Pioneer VSX-D514 Multi-Channel Digital A/V Receiver Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've used this receiver for a year, during which time I've had nothing to complain about. It's a respectable buy in its price range, sounds quite good, and is not overly complex. I've just replaced it as my primary receiver, though, because it doesn't have enough digital inputs to handle a variety of sources. To manage the optical inputs from my TV, DVD recorder, Macintosh computer, cable box, and CD recorder, I was required to buy a switching device from Radio Shack. Now my new receiver has enough inputs to manage the load, as well as vastly more power and features. The 514 has only one optical and two coax inputs.
I expect the 514 to continue to give service for a long time, hooked up the bookshelf speakers in my bedroom.
If you want basic stereo and surround capability, this is a model worth considering, but if you imagine your needs will grow like mine have, then you might want to bump up to a more expensive/expansive unit. (In case you wonder, I now have a Yamaha HRT-5890, and it early on seems an excellent choice.)
Note that I do not dabble in the black arts of the audiophiles. I'm an unpretentious listener with reasonably high expectations. I doubt if I would care about the alleged sound distinctions between, say, a Denon and a Yamaha. I do care a lot about the quality of the user's manual, and the D514 has one that is not hard to understand.
You might have a problem figuring out from the Amazon description that the 514 is 5x100 watts.

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Designed to give consumers full control over their home entertainment experience, the Pioneer VSX-D514-S 5.1-channel digital A/V receiver is a great fit for the discriminating movie and music fan. The receiver, which powers five channels at 100 watts each, is equipped with Dolby Digital, DTS, and Dolby Pro Logic II surround processing, giving DVDs a rich, full-bodied sound through a multichannel speaker system. Dolby Digital and DTS decoding technologies split the audio signals among four left and right surround speakers, a center speaker, and a subwoofer, while Pro Logic II converts two-channel stereo sources into five-channel surround sound. On surround encoded material such as movie soundtracks, the resulting audio is powerful and explosive, while with two-channel encoded material such as music CDs, the effect is a wider and more encompassing sound field with more localized vocals.
Internally, the VSX-D514-S boasts a single compact circuit board for all digital signal processing, thus ensuring exceptional purity, plus a double-precision Motorola 48-bit DSP engine that's similar to the one used in top theaters worldwide. The receiver also offers a discrete configuration along with Pioneer's hybrid amplification system, which directs the correct amount of bias signal to each transistor for extremely low distortion. This means that Pioneer's amps are designed to handle the full bandwidth of Dolby Digital, DTS, SACD, and DVD-Audio encoded software. Add that to the high-end digital-to-analog audio converter and you have a top-shelf receiver.
Installation takes just a few minutes thanks to the Quick Setup feature, which walks the consumer through the setup process. Listeners simply tell the receiver how many speakers are connected and then select the room size. The receiver then delivers an accurate surround sound performance based on the configuration. Additional features include component and S-video switching, which allows both progressive and interlaced NTSC and HDTV signals to travel to the TV or monitor; five digital signal processing modes, including game and movie modes; multiple digital coaxial and optical inputs; and a preset LCD remote control. The VSX-D514-S measures 16.56 by 6.25 by 15.5 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a one-year warranty on parts and labor.
What's in the Box VSX-D514-S receiver, remote control, two AA batteries, AM and FM antennas, user's manual.

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Pioneer VSX-D812-K - AV receiver - 5.1 channel - black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased this receiver used a couple months ago. So far it's done very well. In comparison to today's receivers this one doesn't have half of the 'bells and whistles,' but it does a great job with the basics.
I went with the Pioneer brand because the my 13 year old Pioneer Pro Logic receiver outlasted my 7 year old Kenwood DD/DTS receiver. The receiver sounds great with movies (in both DD and DTS) as well as music (in DD/DTS or just a stereo CD).
The best part about the receiver is the pre-outs for all 5.1 channels for separate amplifiers. I am currently running a powered sub and a separate 2-channel amp for the fronts and it sounds incredible.
The receiver is also expandable to 7.1 channels.
PROS:
Reliable!
5.1 channel pre-outs
Solid performance for movies and music (great DD/DTS processing!)
CONS:
No auto-setup feature (see VSX-d912 for that)
No learning remote

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Polk Audio CSW155 Passive in-wall subwoofer Review

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(More customer reviews)Bought this for a 5.1 system I built for a customer. I recommend using the SWA500 500w amp that Polk Audio recommends, you wont be dissappointed. I installed this in a standard wood frame wall with very old and brittle drywall on it, i expected to have to repair or replace alot of after i turned the system on. To my surprise while the bass produced by this sub will wake your neighbors and drive you out of the house, there is very minimal vibration in the wall itself. Was very surprised and am most definately going to keep buying these and installing them every chance i get.

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Pioneer VSX-917V-K Home Theater Receiver (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I got this receiver a few days ago to upgrade from my basic Pioneer XV-HTD540 receiver/DVD combo.I'm using the same speakers from before but I swear,this receiver has just breathed new life into them.They sound much more dynamic from the same movies I've been watching.
I really wanted the HDMI and Optical audio connections and am really happy to have them here. This reciever has more options than anyone is likely ever going to use but my favorite so far is the included microphone attachment that will automatically set up your equalizer to the specs of your room by audio noises through the speakers then received by the microphone attachment(note:hook up component cables from the reviever out to your T.V. to get on screen interaction to make this and other options easier).I know this isn't the only receiver to have this feature but it sure is nice to have on a relatively inexpensive one like this, especially if you don't feel like fiddling with the EQ to find your sound. I listened to it before doing the auto set up and it was nice but after the auto set up, WOW, what a difference. I also like how this receiver will tune into whatever source you've set to adjust the listening options(like Dolby Digital,DTS,or even the Sports setting during a game)for what your watching. It also supports both XM and Sirius radio.
Only downsides are that when your using HDMI through the receivers ports,you have to turn the receiver on for the signal to get to your TV. Not a big deal and there are ways around this if you get creative enough. The other being that this reciever only passes through audio via HDMI, it doesn't decode it to play through your speakers. That's only a big deal if you have HD DVD or Blu-ray, as HD audio can only be heard through HDMI or........
........you can get a player with 5.1 analog audio outs to hook into the 5.1 analog ins on the receiver. That's what I did. Now I have hi def movies with their hi def audio playing through my receivers speakers. It's the only way to get hi def audio if your reciever doesn't decode from HDMI. Most of those receivers though are alot more expensive, so I found this to be a great alternative.
Overall, I'm just glad to finally have a reciever with options now.I like this one alot,it's going for a really good price right now and is actually much less than the Harmon Kardon reciever I was looking at which offered the same features. Plus this one is much more powerful than the HK. I feel good about keeping this one around for years to come as it's able to pass through 1080p video, some of the best audio from HD DVD/Blu-ray dics and is 7.1 capable.If your looking for a good mid-range receiver for a good price, this is it.

