgrade speaker package and wiring (it''s still a good package to start out with). would like a backlit remote. some people (like me)would prefer individual buttons for listening modes, but if you like one wheel to cycle through all your options (there is something to be said for simplicity), you are in luck

I have had the Kenwood HTB-504 package for about 2 months now. So far, I am very happy with it. It seems that there are certain reviewers on this website that expect a receiver that costs less than $300 to sound like a movie theater. In most cases you pay for what you get. In the case of the 507, you get more than what you pay for. This receiever is an ideal gateway into the world of home theater. It is far enough removed from entry level models to make you feel as if you really have a quality home theater. In fact, with upgraded speakers, wiring, and a good dvd player (I''ve been using a jvc xv-sa70bk, and recently purchased a pioneer dv-444), this receiver nips at the heels of the big boys, without taking a big nip out of your wallet. It allows for a great deal of expandability. It has adequate features and power to satisfy most reasonably serious home theater enthusiasts. Again, if you read a review by someone claiming this receiver is crap, they are either under-educated, or jaded. The bottom line is this: the 507 is good to the point that the average listener would not be able to tell a significant difference between this and a receiver costing twice as much. The bigger factor will be upgrading speakers and wiring. The speakers (HTB-504 package)are not bad, but replacing them would yield the most noticeable increase in sound quality.

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denon reciever (1995) KEF uni-Q bookshelfs MK 12 inch sub (amazing) boston acoustic rear channels (also very good, and now hooked up to the kenwood)

Great all around receiver.Good for movies and music.Clean power.Nice remote.

You have to read alot to properly use this receiver.

This receiver does everything it says it will do.READ THE OPERATION INFORMATION.I suggest you read it twice.This receiver has a lot of features.To bring out the best of what this unit will do-READ.

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Various Brands

To stunner 720, The VR 507 is made in Indonesia. Where do you think Denon''s are made nowadays, huh? Only cave men can''t appreciate the quality of these receivers ( and trailer park people are a step above cavemen). So if you haven''t used the receiver, don''t pretend that you have. You''re not even smart enough to hide it.

2 channel stereo is good!

absolutely horrid on movies!

Well after using this thing for about 4 months now let me give you the 411. For 2 channel stereo listening mode and cd''s this baby can play some music, although I am sure most of it comes from my 300 watt Cerwin Vega LS-12''s. When it comes to watching DVD''s and VHS this thing absolutely sucks! You have to crank it to about 20-30 db to get a good sound production. My ole man has a Dennon rated 60 watts per channel and on movies he makes this over seas piece of Asian junk look all that and then more junk! Absolutely horrible for home theater enjoyment!!! Kenwood used to be made right here in America, now it''s made in the Phillipines. That probally explains it all. If you want a semi good reciever and have 300 bucks, it''s probally right for you. If you are looking for a good home theater receiver, your better off buying an Aiwa shelf stereo system! For 300 bucks you can buy a bottom of the line high end receiver for movies at a strong 60 watts per channel and get great sound and bang from your mains! This is a horrible receiver! These people here that think it is good probally live in trailer parks or apartments in the slums!

Adaptable and flexible with multi inputs and outputs. Excellent power, clean sound with low distortion

Somewhat complex for setup, No Bass enhancement(does have management) no midnight mode. No CD input if using DVD.

Excellent sound, clean and powerfull. A multitude of flexible choices for both analog and digital connections. An excellent foundation for building a home theater system. Good value for the money.

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JVC

Great price, many jacks to choose from, many audio listening choices, very detailed remote

no bass or trebbile knobs, its all done from remote.

I purchased this reciever in a home theater package. It came with fronts, surrounds, subwoofer. Basically you payed for the reciever and sub because the rest of the speakers blow, but all in all for the price you couldn't beat it! It is an 8 inch amplified 100 watt sub with volume and crossover knobs to select desired listening. The sub really really rocks! It is unbelievable this sub makes this kind of boom! I just recently added new mains ofcourse. The mains are Yamahas NS-A200xt series. They are dual 8's with a 4.5 mid and 1"Ferro cooled tweeter and they sound great! They are only less then a week old so they are still breaking in. I plan on getting a new center channel soon to compliment the new mains. I am up for purchasing some new mains down the road and making the Yamahas my surrounds. I would like some dual 10's or single 12's. Can anyone suggest some 12's? I am looking to spend about 500 a piece on them, so thats my price range. All in all this definently makes a great first reciever for anybody. I run a Playstation 2 threw it so that is my game, DVD, CD all in one.

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first reciever

Sound Quality, surround decoding (DD and DTS),full bandwidth-rated power with all channels driven, 2 year warranty

Kinda hard setup, interface not very intuitive, cannot specify x-over point with speakers/sub, no digital out

What ultimately made me decide on this receiver is the sound quality. Nice, clean sound with lots of power handy, DD/DTS decoding is awesome, pans from left to right and vice-versa in movies is convincingly accurate. Surrounds get plenty of power and Dolby Pro Logic II is a nice bonus. The setp is not logical though. The remote has a lot of buttons but few actually control the receiver.Spring clips for the surround speakers is not as good as binding posts. But these are minor niggles in an otherwise awesome receiver and considering what I paid for it, I consider it a steal. I currently use it with Polk speakers, RT35i's as fronts, CS245i as center and R10's as rears. A Sony 36 inch XBR handles the visuals. A Velodyne sub rounds it up. Overall, it works harmoniously with my setup.

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Pioneer