Features, component video switching, digital out, a/b speakers, subwoofer control, Pre outs

Sound... power. Thin sounding, is NOT a high current receiver. NOISY Svideo switching, poor remote

On paper, the TEAC is the steal of the year. It has ALL the bells and whistles you'd ever want for a receiver, and then some!

If you just want a basic receiver, that is expandible, this is a great buy.

However, if you are looking for something with decent sound, I have to say that I don't believe the TEAC will do the job.

Basically, I put this receiver on part with the kenwood VR407, Lower end Sony, and Pioneer 509's of the world. They are adequate to deliver dTs sound, however, they have the sound of entry level receivers (which is what they are, to be fair).

If you have speakers that are revealing, the weaknesses of the TEAC will become evident. I even went as far as to run a 2 Ch NAD through the front speakers, but the pre-amp is just too thin and noisy for any serious listening.

I disagree STRONGLY with the previous posters, the teac is NOT in the same class as the Onkyo 575X, from a musicality point of view. Onkyo has much more ACTUAL wattage and current than the teac, regardless of what printed figures say.

Do NOT buy this receiver if you plan on spending money on the Onkyo 575X or Technics SA-da10. The difference in sound is enough to justify paying more for the onkyo or technics.Shop around.

Do buy this receiver if you are looking for an entry level receiver with adequate sound and great expandibility. It is a good deal when you compare it to models like the Kenwood Vr407.

However, the svideo interference I encountered was so bad that I would say DON"T get it, if you plan to use S video switching . You better test this out yourself, it might be just the one I tried, however, i notice several other posters mentioning the same problem.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo 575X, Technics SA-da10, kenwood Vr407

DTS, DD, SVHS switching (4) and component video switching (2). Cheap. Sounds ok.

svhs video switching seems prone to noise. The sVHS player going through the svhs connector to my TV shows some noise when displaying blue screen. This means you pay a penalty for the ability to have the receiver display information overlays on top of your video signal.

Great value for money, but disappointing svhs switching. If you are looking for a unit that can switch your svhs players, for get it, get an external switcher instead.

Either my unit was defective, or there's a design flaw with the video overlaying circuitry. I really can't tell, and since I don't use my svhs player anymore, I don't really care right now.

Video switching is always a touchy subject since unlike audio, it tends to suffer more from signal problems if there's too many stages, or if the path is too long, so normally the switching happens at the TV. I'd recomend the video switching in this receiver only for things like video game consoles or vhs (which has bad video to start with).

The audio quality seems ok, but I haven't really put any test equipment to it. If you're on a budget, you can't go wrong with this guy, just make sure you buy from a place that allows you to return any defective units, test it and you cna't go wrong. I got mine from costco (priceclub in us).

Similar Products Used:

Sony STRD 950
Pioneer 605

Sound clarity, power, varied i/o including component video and coax/optical digital ports.

The lack of universality & learning on the remote (no big deal).

I wanted to follow up on my previous Teac AD-G9320 review now that I have upgraded all the speakers. FYI, the fronts are B&W DM 602 S2, the Center is a B&W CC6-S2, the SW is a Klispch ksw-10", and the rears are dipole Boston Acoustics VRS Micro.

I am new to surround sound in the home, but the B&W speaker upgrade really let the Teac amp show its true colors. First, clearly the discreet 5.1 modes (Dolby & DTS) really do rock on this amp. Strangely, these modes are not available off the CD digital inputs mode, only the video modes.

I am writing a follow up because with the right speakers, the other sound modes are sounding quite different as well. The ProLogic mode is amazing in its ability to create surround ambience from stereo sources. Even my old VHS copies have surprising depth (ie. Jurassic Park). MP3 music also does surprisingly well does in this mode, although a lower quality mp3's prefer stereo (thanks to Napster, this is no longer a problem). The B&W 602s have such great imaging though, that standard stereo really gives Prologic Surround a run for the money. I have settled into the sweetness of the surround mode for casual listening, and switch back to stereo for a bit more power and clarity.