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Pioneer VSX-917V-K Home Theater Receiver, Black

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Harman Kardon AVR330 7.1-Channel A/V Receiver (Gray/Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I have this paired with athena s5s and a 300 sub. the sound is sweet for everything: PSX. movies -- dialogue & sfx, and of course music -- bright, crystal clear, wonderful range and musicality. night mode is great feature if listening late and worried about neighbors.
only gripe: unit needs an illuminated remote that is more easily programmable.
I got mine from HK online - refurbished for 420. w shipping and same warranty.

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The AVR330 brings you high-performance, theater-quality sound with enough power to bring home all the excitement and detail of the most demanding soundtracks and every nuance of your music. It is capable of 7.1- or 5.1-channel output and offers coaxial and optical digital inputs as well as six- or eight-channel analog inputs for output from DVD-audio players or other devices that use their own built-in surround processing. The AVR330 boasts an array of processing features, including Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, and various types of DTS decoding (DTS, DTS-ES Discrete and Matrix, and DTS Neo:6) for digital sources.
For sources such as CD, VCR, TV broadcasts, and the AVR330's own FM/AM tuner, a choice of several matrix surround-encoded or stereo surround modes are available, including Dolby 3 stereo, hall, and theater modes. To maximize use of your listening environment, the AVR330 offers Harman Kardon's exclusive Logic 7 processing in both 5.1- and 7.1-channel versions to create a wider, more enveloping field environment and more defined fly-overs and pans. In addition, VMAx surround-like simulation uses proprietary processing to create an open, spacious sound field even when only two front speakers are available. The receiver also includes complete digital bass management. Its onboard AM/FM receiver includes both AM and FM antennas and gives you 30 presets for storing your favorite stations. The remote control features EZSet, which automatically sets output levels for optimum performance, and the package includes connections for setting up a second listening environment, complete with a second ("Zone II") remote control.
For video management, the AVR330 gives you component video, S-video, and composite video inputs and outputs, as well as a host of audio connections. The receiver allows you not only to pass digital signals through to compatible devices for recording, but also to convert analog signals to a PCM digital signal for recording to a digital device such as a MiniDisc or CD recorder. It features coaxial and optical digital audio inputs and outputs and a host of analog inputs and outputs, including front-panel digital and A/V inputs for easy connection to portable digital devices and video game consoles. In all, it gives you three coaxial digital inputs, three optical digital inputs, coaxial and optical digital outputs, five A/V audio inputs, tape inputs, CD audio inputs, and 6- or 8-channel direct inputs for use with DVD-audio or SACD players and any other products with internal surround decoders. It also gives you subwoofer and preamp outputs. All input, output, and speaker terminals are color-coded and comply with CEA standards for easy installation.
What's in the Box AVR3300 receiver, owner's manual, remote control with batteries, second remote control for Zone II, AM loop antenna, indoor FM antenna, 300-ohm-to-75-ohm adapter, warranty information.

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Absolute DD900BT 7" Double DIN Touch Screen Multimedia Player with Bluetooth Review

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(More customer reviews)This radio only worked for two days then the graphics displayed started getting grainy and disappered. The DVD/cd player would never accept any disc. Now only the radio works but with no graphics there's only the one channel it was on at failure. Overall this unit is a huge waist of money. The quality of absolute products is an epic fail. When I tried to return it they said it was a bad install. Do not buy this product.

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Yamaha HTR-5760 7.1-Channel Digital Home Theater Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)Oh Boy ! Prices have come down on quality receivers. Not only do you get more ... but you pay less than the previous version. This one has everything a picky home theater enthusiast is look for:
1 - 7.1 ch amplification
2 - 7.1 preouts (to connect a robust poweramp)
3 - Dolby ProLogic IIx (don't watch movies without it)
4 - Microphone Calibration (not parametric as the name suggests) ... better than an SPL since this measures spkr delays etc.
5 - Adjustable SUB Crossover (down to 40hz)
5 - Construction and overall quality
For Home Theater and Movies ? 5 STARS (Audio in a movie disc is not audiophile grade, so this receiver is just fine for that)
As an audiophile 2-channel receiver ? 3 STARS (get a external good quality poweramp for this)
Suggestions to Yamaha:
1 - Upgrade firmware to allow receiver to use a specific setting as te default for all signals. For instance, if you have a 7 speaker setup ... you should be able to make the player default to Dolby Prologic IIx for any and all signals.
2 - Remove the TUNER and reduce the cost. If you want to listen to the radio ... use that clock radio ! or go out for a drive in your car.
3 - Give us a lighted remote. Any Home Theater component ought to have a lighted remote. I am sure you know why. Right ?
Overall a very good receiver. Good work Yamaha. Bye Bye overpriced Denon.

