Kenwood VR6050 receiver(refurb) for $99 @eCost

[RobsTV]

I posted above that the unit I received was damaged.
After setting unit up and messing with all the settings, I would still pay the $103 for the damaged unit.
You can't really notice damage that much, and would never see it if it was in an enclosure.
But the units features and audio quality at this price make it a killer deal.
Heck, even the learning remote is probably worth $60 to $80 (if replaced as original).
Can't see how they can sell these at under $175, and at under $100, wow!

 

[CyberTron]

Originally posted by: cejay
I called Ecost cust service about this receiver and the fact that some were received with
boxes smushed and unit damaged and scratched..
She said a local service center (auth kenwood?) refurbs these units and sells to them.

All units should work, but can be in rough condition outside (who know about inside)
Also its a final sale, no refund, and you can get a 90 day warranty, but from local
service centers (near Ecost company?) or any auth service center.

I want one of these but dont know about

1) previous life of the refurbed unit..
2) what was originally wrong?
3) How do I know service center fixed every little thing
4) Does the service center test them and retweak the unit to full specs? Checks LED's, all outputs, inputs, etc?
5) Does it come with all manuals.. remotes.. wires.. antenna.. etc..
6) Can I ebay it once I find that its broken? (hah)

I still might buy one.. but hope I don't get one that fell off the truck.
Sounds like if I do, thats just too bad according to ecost.

They should at least give u a defective guarantee (10 day or something, but noo....)
cj

I Just got mine the other day, and man what a beautiful unit. not a single bit of damage, I dont have the speakers yet, but i plugged them into some old crappy HT JBL's, and they played for me, i didnt want to blow these little crappy speakers so i didnt do anything else with them. I will soon have my Fluance speakers and man i cant wait to hear this bad boy. From what i read from others this unit sounds great for the price range. as for damaged units, im sure you can get them replaced, but yeah shipping is going to hurt since these units weight a lovely 27lbs.

 

[cejay]

Invest in some high guage speaker wire (that you can return if it doesnt help)
like monster cable..

if you use cheap speaker wire.. (just 2 wires, hardly insulated)
then they act like a 300ohm antenna.. (monster rep told me this)
and you get a BAD signal to noise ratio which can cause interference..

so, at least try super duper speaker wire 1st., since its mostly on fm stations.
cj

 

[cejay]

OK.. I bit..
Ordered one today.. surely it wont get to me today.. maybe monday, tues.. same day seems impossible.
UPS ground takes how long?? They seem to be in Canada.
Did everyone else get a 3.95 handling charge?

Anyway, I hope I get a good one.. fingers crossed. IF its crappy.. ebay central.
cj

 

[lzpoof]

Originally posted by: acebathound
Got mine today.. having a crackling noise on the right front speaker. I tried switching speakers and the same thing happens on the other speaker, so have pretty much diagnosed it as the receiver. I just repaired speaker inputs on the back of my JVC stereo a few months ago, I was thinking I might try that here, but I tried the speaker in the "B" (2nd front inputs) and it did the same thing.. Any ideas? Is it something I could fix? I can't imagine what shipping back to e-cost would be.. Oy =(

That sounds like a problem in that channel of the amplifier.

 

[acebathound]

Yeah, that's what I had diagnosed it as =) Does anyone know if it's possible to fix this or possibly a web page for figuring out what component might be bad? I took an electronics course in college, but I wish I had a lot more experience.. I hate taking things in for repair (just got off the phone this morning with a local electronics shop who said it would be $30 just to look at it and that would go towards initial repair costs). Really wondering what I should do here b/c if I ship it back it's prob $25-$30.. if I get it repaired it's at least $30 (prob more like $50).. almost thinking I'll just have to deal with it until I find a deal on a better receiver. I'm half-tempted to buy another one, but knowing my luck I'll just end up with something else wrong.

Originally posted by: lzpoof
That sounds like a problem in that channel of the amplifier.

 

[RobsTV]

Originally posted by: acebathound
Yeah, that's what I had diagnosed it as =) Does anyone know if it's possible to fix this or possibly a web page for figuring out what component might be bad? I took an electronics course in college, but I wish I had a lot more experience.. I hate taking things in for repair (just got off the phone this morning with a local electronics shop who said it would be $30 just to look at it and that would go towards initial repair costs). Really wondering what I should do here b/c if I ship it back it's prob $25-$30.. if I get it repaired it's at least $30 (prob more like $50).. almost thinking I'll just have to deal with it until I find a deal on a better receiver. I'm half-tempted to buy another one, but knowing my luck I'll just end up with something else wrong.

Originally posted by: lzpoof
That sounds like a problem in that channel of the amplifier.

While I don't do audio, it shouldn't be too hard to diagnose one side.
Because one side works fine, you have a good reference point.
Use a meter to compare components left and right until you find defect.
Or another slow method would be to swap parts from left to right until problem switched sides, then you found culprit.
Best option is to call Kenwood and tell them you want a local repair shop to do the warranty repair free of charge.

