JVC RXD302B 110-Watts per channel Audio / Video Control Receiver with Wireless PC Connectivity

by JVC

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 20.2 x 17.4 inches ; 20 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 21 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B0007XH74M
• Item model number: RXD302B
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #102,133 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)

Product Description

The JVC RXD302B adds JVC's new wireless USB-PC link so users of the iTunes® Music Store and other online music stores can play their files back through their component audio system using the RXD302B. It also offers a power output of 110W x 7 and a dual-mode CC converter. For analog audio, there are four inputs and two outputs, while audio digital inputs include two assignable optical inputs, one optical output and an assignable coaxial input. The video side features S-Video (three inputs, three outputs), composite (three inputs, three outputs), and component (two inputs, one output).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mighty Mite Measures Up!, December 18, 2006

By 

Jerry P. Danzig (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: JVC RXD302B 110-Watts per channel Audio / Video Control Receiver with Wireless PC Connectivity (Electronics)

Phew -- of all things I needed over the busy holiday weekend -- my beloved old NAD "front" power amp lost a channel. I know that this means a two to three hundred dollar repair bill, so I decided it was time to pop for a modern, gulp, home theater receiver. Now you must understand -- I was an early adopter of a home theater setup way back when a/v receivers were regarded as devices incapable of producing superior sound. So I had a big NAD amp for the front two channels, a small NAD amp for the rear two, an NAD tuner for AM/FM, and a Sony Dolby Pro decoder to pull it all together. But fast forward to the present. The NAD dies, I had just laid out major coin for car repairs, and I wanted good sound but I didn't want to spend a fortune. I looked at the Panasonic digital receiver but discovered it didn't have a single pair of outputs for recording off radio, say. No good. Still I liked the idea of the "digital" amp -- as Jessica Simpleton says, "I totally don't know what that means, but I know I want it." These days digital amp means a small unit with low power requirements. Then I found out that JVC has the digital technology, in this extremely compact and attractive receiver. I read somewhat mixed reviews of the receiver online but decided to take a flyer, based on the i/o options, digital amp, looks, and price. Am I glad I did! What am amazing little receiver! The main gripes I read online about the JVC receivers concern their tendency to run hot -- yeah, the box gets warm, and you wouldn't want to park your beer or a dish of ice cream next to the vents on the left of the receiver, but it doesn't get any warmer than my old NADs did -- and its built-in fan is much quieter than the old outboard fan I installed to keep the NADs cool. I was somewhat put off by the high distortion spec at the rated power (0.9%), but apparently there's something about digital amps that causes high distortion specs the way the power is rated. Suffice it to say, this receiver puts out GREAT sound and GOBS of it in my medium-sized listening room. I haven't heard the slightest hint of distortion. And the pint-sized prodigy seems to be able to do it all day without shutting down. Really, I am a semi-pro musician with years of listening experience, and I think this JVC puts out spectacular sound. Great imaging, great bass, great everything. All coming from a little receiver about half the height of conventional units, with a sleek design that Bang & Olufsen would be proud of. (The picture doesn't do the unit justice; when you turn the receiver on, a blue band lights up above the display -- sexy!) What's more -- no house lights dim! That's because this machine uses just 150 watts, or less than half the power my old monster rig used -- speak about a win-win situation! Otherwise the amp has a nice delay so there are no ugly speaker pops when you turn the unit on. And the receiver keeps its memory settings if the unit is unplugged. One little feature JVC missed: the unit has a sleep timer so you can nod off to music, but there's no clock or alarm clock function. Phooey. Finally there are a number of features here I haven't tried, including the ability to play wireless signals from your computer. Next computer! Meanwhile I am enjoying this wonderful sound, and I just hope my neighbors will show patience and charity as I give this baby a workout. Well done, JVC!

I am updating this review after living with the receiver for a few weeks. I LOVE THIS RECEIVER!!! You may have seen Sony ads in which they say their flat-screen monitor is the first TV your wife will actually like. Well, guys, this JVC may be the first home theater receiver your wife will like. Can such a little box put out sound as good as conventional behemoth receivers costing twice as much and measuring twice the size? It sure can. I can't get over how good this little receiver's sound is. The bass is tight and full. The midrange is so detailed I'm hearing stuff I've never heard before. Transients are effortless, and percussive effects pack more punch and power (not to mention an armload of alliteration!) The imaging is so precise and stable I don't need a center channel speaker! I think the tuner performance is fine as well, comparing favorably with my beloved old NAD separate. My point is -- anybody considering a new receiver should insist on one that incorporates digital amplifier technology, like this JVC. You'll enjoy spectacular sound, your wife will love the compact design -- and you'll both appreciate saving money on electricity every month!

