DTS, Doly Pro Logic, multiple optical inputs, multiple s-video inputs, powerful amp, intelligent and elegant remote.

large chassis, not a simple sleek design of the competition, perhaps a high current on next years system?

I had purchased the VR-509. I was impressed with the potential to upgrade to higher grade components with the multiple inputs including several opticals and several s-video inputs, however, for this price I would like to have the option of a high current system. Although there have been several comments regarding the complicated remote, I do find that once programmed to your needs, it does allow an all-in-one operation that condenses my 7 remotes to one or maybe even two; very convenient!
My thirteen year old Technics speaker are not a good reference for the potential of this unit. I am looking forward to buying JBL CSC135 home theatre system that would take advantage of the subwoofer out.
As is my grandpa Technics got used to going from a 45 watt per channel Sony amp to a 100, the 15 inch woofer definitely pounded a more cleaner bass and the 2" tweeter sounded as if it was another system.
I can't wait to see the true potential of this unit.
I am somewhat having buyer's remorse in that I could have paid the same price for the Harman Kardon AVR 110 with the name and perceived quality. Although the high current amp somewhat balances it's designated 40 watt per channel capabilities, I had yet been convinced that the best bang for the buck was resting on the HK. After reviewing the comments, both critical and complementary regarding the HK and the Onkyo in similar price range, I decided that for a no nonsense, first HT system, the best choice was my Kenwood VR 509. I rated three stars for value because the 507 was 100 dollars cheaper but more simple remote. I can't justify a hundred dollar increase for a pretty remote. Overall the product earns a 4 for varied connectivity and upgradeability.

Similar Products Used:

Harman Kardon HK AVR110
Onkyo TXDS575x

THX Select, DTS, Component and S-Video Inputs/Outputs, remote is better than most.

None yet.

This is in response to everyone who complains that you can't switch to a source directly - ah, but you can! Don't do it from the actual unit by turning the knob... just use the remote and you only have to press one button. Yeah, it's not perfect but it works well!

Ben

Similar Products Used:

Sony STR-575

Big performance for a good price. Clean crisp sound in all listening modes.

Remoteis not "family friendly" for ease of use.

I was looking to upgrade my home theatre receiver and was convinced that I was going to buy the Sony STR-DB 870 or the ONKYO 595. I compared them both and really was impressed with the performance of the ONKYO. The SONY came in a close second. My low-fi Sony receivers have served me well and I was about to buy the SONY 870 when the the Kenwood pointed out. I listened to it, and thought that I would try it. The first DVD I watched was Heat and I was totally sold. I watched many since then and I'm convinced that for the price, this unit is hard to beat.

Similar Products Used:

SONY STR.DE 425, Sony STRDE 865,

Lots of hookup options. THX Select sound at a great price. Excellent learning RF/IR remote. Circle Surround Sound. Energy Star Compliant.

Inability to go directly to a source, but rather having to rotate through all of the options.

This is a great receiver that I was able to land at a great price. After reading an endless number of reviews, I decided that given my positive experience w/Kenwood receivers in the past, I'd go with the most bang for my buck and buy the Kenwood VR-510. I must say, with THX Select certification, Circle Surround Sound, Dolby Pro Logic II, and a whole host of other features/options, you can't beat this receiver for the $$$. It even has front A/V inputs WITH an S-Video input!

The receiver really comes to life when a DVD player is connected via the optical digital input. It plays loud and clear. As several other people have mentioned, the Pro Logic II can make a world of difference when it comes to non-Dolby Digital sources. Even listening to the radio with this option makes a very noticeable improvement in the listening experience.

The remote for this receiver is OUTSTANDING. Easy to navigate all of the options, RF transmission that can transmit several rooms away (be sure to mount the RF antenna as high as possible), IR transmission giving you the ability to program a universal learning remote like the Sony 2100 with the important receiver commands, an LCD display, and a very sturdy design with grip pads on the side of the remote. After using this remote, I can't imagine going back to the "standard" of having to always be pointing the remote directly at the receiver. Much more user friendly this way.

Conclusion: This is a great receiver that can be had at a great price if you look around. My attitude is that with technology constantly changing, I'm hestitant to spend big bucks on a receiver because I'm probably going to be upgrading within a few years. The VR-510 gives you the best of both worlds, because you're getting the latest that technology has to offer plus the lack of a guilty conscience when it comes time to upgrade, given the small monetary investment here. You won't regret the purchase of this unit, just be sure to read the manual thoroughly so you take full advantage of all that it has to offer!

Similar Products Used:

Kenwood, Yamaha

Remote eats batteries.....solution below!!!!!!

This review is about the Kenwood VR RF Remote's battery eating problem.
I had this same problem until my wife got tired of me buying batteries every month and had me invest in rechargeabe batteries. Problem solved!!!!!! I started using Rayovac Rechargeable Alkaline batteries and they somehow last longer than a regular battery. And when they do run out just pop them in the charger for overnight charging and you are good to go...(be sure to put them back in the next day or else the remote will lose its setings.. and you know what that means...reprogramming!!!)
Regular batteries had to be replaced every couple of weeks, but now I can go a couple of months before having to recharge.
So....if you make the initial investment in the Rechargeables and the charger will save you a lot in the long run.

