Price Paid:  $350.00 from Sears

Summary:
I've had this receiver for almost 10 years now and it ROCKS!! The only problem I have had with it so far is the power button on the remote quit working. No biggie!! I have a universal. Anyway, my speaker system inludes 2 E-712's, 2 LS-10's (front A and B), 1 E-76C (center), 2 E-76's (surround) and a LW-15 for my sub. All are Cerwin Vega home speakers and are an excellent match for the VR-309 receiver. The sound is amazingly clear and crisp. I would definately recommend a subwoofer for this unit though. Throw in Jurrasic Park 3 DVD, set the receiver to DTS, crank it up to about -30 or -20 and WATCH OUT FOR THE PLANE!!! DUCK!!!! LOL!!!

Strengths:
Easy setup, and many other good features

Weaknesses:
Needs subwoofer, but then again, whats a surround system without one??

Similar Products Used:
Had a Sony receiver years ago, don't know the model number, but it kept shutting itself off after about 5 or 10 minutes of high volume. Very annoying...Kenwood is much better!!

Price Paid:  $250.00 from ebay

Summary:
The VR-309 has been a sweetheart until lately. Have gotten a power supply problem associated with times when the unit is physically touched - causes power to be switched on/off. Document, including SM, provides no help for this. Other than the current problem (which I still hope to solve), the unit has had exceptional sound quality for all speakers, my IM Fried fronts especially. Tuning the sub to the fronts is an important aspect of good audio quality. The VR-309 gives good internal adjustments for that. Plenty of power for my 15 by 30 room (-40 is more than adequate). Now if only I can figure out how to solve the switching problem...

Strengths:
Good audio sound matching capability. Lots of flexibility on inputs. Ability to bring video through unit to display monitor. Plenty of power for clean sound.

Weaknesses:
Bad documentation for servicing unit. Would like better AM antenna connection. Switching problem.

Similar Products Used:
Sony, Panasonic, Pioneer - all with less features or older technology than VR-309.

Price Paid:  $250.00 from pawn shop

Summary:
I like this reciever alot. Has great sound. You people need to learn how to use it. S-video works better than regular audio cables.

Strengths:
DTS,Dolby Digital & Stereo mode

Weaknesses:
manual sucks ass(needs powered sub)

Similar Products Used:
Kenwood kr-796

Price Paid:  $349.00 from Exchange

Summary:
I have used this receiver for over 2 years now,and I have not had 1 problem with it. Sounds great with all movies and especially DTS. The powered sub is a must that everyone talks about.

Strengths:
DD, DTS

Weaknesses:
Remote

Price Paid:  $699.00 from circiutcity

Summary:
Had this system for over 2 years.Bought theater package 5 Kenwood speakers and a powered subwoofer.This thing has been totally reliable and I crank the heck out of it.For example I usually listen to the crash scene in PitchBlack at around -17.Needs better speakers though...Just bought a Pioneer DV-440 (my Sony DVP-360 crapped out at just over 1 year)and all I can say is WOW this setup sounds incredible I can`t imagine what it would sound like with "real" speakers...

Strengths:
Features,sound,reliability

Weaknesses:
none

Similar Products Used:
Rolecore amp...not