Tons of inputs, price

Remote control of tuner very limited

I was looking to trade up a 10 year old Pionner stereo system that had integrated components. After receiving a DVD player for xmas it got to the point where I simply couldn't daisy chain all my video inputs to the TV (1 input only) so I figured that this was the time to do it.

I was looking for two things. First and foremost I wanted to get a HT receiver that could handle new inputs if I change components and secondly I needed to be able to plug everything I currently had (Sat/VCR/DVD/CD) through it. I started looking for some after xmas sales and looked at about 5 different receivers that might be a fit within my price range (which was no more than $400CND or about $250US before tax). Because I wanted SVideo plugs I immediately eliminated lower end receivers. I was then left with 2 available ones, the JVC 7010 and the Kenwood 506. Both were almost identical except the JVC was $50 more expensive but it had more digital inputs and also a digital output. When I got to the store they had one available as an open box special for $100 off the regular price and that's all it took to make the decision.

Quality wise, I've had no major problems with the unit. Sound control is excellent, both from the unit and the remote. The video passthrough works perfectly and the audio sounds better than my old system even simply listening to music with just the two front speakers from my old system. There is plenty of drive available for a small to medium sized space. HT works like a charm. The digital inputs are my "ace in the sleeve" for future upgrades to the system, with 3 optical and 1 coax I should be okay for a while. It basically filled my need.

On the flip side, the tuner part of the receiver is quite basic. No auto program feature and from the remote you can't do much with the tuner. I didn't buy it to listen to radio so I don't mind but the Kenwood 506 was a little better in that aspect. Also, the remote, while able to control multiple devices, is no where close to being universal. While I could get rid of a few other remotes, the DVD and Satelite remotes are still around.

If you are looking for a HT system and don't want to buy an all in one system this is a good receiver. It will do everything is says it does, enable you to leverage tons of existing components you may have and do a fair job of controling eveything. Being able to later upgrade components or speakers and still use the unit is a big plus since it offers that flexibility. It's got the bang for the buck and while there are other equivalent systems out there for the same price range, this is a reliable product and worth the purchase.

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