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Review 2 of 3
Price Paid:
$925.00 Summary:
Kenwood gets a bad rap because of its mass-merchant niche in a/v equipment, but the Sovereign line proves the company is still capable of putting together fine components.
The VR-5090 delivers clean, well-imaged sound in a variety of formats. I listen to music most of the time in my home theater, so nuance and detail are important to me. On everything from acoustic Neil Young to the Clash's London Calling, the 5090 drives without overpowering. Bass, percussion, horns and vocals come alive in ways less expensive receivers can't match.
Movies in Dolby Digital, THX and DTS deliver special effects with a satisfying rumble that adds dimension and atmosphere to the experience.
There are certainly less expensive receivers on the market, but check out some of the 5090's features: inputs for 7(!) coax/opticalaudio devices (most of the receivers in this price range offer 3); component video with HDTV compatibility; Dolby Digital EX, THX and Pro Logic II surround modes; two-way RF/IR learning remote; full compatibility with SACD and other high-def audio formats.
I began smiling the first time I switched from DVD to VCR to digital cable to PlayStation 2 -- all without ever touching a single cord or connection. I smiled even more when I heard OK Computer and Abbey Road for the first time on this equipment.
I shopped around a lot for my first home theater receiver. I think the extra effort paid off. Strengths:
-- Clarity of sound, plenty of muscle.
-- Video component switching
-- THX, DTS, Dolby Digital EX, Pro Logic II modes.
-- Full compatibility with SACD and other high-def audio sources.
-- Programmable remote.
-- Plenty of inputs for future expansions. Weaknesses:
-- Complicated set-up and speaker switch-over from LARGE to Normal/THX.
-- Remote takes some getting used to.
-- Won't expand beyond 5.1 without buying another amplifier.
-- Expensive. Similar Products Used:
Denon, NAD, Luxman.
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