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For incredible quality and setup flexibility at an amazingly affordable price, it's hard to top Yamaha's high-current HTR-5760 audio/video receiver. With the HTR-5760 you get the convenience of DVD-Audio/SACD-ready eight-channel analog inputs alongside the latest 6.1- and 7.1-channel surround processing, multiroom control, and premium Yamaha sound technologies.When hooked up with the digital-audio output from a DVD-Video player or digital satellite receiver, the 95-watts-per-channel HTR-5760 handles 5.1-channel surround decoding for both major formats, Dolby Digital and DTS. In addition, the receiver processes Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, DTS Neo:6, and DTS 96/24. The extended-surround formats create even more expansive soundfields through a center-rear surround channel, for which THX suggests using two separate speakers. The result is seven discrete full-range channels in addition to the LFE (low-frequency effects) channel: front left/right, surround left/right, front center channel, and a pair of rear-center channels.A key benefit from a Yamaha receiver, of course, is Yamaha's proprietary signal processing, including Cinema DSP (digital soundfield processing), which creates aural "imaging" that not only makes your home sound like a theater, but also sounds better than most movie theaters. Based on a wealth of measured data in real studios and halls, Cinema DSP is designed to bring out the full potential of movie sound mixes, reproducing them the way directors and sound engineers intended.And, when you're listening to multichannel presentations late at night, you'll appreciate Silent Cinema, which simulates 5.1-channel listening through a pair of ordinary 2-channel headphones (not included). Silent Cinema uses unique parameters for each soundfield to ensure accurate headphone representations of each soundfield.The receiver comes with YPAO (Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer) and a dedicated microphone to help you establish the best possible sound at your primary listening position. The optimizer uses the microphone to "listen" to the sound from the speakers and determine, based on its test-signals, how best to equalize the sound for your room. Corrections include speaker/subwoofer phase relationships, speaker/subwoofer distance measurements (corrects for differences down to 5 cm), frequency response (measures and optimizes each speaker's response using a parametric equalizer), and speaker level (measures and aligns the relative volume levels of all speakers).Then there's the eight-channel DVD-Audio/SACD-ready inputs mentioned above. Due to anti-piracy measures, DVD-Audio and SACD players perform their own digital-to-analog conversion, passing high-resolution analog signals on to your amplifier. (And analog, after all, is what your amp feeds your speakers.)DVD-Audio and SACD can each deliver up to six channels of discrete, full-frequency sound at greater-than-CD resolution (in the case of DVD-A, that means 24 bits, 96 kHz sampling rate versus 16 bits, 44.1 kHz for CD). In stereo or surround, the sound from DVD-Audio and SACD is packed with detail, yet smoother and sweeter from than the sound from even the best standard CD players. The HTR-5760 accommodates decoded DVD-A/SACD signals and routes them to the appropriate speakers in your surround system.The receiver offers five audio/video input connections (all with composite-/S-video, two with component-video), eight fixed and assignable digital-audio inputs (great for DSS, CD, laserdisc, gaming consoles, or minidisc), and front-panel input connections with digital-audio jacks for your camcorder or other spontaneous hookup. The receiver's video circuitry is high-definition ready, too (60 MHz bandwidth), and it will upconvert composite-video to an S-video signal to simplify TV hookup.Last, but certainly not least, the HTR-5760 benefits from Yamaha's Digital ToP-ART (Total Purity Audio Reproduction Technology) build philosophy. The culmination of the best digital engineering and design possible, it brings together several key elements to create the best-sounding, easiest-to-use A/V components available.What's in the Box Receiver, remote control, four AAA batteries, microphone for YPAO, an AM loop antenna, an indoor FM antenna, a warranty card, and a user's manual.

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Kenwood VR-9070-S 7.1-Channel THX-Certified Home Theater Receiver (Silver) Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased the VR-9070 nine months ago after finally deciding to upgrade from my ten year old Kenwood KR-V6070. Desire for Digital sound had finally crested enough for me to plunk down the dough even though my old receiver was still in great working order.
I looked at a few Sony models before settling on this Kenwood due to its price and how well my 10 year old Kenwood receiver had faired. For the price I was surprised to find a THX certified receiver that matched all my other criteria (Dolby/DTS digital decoder, adequate wattage, subwoofer connection & silver casing).
The 9070 sounds great in Digital & Pro Logic settings. I did notice a significant drop off of deep bass compared to my other receiver and I ended up purchasing a JBL sub sooner than I anticipated in order to rectify my bass needs. DVDs sound great in big action scenes, and there is good separation between channels.
The menu is rather unintuitive and difficult at first when attempting to change settings. I am rather disappointed there isn't a simple bass/treble feature. Instead, there are several different settings to navigate through in order to tweak your set-up.
I had some difficulty getting the Digital audio signal from my DVD player to work at first, but finally figured out that if your DVD player has a digital decoder built in as most do these days, then it has to be turned off for the 9070 to recognize and output a digital signal.
The aluminum case is heavy-duty and looks sleek. The flip down cover on the front keeps it looking nice and clean. The blue led display is just the right brightness and looks slick with the silver case. I only wish the connections on the front were also covered.
It does run rather hot, especially in Digital mode. I have about two inches clearance above the receiver and have had no problems with overheating even when running it over 4-5 hours. It does exude quite a bit of heat though so good ventilation is needed.
The only downfall to the 9070 I have experienced so far is the remote. Its small type is hard to read, impossible in the dark, and has almost no contrast to the color of the remote. The LCD screen might as well not be there, its only function is to display what mode the remote is in, and even then it only stays on for a few seconds. Not to mention that the screen, nor any of the buttons is backlit. The remote feels cheap in comparison, and should have a more user friendly appeal. Luckily my universal remote covers the basic volume functions so once my settings were locked in I rarely have use for the remote.
Overall a great receiver for the price.