THX Select; 100 watts x 5

Difficult remote

MJSHOW is best place to buy. Placed order online Sunday, unit delivered Wednesday - three days later. Amazing. Kenwood simply does everything it claims to do without complaint. Works fine, does not overheat, no distortion, etc. Price is great for all the features AND THX select. Why look for anything else? The Harmon Kardon's are great, but there must be a reason why there are so many "refurbished" units available from UBID.COM so I decided to go with the Kenwood. The remote takes some time to get acquainted with, but it's worth the effort. I'm sure anyone would be very pleased with all this receiver has to offer. Definitely a bargain.

Similar Products Used:

JVC 888; Onkyo 494

Step by step manual. Best bang for your buck when it comes to a THX certified receiver.

The remote and it's setup to use other componenets. Having to switch through each of the maybe 8 audio modes rather than being able to just select PL II Movie.

I am very pleased with my purchase other than the the two weaknesses noted above. Sounds fantastic on my less than fantastic speakers.

Similar Products Used:

None, had an old Sony Dolby Surround receiver.

Clear sound, THX certification, 5.1 set-up, Circle Sound mode, Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, subwoofer out, multitude of hookup options, multi-brand remote.

Owner's manual.

My goal when I bought this receiver was:

1. Replace a 100-watt JVC ProLogic-only receiver with a Dolby Digital/DTS receiver
2. Have a minimum of 100 watts/channel on 5 channels
3. Spend less than $300 (I cheated. I was looking at other receivers when I found this receiver for $370 and so I sold my old one for $60)

The Kenwood 510 plays clear and loud and it is stylish. The features are great, the hookup options seem limitless, and the Circle Sound is truly awesome. Overall, I am very happy with this receiver. FYI, my front speakers are Polk Audio R40s, with a Polk 175 Center, Polk PSW 250 Subwoofer, and Bose SE-5 satellites (minus the midwoofer) in the rear. I have a Sony CD, JVC tape deck, VCR and turntable.

The first thing I noticed was the vast array of connections in the back of this receiver. Like I said, the hook-up options seem limitless. For example, you can connect a DVD player through two analog RCAs, a digital coax, an optical cable, or six discrete digital RCAs, depending on your desire and need. Another example: there are four jacks for video components! While most of the jacks are grouped together, some of the jacks seem to be placed just wherever there was room available. But once your stuff is connected, who cares? It is also odd that the mains and center are banana plugs, but the rears are push-pin connectors, limiting your wire guage (they're all 110w).

The second thing I noticed was that the Instruction Manual does not provide enough detail. For Example: During set-up it says "turn the selection knob to select subwoofer re-mix on or off," but never says what "subwoofer re-mix" does. Although it alludes to the fact that if you don't get any bass out of the sub, you should turn the re-mix on. I think the manual lacks a lot of detail in an effort to be brief.

This receiver was designed specifically for 5.1 surround. You have to set it up from the start. One nice thing about the set-up is that you set the five speaker's volume levels independently. My center speaker is right at ear level if I'm standing up, and overwhelms the fronts. In setup, I can set the fronts +2dB higher than the center speaker. You can also select if you want the fronts and center to be "large" or "small." (Large means they handle bass, small means the bass is shunted off to the subwoofer instead).

There are three ProLogic settings: music, cinema, and ProLogic II. These are great for VHS tapes. I'm not ready to throw away several thousand dollars in VHS tapes to go to DVD, and the ProLogic circuitry allows me to enjoy surround sound from these older formats. I even use ProLogic's magic on stereo TV broadcasts. Works great on vinyl and CDs too, but I prefer the Circle Sound for non-Dolby encoded material.

I can't say enough about Kenwood's Circle Sound. Dolby Digital and DTS are great for DVDs, but do nothing for older stereo recordings. For your old stereo material, Circle Sound adds an extra dimension that is truly an experience. Don't confuse this with old-style processing (jazz club, theater, etc.) where you take the fronts, add a heap of reverb, cut the highs and send it to the rears. Circle Sound sends the out-of-phase portion of the front signal to the rears. It adds a new dimension to old vinyl and cassettes . They sound newly recorded and it's like hearing them for the first time.

My only complaint about this receiver is that you have to cycle through all the sound modes (stereo, ProLogic I, ProLogic II, 3-channel stereo, Circle Sound, digital processed) to get to the one you want. You should be able to switch directly from one to another. On the bright side, once you set up your receiver, it remembers your selection. From then on, if you select TAPE, it will remember that you prefer Circle Sound and turn that on. Then, when you select VIDEO 1, it will select ProLogic instead.

I am immensly happy with this receiver, and after living with it for 3 months, I am still excited by the sound quality every time I turn it on. My wife just wishes I'd quit inviting people over to show it off.

Similar Products Used:

Older Kenwood and JVC receivers. Kenwood components.