 

[ConnCarl]

I would never waste money on Monster speaker cables. For runs under 50' with a maximum of 100 watts @ 8 ohms, some 16 gauge zipcord from Home Despot would do just as well. If you're going over 50', invest in some 14 gauge.

 

[petrek]

Count me in.

Dave

 

[edplayer]

acebathound

First, try calling eCost. They might pay for the return shipping (its worth a try). If they seem hesistant, remind them of how prolific of a internet poster that you are. They don't want bad publicity. If they refuse to pay for return shipping, ask which warranty centers in your area are authorized. You should not have to pay anything to get your receiver fixed. I'm assuming you bought it on a credit card? You also have the option of disputing the purchase with your CC company. Just for some more leverage.

 

[jzodda]

You guys and this thread have inspired me. Got the Fluance and the Kenwood receiver. HT for $350 so far..Not bad at all. Heres to hoping it all works out. Now have to work on a powered sub

 

[edplayer]

if you are looking for a low cost sub, check out the Audiosource SW-15. Lots of people have bought this and rated it excellent for the money. 15" driver with a 200 watt amp. Very easy to improve the sound by adding some polyfill and spiked feet. Quite a few mod guides for it out there. Should run around $150 when on sale.

 

[cejay]

I dont have a powered sub.. or a sub at all.. i have leftover speakers from a digital prologic II setup.
They are 2 rear, 2 front and one center.
Can I run the dolby 5.1 (minus the 1 (sub) and hear ok sound.. just w/o bass?

I am in an apt,. and really cant use the bass.

I hope to know be able to hear TV shows with dolby digital audio.. and my
new comcast digital cable box i am trading in (free upgrade) will have svideo and digital out.
cj

 

[edavid]

Originally posted by: cejay
Invest in some high guage speaker wire (that you can return if it doesnt help) like monster cable..

if you use cheap speaker wire.. (just 2 wires, hardly insulated)
then they act like a 300ohm antenna.. (monster rep told me this)
and you get a BAD signal to noise ratio which can cause interference..

so, at least try super duper speaker wire 1st., since its mostly on fm stations.
cj

Did you know that the word "gullible" is not in the dictionary?

 

[UfoKlLLerz]

i have read reviews that sound king wiring is just about as good as monster cable for a fraction of the cost
my ht is using sound king 16 guage and my computers z680 system is using sound king 18 guage, made a word of difference to me. never tried monster speaker cable because of pricing, but i am using monster cable for everything else =)

 

[RobsTV]

Originally posted by: cejay
I dont have a powered sub.. or a sub at all.. i have leftover speakers from a digital prologic II setup.
They are 2 rear, 2 front and one center.
Can I run the dolby 5.1 (minus the 1 (sub) and hear ok sound.. just w/o bass?

Download the manual in pdf format linked above, as it explains it all.
But in short, yes. You'll have no problem as SW is optional.

 

[RobsTV]

Can someone explain some terms about audio?

My Dishplayer lists choices for digital audio of PCM, Dolby Digital or mixed.
DVD player for digital out gives choices of PCM or RAW.
What is PCM and RAW?
Which is better, and why/when would you choose one over the other?
I am using digital coax for both the Dishplayer and DVD player.

Another question about Dolby Digital.
What TV programs will allow you to use this in 5.1 speaker mode?
For example, HBO NFL was listed as DD.
Receiver auto-detected and displayed Dolby Digital, but only allowed front 2 speakers.
Another example, PPV movie listed as DD was also detected and displayed as Dolby Digital, but auto switched to 5 speakers.
I would really like to hear NFL games and Nascar racing in Dolby Digital surround sound. Are any DTS?

Last question concerns gaming.
If I connect PC running NF2 chipset with digital out to this receiver (coax or optical), will games then be able to be played in full 3d surround? (Nascar Racing 2003 in particular).

Thanks in advance.

 

[ConnCarl]

Holy cow, Rob, you've asked a mouthful.

The outputs on your Dishplayer are similar to those usually found on DVD players, so maybe some other ATers will find this useful too. PCM, or "Pulse Code Modulation" is the type of connection you would use when all of the digital decoding is performed by your Dishplayer (or other source device). A PCM signal can carry DTS, Dolby Digital, MPEG2, and of course, PCM audio such as music CDs.

The RAW output is what you would use if you prefer your receiver to perform the necessary digital decoding.

The "best" one to use is dependent upon the capabilities of your devices. If your DVD player (or Dishplayer) offers support for all of the digital standards you need, you can use PCM. If you have a surround receiver whose built-in decoder will handle all of the standards you want, you can use RAW. Be careful, though - if your player outputs a PCM mode that your receiver cannot decode...DTS EX, as an example...you can easily damage your receiver or speakers.

For that reason, I usually recommend using RAW and letting the receiver perform the surround decoding. There are other minor advantages to this as well, but to go into them is pretty thoroughly outside the scope of the Hot Deals forum.