Stereo 3 mode is suprising in its ability to create an entirely new type of depth. The center speaker dominates creating an almost monaural sound that is now more or less enhanced by 'surround' depth in the R&L channels, creating a more diffuse front field of surround sound. Since the center gets the same usage in ProLogic mode, I rarely use this mode. If you lack the rears, this is a nice downmix option.

DSP modes are certainly better now with the new speakers, yes, including the Church effect. They no longer sound 'cheesy', but are interesting divergences. They are good to use on occasion, mostly to show off the system or imagine you 'are there'. Still, ProLogic is clearly the best sound from 2 channel sources with its unique and even amazing ability to isolate specific 'ambient' sounds to the satellites.

The sub-woofer works in all modes, and uniquely on its own if you toggle off your front A speakers. All channels have pre-outs, and this is where the Sub hooks up directly. I stand corrected again from my earlier review, as this IS mentioned in the manual in a diagram. Also, I have never had the 'heartbeat' problem others have reported.

After much use now, some minor complaints about the Teac's selector. The device input selection can be confusing (my wife is totally stumped). If you accidently hit the Tape2, Digital input or 6CH Direct in on your remote, you will spend several seconds (for the wife, forever) in silence figuring it out (then again, a mistaken mute command or toggling of speaker A can sadly lock her out). The LED indicators are hard to see from even 6 feet in a reasonably lit room. Further, the double labeling of the inputs give the wife fits as well: VCR/VID1 LD/VID2 AUX/VID3 DVD/VID4. Though these are logical enough, we don't have a Laser Disk (who does anymore?) and what is obviously missing is a TV or Cable/Satellite decoder input selection. Now though this seems minor, we have convergence on my system here, so we have 2 VCRs, DVD, Cable and now Computer Video. I end up having to pipe the computer signal into the TV's second input, while the cable becomes the 'LD'. This is giving my wife fits trying to remember all this. On the positive, the large LED readout of input on the amp is clearly visible across the room, even in bright daylight.

My solution to the shortage of video inputs was to upgrade my computer (now dedicated to servicing mp3s to the stereo and cable modem internet connection) video and add a DVD, so the CPU inputs both music and video eliminating a seperate DVD. IRMan has a fairly priced computer IR remote solution for your serial port to control DVD/Winamp & more. Works nicely.

Next I have to solve the remote controller problem. Will probably go with a Pronto, but I hate having to put on my reading glasses just to use the remote. Also, I think its overpriced. For now, the General Instrument cable remote has enough universality to run things decently (even the IRMan). Sadly, though it supports Teac codes, it struggles with the 9320, ie., it can't access CD mode, tape monitor or menu (neither does any other low cost remote I can find).

Tape dubbing works one way only, and according the the manual, dubbing is from Tape 2 to be recorded on Tape 1 (without a toggle switch). I could only record in the reverse direction. I would like to play with this more, but my 2nd tape deck (Aiwa) has broken down. Anyway, as long as there is some level of dubbing, well...

I don't think it's fair for a follow up review to post a rating, but... I stand by my first grade, and by necessity repeat it here. I don't think the shortcomings I mention are unusual for a sub $500 unit, and considering the amazing overall strengths and range of I/O of the Teac, this is still a strong 5.

Final recommendation. The low cost of this unit will let you spend more on speakers. The B&W 602s are decently priced bookself speakers, and are simply staggering on the Teac (bi-wired of course). Friends are literally startled at the dimensionality, imaging and clarity. They get quite loud to and maintain that clarity to the top. This is a near (if not real) audiophile solution for a very affordable price.

