Bought this unit used off of craigslist. Since then I have been extremely happy with it. You would be hard pressed to find one of similar build quality for the money. The unit retailed for $2500 back in '03. I was lucky to find one for $300.00. When I got it, all the video boards were not working, but that's because a fuse was blown...probably why owner sold it. The build quality of this unit is top notch. The face plate is all anodized aluminum (black) and the chassis is completely copper plated. All high quality components, from proprietary high tolerance capacitors to Integrated Chips. Electronics are strategically laid out with two massive dual heat sinks centrally located. Alps encoder volume dial gives a nice feel to the volume dial too. Also, there is a extra heavy gauge copper plated platform for the ultra high current transformer. In all the receiver weighs 52lbs, a weight class all on its own..compared to earlier models.

Sonically, this unit delivers very clean crisp sound with a touch of warmth without overcooking your music and sound tracks with bass and distortion. The surround stage is excellent. The imaging is very good. This is a good receiver if your after hearing music in its 'natural form'. Probably the best thing about this receiver is its appeal to analog lovers such as myself. JVC proprietary CC Converter (compensation compression converter) up converts CDs to 24 bit 172khz and 192khz for 48khz sampling rate. The CC converter also has different algorithms for WMA and mp3 files! In addition to the CC converter there are two sets of multichannel inputs. On screen menus allow you to make EQ adjustments for each channel (except for SBL and SBR on 7.1 if I recall). A phono switch on the back panel allows you to switch from a MM to a MC type turntable. If that doesn't turn you on to analog, then take note that this receiver has 7 discrete amplifiers and dedicated video and analog transformers to reduce noise. Also, a zero interference transmission circiut for the 7.1 analog in. All this with a 'analog direct' button. This receiver is the analog lovers delight.

The remote is a bit bulky, but the buttons are well laid out. Also, the remote uses RF technology, so you can be in another room, or have the unit inside a cabinet without worry about 'line of sight' as with other infrared remotes. And, it's a learning remote to boot.

Set up was fairly easy, but some tweaking is required. No, auto set up is a bit of a bummer...but that's hardly an issue for most who are immersed into 'stereo land'. I did come across a quirk though. On the DVD channel, you cannot have both the optical audio and analog RCA's hooked up. It's either one or the other...otherwise you well get the DVD channel playing at nearly full blast and over other channels....this was almost a deal breaker for me until I found the quirk. Not a problem in my books, because it is something that can be easily overcome. Note that this quirk had only existed on the DVD channel.

Like most others have said about this unit on the net..."Clean Crisp Power"...and I couldn't agree more. Even though the volume goes up to -18dB...I find I don't go much beyond +30dB. And when I want to 'kick it loud' +18 is plenty power. I have taken it louder for a short time, but it's not worth it..to me or my speakers (and neighbours :) ).

Now, with all that said, there is no HDMI. It does have all 3 analog video inputs though...which the receiver will upconvert to component. And it does so very well. And when I decide to make the jump to Blue Ray, then I'll just buy a blue ray player that will encode True HD into analog and put it through the 7.1 input on the JVC...problem solved.

I could go on and on about this receiver, but I won't...well ok..I will, the door on the front is mechanically operated. It opens to two stages to access all of the features if your remote ever 'goes south'. The door on the face is almost worth the price of admission...I swear.

Anyhow, If you come across one of these 'black beauty's' used and in good condition, buy it. You won't regret it.

Great sound, price, power and a nice integrated turntable preamp, 4 ohm capability for front pair if the second room outputs are not used, useful JVC Compu-Link capability which networks system. RF remote makes controlling my receiver which is in a converted buffet cabinette very easy to use as well as hidden.

The learning remote is limited in capability, radio crosstalk is found in some some modes (easily worked around). I did have to turn the receiver in for repair. Local JVC repair was handled down the street from me, very convenient. It could have been more of a problem for others who do not live 2 miles from an authorized repair shop. I added an cooling fan for the cabinette to keep the temperatures from spiking too high for the receiver.

