Kenwood VRS-7100 Fineline Gaming Audio/Video Surround Receiver (Black)

by Kenwood

Product Details

• Item Weight: 16 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 13 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B00025G2PU
• Item model number: VRS-7100
• Batteries: 2 AA batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #170,959 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 10, 2004

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

If you're a serious video gamer, Kenwood's VRS-7100 6.1-channel surround receiver has everything you need to turn your TV and speaker system into the ultimate gaming home theater. Plug your game console into the receiver's dedicated front-panel audio/video game inputs--complete with an optical digital-audio connection--and the VRS-7100 will detect when you turn the game on and automatically select that input and the proper surround sound processing.

Dual-source/single-zone operation lets you listen to your game's sound through headphones while the rest of your family enjoys music through speakers, and Dolby Headphone processing creates a totally out-of-the-box 5.1-channel surround effect through any pair of ordinary stereo headphones (headphones not included). The supplied universal pre-programmed remote control has ready-to-go codes for the most popular game consoles, including Xbox and PlayStation2.

The receiver is ready for traditional movie viewing, too, of course, with multiple analog- and digital-audio inputs and high-definition-capable component-video switching for your DTV and progressive-scan DVD sources.

When you're ready to watch your favorite film, the VRS-7100 puts you right in the middle of the action with 6.1 Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES and DTS 96/24 surround sound, as well as Dolby Pro Logic IIx, which transforms your ordinary 2-channel stereo music sources like CDs, tapes, and FM radio into full-blown 6.1-channel surround-sound masterpieces.

The receiver's Analog Devices SHARC 32-bit floating-point digital signal processing, a high-resolution digital volume control, and rigid chassis construction imbue the VRS-7100 with the capacity for accurate performance at all listening levels, from the loudest explosion to the most delicate musical passage.

The unit's PurePath digital power amplifier from Texas Instruments delivers 130 watts to each of its 6 channels so your games, movies, and music will really rock the house. And the Kenwood's exclusive Fineline design matches today's popular flat-panel TVs and blends with other entertainment components.

Product Description

The new Kenwood Fineline cosmetic is the perfect compliment to the popular flat panel televisions being sold today. Aside from an attractive new look the VRS-7100 receiver delivers features geared toward the video gaming enthusiasts and home theater devotees. For video gamers we give features like Plug and Play Auto Detect. This feature utilizes the front A/V input. Once a video game is connected to the front A/V input the receiver switches automatically to the Game input, allowing the gamer to see and hear the video game without having to select the input manually. That same Game input allows for another feature called Dual Source Single Zone. This feature allows the gamer to listen to the soundtrack of the video game on headphones, while at the same time another listener using the VRS-7100 can listen to a CD, or the radio, in the same room. Aside from the game supporting features the VRS-7100 features an advanced digital amplifier rated at 100 W x 6, and features the latest in surround technologies, a 32-bit SHARC DSP and HD component video switching.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great receiver unfairly criticized, February 18, 2006

By 

Billy Mck (Pa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kenwood VRS-7100 Fineline Gaming Audio/Video Surround Receiver (Black) (Electronics)

I am a custom A/V installer in Philadelphia. The only review I could find for this before I bought it was one from a kid who obviously didn't know how to hook it up (the test tone does not output at the subwoofer jack, but the sub-out works fine,)so I took a chance. This receiver is a steal, guys. Its thin, easy to read, doesn't get hot, has Dolby Headphone and Dolby Virtual Speaker. Bottom line- I've installed HUNDREDS of surround sound receivers, and this is by far the best budget receiver I've seen.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Quite a buy for the money, March 7, 2006

By 

Peter Saflund (Covington, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Kenwood VRS-7100 Fineline Gaming Audio/Video Surround Receiver (Black) (Electronics)

I bought this receiver because I'm separating my audio only system from my home theatre setup. The Kenwood performs flawlessly. The test tones do output properly once you set up the speaker configuration properly. The slim profile makes for attractive installation options and despite the full 6.1 capability, the virtual surround mode can provide some of the surround experience with fewer (2) speakers. You can even assign the two digital inputs, flexibility usually not found in units at this price. One small bugaboo - the remote, while programmable, allows only certain devices on certain inputs. Video 1 can only be a VCR (since it has A/V in and out) but I have a combination DVD / hard disk recorder and the remote can't accept the unit's device code for Video 1 (but it's OK for Video 2). Small thing (and the manual covers it) and wouldn't stop me from recommending it. I'm not a gamer so the unit's ability to auto detect and configure games is not important, but the front panel A/V inputs allow input for a camera or other device. There is an audio only Aux input (that can have one of the digital inputs assigned to it) and I have my Apple AirPort optical output plugged in there and it sounds great. For a tweak over two hundred from Amazon this thing's a real bargain. Get a set of Orb speakers and their Super 8 sub and you'll be in heaven.

5.0 out of 5 stars you would not believe it!, April 10, 2009

By 

P. Nieves "Jedi Daddy P" (St. Thomas, VI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kenwood VRS-7100 Fineline Gaming Audio/Video Surround Receiver (Black) (Electronics)

Ok listen up! I was reading the reviews and after all these years, even though they dont make this anymore, i have to just drop a line. First, i bought this back in 2003. when i hook it up, i was in heaven. I didnt have a dvd player only the ps2, so all my movies and game's audio was coming thru the optical front. It was sooo cool to see it detect my ps2 and movies and games sound insanely real, especailly DTS and the Sub-woofer works fine!! you have two option when it comes to sub; a passive or active(RCA) hook up, so you can save on electricity. Second thing, I STILL using it now in 2009!!with my ps3!! Do i need to continue?? No, its not HDMI, thats a strieght hookup to tv and re-asign the digital. we move three time and kenny came thru the tough time and happy time, not to mention packing/unpacking for hurricanes. I even had to order a replacement for the remote for i run the vol button down. This was a real best buy. and oh, this system is/was future ready, there was no talk of 7.1 back then. the Kenwood VRS-7100 is the BEST!!!