Can't go wrong on this one.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo, Pioneer, Sony, Denon

Price, clarity, features

Remote, Surround FX

Great price, power, sound & input/output options; mediocre remote. Haven't used the surround mode yet, but the stereo mode is impressive, ultra-wide bandwidth is definitely a noticable commodity on this unit. Combined with a decent high current capability, this unit not only has power punch, but great attack and clarity. This clarity also yields crisp stereo imaging, making the Pioneer & Sony units sound muddy by comparison. Unit is relatively noiseless at high volumes (a hiss can be heard on phono, but this is common). Held up well to the Onkyo as well, though the latter had more volume, but no phono in or digital out.

Inputs are what set this unit apart, with full digital in/out AND phono (hard to find this combo). Add component & S-video in/outs for an impressive array for a modern home theatre/stereo system. I also found the under 16 inch depth a nice departure from the move back to larger units crowding the furniture.

The unit does run somewhat warm, but nothing alarming. Front panel button layout is adequate, but confusing at first. Nice to have several buttons for instant FM/AM channel selection as well as scrolling stations, if only the direct button press was really instantaneous instead of a couple of seconds of unecessary delay.

I digitally hooked up the unit to my living room computer via a $100 Turtle Beach Montego II plus w/Digital in/out for an ideal MP3 jukebox. The digital interface is not only cleaner and quieter than analog, but it is substantially louder as well. Sadly, the output is basically a digital throughput, as analog input is not sent out digitally. I have yet to find a receiver that will do this anyway. Oh well.

There are no powered sub-woofer outputs, only sub pre-amp outs along with all other channels on the pre-amp outs. This is nice, but begs the question (which neither the manual or their web page email support have answered) where does one hook up the subs and keep control over them as provided by the front panel (at least without dumping the sub-preamp out). Strange.

As in previous reviews, the surround effects were not too impressive and lag behind the Sony & Pioneer. In particular, the 'Church' mode was indeed cheesey, although better on some cuts than others (for reasons I cannot even guess at). Too bad that such digital processing is not send out via the digital output.

I was content to pay $399 for the unit and found this not only a fair price, but a good deal for what the unit does. It definitely beats the Pioneer & Sony, and I honestly have to say I like the sound (and features) better than the Onkyo, although these were much closer. Also, although the video connections are clear and the match the original, I felt (maybe mistakenly) the Onkyo somehow improved the image somewhat. For more info on the DTS & Dolby modes, read the Teac D9100 reviews.

This reciever is a solid performer and a good choice.

Similar Products Used:

Sony STR-DE935, Pioneer VSX-D608, Onkyo DS575

tons of features and inputs, 130W x 2, high instantaneous current capability, 24-bit/96KHz D/A converters, night mode, nice looks

remote (not programmable and can only be used with other teac components).

The main reason I picked up this receiver is because of the great price at Costco. As you can see above, the MSRP is 650 USD and the costco near my place sells it for $499 CDN.

The sound from this unit is absolutely marvellous in all modes. In Stereo it has an immense amount of power that really pushes my 12" JBL's. In Dolby Digital/DTS, the surround effects are gorgeous. With the old Harmon Kardon AVR20, I rarely ever heard anything come out of the rear speakers. Now they are as loud as the fronts and I don't even have them on the highest setting!

It has all the inputs you would ever want, 2-optical in, 1 coaxial in and 1 optical out. Component video in/Out, 3 S-Video In's and 1 S-Video out. Direct connection for hooking up your cable to pick up FM stations. It's just beautiful.

I'm immensely happy with this receiver and recommend it to everyone.

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer VSX-509S, Harmon Kardon AVR20 MK II

Very good features

The volume need more power

You have to use with digital cable, the sound is very good, try to play with features and see some diference. I recomend a good subwoofer to do the job. I recomend it.

Similar Products Used:

Rotel, Sony

price, and thats in canadian pesos.

heartbeat subwoofer,can't set levels without emitting test tones.

this is just to tell anyone owning this model or the 9100 that there is a fix for the heartbeat sounds emited from the subwoofer when the unit is turned off. i called teac and they sent me to a repair shop here in town to get it fixed, and it's covered under warranty.appart from that quite happy with the pefomance in relation to price, and quite flexible for future use.strongly recommended for someone testing out the home theater waters for the first time,or someone on a tight budget.

