Richard Schwab

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1.00 votes

Price Paid:  $150.00 from Craigslist

Summary:
I recently purchased the Kenwood VR-507 receiver as an upgrade from my Kenwood VR-410. The important upgrade features for me were the Dolby PRO LOGIC II capability and the infrared remote control. I use this receiver as the heart of my 5.1 channel music listening system. With both Dolby PRO LOGIC II and SRS Circle Surround, this receiver is ideal for playing back quadraphonic era matrix encoded records and tapes, synthesizing a 5.1 sound field from 2.0 channel stereo sources and playing modern multi-channel sources. The DVD 6-channel input capability allows one to connect a universal disc player to play SACD and DVD-Audio high resolution music discs.

After reading the manual and setting up the remote control, I was able to operate all the other components in my system including my Kenwood CT-405 cassette deck. In my small listening room, the VR-507 amplifiers are easily capable of driving my low sensitivity (82 dB/W/m) loudspeakers to louder than prudent listening levels. The remote control fits in my hand easily and gets the job done. On the remote, each component input has a direct access button, a definite plus. The VR-507 does not have a GUI, a strong advantage for use in an audio only system like mine. Not having to turn on the TV to operate controls or adjust settings is a big plus. Another nice feature is that the receiver remembers the listening modes for each of the inputs.

The AM radio section is only useful with very strong or very local stations. The FM performance was much better than I expected. Using the supplied single wire antenna, the tuner cleanly pulled in a myriad of radio stations. Setting up and using the station presets was easy and convenient. The phono section delivered fine results working with my Shure V-15 type VMR phonograph cartridge. The SL16 system control allows one to synchronize recording between by Kenwood CD player and cassette deck, an occasionally useful feature.

My Kenwood VR-507 has proven to be an excellent and versatile performer when used in my audio only application. Highly recommended for those who are interested in multi-channel audio.

Strengths:
Good multi-channel versatility, including the ability to play:
Dolby Digital
Dolby PRO LOGIC II
Dolby 3 Stereo
DTS
SRS Circle Surround
6-channel input
Universal Infrared remote controls all system components
Phonograph capability
Source Direct function to pass the analog source material direct to the amplifier,
bypassing any audio processing.
Robust power
No GUI
System Control SL16 for connecting to other Kenwood audio components

Weaknesses:
Inability to adjust speaker levels when in 6-channel input mode.
No HDMI

Similar Products Used:
Kenwood VR410, Kenwood VR-509, Harman Kardon 900+, Fisher 404

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
There are three kinds of audiophiles. 1. The Purist (They look for frequency response, total harmonic distortion(THD) and the simplicity of operation in the equipment(They prefer 20hz-20 khz). Although they take the brand names for considerations, frequency and total harmonic distortion (THD) is the epitone of their quest in the above mentioned. 2. The enthusiast. They look for the bells and whistles of the equipment. This type does not have any contentment, for they like to have, what others don't have. They usually fall prey to marketing stragedy of the manufacturer. 3. The novice. They listen to the best talker in the store they are in. QUESTION: What's the difference between the audio salesmen and the car salesmen??? ANSWER: The audio salesmen does not even know if they are lying or not. I am an audio consultant by profession, and I have been in this business for quite sometimes. For the price range and the bells and whistles of this equipment, it should be adequate enough to satisfy my parameter to recommend this equipment to somebody that does not want to spend a fortune in an equipment, and still be in the middle ground between low and highends equipment in terms of bells, whistles and audio qualities. Dolby Pro-Logic II Dolby Digital 5.1 DTS Dolby-3 Strereo Circle Surround S-Video Switching Digital, Coaxial, and Analog Audio Input Connections 6-Channel analog audio inputs Five DSP modes 100 Watts x 5 IR Pre-programmed Remote control Stereo Power: 100 Watts per Channel RMS (Left/Right, 20Hz - 20Khz, 0.7% THD, 8 ohms, FTC) Surround Power: 100 Watts + 100 Watts (Left/Right, 20Hz - 20kHz, 0.7% THD, 8 ohms) Surround Power: 100 Watts (Center, 20Hz - 20kHz, 0.7% THD, 8 ohms) Surround Power: 100 Watts + 110 Watts (Lsurround/Rsurround, 20Hz - 20kHz, 0.7% THD, 8 ohms)

Strengths:
FOR THE MARKET PRICE OF THIS EQUIPMENT? YOU SHOULD BE KIDDING!

