Covers all the basics very competently. Includes a phono input. More features and better performance than other mass-market entry-level AV receivers.

Poorly designed remote. Lowest bass crossover is too high.

This is an entry-level receiver, make no mistake; with Technics' $50 rebate it sells for under $200. So it should be judged against other sub-$200 receivers.

In that class it's a pretty good deal.

In addition to all the standard Dolby Digital/DTS setup features, there are a handful of fake surround modes (the usual useless "club," "hall," etc.)

The complement of inputs/outputs should be adequate for most modest home theaters: three digital audio inputs; S-Video switching (for two sources); phono preamp; two tape loops; a 6-channel analog input.

But you won't get the next level. Among the things this receiver won't handle: bass management for the 6-channel input; component video; EX 6.1 or ProLogic 2; 5-channel stereo.

I'm very pleased with the sound of this receiver. I can detect no audible residual noise even at outragrous level settings. It's a very neutral-sounding unit; not harsh, not warm. It's what you want in your electronics: what comes out is what goes in. There is far more than enough clean amplifier power for my CSW speaker setup (New Ensemble mains; "old" Ensemble surrounds; the original Center Channel; a Basscube 15).

The performance of the AM/FM tuner is quite acceptible; the phono preamp sounds fine as well.

I don't much like the remote; small buttons, no backlighting, very hard to use in the dark, low-contrast labeling.

My only other criticism relates to bass management; when "small" speakers are selected, the only crossover frequencies that can be selected are 100, 150, and 200Hz. In my setup this isn't a problem (I have full-range speakers in all 4 corners plus a sub, so I only select "small" for the center channel, where 100Hz sounds fine). But some users of larger bookshelf speakers that are flat down to 60-80Hz might wish for a lower crossover. So think about this before you decide.

I chose this receiver because I expect to be revising my entire system again in a few years, when it's time for a digital TV. So I saw no need to spend a lot of money now. As long as I could get something that didn't compromise the quality of the sound, I didn't mind it lacking capabilities I could do without.

Oh, and it runs no hotter than its competitors, and it has a cooling fan that will kick on if it needs to.

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JVC RX-818VBK Pro-Logic Receiver

Price

missing assignable imputs..

As a result, I am unable to connect sat dish into S Video on tuner.. DVD no problem, VCR no problem..I am using the receiver as a switch unit..Next time, I'll remember to check that the unit has "user assignable" inputs..I guess once I get a wide Screen HDTV ready set..Then I'll have the ability to connect Sat directly.. Overall..A fine performer..Does get a bit hot..

I like the appearance and the apparent construction of the unit. Its weight suggests heavy duty components which I look for in audio equipment. Control and function switches are numerous and lend versatility to the unit.

A recent review in Consumer Report suggests an outstanding AM receiver section. I disagree.

I believe this product is well worth the price. The features are what I was looking for in a surround sound unit. This is my first receiver of this type and there is much I must learn about this new type of home entertainment. I was rather disappointed that there is no standard FM jack on the rear of the panel. You have to open the coaxial cable and insert the positive lead and braid into respective spring-loaded connectors. I am having difficulty programming the stations into the memory. I have done so a few times. However, when I attempt to retrieve a station, the station I inserted appears to have been removed. I believe with practise, I will get the memory procedure down pat. I am looking forward to hooking up surround sound speakers and a subwoofer. The bass on this unit is o.k. My Sansui has loudness and bass boost controls.I wish this unit had them. I believe an equalizer will really allow this unit to perform in a greater audio range, where the listener can boost or cut the frequencies he or she chooses.

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Sansui 5000A AM-FM receiver.

Very good quality sound, nice appearance, great amplifier specs.

Limited video input number and types. No Dolby ProLogic II (very few receivers have one however).

The previous poster, Bill, needs to study the manual. Memory is v. easy to set and there IS a bass/treble control.
I was v. impressed by stereo sound at this price level.
However, I need to return this (and eat the shipping x2). Even though advertised as having 4 composite video inputs, I cannot use the front panel input for recording video. I ment to plug-in my camcoder or VCR2 to copy recordings to VCR1. Nope, cannot be done.
Another annoying glitch (minor becouse can be fixed), if you input digital signal from DVD or CD, you cannot record the sound to tape.
If the above things don't bother you, go for it.

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