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Enjoy the very best in surround sound performance with the Kenwood VR-9070-S home theater receiver, which not only delivers 100 watts of power to each of its seven channels, but also meets the demanding standards of LucasFilm's THX Select certification. Internally, the receiver is equipped with a 32-bit floating SHARC digital signal processor, a K-STAT discrete audio amplifier, and a 24-bit/96 kHz audio digital-to-analog converter that combine to deliver remarkably accurate, explosive sound whether you're watching the latest Hollywood spectacle or listening to your favorite tunes on CD. The audio experience is enhanced by the five DSP modes--arena, theater, jazz club, stadium, and disco--that simulate the acoustics of the most common live venues.
As with the best surround receivers, the VR-9070-S offers decoding for a variety of formats, including THX Select, THX Surround EX, THX Cinema, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Surround EX, DTS, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, and Dolby Pro Logic IIx. The first several formats play 5.1-, 6.1-, and 7.1-channel soundtracks from the latest DVDs, while Pro Logic IIx converts two-channel audio sources such as CDs, VHS tapes, and even LPs into full multichannel splendor to create a surround-like effect. The receiver also boasts an active equalizer function that adapts to the type of speakers you own (full range, satellite, etc.) and the type of program you're listening to (movies, music, or TV). The resulting sound can meet all types of expectations, whether you like your audio tight and crisp or full of booming echoes.
The THX Select certification signifies that the VR-9070-S meets the manufacturing standards established by LucasFilm for audio accuracy and performance. Every THX Select-certified component boasts a variety of valuable features, including: re-equalization, which removes the edgy brightness of cinema sound and accurately adapts it for home playback; timbre matching, which ensures a tonal match between the front and surround speakers; adaptive decorrelation, which gives monaural surround signals a true stereo sound; bass management, which directs the bass signals to the subwoofer to ensure cinema-quality bass; peak level management, which protects subwoofers from overload in bass-heavy soundtracks; and loudspeaker synchronization, which allows you to fine tune your system for optimal "sweet spot" listening in any room. To put it simply, THX Select receivers are as close as you can come to true movie-theater sound in your own home.
Additional audio functions unique to the VR-9070-S include automatic signal detection for both analog and digital sources (instinctively switches between CD player, DVD player, or satellite receiver depending on which unit is playing); individual bass and treble controls; and a Midnight Theater mode that softens loud passages of movies so that people in other rooms won't be disturbed. And, of course, the receiver includes a quartz PLL-synthesized AM/FM tuner with 40 station presets.
Adding to the VR-9070-S's value is the receiver's ability to serve as an A/V component switcher (it's HD-compatible), which is ideal for TVs with a limited number of inputs; the HD component pass-through function; and its S-video up-conversion, which converts composite signals to S-video to improve picture quality and minimize signal loss.
For the ultimate in flexibility, the VR-9070-S offers three component video inputs for such items as DVD players and HD receivers, five S-video inputs, and five composite inputs. It also comes with five video outputs (one component, two S-video, and two composite), along with eight audio inputs (including a front-panel auxiliary and a 6-channel input) and four digital audio inputs (two coaxial and two optical). Listeners can even use the receiver to control speakers and components in other rooms thanks to the multiroom A/V and IR control outputs. The VR-9070-S, which measures 17.31 by 6.56 by 15.62 inches (W x H x D), comes with a comprehensive learning remote control and is covered by a two-year warranty on parts and labor.
What's in the Box VR-9070-S receiver, remote control, user's manual.

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Harman Kardon DPR 1001 Digital Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased the dpr 1001 in October and auditioned it for 2 weeks before returning it. Please take note that this is really, for the most part a positive review, and overall I was very impressed with this unit. Although it didn't quite fit my needs, it very well may fit yours.
This reciever is an entirely new technology so you really can't directly compare it to an analog amp. The amplifier section is entirely digital making this one of the first of it's kind. I could easily take pages with this review, but I'll try to sum it up with a pro and con list:
Pro:
Tons of inputs, many assignable. One of the coolest features of this is the ability to map inputs, much the same way as an audio mixing board. For example, you can tell the unit to use the optical 2 input for Video 1, or Video 2, etc, without moving any plugs. You can also tell it to turn the front panel jacks from inputs to outputs to record something to your mp3 or camcorder. Very nice.
Extremely quiet. The noise floor on this thing is about the quietest I ever heard, almost high-end. The amp is very revealing, a solo violin recording sounds startlingly realistic. Also the tiny details in movie soundtracks such as the whizzing bullets in Saving Private Ryan sounded absolutely clearer and more present than on anything else I'd ever heard, including a set of 6,000$ seperates I auditioned recently at a local high-end boutique. That impressed the heck out of me.
The HK Vmax processing is the first "play your cd's through all the speakers faux surround" I ever heard that actually sounded good. This makes the dsp on my old Yamaha sound like a 1950's reverb tank. Awsome.
Very small and light compared to other recievers in it's class. Since the digital amp puts out much less heat than an analog one, it doesn't require big, heavy heatsinks. Picking up this reciever feels like you're holding a cheap vcr rather than an expensive reciever.
Big LED display you can see across the room and a great remote that is easy to set up and use.
Cons:
This unit has only one real con in my opinion, but it was big enough to make me reluctanly pack it up and send it back; and that is the power delivery. The PWM digital amps sound remarkably clean, BUT they seriously lack the dynamic punch of an analog. They had a difficult time driving my PSB bookshelf monitors, and they are pretty efficient. In plain speaking, the amp sounded clean and bright, maybe a bit too bright, but lacked power. Everything sounded a touch brittle and the bass was significantly lacking. I am an longtime audiophile and no matter how feature packed and impressive a receiver is, if it doesn't sound great, it's useless for me. Ultimately it failed my acid test for sound quality, but just by a hair. Keep in mind I am extremely picky, being an audio engineer and someone who owned high-end seperates in his single, pre-child days, and i am sure a great number of people would be pleased as punch with the sound delivered by the 1001, especially classical fans, as the lack of high-current delivery and lower-mid punch isn't as much of an issue.
To sum it up quickly and simply. This is a reciver that does everything you could want it to, and very well. If you are either a fan of quieter music (chamber, folk, etc) or are mostly concerned with the home theatre performance, i recommend this highly. If, however you plan on driving inefficient audiophile speakers, or using it primarily for rock music, you may want to consider the superior current delivery and more potent bass/midbass punch of one of HK's analog models. I think the digital amp technology is in it's infancy, and although it's not quite there yet, in another few years, who knows?

