Remote, Sound Quality, Easy to Use

Plain

I am a college student, just got done with my first semester, and everyone in the rooms around me had these huge audion systems that could shake the place. Wanting not to be left behind and not have a very good system (An all in one that was 8 years old) I decided to look around and buy something new. I had a DVD player, so i wanted something with a Dolby Ditigal Decoder, and I wanted something I could use for a long time.

I talked to my neighbor, a DJ, who recommended some bands of both receivers and speakers. I looked on just about every website I could find about speaker and receiver reviews and found my best help was from this site. Well, my new system includes the Kenwood 409 Receiver, two JBL N28s in the front, and some Sony Speakers I got free with the purchase of the receiver. I ended up paying $388 at Circuit City for
the Kenwood 409 Receiver and a 5 year warranty, plus i got the free Sony speakers.

This systems looks good, and sounds great. I watched the Matrix (DVD) last night and was amazed at the quality of the sounds and the other little sounds you miss by watching it right through the TV. The Kenwood has a huge remote, but it can do just about anything. I am still trying to figure it all out. The receiver itself was very easy to install and has more than enough ins and outs. If I was going to buy all over again, i would pick this receiver in a heartbeat. For that price, this is a great receiver and won't drain your wallet, at least not mine. I would recommend this receiver to anyone who is looking for a good A/V receiver for not a lot of money.

All I mentioned before.
In addition: Variable levels on front right/left -10to+10

variable front right/left adjustment not in instructions.

This is an update on my previouse review: I found that by going into the pink noise mode I was able to turn up the levels on the front right/left channels which INCREASED the bass response. This unit is packed with features which I am still playing with. I still plan to purchase a sub-woofer however, this is not a priority now.

Due to the bass problem being resolved I will change my review to 5 stars for value and 5 stars for performance.

The only shortcoming is that there is no mention in the instruction manual about being able to adjust the front right/left levels.

This is an update on my previous posts. After getting a Yamaha sub-woofer, I have no complaints. The Dolby 5.1 is terrific, plenty of bass and seperation. The FM tuner is great! I live in San Diego and am receiving FM stations from Santa Barbara 200 miles away on the FM wire antenna supplied. I connected the coax digital input to the ac3 output on my digital cable converter. On Showtime, the Dolby 5.1 started working and the house started shaking. Considering all the inputs and options available on this unit, and to rectify the poor grade I gave this unit 2 postings ago I again give this a 5+.