Price Build Quality Warm sound Circle Surround Flexible Speaker adjustment

Lack of CD capability or learning function on remote...had to spend $30 on a seperate learning remote.

When my Pioneer VSX-D509 died after a mere two years, I looked around a bit and decided on this model as a replacement. I'm quite pleased with the warm sound. I thought the Pioneer was a little "bright" with my Energys, but the Kenwood sounds great. I also like the "Circle Surround". Stereo is better for casual listening, but when you want to get the other speakers involved, you can switch to one of several surround presets. I especially like the "Mono" setting which makes all 5 speakers play at equal volume. The Kenwood also has more options for speaker size...which is to say that it has "NORMAL" size and not just small/large. My only complaint so far (and it's a big one) is the remote. It's a nice, functional remote for the most part unless you happen to have a CD player that's not a Kenwood. There's not even a CD function button on the remote. There are a few CD codes, but not for the brands you would expect...no sony, panasonic, technics, etc. The remote is more than capable of running a CD player, Kenwood just left it off to make you buy a Kenwood CD player and that sort of practice bothers me a lot...enough so that I wouldn't have purchased this receiver had a realized it beforehand. Overall, I still rate this product high because the sound is what really matters, and it sounds terrific. Hopefully it won't crap out in two years like my Pioneer did.

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer (nice features but poor build), Sony (solid build but overpriced in this pricerange), Denon (great sound but featureless and overpriced in this price range)

Strong build quality, very clean and adjustable sound in all modes.

Typically I would not buy a Kenwood due to past experiences, but I could not resist this one... Alot for the money. A look inside the cover reveals quality components, chips, oversized resistors and capacitors, stuff you usually only see in more expensive recievers. You can hear the difference. I would highly recommend this amp for any system and anyone not willing to pay twice for the same features. This could pass for a lower sony ES model easily.

I bought this receiver to upgrade one of my systems to Dolby Digital. I also have a Sony ES reciever for a separate system (STR-D333ES) which is a 2000 model. I must say for half the price of the sony, the Kenwood is a great buy. I was suprised with the extensive parameter settings you can play with in all of its various surround modes. If you want a solid receiver for the money, check this one out. I was highly impressed when I watched several DVD's on it. The look and feel is also much more than you pay for... Solid connections in the back as well. Circle Surround CSII from SRS is very unique and Dolby II does a good job of spreading out the sound. Only negative is that amp is 5 channel only, so if you want Dolby EX, spring for next model as amp is built in. This model has only pre-amp out for powered speaker.

Similar Products Used:

Sony STR-D333ES. Pioneer.

SRS Labs' Circle Surround II ("CS II") 6.1 multichannel audio. It's as if I have a whole new CD collection in 5.1. I have no place for that rear speaker

remote should glow or light up

Well I bought it at a great price,yea thats Canadian $ (in line for 1 hour to get in first) I would have gone for the 6060 (phono in) but this was half the price. So far good power for a small room. Used for CD and DVD-audio mostly. Researched and found the new Melody 32 audio processor interesting it implements Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS- ES Extended Surround, DTS Neo:6, SRS Circle Surround II. I am very disapointed in DPL II, it is only usefull if you watch VHS tapes. From other post I thought it was important. The Circle Surround II blows it away when creating 5.1 from stereo music. DPL II sounded flat, CS II was brighter, fuller. I use Athena main and center and Miller & Kreisler surrounds.

Similar Products Used:

Sansui g 7500

WATTS!

NONE

I HAD A pioneer vsx-d608. NO BASS OR LOUD SOUND!! READ THE REVIEWS AND DECIDED TO REPLACE IT. I AM GLAD I DID!!! THE RECIEVER ROCKS!!! IT SOUND BETTER RIGHT OFF!!! THESE OLD CAMBRIDGE SURROUNDS STILL HAVE SOME LIFE AFTER-ALL.

Similar Products Used:

PIONEER, JVC

-All of today's most current surround sound modes: Dolby Pro-Logic I & II and Circle Surround I & II (a Kenwood feature) - 100 watts times 5 channels. - 6.1 capability

None for the price.

I am very please to say this receiver is probably the best on the market in this price range. It gives you all the features and gadgets of a receiver costing hundreds more. This receiver also has a good solid feel usually indicating a good strong size amp within. I have my surround sound speakers including subwoofer hooked up to it and the sound is incredible. For you video-gamers there is also a/v connectors in the front or in the back for usuage. Moreover, for anyone on a budget this Kenwood-6050 is the way to go!

Similar Products Used:

Denon AVR-682