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The 7.1-channel DPR 1001 digital path receiver features a full digital-signal path from input to output, combining high-power output, convenience, and leading-edge performance with a sleek, high-tech appearance. Winner of a CEA Innovations 2003 Design and Engineering Award, the 7.1-channel DPR 1001 delivers 50 watts into each of its seven main channels. It's also compatible with all popular 7.1, 6.1, and 5.1-channel surround decoding formats, as well as with all high-resolution video and audio formats and display devices, thanks to its wide-bandwidth HDTV- and DTV-compatible component-video switching, multichannel analog-audio inputs, and detailed bass management.
The DPR 1001's versatile setup and configuration options include independent multiroom-multisource operation and a comprehensive array of rear-panel and front-panel digital and analog video and audio connections. The receiver comes with Harman Kardon's programmed LCD remote control with EzSet functionality, plus a Zone II remote for control of a second-room audio system. The receiver uses Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) digital amplifier technology--which keeps digital-audio signals in the digital domain from input to the last stage of output--to achieve significant advantages in performance and physical design.
Harman Kardon's Triple-Crossover Bass Manager is among the most advanced bass-management systems available in any audio-video receiver or DVD player. This system lets you select from three bass-crossover frequencies for the front, center, and surround speakers to perfectly tailor the audio output fed to each set of speakers for optimal frequency response and performance. This compensates for the absence of bass management on many high-resolution optical players (like DVD-Audio or multichannel SACD players), making it easy to enjoy maximal sonic benefits from high-resolution formats. Advanced 24-bit, 192 kHz D/A converters ensure the highest possible resolution, fidelity, and dynamic range. Two proprietary Harman audio technologies, Logic 7 7.1/5.1 and VMAx, deliver heightened sonic realism from surround sound and stereo audio source material. When the unit's connected to a computer or sound card with a compatible coaxial digital-audio output, you can play back MP3-encoded CDs or Internet-delivered streaming media.
The unit's audio-video connections includes composite video, S-Video, and wide-bandwidth component video switching, plus a wide-bandwidth component-video output, which passes the full bandwidth of HDTV signals. Digital and analog front-panel jacks accommodate program sources such as game consoles, VCRs, camcorders, digital still cameras, and portable audio-video products. Exclusive to Harman Kardon products, the front-panel coaxial digital audio and analog audio-video jacks may be switched to function as record outputs for easy connection to portable recording devices.

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JVC RX-9000VBK Dolby Digital/DTS Audio/Video Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)The JVC RX-9000VBK is apparently JVCs flagship reciever, and while it is a nice reciever, it does not present itself as boldly as some of JVCs other flagship equipment. This receiver is big and complicated, so I will try to divide it up into the different aspects that I feel are important for a reciever to have.
Frist and foremost, this is a reciever, so lets look at audio quality. I have hooked this unit up to a seven piece two-thousand dollar THX Technics speaker system, and it has very nice sound. Because this particular system has two active subwoofers (a left and a right one), I found the Subwoofer level adjustment a godsend. All of the speakers had individual level adjustment (less the mains which had balance control), which is very nice. The noise level is as it should be in any reciever in this class, non-existant. The unit has many audio inputs: One COAX PCM [or SPDI/F], three optical TOS-LINK, and 3 sets of standard analouge connectors. This does not include any of the sets that are coupled with video. The optical and coax digital inputs are software routable, which is good. The unit does have sub-room output with a second set of stereo speakers as an option, but I will not be using this setup. I also found the DSP effects to be genuinely lowsey. The Pro-Logic mode is VERY quiet and VERY noisy, and the other modes don't do much for me. The built in 3-band EQ on the other hand, I find quite useful, but 5 band would have made me like it a little more.
Next video and the like. The unit has inputs for DVD, TV, an I/O for VCR, also a front video input jack and in addition a VCR2 that is virtually useless. All of the inputs except VCR2 support both S-Video and Composite. Here is one spot where the unit looses points. The S-Video and Composite video are on seperate busses in the unit, i.e. if you have a video camera the uses composite video, all your output devices need to be wired for composite video. Its utterly redicilous. In addition, what is the point of a second VCR connector that has only composite video in? There is none. Very disapointing.
With DVD input you have four ways to connect your audio, you can use Coaxial Digial, Optical Digital, 2-Channel Stereo, and a 6-channel descrete mode with inputs for each of Center, Sub, Left and Right, and Rear Left and Right. I myself could not get my JVC DVD Player to send 5.1 Channel audio over optical and have my JVC Reciever recieve it, so I'm stuck with the 6-channel mode. I am still discussing this issue with JVC, but this is also disapointing that there seems to be prodcut compatibility issues between the same brand.
The unit does have an optical digial out, a feature I'm not using now, but mabye I will some time in the future. Its nice to have there.
Of corse there are AM and FM radio modes, but I don't have an antenna, so I don't get a single channel. Its probably a good tuner. I really don't know.
The manual is an abomination of technical writing. I recomend having a tech-savy friend help you install it rather than resorting to the manual. It only explains how to change settings without the remote, which leaves out the entire on-screen system. Thankfully, the design of the unit itself is good and relivelty easy to use, with a surprisingly small number of options.
The remote is well designed, but has no support for DVD players of any kind. This is unfortunate, because if not for that, I could have actually used one remote for the whole setup. JVC has invoatve technology called compu-link, and once you get by its primitive stages, its very impressive. All of the components in the system I was setting this up in (less the speakers which I've already mentioned) were JVC, a JVC D-Series 32" TV, an older (but still AWESOME) JVC-S9500U VCR, and a JVC BX2000 DVD Player. When you turn the reciever off, everything else shuts right down. When you power on the reciever and pick VCR, the VCR powers up. Good design here. JVC does include a remote sender to add a smiliar feature to non-jvc equipment, but it must be placed so that it can "see" all the other compoents, which can be very awakard. The switching can be annoying occasionally. Changing mixing modes on the DVD player often made the reciever switch to stereo analouge mode for DVDs insted of the 6 channel mode.
Its obvious that JVC still has alot of work to do in the reciever market. They should really invest more time into manual design. Also, at the retial price, its fairly expensive for what it does. If this unit were about $500, it would be a bargin.
The reason I bought this reciever is I thought it would impress me, and to be frank, it doesn't, but I'm not an easy person to please. I probably should have saved my money and bought a ONKYO TX-DS989 :)

