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Entered CNET Catalog: 03/20/2003
SKU: 0046838259708
Manufacturer: JVC America
Manufacturer description
The JVC RX-8030VBK features premium performance with high current 130 WATT x 6. This receiver also incorporates new convenience features such as Virtual Surround Back and Quick Speaker Set-up. The DSP processor enables the RX-8030VBK to provide the highest level of accuracy in decoding Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES and Dolby Pro Logic II. It also makes possible All Channel Stereo, and the JVC exclusive DAP sound field. Finally, the RX8030VBK comes with HD component switching to allow the user to take full advantage of the switching capabilities even with HD signals.CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 09/29/2003
The uncluttered faceplate doesn't reveal many clues about the receiver's far-reaching control options, but that's mostly because uncommonly used controls are concealed behind a flip-down door. The large, easy-to-read display will never leave you guessing about what surround mode you're listening to. Pick up the 27-pound 8030, and you'll know why its solid feel outdoes that of nearly every entry-level model on the block.
JVC's Quick speaker setup option is unusually straightforward, so most buyers will stick with that. If you want to explore the 8030's advanced setup options, you'll need to read and reread the owner's manual. Part of the hassle can be attributed to the lack of onscreen displays. The poorly designed navigation on the receiver's own display also regularly tried our patience.
The multibrand remote can command cable set-top boxes, VCRs, TVs, DVDs, and satellite dishes, but its design didn't wow us. Its LCD isn't all that functional in day-to-day use; it just reads out the selected source name. We were also put off by the tiny, poorly laid-out buttons, and some of the labeling is impossible to read under all but the brightest light. It's not the worst remote we've seen, but it's nowhere as user-friendly as the better Onkyo remotes, for example.
For reasons beyond our comprehension, the shipping box dubs the 8030 a "stereo receiver," but it is, in fact, a true 6.1-channel surround-sound receiver. According to the spec sheet, it's more powerful than most of its midpriced competitors, with a rating of 130 watts into 8 ohms.
All of the current surround modes are represented: Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 6.1, DTS-ES Discrete, DTS-ES Matrix, DTS-Neo:6, and Dolby Pro Logic II. The 8030 also features the latest advance from DTS, the DTS 96/24 format.
We were jazzed by the 8030's digital five-band equalization option, which lets you adjust EQ at 63Hz, 250Hz, 1kHz, 4kHz, and 16kHz, albeit for the left/right speakers only. The center speaker has its own, less versatile EQ control.
Connectivity doesn't leave out much. You get HDTV/component-video switching, 5.1 SACD/DVD-audio inputs, and two unusual choices: a turntable input, and full 7.1 pre-out jacks that allow the 8030 to be used with a separate power amplifier. You get four A/V inputs and two outputs, plus three assignable digital inputs (three optical, one coaxial) and one optical digital output. Speaker connectors are all banana plug compatible. The front A/V inputs include S-Video and composite video, optical digital audio, and stereo analog audio.
The 8030 is sold with a two-year parts-and-labor warranty. If it's beyond your budget, check out its less powerful twin, the RX-7030VBK, which lists for $330.
The Quiet American DVD's wonderfully nuanced sound quickly demonstrated the best of the 8030's capabilities. The film is set in Vietnam in 1952, long before the Americans were involved, and Michael Caine and the quiet American, Brendan Fraser, are both in love with the same young Vietnamese woman. The DVD's impressionistic sounds of war are mixed with traditional Vietnamese music, and we were swept up in the drama and the intrigue.
To more fully exploit the potential of the 8030's 130 watts per channel, we watched the sci-fi action-thriller Daredevil DVD with our subwoofer turned off--and all of the power-sapping bass redirected to our five large Dynaudio Contour speakers. This DVD is loaded with room-shaking deep bass, bullets whizzing around, and wham-bam fight scenes spewing out of all five channels, but we never doubted the visceral feel of the action. But the 8030 didn't make us feel any better about this extraordinarily lame movie. Advanced technology still can't make bad movies any better.
In some ways, the toughest test of a receiver's sound is good ol' stereo. Relying on just a pair of speakers highlights what's good and bad, and the 8030's poise on vibraharpist Bobby Hutcherson's Skyline CD knocked us out. The exquisitely delicate transient sounds of sticks on metal or--when he's tickling a marimba--sticks on wood, were beyond what we expect from a midpriced receiver. The instruments seemed to occupy a real space, and despite the receiver's ability to deliver oodles of detail, the sound never got close to coarse or gritty.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 User Rating: 
2/10
Despite all the great features and playback sound, the JVC RX-8030V will disappoint.