I'm back again two months after purchase. I just read a sniffy article on digital amps from some high-end reviewer claiming that poorly designed units can suffer from excessive harmonic distortion or introduce other unwelcome coloration into the signal. As it happens, I just had the chance to hear the CBS Orchestra live at the Letterman show, and I can certify that the sound of the band I hear at home at night is EXACTLY what I heard live at the show. This is a SUPERB sounding receiver, and if the quite tangible benefits of digital amplification appeal to you -- compact size, reduced power consumption -- I urge you to give this JVC a try. You will NOT be disappointed! (And NO, I don't work for JVC, nor was I even aware of digital amps before I was tasked with replacing my ancient home theater rig...)

I'm back again in April with a new laptop -- and a chance to try the USB Wireless feature on the receiver. It works like a champ! Just plug the little transmitter into a spare USB port. Two lights come on. Turn on the receiver and flip the "Learn ID" switch; then hold the ID button on the transmitter until the L and R indicators light up on the receiver. Then select "USB Wireless" as the source on the receiver, and voila -- glorious PC sound blasting out of your home theater setup. Ex-cellent!

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good product with some flaws, July 25, 2006

By 

Michael J. Joyce "joyceman" (Pittsburgh) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: JVC RXD302B 110-Watts per channel Audio / Video Control Receiver with Wireless PC Connectivity (Electronics)

I was initially very wary of purchasing this receiver. I had heard alot of bad things online about the JVC line, and had it not been for the price, I probably would have stayed away. That would have been a mistake.

To address the most common online complaints about this line: first, it does run hot. I would not place this receiver in a closed cabinet or too close to other components. The receiver has not overloaded or failed, so I do not see this as a major issue. The receiver did give off an "electronics" smell during the first couple of hours of usage. I have not noticed it since. I've not had any problems, so I haven't dealt with JVC customer service and cannot comment on it

THE GOOD:

First, connectivity is excellent. There are more a/v connection options that you will find available from more expensive receivers. In addition, the receiver can up-convert signals to component video quality. Thats a nice touch if you have an older DVD player or gaming system.

The wireless USB is great. Contrary to what I've read elsewhere, this is a one time hookup which involves getting the receiver to recognize the transmitter's signal. After that all you need to do is plug the transmitter into the USB when you want to transmit to the receiver and its good to go. The sound quality is equivalent to other wireless streamers that I've heard. This receiver saves you the additional $100-$150 that a wireless component would cost you.

The size is nice. Its much smaller than equivalent receivers, which is probably why the heat problem comes up with these models.

The surround and DSP options are pretty good. In addition, this receiver is capable of decoding most digital signals and processes and filters digital signals very nicely. Sound quality is very good for the price.

THE BAD:

The controller is poor. The controller from my old Pioneer receiver was capable of controlling or learning just about any function for any component. This receiver has limited codes, and from what I can see, no learning mode. I'll be ditching it for a universal. In addition it is not backlighted.

This unit has two component video inputs. However, the receiver can only accept a signal from one component input at a time. If you want to switch to the other input you actually have to go in and change the settings on the receiver Very inconvenient and unless you only have one component input on your monitor, not worth the time. This is my major complaint.

The receiver does not have an onscreen display, which is odd for a receiver that has these video options and this suggested retail price. As a consequence, setup can be a hassle. I consider myself relatively knowledgeable about this stuff and still spent about 3-4 hours with the setup. The instruction book is not the most helpful either.

All in all the positives outweigh the negative by a wide margin. That being said, I would not recommend this receiver for a price above $300. However, the going price on the net appears be be low $200s, and at this price, this is a steal. I personally feel that the wireless USB makes the thing a worthwhile purchase by itself.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Addition to my Home Theater, January 21, 2008

By 

I. Smith (Right behind you!!!) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: JVC RXD302B 110-Watts per channel Audio / Video Control Receiver with Wireless PC Connectivity (Electronics)

I had an older 5.1 receiver by Sony that was crapping out on me so instead of getting it repaired I decided to go with a modern receiver. What first attracted me to this was its price, after reading the specs I was hooked. The USB wireless worked flawlessly with my Vista Ultimate 64 bit PC only wish it was OS X compatible as well since my mac is much quieter when on. I plugged the transmitter in to the USB port, Vista installed the drivers automatically and I started up iTunes and I had sound instantly from my 7.1 Polk Audio speakers. The receiver also works with Video Lan (VLC)Windows Media Player and WinAmp 5.x software if you don't like iTunes.

The sound is phenomenal and thanks to independently adjustable channel outputs you can adjust the audio "sweet spot" in your room if you don't have an optimal speaker arrangement like my room. Further more each input memorizes its own settings so there is no need to adjust the receiver when switching between inputs. So if you like to watch movies on the couch you can adjust the sweet spot to be on the couch but if you like listening to music in bed you can adjust the sweet spot over to your bed and the receiver will store that information so you only have to change inputs.

To those that say that this receiver runs hot:
I have mine on an open shelf with about 2 inches of breathing room on each side and about 8 inches on top. It gets warm but I have felt much much worse. As long as you give this receiver some breathing room and don't enclose it in a cabinet you will NOT have heat issues.