Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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!!!

I bought this receiver due to its features and slim size. I have fixed entertainment center and fitting most receivers is very tight. Unfortunately, the only thing I got out of this Kenwood VRS-7100 was the slim size which was a real convenient. This is what I experienced with this model:

I had several issues with this receiver, some was inconvenient, which I probably could deal with, and some was not acceptable. I will concentrate on the two major issues that were not acceptable.

First, I could not get the RCA subwoofer jack to work. After tangling with the subwoofer and receiver for 4 days, I called Kenwood support. I explained how I have connected the subwoofer and the speaker and menu set up. They said it should work. If it doesn't take it back to the dealer and ask them to test the subwoofer jack. I took it to the dealer and the dealer could not get the RCA subwoofer jack to work. I called Kenwood again, and they said it might be a defective box. Take it back and get a new one.
I exchanged the box with a new one, still could not get the subwoofer jack to work via RCA cable.

Second, I played a movie with a little louder than normal and after one hour, the box over heated and shut off for 15 minutes or so, before I can get it to turn on again.

The sound is OK, but for the price I paid ($399.00), I expected to get much more.
Finally I returned the second box back and got refund. For less than $50.00 you can get to mid range receivers and I found this box in the entry level line of receivers. I got a Harman Kardon AVR-235, which every thing worked just right out of the box. It has a very crisp sound and amazing capability.