Similar Products Used:

none

Price vs performance

minor not worth mentioning as I'm not An AUDIOPHILE THAT PAYS $500 DOLLORS FOR A POWERCORD!

First off you pay nothing compared to features you get. second Costco sells it and I believe they have the BEST! return policy of anywhere. Finally I like it! its rated at 8ohms and i have run a set of Maggies of it for the 11months with no problem at all. my bass is carried by seperates so there is no big bass demand. However I have tried it with a set of full towers and 12" subs and it worked great. I bought this to replace my adcom preamp which was stereo. All I wanted was dts 5.1 cababilty. Thats what I got plus a hell of alot more. I have never bought a recievr and expected it to run all my speakers.. The best way to go is ALWAYS seperates. This way upgrading is resticted to processor or preamp.. Thats basically what this is.. A cheap all around good preamp that also has a power amp built in. I only run my maggies from it because I sold one of my amps and am holding out for a Bryston or similar high current amp. meanwhile I spent little money got great product, remarkable warrenty. And most important I can sell it and upgrade to new latest thing keep rest of my system and have lost little as far as money goes. So if your not an Audiophile who claims they can here the difference between ptfe and copper, then this is the reciever for you Build around it and its versatility and one day you can buy that big boy preamp as generally most recievers never cut it in the POWER/ CLARITY department anyway. Also it would seem to me that those who claim they can come close to seperates cost in upwards of $1000.00. So go figure you paid $499, I paid $469and I'm happy.. check out features vs price of similar products and you be the juge. don't listen to people who expect high quality audio and power FROM any reciever, There main purpuse is and will always be versatility and price vs performance and in that department this TEAC is a sure winner!

Similar Products Used:

pioneer, onkyo, Yamaha

DTS, DD decoding, price, S-video & component switching

The remote does not correctly function with the older model TEAC CD changer that I own.

To start with, i'll discuss a couple of weak points.
First, my unit suffers the subwoofer heartbeat when it is turned off. However, the level is so low that the room has to be totally quiet, and I have to be within 5 feet of the sub to hear it.
Second, the hall, theater, and church "phony" surround modes seem to function perfectly when using an analog source, but if you use them with a digital input (coax or TOSLINK), the result is sort of a choppy reverberated sound. This is NOT an issue at my house. I don't use the phony surround modes when watching/listening to a digital source.
Third, laserdisk buffs may be slightly dissapointed that this unit does not have an AC-3 RF input. I'm not sure if that's an issue nowadays.

The good news is, you won't be able to find a similarly equipped receiver with this kind of performance for anywhere near the price.

DTS and Dolby Digital sound as excellent as ever. This receiver was my doorway to DTS. Now i only lack larger rear speakers. (I am using the speakers left over from the pro-logic days). Hint: You can't skimp on speakers if you plan on using DTS.

After calibrating the audio levels with VE, i'm amazed at how well the system sounds. For those still interested in Pro-Logic, this system performes very well in that field also.

The On Screen Display can be output on composite or s-video,
and i have chosen to output on composite for a few reasons.
Normal TV viewing in our house is done mostly on composite, so the OSD info comes in handy there. When i really want to watch something, I switch the TV to S-video, and get noise free (and OSD free) viewing. The OSD in s-video mode seemed to add a very slight amount of noise to the picture that had a similar effect to running the sharpness on the TV set a bit too high.

In the future, when i get my Wega 32" set, i'll report how the component video looks, and i'll be glad that the OSD does not appear there.

My favorite "reference" DVD is U-571 with the DTS soundtrack. I guarantee this Teac will rock!

As badly as i want to give the overall rating a 5,
I know that somewhere out there is a $1000 receiver that does more.

And for those interested, I bought this receiver with the mindset that for $350 I can't go wrong. I sure as heck didn't.

Similar Products Used:

Teac AG-V8060