Video Receiver

JVC RX-9000VBK Dolby Digital/DTS Audio/Video Receiver
Manufacturer: JVC
Product Type: CE

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com Review
A superb of example of what today's audio-video receiver can be, JVC's RX-9000VBK scores a two-run homer with its striking combination of features and performance. Included is a muscular 100-watt output for all five channels, Dolby Digital and DTS surround decoding, a future-ready 5.1-channel input, S-Video switching, 30 FM and 15 AM tuner presets, and enough connections--including a phono input--to keep even the most crazed home theater enthusiasts happy for years.

A unique feature of the RX-9000VBK is that its remote control transmits via both IR (infrared) and RF (radio frequency) signals. Most receivers get their signals via IR transmission. But fact that the RX-9000VBK also transmits and receives RF commands means you can control the receiver from other rooms--which, when you consider the fact that the RX-9000VBK also sports a dedicated "subroom" stereo speaker output for a second room, starts sounding pretty darn convenient.

On a more basic level, the RX-9000VBK's controls are intuitively arranged, and the two jog-shuttle controls are a godsend. One selects inputs, while the other governs multifunction settings for speaker balance, channel output levels, speaker crossover points (bass management), assigning source names, and customizing the DSP modes. Setup is further simplified by JVC's fine onscreen display menu, which lets you manage settings from your couch instead of from a crouch.

Five audio/video inputs (four of which include S-Video) and three audio-only inputs provide plenty of room to grow your system, and JVC wisely elected to use binding posts for all speaker terminals, a boon to those using (or planning to use) banana-terminated speaker cables for all channels. JVC's Text Compu Link shows CD track and title information (with CD Text-encoded discs) on both the receiver's dimmable florescent display and the on-screen display.

The RX-9000VBK's four digital inputs correspond to DVD, CD, TV/DSB, and minidisc, and you can also rename them to suit your needs.

While these features are all great, the best is yet to come: the RX-9000VBK's sound is superb. With stereo music the top-to-bottom balance is remarkable, thanks no doubt to the receiver's fully discrete amplifier outputs and JVC's legendary K-2 digital processing. High frequencies sound open, extended, and silky smooth. The bass has speed (dynamic precision) as well as impact. And in the critical midrange area, vocals sound expressive with a good sense of body, while pianos, horns, and string instruments exhibit fine texture and presence.

Things get even more exciting with Dolby Digital and DTS music and movies. As we went through our discs, our room became an ever-shifting soundscape--ranging from an intimate recording studio to Carnegie Hall, from a New York street to an outer-space battle zone, with our speakers seeming to vanish into the ether.

What more can we say? Good stuff, JVC! --Wayne Garcia

Pros:

Excellent sound
S-Video switching capability
Binding-post speaker terminals for all speakers
"Subroom" output (for a second room)
Onscreen display
RF/IR antenna

Cons:

No main A/B speaker switch

Amazon.com Product Description
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.