Sound Quality; feature set; remote

lack of component video inputs/switching; lack of 5.1 audio inputs IF YOU TRULY NEED IT.

First I own the VR-3090 which is almost identical to the VR-3100 minus the dual room capability and miscellaneous features. Sound, power and processing quality is identical.
The remote is awesome and in and of itself can justify a cost of $300 or more. It has great added features if used in conjunction with Kenwood products (DVD, CD, etc.), but is great by itself if you choose components from other manufacturers.
This review is really to clarify a misconception about the power rating of this receiver: it is indeed 100W per channel into 8 ohms. The 6 ohms rating relates to speakers only: the fact that this unit is not compatible with speakers with an impedance under 6 ohms! There is a lot of power packed into this receiver. For more accurate reviews, I would check the reviews on this site for the VR-3090 as well as the reviews posted on the Kenwoodusa.com site and Etown.com (http://www.e-town.com/categories/product_review.jhtml?bodyinclude=product_review&productID=2106) which will give the prospective buyer more objective information.

Lastly, I do recommend the VR-3090 if you do not need the few added features of the VR-3100. Kenwood is currently introducing its new line of receivers, so prices for their "high-end" units can be relatively low (I bought mine from Ubid.com WITH FULL WARRANTY @$479+shipping). I expect the new models will offer 5-1 inputs and component video switching. If that is not essential for you at this time -as it was not for me-, then you are getting great quality for a relativeky low price.
Marantz's SR-7000 which I was considering is also a great sounding unit but is currently on national back-order (very hard to come by) as well as rarely discounted. One needs to look at features very carefully to determine what is truly needed in one's system (what's there and what's to be added in the next 18 to 24 months)... Decisions, decisions. From the standpoint of sound quality, (most) features and power, these units are hard to beat. When you consider a price under $650, then it's (almost) a no-brainer.
On a tight budget I would recommend the Home-Theater-in-a-box HTB-503 from Kenwood (available at $389 for members at shop4.com) which includes the VR-409 (a great unit at an excellent price, replacing the VR-309) AND 6 speakers (including a powered subwoofer with an 8 inch driver)! A great value due to the quality of the overall system... Or, if you don't need the additional speakers at all, the VR-309 (409) is a great value (check sources and availabity through shopping comparison search engines such as Pricescan.com or MySimon.com).

I haven't heard much better than this other than separates, though I have not auditioned thoroughly the high-end units from other manufacturers (at twice the list price and more for the actual "street" prices). YOU decide after doing your own auditioning. My decision : 5 stars for value and 5 stars for quality.

Well, I hope this review helps. Enjoy whatever receiver you decide on...

Similar Products Used:

Denon 3300, Onkyo 575, Marantz SR-7000, Kenwood VR-309/409