Pros: Very easy to understand settings and ********. Numerous playback options for Dolby Digitial, DTS, and Analog settings. Front jacks and extra features come in handy. Powerful and crisp digital sound
Cons: Volume will sometimes turn down by itself. Volume/voices will cut out fequently. No assignable Digital Outputs.
All this being said, I would still have to say: "STAY AWAY FROM THIS RECEIVER, AND AS A MATTER OF FACT, THIS WHOLE LINE." After owning this receiver for 2 years, I already have some very bad problems. Whether watching TV (sat), a DVD, or playing a video game, the sound will frequently go out. Sometimes just the voices in the center channel and sometimes the voices in the R and L speakers in Digital sound. This happens whether I hook up my receiver with an Optical Cable, Coaxial Cable, or regular RCA cables. I have tried a new set of speakers, another TV, and even a new HD Digital Sat Receiver. I have also tried new cables and speaker wire. Yes, lots of money wasted here just to find it was my receiver that was the issue.
Another problem I am having is the volume sometimes turns down by itself. This happens as frequently as everyday but usually only when watching TV. I will have the volume on 30 or 40 and I will look again it will be on 1.
My father-in-law has the JVC RX-7030V and is having the same problems. This model is one step down from mine and I assume it is from the same product line. Of course, he bought the extended warranty, and I didn't. But come on, 2 years??? I have called a few authorized JVC Repair Centers recently, and they have stated that they are overwhelmed with repair orders for receivers in general.
I will never again purchase anything made by JVC. How can JVC not have a recall for these receivers? Why does it take 5-10 business days to e-mail me back? Why do I have to pay JVC to fix there crappy product?
I rate this receiver a 2 out of 10 only because if there are some RX-8030V's that actually dont have these problems after a few years, it is a great receiver to own. Otherwise, the JVC RX-8030V deserve a 1 out of 10!
User Rating: 
8/10
Great value for picky A/V nuts on a budget!
Pros: Tons of clean power. All the bells and whistles. Excellent reliability. Easily drives 6 full-range speakers in a large room to ear-bleeding, distortion-free levels! Our family has used 2 of these receivers in 2 households for a combined 27 months with no
Cons: Remote could be lighted. Easier read keys.
User Rating: 8/10
Use it and love it
Pros: Unlike the people whose JVC vcr died 15 years ago and they still hold a large enough grudge to write negative reviews about other products, I own this receiver. The sound is beautiful. This is an upgrade from my previous JVC receiver (Which still works
Cons: Needs a better antenna. Remote could use better design, although they've used a similar one for years. Setup is a little cumbersome, but if you read the manual it won't be a big deal- especially since you only set up once.
User Rating: 
9/10
Great receiver
Pros: I have had this unit for a few months, and I love it. I had an older JVC receiver, but wanted some of the newer features. I have never had a problem with JVC in terms of quality. This receiver sounds great, has a ton of hook up options, as well as a lo
Cons: Sometimes you need to resort to the manual to figure out something specific. The remote canconfuse anyone not used to it, but is fairly simple once you figure it out.
User Rating: 8/10
I owe JVC money.
Pros: The only reason I am writing this review is because of the two negative reviews on this page. I do not have a problem with someone not liking a product (to each his own) the fact that either one (negative reviews)does not address the product directly. Eve
Cons: The remote. Do not even try to work in the dark. TV, channel & volume and audio volume are about all you will learn to locate by touch.
User Rating: 
10/10
looking for a quality receiver
Pros: This is to nullify the "JVC innovates, but not in quality" review. Obviuously the user doesn't say what's good or bad with the product. He/she is just upset that JVC can be bought at WalMart and it costs a lot less than fancier brands...
Cons: none
User Rating: 
1/10
Garbage...suprised? You shouldn't be.
Pros: Let's see. It'll probably fail quickly enough to allow a full refund of your money.
Cons: Did you say inflated power claims? The last time I heard a claim that inflated the Iraqis were saying the US was nearly defeated.
User Rating: 
6/10
JVC innovates, but not in quality
Pros: JVC has always had equipment that has new and cool features, but where they consistently fail is in the quality arena.
Cons: Like most JVC products, price and features make it appear to be one of the heavyweights, but once one has spent any time with their products, one will begin to encounter problems from a lack of quality components or non-complete followthrough. Whether it
User Rating: 9/10
WOW! What a VALUE!
Pros: Great features. All the formats that I know of are supported, Customized settings per source including 5-band equalizer. Best bang for the buck in my opinion.
Cons: No cons really, but I'm sure the 130 watts per channel is inflated. Plenty loud for me though.
