Price Paid:  $650.00 from Audio d'Occasion

Summary:
Kenwood I've score big with their Sovereign series, they're now in the big league in A/V receiver. The strench is the ratio quality/price. Quality is excellent, but it doesn't fit the price. It should cost 1000 or 1500$ not 650$. I'm very impressed with the clarity of the sound. I've always bought Kenwood products instead of Sony, JVC, Pionneer, Technics; the so called Hi-Fi brands... But now, Sovereign makes me a buyer instead od Onkyo, Denon, Harman-Kardon...

Strengths:
Low price, THX Select, remote(I bought it for its sound, but I got to say the remote is usefull), sound.

Weaknesses:
A receiver is made for movies not music. Good for movies, ok for music.

Price Paid:  $615.00 from Crutchfield

Summary:
I think this receiver is great. Good sound and I didn't experience the problems with the noise in the speakers. Easy to follow setup instructinos, especially with the supplement supplied by Crutchfiled.

Strengths:
THX certified, remote can be setup to operate all components, great sound.

Weaknesses:
Big, seven inches tall, have to build new cabinet.

Similar Products Used:
Pioneer VSX-9500S

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
i had a diffferent problem than the last 2 guys i had the amp shut off when i was watching the tv through it. i went to the place i got it and the dude selling it asked if i had the "shutting off " problem and i of course said yes. i also was experiancing the same static through the right speaker like the last 2 guys said. i tried to contact kenwood about it and they blew me off. anyway i got the chip installed for free and it has cured all the problems i was haveing. email me for more info if you have the same problem and need help. now i dont hate the amp as much as i did considering the price it was.

Strengths:
good sounding at lower volumes due to annoying crabby apartment neihbours

Weaknesses:
heavy and hard to bring into the apartment.... well im not that weak i just figured i didnt have much to say in this catagory

Price Paid:  $750.00 from Advance Audio

Summary:
I had the same problem as Greg C, but I didn't read his review until after I purchased the unit. Now I'm looking at getting my money back. I wouldn't recommend this unit if you are picky about your sound. This defect is truly disappointing and annoying!

Strengths:
Nice looking unit.

Weaknesses:
Read Greg C.'s review for defect details..

Price Paid:  $790.00 from E-Bay

Summary:
Overall, a nice piece of A/V equipment. I sold mine to upgrade to THX.

Strengths:
Lots of cool features and menus making this unit extremely versitle.

Weaknesses:
Lack of THX, Massive size and weight

Similar Products Used:
Kenwood VR-5080