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JVC takes the clean sound of Advanced Super A design to five channels in its flagship multiroom, multisource, audio/video control receiver, the RX-9000VBK. Advanced Super A design eliminates the crossover and switching distortion normally associated with high-efficiency class AB amplifiers.The RX-9000VBK, with built-in Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, is compatible with multichannel audio and has 5.1-channel analog inputs and five separate amplifiers. Tested under all conditions, the fully discrete 120-watt-per-channel (stereo) and 100-watt-per-channel (surround) amplifier section is FTC rated into either 8 ohms or 4 ohms.Built-in multiroom/multisource capabilities are conveniently controlled by an RF/infrared multibrand audio/video/cable/satellite remote unit. The RX-9000VBK can send different programs to separate locations--for example, video sound to the den while CD audio is playing in a bedroom. The remote also controls TV auto on, for use with any brand of TV and all JVC audio-video Compu Link one-touch home theater automation systems.JVC's RX-9000VBK has a multitude of video switching capabilities, with five video inputs (including four S-video) and four audio inputs. In addition, one coaxial and three optical digital audio inputs are assignable for digital satellite, CD, minidisc, and DVD as needed.
The digital inputs feed JVC's legendary K2 interface, which compensates for the inherent jitter and distortion found in digital information. The K2 interface completely re-creates the incoming digital signal before it reaches the digital-to-analog converter. This new exact copy allows the D/A converter to create a more expansive and resolute sound stage on all six channels: front right, center and left; rear left and right; and the ".1" subwoofer.The JVC RX-9000VBK has many ease-of-use features. Text Compu Link displays CD Text or programmed title information on the receiver's fluorescent display and multicolor onscreen display. Users can select and categorize titles via the onscreen display and remote and can see title information even when CD changers are placed out of sight.Other notable features include the 1-bit P.E.M. D.D. audio converter for all six channels and banana plug speaker terminals with five-way binding plugs for added integrity.

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Pioneer Elite SC-05 - AV network receiver - 7.1 channel Review

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(More customer reviews)I recently purchased this SC-05 by Pioneer Elite. This new AVR replaced a Sony unit that was 10-12 years old. My reasoning for upgrading was to have an up to date unit capable of video switching today's HD video sources, converting playing the most current HD audio codecs such as DTS-MA and True HD. In the past year I had bought an HDTV (Sammy 1080p) and a PS3, so my existing AVR w/ only Dolby Digital and no HD video capabilities became quickly outdated.
I had looked at many different models, and was critically considering the Onkyo 806, Denon 3808, Sony ES and Pioneer. I had heard the Onkyo's run very hot and that the current 806 was not living up to the expectations set by the prior 805. The Denon 3808 is receiving many solid reviews but some criticisms were in regards to sound quality and ease of use. The Sony's were still not yet readily available nor reviewed and the previous Sony ES models had not gotten very positive feedback.
Then I listened to both the 3808 and SC-05 at my local BB-Magnolia store. The SC-05 really blew me away, both in SQ and asthetics.
I began researching the SC-05 extensively and found the following thread at AVS Forums maintained by CHP_VR, exceptionally useful.
[...]
After careful consideration I purchased the SC-05 and with its MCACC capabilities my home theater has been revitalized. It has made my B&W 602 S2 speakers come alive. It works very well with my TV and PS3 as well as my D* STB, legacy SD-DVD player and Wii. The SC-05 does all my switching and upconverts my non-HD sources to 1080p. While my TV was doing this previously, the SC-05 is more convenient for switching inputs and sources. The SQ is phenominal.
Other cool features are Home Media integration, internet radio and Neural THX radio.
I definitely recommend this AVR...the price is hefty, but worth it.