Weaknesses:
FOR THIS PRICE YOU SHOULD BE KIDDING.

Similar Products Used:
I once installed a $?00,000,00 system in Saudi Arabia. Would that satisfy you what similar product I dealt with???

Price Paid:  $180.00 from Ra-Lins (Local)

Summary:
This is a great value for a very decent reciever for both audio and video. I didnt know what Pro Logic II was untill after I bought this baby, and damn its great. I dont know why people are ripping on this thing. When you review a product it should be done in relativity to its price. And whoever wanted a luminated remote, it would be nice, but you have to be a retard if you can''t remember where buttons are. There are some great settings for audio, like the 3 stereo setting and I also use the PL II for music. Some one said that this product is "horrid" for movies, I dont know what setting they are watching movies but that''s far from the truth. I also watch several audio DVDs with this reciever, including a Red Hot Chili Peppers DVD in DTS and it sounds awesome. I have one complaint about this product, someone let me know if they have a similar problem...Sometimes the reciever will go into protect if played at high volumes. I dont think this is normal because my main speakers are rated at 150 watts.

Strengths:
Price, 3 Stereo, PL II

Weaknesses:
Goes into protect when pushed to the limits.

Similar Products Used:
Older Kenwood Stereo Reciever

Price Paid:  $200.00 from circuit city

Summary:
I have had the Kenwood HTB-504 package for about 2 months now. So far, I am very happy with it. It seems that there are certain reviewers on this website that expect a receiver that costs less than $300 to sound like a movie theater. In most cases you pay for what you get. In the case of the 507, you get more than what you pay for. This receiever is an ideal gateway into the world of home theater. It is far enough removed from entry level models to make you feel as if you really have a quality home theater. In fact, with upgraded speakers, wiring, and a good dvd player (I''ve been using a jvc xv-sa70bk, and recently purchased a pioneer dv-444), this receiver nips at the heels of the big boys, without taking a big nip out of your wallet. It allows for a great deal of expandability. It has adequate features and power to satisfy most reasonably serious home theater enthusiasts. Again, if you read a review by someone claiming this receiver is crap, they are either under-educated, or jaded. The bottom line is this: the 507 is good to the point that the average listener would not be able to tell a significant difference between this and a receiver costing twice as much. The bigger factor will be upgrading speakers and wiring. The speakers (HTB-504 package)are not bad, but replacing them would yield the most noticeable increase in sound quality.

Strengths:
receiever allows for expandablility. features. I happen to like the remote, even though it is not backlit. subwoofer was better than I expected (handles most high volume bass without significant distortion as long as your home theater room is not too big). VALUE!!! I now have a home theater that sounds awesome for under $400 (not including dvd player and TV, easily remedied by getting a great deal at etronics)

Weaknesses:
audiophiles will want to upgrade speaker package and wiring (it''s still a good package to start out with). would like a backlit remote. some people (like me)would prefer individual buttons for listening modes, but if you like one wheel to cycle through all your options (there is something to be said for simplicity), you are in luck

Similar Products Used:
denon reciever (1995) KEF uni-Q bookshelfs MK 12 inch sub (amazing) boston acoustic rear channels (also very good, and now hooked up to the kenwood)

Price Paid:  $229.00 from Radar City

Summary:
This receiver does everything it says it will do.READ THE OPERATION INFORMATION.I suggest you read it twice.This receiver has a lot of features.To bring out the best of what this unit will do-READ.

Strengths:
Great all around receiver.Good for movies and music.Clean power.Nice remote.

Weaknesses:
You have to read alot to properly use this receiver.

Similar Products Used:
Various Brands