As far as your Dolby Digital question; unless you're in Berlin, Germany, I don't think that you will find any programs broadcast in Dolby Digital 5.1. Most Dolby Surround TV program material (including sports coverage) in the US is broadcast in analog Dolby Surround. As far as PPV movies, remember that the original material is usually Dolby Digital compatible, so whether or not you get it in that mode depends upon your satellite provider.

About your last question, that isn't really my area of expertise, but I can tell you that you will need the game program and your sound card to be fully compatible with the digital standard you wish to hear. Otherwise, you'll be stuck with whatever virtual (fake) surround modes that your receiver's DSP (Digital Signal Processor) is capable of synthesizing from a normal stereo signal. You'll need to read your game, sound card, and receiver manuals to find out more.

Good luck! Carl

 

[superflysocal]

can this handle 4 ohm speakers like Yamaha receivers?

 

[ConnCarl]

Super, the short answer to your question is no.

It is designed and rated for 8 - 16 ohm speakers, and the manual cautions that the speakers must all match in impedance.

That said, if you would like some tips for safely running 4 ohm speakers on an 8 ohm system, please PM me.

Carl

 

[Razorguts]

Hey Fellow ATers -

my first post, though Ive been lurking here for a few months (and spending lotsa cash on the great deals)

Just wanted to let you guys know that I bought into the kenwood refurbished deal. The unit came today - I didn't see any shotgun pellet holes, thank goodness (see previous posts) Actually, out of the box, the unit looks brand spanking new. No signs of any use whatsoever, not even any wear&tear on the plastic/rubber support feet (a usual first sign that it was sitting in someone's rig somewhere).

Ive hooked it up (without speakers), and played around with the remote, everything seems to be in order. I'll run the test tones through some speakers later and post a quick report here.

But based on my experience so far (and all the other stuff Ive read about the unit), this is a darn good deal. 2 thumbs up

Thanks for reading,

 

[RobsTV]

Thanks ConnCarl for the informative post.

Two more questions though about Dolby Digital broadcasts.
As stated above, HBO's NFL show is auto-detected (and advertised) as Dolby Digital (DD).
Yet it only allows 2 speakers, with no rear speakers able to be selected.
I would have thought that since it is broadcast in DD it would be 5.1, or at least 5 channels with rear surround support.
Or is 5.1 only Dolby DTS, and DD is actually 2 speakers?

Some web sites list Monday Night Football as now broadcast in HDTV as well as Dolby Digital 5.1.
Does that DD only apply when watching HDTV version?
TV program guide only shows MNF in stereo, which is what most sporting events read, so then not DD?
With Digital SAT, (unlike cabletv) all channels are received digitally, so you would think DD would/could be included normally?

Thanks again for the info!
Rob

 

[ConnCarl]

Rob,

Just to clarify, I'm a Home Theater guy, I don't have much use for broadcast television in any form. That said, I'll do my best to answer your questions.

I've never heard of broadcasting a live TV event, such as a football game, in a true (digital) surround mode. I would imagine that it is too much trouble and expense to encode a five, six, or seven channel soundtrack effectively in real time. Not to mention that fans without Dolby Digital surround systems would get incomplete soundtracks or no sound at all, unless multiple soundtracks were broadcast, not possible with present TV frequencies.

OTOH, it isn't a big deal to piggyback an analog Dolby Surround soundtrack onto an ordinary stereo analog signal. Even though this format adds only a single, frequency-limited rear surround channel, it does improve the overall presentation and helps provide some degree of spatial orientation. Dolby ProLogic can also be encoded on an analog stereo soundtrack, giving an additional center channel for "anchoring" dialog to the image.

I think this is why most broadcast TV material that is represented as "Dolby Surround" encoded is in one of the two above mentioned analog modes.

There is no such thing as Dolby DTS. Dolby Labs and Digital Theater Systems are two different companies with competing surround sound formats.

I don't know why HBO's NFL show illuminates your DD indicator but only provides two channels. Perhaps it is digitally broadcast, but only in two channels. Remember that if it was broadcast in digital 5.1, they would have to also broadcast a mono or stereo version for the unwashed masses.

HDTV is a completely different animal. HDTV standards include the capability for Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtracks to be broadcast along with the video signal.

Hope this helps! Carl

 

[NotAClue]

Great price on great receiver(for the money).
As an added precaution, I would recommend paying the extra $19.95 for the one year warranty through Service Net.
It provides peace of mind... afterall, these are refurbished(which can mean anything).

 

[huesmann]

Originally posted by: cejay
Invest in some high guage speaker wire (that you can return if it doesnt help)
like monster cable..

if you use cheap speaker wire.. (just 2 wires, hardly insulated)
then they act like a 300ohm antenna.. (monster rep told me this)
and you get a BAD signal to noise ratio which can cause interference..

I can get you a hot deal on a bridge in Brooklyn, are you interested?