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Pioneer AVIC-N2 - Navigation system with DVD player, LCD monitor and radio Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this item a few days ago and installed it myself. Let me start with a whole-hearted I LOVE IT!
Ok, details.
The Installation
I am not new to car stereo installs, and I thought this install was pretty easy, if longer than most. But then, there's about 5 times as much to set up, so no surprise there. I am assuming you know how to snake wires/cables all throughout your vehicle, from the battery under the hood to under your seats to the white reverse lights on the back of your car. If you've got that down, the hardest part is really just figuring out which wire on your ECU is the vehicle speed-pulse line. Other than that, it's all just busy work; a splice here, a t-tap there, and you're done!
It are a *lot* of wires, though. (Hey, what did you expect?) :)
The Video
Amazingly enough, it's visible in daylight, only becoming unwatchable in direct sunlight! The screen's display is adjustable enough such that it can be viewed in nearly any angle, and the "Wide" button even allows you to select a "zoom" level such that any movie you own will use as much (or little) of the screen as you want.
The Audio
While not as customizable or pro-audio as my last deck, the Pioneer DEH-960MP, I actually like the sound out of this one better. I still have a little tuning to do on my amps for the mids and lows, but the highs are much crisper than I could ever get out of my last deck.
The Navigation
I have no basis for comparison, but after playing with this thing for an hour or so, I had it all down pat; it's pretty easy and intuitive. As far as usefulness, well, it's gotten me around areas I already know very well with plenty of skill, so I'm confident that when I try to navigate someplace I don't know that I will be just fine.
Gripes
The intelligence of the unit in figuring out if you're moving or not is too good. I've heard about and think I like the AVIC-N1's relatively dumb parking-brake sensor better. I know it's illegal (and really just plain dumb) to watch a DVD while driving. But what about my passengers? I have the self-control to just not look at the screen, but now I don't even have that choice; the AVIC-N2 watches the speed (and, I'm thinking, its accelerometers, too) to know when I'm moving, and it blacks out the A/V, no matter how much little Billy was enjoying "The Incredibles."
(Here's a hint, though; plug the rear-display video output that's meant for an extra LCD mounted in the back seat into the rear camera video input. Then whenever you want to see a video up front while the vehicle is in motion, just view the rear-camera. Granted, it's squished to plain-old TV 4:3 because the nav map snippet still shows on the left, but it's better than nothing!)
Also, the IP-Bus is pretty much useless for some older components. Verify that any IP-Bus components you want to buy work with the AVIC-N2 before buying them! I had a Delphi XM tuner installed in my car and hooked up to my Pioner DEH-960MP and it worked wonderfully. On the AVIC-N2, I could get the audio over the IP-Bus via the "Aux" source, but I have no controls... I don't know about you, but having my XM Radio stuck on Channel 53 for the rest of eternity isn't acceptable. The newer XM tuners from Pioneer do work, though; I also bought their XM NavTraffic tuner. It hasn't arrived yet, but I'm willing to bet that it works and will be very, very cool.
Overall
This thing has got a coolness factor of, well... let me put it this way: After getting all this installed (I have an iPod and a PS2 hooked up to it, too... ) I have decided that I'm just plain the coolest person I know.
Party in my car, you're invited... :D

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Energy RC-50 3-Way Floorstanding Speaker - Black Ash Veneer Review

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(More customer reviews)First- I am not an audiophile, just a guy who likes good music and movies and wants to enjoy at the fullest. I had a 15 yr old Infinity/Technics set up that cost me triple what this set up did.
I decided to go all out and upgrade my entire AV set up when I found Energy. I started with a pair of Energy RC10's, and Energy RCLCR, an ED sub and 4 minis for the front heights and rears. That set up was amazing with my Pioneer vsx1120 for movies and TV. The sound was warm and clear and just made me smile. In stereo though, the 10's did not have enough to blast away, so I replaced the 10's with these and WOW! They do not sound as accurate or tight at low volumes for the movies as the 10's did but like a sports car-when you give them power, they really shine.

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Harman Kardon AVR 7000 Dolby Digital/DTS Audio/Video Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)After a lengthy process of comparison shopping, both on-line, and in the stores, I arrived at a short list of two receivers which had the features I wanted at a price I could afford. One was the popular Denon AVR3300, and the other was the relatively new (to Australia), HK AVR7000. I have to say that both units are excellent for their intended purpose, which is to provide better than average two channel sound for music lovers, while adding the dimension of 5.1 channel sound to DVD movies. In the end the HK won out, because it was cheaper and didn't have the potential problems associated with an internal fan. The HK uses passive cooling via large heatsinks. The sound from my HK is very good, though the NAD amp it replaced sounded just as good in my opinion, for two channel stereo. The sound on Dolby Digital and DTS is fantastic. It took me a day or two to work my way through the manual, and adjust the various settings to arrive at a sound that worked in my smallish room. I particularly like the way in which the AVR7000 remembers the setups for each input. So now when I select CD as the input, the AVR7000 knows to switch off the sub woofer and the rear surround speakers. Likewise, it remembers to add these back when DVD is selected as the input. The remote works well, though I've yet to use it's learning capabilities. Other features I like are component video switching (which most DVD players use these days), tone defeat option (I like my sound as uncolored as possible), and on-screen setup menu (made it pretty easy to adjust my settings. On the downside, the AVR7000 is huge in size, and is vented all around (due to the absence of an internal fan), so it's placement can be a problem in some homes. Whatever you do, don't place it where someone might carelessly place a drink glass on it, as a single drop going through the vented top cover would be the end of your unit. There are a lot of receivers on the market today and in the end it comes down to your budget and the features you want. For me, the AVR7000 was the best sounding, most fully featured unit on the market within my budget. Happy shopping.

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Denon AVR-1906 - AV receiver - 7.1 channel Review

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(More customer reviews)After you've obligatory discarded manual's usual messy setup blah-blah and diagrams, time to welcome the true boons that in this machine are:
1. Real 24-bar adjustable level on front speakers.
2. Same freedom of input source sensitivity adjustment.
3. No meaningless and nasal "special cinema modes" - and hence, well-controlled well-behaved DSP and generally unclustered DD/DTS decoder.
4. Choice of 5 to 7-channel stereo which is exactly the mode to call for anyway anytime.
5. Last not least, Denon's audiophile grade, heavy duty transformer which only prooves the industry's 10-year long infatuation with toroidal design a fad, to say least.
4. Mundane bass/treble - entailing wider and natural curve unlike no naggy 7-way graphic equalizer.
5. Mechanical switchbutton on mains PLUS standby one.
That takes care of the sheer sound quality and dismisses whatever speculation about "digital chip technology limitations" and "quantization errors" - to justify analog hi-end. In passing this Denon does credit to brands' very singular studio presence (being confirmed pro's N1 last year for sturdiness and service-free reliability) as well as literally bogging technicality. Luckily, the latter never cloggs the control domain - on the contrary, controls are piece of cake in use and logical as anything. User is strongly recommended to leave delays and room size alone (i.e. at minimal readings) and select all speakers as LARGE, no matter what. That'll furnish subwoofer with CORRECT frequencies (and depress the wrong) opening up for widerange vibrant and transparent sound quality that's immediately reminiscent of studio Denons. Speakers to select - anything receptive to the same (strongly suggest ProAc's as most tube-tuned I ever encountered)... What's not so good? Smallish caps in power supply which in no way justify the 80 watt per channel rating (told you to discard manual, haven't I?). Output stage could be larger, too (were it descreete - I didn't notice). No phono input - though no fault of Denon's, this. Still under 12 kg net weight - as BCAC factor (Buyer's Critical Appreciation Criteria) starts from 16 upward. 7 channels are okay for even 5-channel encoded program, but in real life it's the width of audioband that counts - and here, the less channels we have, the wider audioband gets. Splitting everything in tiny portions will stay the ploy for industry for quite some time, and consumer should know better that playing in. Me, I gave up balancing the rear surround to center channel, and ended up leaving off RS altogether. The set understands this move well, offering number of RS mixing options. Oh, and I was forgetting: if your system's cabling direction and mains plug phasing are correct (reverse those that are not), you'll get fantastic quality on Audio Direct mode.


