underrated model, has huge power and very strong mid and low bass for the size. Very crisp and easy to use. I may keep this model forever.

The remote is very big

I bought this receiver when it first came out, it cost just under 600.00 with warranty. I to this day still rock this reciever, I have all of my components running off it including my desktop computer . If JVC ever makes an updated version I will be the first one to buy. Excellent reciever , many people find the controls confusing but I enjoy having the ability to control and tweak the sound to my liking, other recievers would cost well in the thousands with the same capabilities, I use mine every single day from the day I bought it. I will use this receiver untill the day it dies.

Using Klipsch Synergy Speakers and Synergy "12 Sub
JVC 200 Disc CD Changer XL-MC334
JVC Dual Professional Tape Decks

I've had this unit for just over 10 years, and it has served me well. This is a 10-year old unit, and I believe it was first release in the fall of 1999. I bought the unit refurbished in either 1999 or 2000 (refurb), for $250, about 2/3rds or less than comparable units of the time. It has DTS and Dolby, but no DTS-ES. With this in mind, i remember Gladiator's release in DTS-ES (6.1) and not being able to make full use of the sound DTS-ES out to 7 channels (6.1). Today we've evolved to 7.1 (DTS NEO) channels plus enhancement features stacking bonus speakers to 9.1 and 11.1 arrays. (BTW the .1 is the subwoofer if you didn't know).

This unit served a 5.1 system OR a bonus 2 channel stereo setup at 120 watts per channel (the 5.1 array served 100 watts per channel). Wattage is tantamount to cleaner sound. While this was an awesome unit, it was not have the highest power on the market. Such factors become clearer when one connects a power hungry center channel (like my homespun variety in a series-parallel 4/1, mid/tweeter configuration) or other larger variety speakers for auxiliary channels (my laterals are 14"x8"x6" acoustic research bookshelf speakers, not the typical cutie-pie Bose cigarette boxes). As such, one can't give it a top rating on power to serve a system. The amplifier readout for power levels go up to 100, but with wrap sound connected (all speakers) I typically have to crank to about 55+ before I'm approaching tolerance limits.

I strained the unit out to a safety set by cranking Lord of the Rings: Return of the King up to 67. You know the part.... Frodo and Sam approach Minus Ithil/Morgul just as Sauron's hordes prepare to march...a large power surge consolidates into a forceful tornado blast... and the movie cues up cacophonous soundtrack music with grumbling/grinding. RX-8000V unit unhappy. Of course, I've been careful not to infer 67 is a decibel rating or anything else... it's the power use measure concordant to my speaker drainage. With this point made... the RX-8000V allows a certain degree of power increase in the center channel, but not much. In my opinion, the center channel is THE most important speaker in a home theater array. Optimally it should provide crisp, accurate, clear voice and moderate mid-range sounds.

I'm going to break with others who have complained about the remote setup. It's an older unit, so this was pretty much industry standard. With many features comes complexity. I do not give this unit a 5 overall due to the power limitations and... now older feature set. If I could rate it any number, I'd give it a 4.3, as it was smoking in it's day, but now lacks HDMI and other DTS features.

I bought this receiver as part of a piecemeal system off Craigslist last year.

Setup:
* Front: JBL Northridge series N38s
* Rear: Bose 201s
* Sub: Aiwa TS-W60

Running:
* Sony CDP-CE375 CD player
* Scientific American Explorer 2100 Cable box
* LG DN898 DVD player
* Xbox 360
* Samsung LN-A550 TV

Nine years old, this receiver is still putting out accurate, consistent sound on both digital and analog channels. Lots of power; we have a large house and can rattle most of it.

I'm mostly disappointed that JVC dumped its home theater component business (or did from the looks of their web site, at least. Looks like the best they do now is all-in-one 5.1 + DVD systems).

I am quite content to rock this receiver until it rusts.

I've had this product for 9 plus years and it still rocks. have not failed me once. Still delivery crisp and clean sound. I use it sor the source in my theater room. The room is filled with Boson Acoustics all around the room and it still blows me away. My professional installer is still telling me ..no need to up grade yet.

Great clean sound, loaded with features, reliable and dependible.

terrible controlls, not user friendly at all! Remote controll horrible. I would not buy this machine if you are not one to memorize the owners manual

This is a good machine full of features that you would find in a more expensive machine in the thousand dollar range. The sound quality is top notch and very clean. However the controlls can be confussing and the remote is terrible.

Great clean sound, loaded with features, reliable and dependible.

terrible controlls, not user friendly at all! Remote controll horrible. I would not buy this machine if you are not one to memorize the owners manual

This is a good machine full of features that you would find in a more expensive machine in the thousand dollar range. The sound quality is top notch and very clean. However the controlls can be confussing and the remote is terrible.

Assignable inputs!!!!!!

No component inputs and outputs. All the models now have this. Sometimes (rarely) the receiver will cut out and you need to simply turn it off then back on and she's back. BTW-I leave this unit on 24-7-365.

I have had this receiver for a while and its great. My big thing is having lots of assignable inputs and outputs. This baby has three optical ins, one coax in and one optical out. Its great. Its gets loud and remains nice and clear. I love JVC because they give you so many nice features for such little money. I looked at Sony and Harmon/Kardon which were more money and didn't have all the features. The H/K models didn't even have a phono input!!!!!!! My next receiver will most definately be a JVC.

Excellent connectivity and compatability with other components.Price is right for the picking, you'll be hard pressed to find anything for the same deal that has these options. With the right speakers theres no doubt your neighbors will learn to hate you!

For the average music listener, the set-up can be a bit confusing,but then again all those extra connections and options are what you are paying for :) Also the remote is a pain until you get used to it. Giving this a 4 just because of setup pains and the remote.

First for those still searching for the manual online, go here. http://books.jvcservice.com/download/193241931/21347.pdf I have owned this receiver for over a year and have not had many problems. A minor overload problem at high volumes, but I do have small speakers. Otherwise this has been an outstanding product with many special features I wont go into, because everyone else already has. If you like to listen to music a lot and arent a stereo "freak". You'll love this. I wouldnt trade it in for double what I paid for it!

Similar Products Used:

Connected are: JVC 5CD Player, JVC DVD, JVC VCR, Computer, Playstation 2, TV and all the speakers with room to add more

Number of digital inputs, build quality, DTS

User manual

This was an upgrade to my H/K receiver. For the features and price I received on this receiver I am very happy. Part of the downside for me was the lack of a remote included with the unit, but then again I got an additional $50 off so I can't complain any. It may not be the best receiver on the market, but it offers plenty of bang for the buck. It is an excellent addition to my home theater.

My system:
Wharfedale Valdus 500's (speaker 1 mains)
KLH 9912's (speaker 2 mains)
Valdus Center
AudioSource SW-10 subwoofer
Acoustic Research 206 HO surrounds
Technics PD5 cd player
Toshiba 2109 DVD
Sony TC-WE635 tape deck
Monster cables for the mains and center
Radio Shack cables for the rears

Similar Products Used:

H/K AVR40