Sufficient power for my needs. I do miss the USB input that was on the RX9010, but this receiver has much better performance. Firewire, HDMI and DVI connectors are missing. Compu-link works only if the connection to the receiver has the same path to the monitor. This receiver has the capability to convert all inputs to the receiver to one component cable going to the monitor; no compu-link capability if s-video to the receiver is converted to component out to the monitor. This is a bugaboo if you are obsessed with using only one universal remote like me. The remote might be considered too large, but I like the design. Back light, with a bunch of options that are thoughtful. This was my best purchase of the all JVC system that was collected. There have been deals on this receiver that make this a best buy; $840 delivered new in early '04 would be hard to match today refurbished. A great pair of AM & FM antennas have shown that the DP20 has a good to very good tuner section. Though the tuner performance is not up to a 20 year old NAD receiver, but not much is unless you spend a whole lot more on an independent tuner. Even though it has taken over a year of cleaning up different issues (such as a reversed subwoofer cable) this has been the core of a very satisfying AV project. I wish there was an input that accepted fiber optic input and component video that would allow all the available keys on the remote could be learned. The TIVO is using the VCR1 input, but is extremely limited in its functionality because of the limited functions expected for a VCR. The VCR is using VCR2, but it doesn't really matter that much since we are watching so fewer tapes these days. This receiver will function perfectly while NTSC input is all that you are using. HDTV is another issue, and I do not have an idea how the DP20 will work with displaying HD signals through the component inputs and outputs. Maybe that will be a a test in 2006 or 7. I'm hoping that the DP20 will useful for years to come. Excellent sound and switched video for NTSC though. This receiver deserves a 10 because of the cost, but it is a complicated receiver which takes time to get to know and optimize. I'm giving this a 9 for being the best AV receiver I could have purchased for the cost. Most sales are in the $1200 to $1900 range, at those prices, I'd expect fewer bumps that would have to be worked around. Nice fit and finish.

Similar Products Used:

JVC RX9010VBK

ENDLESS CLEAN POWER,Great remote,ULTRA2 CERTIFIED,conservative 120 watt x7 Rating.

No auto set-up(use sound meter,more accurate anyway) Only three crossovers to pick from 80-100-120hz.

Now that I have had this reciever for a while I can now comment on great this product Is. This Is Jvcs' Flagship model and boy does It show in MANY ways. The sheer power reserve and dymanics Its massive power supply and TIs'custom 64 bit processer(the only reciever on the market that uses one) makes a world of difference to the ears In the music and movies I have listened to. Most noticable Is the clarity,and with every speaker having Its own bass,mid and treble adjustments as well as volume on screen. And speaking of volume,this things cranks up to +18 decibles(My harmon7300 only goes up to +5)giving this reciever an "I DARE YOU TO GO LOUDER" factor,and 100% CLEAN at that with .02 distortion! This is also an ULTRA2 THX reciever with many modes to pick from for both movies and music. The remote is very nice,easy to understand and well thought out. Also the remote is both IR and RF with a mini antenna that attached on the back of the reciever allowing the remote signal to go through walls and such,great for people like myself that has the JVC in a cabinet with doors that block the "eye reciever" from the remote. Speakers can be BI-wired and mode can be selected for this set-up on the unit.The moterized front face plate reminds my of my old SONY STRDA777ES,however the JVc has 2 positions with Its door(very cool).Front speaker out-put is rated down to 4 ohms for people with hard to drive speakers(however,all but front speakers for HT use must be 8 ohms.) Jvc may not be the first brand you would consider for an expensive purchase such as this(originaly $2800.00),but at a lower street price Its worth every penny. Just be sure that you have a strong shelf that supports a 65 pounder. I would certinly put this up against ANY flagship Dennon,Yamaha,Harmon ect.

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha rxv2300-dennon 3505-harmon avr7200,sont strda777es and many others.

build & sound quality---great low price nice remote -easy to operate

NOT ONE!!!!!!!!!

Forget the Denon's and Yamaha's .....................this has them best ! GREAT SOUND--- high tech processor-built like a brick (u-no what?) If you think that you have to spend at least $2,000.00 for a high-end receiver you6 have been lied to-- THIS IS THE CAT'S MEOW-----and it will keep the spare dough in your own pocket-- email these gys they have always been good to me