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Yamaha HTR-5790 7.1-Channel Digital Home Theater Receiver (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I've owned many good stereo/sound systems over the years, but I have never heard anything like what the Yamaha HTR-5790 with YPAO produces(Yamaha's RX-V1400 is virtually identical). In a room (350 square feet) of decent speakers (Infinity Alpha speakers: seven speakers and a powered sub-woofer), good cables and interconnects, and Yamaha's Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer (YPAO) executed, the HTR surpasses anything I have ever listened to in home systems. CD Music and DVD movies/music are redefined in the most awesome way!!!! Take time and read the manual, then set it up! Good listening!

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Whether you're setting up a professional home theater configuration or simply love the idea of system expandability, Yamaha's high-current HTR-5790 audio/video receiver delivers the connections and the quality to answer your call. With the THX Select-certified HTR-5790 you get the convenience of DVD-Audio/SACD-ready six-channel analog inputs alongside the latest 6.1- and 7.1-channel surround processing, multiroom control, and premium Yamaha sound technologies.When hooked up with the digital-audio output from a DVD-Video player or digital satellite receiver, the 110 watts-per-channel HTR-5790 handles 5.1-channel surround decoding for both major formats, Dolby Digital and DTS. In addition, the receiver processes Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, DTS Neo:6, and DTS 96/24. The extended-surround formats create even more expansive soundfields through a center-rear surround channel, for which THX suggests using two separate speakers. The result is seven discrete full-range channels in addition to the LFE (low-frequency effects) channel: front left/right, surround left/right, front center channel, and a pair of rear-center channels.A key benefit from a Yamaha receiver, of course, is Yamaha's proprietary signal processing, including Cinema DSP (digital soundfield processing), which creates aural "imaging" that not only makes your home sound like a theater, but also sounds better than most movie theaters. Based on a wealth of measured data in real studios and halls, Cinema DSP is designed to bring out the full potential of movie sound mixes, reproducing them the way directors and sound engineers intended.And, when you're listening to multichannel presentations late at night, you'll appreciate Silent Cinema, which simulates 5.1-channel listening through a pair of ordinary 2-channel headphones (not included). Silent Cinema uses unique parameters for each soundfield to ensure accurate headphone representations of each soundfield.The receiver comes outfitted with YPAO (Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer) and a dedicated microphone to help you establish the best possible sound at your primary listening position. The optimizer uses the microphone to "listen" to the sound from the speakers and determine, based on its test-signals, how best to equalize the sound for your room. Corrections include speaker/subwoofer phase relationships, speaker/subwoofer distance measurements (corrects for differences down to 5 cm), frequency response (measures and optimizes each speaker's response using a parametric equalizer), and speaker level (measures and aligns the relative volume levels of all speakers).Then there's the six-channel DVD-Audio/SACD-ready inputs mentioned above. Due to anti-piracy measures, DVD-Audio and SACD players perform their own digital-to-analog conversion, passing high-resolution analog signals on to your amplifier. (And analog, after all, is what your amp feeds your speakers.)DVD-Audio and SACD can each deliver up to six channels of discrete, full-frequency sound at greater-than-CD resolution (in the case of DVD-A, that means 24 bits, 96 kHz sampling rate versus 16 bits, 44.1 kHz for CD). In stereo or surround, the sound from DVD-Audio and SACD is packed with detail, yet smoother and sweeter from than the sound from even the best standard CD players. The HTR-5790 accommodates decoded DVD-A/SACD signals and routes them to the appropriate speakers in your surround system.The receiver offers seven audio/video input connections (all with composite-/S-video), eight fixed and assignable digital-audio inputs (great for DSS, CD, laserdisc, gaming consoles, or minidisc), and front-panel input connections with digital-audio jacks for your camcorder or other spontaneous hookup. The receiver's video circuitry is high-definition ready, too (60 MHz bandwidth), and it will upconvert composite- and S-video signals to component-video to simplify TV hookup.Custom-installation features include multi-sourced zone 2 and zone 3 audio outputs, an assignable +12V trigger output, main/zone 2/zone 3 independent power control command, an IR blaster port, extended IR code compatibility, and zone 2 speaker output.Last, but certainly not least, the HTR-5790 benefits from Yamaha's Direct ToP-ART (Total Purity Audio Reproduction Technology) build philosophy. The culmination of the best digital engineering and design possible, it brings together several key elements to create the best-sounding, easiest-to-use A/V components available.What's in the Box Receiver, remote control, four AAA batteries, microphone for YPAO, an AM loop antenna, an indoor FM antenna, a warranty card, and a user's manual.

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KEF C4 Subwoofer (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)This came with the Kef C1 5.1 system I bought, but this sub alone had no reviews, so I thought I'd add one. This sub is alright, but for the price you could do a lot better. I originally bought a BIC F12 and then got the 5.1 system on sale for about $350, so the set was actually cheaper than the sub alone. I rarely ever use it, if that tells you anything. I have a Onkyo 7.2 receiver so I use the Kef C4 only when I want a lot of bass. The F12 is way, way better at half the price. Mind you I am comparing a 12" to an 8". However, the sub is clear and is a quality built product. I might suggest picking it up for $150 if you have a smaller room, but not for much more.

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