Entered CNET Catalog: 08/18/2001
SKU: 0046838257254
Manufacturer: JVC America
Manufacturer description
JVC's fully loaded RX-9010V delivers impressive performance with all your A/V entertainment sources - even PC audio! It features a front-panel USB audio input, which works with your USB-equipped PC and standard Windows 98 audio players for easy, future-friendly, high-quality A/V-PC convergence. Just plug into the receiver's USB port, and play PC audio (Internet MP3s, ripped CD tracks, etc.) through your home A/V system! For whole-house A/V convenience, the RX-9010V also offers dual-room/dual-source capability. You and a housemate can enjoy two different stereo sources in separate rooms - just run wires to a pair of speakers in the second room. An RF/IR, multibrand-for-video, 1-way LCD remote controls the system from around a corner, upstairs, through the walls, anywhere in the home! Home theater processing includes Dolby Digital, DTS, and Pro Logic decoding, for unlocking the multichannel surround sound on countless DVDs, VHS tapes, TV, HDTV, and satellite broadcasts. 100 watts x 5 channels and wide-range frequency response (20-100, 000 Hz!) combine for powerful, precise reproduction of movie soundtracks and high-resolution music sources. Other great features include an on-screen display (requires TV with direct video input), Text CompuLink for on-screen title management with compatible JVC CD players, component video switching, 5-band digital EQ, and 7 DAP (Digital Acoustics Processor) modes for stereo or multichannel sources. CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 06/24/2002
JVC seems to have approached home-theater receivers with renewed vigor recently, releasing two THX-certified models as well as the RX-9010VBK, which capitalizes on the popularity of MP3 and other computer-based music by sporting a USB port on its faceplate. This receiver is also loaded with good features for playing DVDs and piping music into other rooms in your home. JVC seems to have approached home-theater receivers with renewed vigor recently, releasing two THX-certified models as well as the RX-9010VBK, which capitalizes on the popularity of MP3 and other computer-based music by sporting a USB port on its faceplate. This receiver is also loaded with good features for playing DVDs and piping music into other rooms in your home.
PC ready
If you have a PC that's running Windows 98 or later--sorry, Mac users--you can digitally send audio from your computer to the 9010VBK, which is great if you're occasionally going to hook up a laptop to listen to MP3s or stream audio from the Internet. In our tests, the USB audio quality was far superior to the analog output of a Dell laptop. The improvement in stereo imaging and detail was dramatic and easy to hear. Still, we question why the USB port is on the front of this receiver; if it were around back, you could leave it permanently plugged into your desktop with the cable hidden.
The rest of the features are bit more commonplace. The amp section delivers 100 watts of power into each of five channels. For surround sound, the 9010VBK decodes the usual Dolby Digital and DTS formats, although it doesn't have Dolby Pro Logic II processing. Oddly, JVC's step-down model, the RX-8010VBK, does have Dolby Pro Logic II processing. You'll find plenty of conveniences on this model, though, including two levels of Midnight Mode, which normalizes dynamics.
The 9010VBK is blessed with a host of connectivity options, including two component-video inputs, eight S-Video ports, three optical inputs, one coaxial digital-audio input, one optical digital-audio output, and a six-channel analog-audio input for connecting a DVD-Audio or Super Audio CD player. Analog audio connections include a phono input and two tape loops, among others.
This receiver is especially well suited for multiroom and multisource operation, meaning that you can hook up a pair of speakers in a second room. Plus, you can listen to the radio in one room while a CD plays in another. You'll find both an extra set of speaker connections and a line-level output on the back for the second zone.
The included programmable remote control emits both infrared (IR) and radio-frequency (RF) signals so that you can control all of your other equipment, even from the second room. This is due to the fact that RF signals can pass through walls, while IR needs a line of sight to work. Unfortunately, the remote isn't backlit and is cluttered with lots of small buttons, making it a bit difficult to use.
How does it sound?
We took a listen to the 9010VBK and found it to be well up to the task of our favorite Dolby Digital and DTS soundtracks. The creepy atmospherics and natural-sounding dialogue from the Fight Club DVD were all present, and the system handled the dramatic midair collision in chapter 9 without a hitch, proving that this receiver has sufficient power reserves to drive our Tannoy speakers. But this JVC has a tendency toward brightness, so depending on the speakers you own, you might opt for a receiver with a warmer sound.
On stereo material such as Morphine's "The Night," we found the 9010VBK to be less convincing. The slowly swinging track had lots of moody atmosphere, but the stereo image never quite came together. The sound seemed to stick a bit to the speakers. We then popped on some Lester Young recordings, which came across much better, but this receiver will please home-theater fans more than audiophiles.
Although the 9010VBK carries a list price of $550, we've seen it selling for considerably less online, making it very affordable for an A/V receiver with multisource/multizone functions. If you're intrigued by only the USB element and not by the multiroom capabilities, take a look at the $450 RX-8010V, which also has Dolby Pro Logic II processing. Or you could consider coupling Pioneer's VSX-D850S--which sounds a bit better--with Xitel's $50 HiFi Link to connect your computer to the receiver.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 User Rating: 
8/10
Great value, great sound.by - April 16, 2004
Pros: Many sound fields, contour your sound any way you like.
Cons: Almost too many features!
Review:
User Rating: 
9/10
Excellent Value, Great Performanceby - October 13, 2003
Pros: I'm very pleased with the RX-9010VBK from JVC. I read all the users reviews, and then bought it. I also bought an Onkyo (twice the cost) and tried it side by side. I kept the JVC, and returned the ONKYO. JVC gives me more features per dollar. Thanks
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User Rating: 9/10
Great sound for so little cash!by - January 27, 2003
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Review: This amp is truly one of the BEST for the price the amount of DIGITAL connections is great and easy setup on screen display. And the surround sound is hard to beat. However there is a problem with the remote and JVC DVD players it is called a TRACK TEN PROBLEM you have to send your DVD player in to have this problem fixed. The bad part is this is an ongoing problem with the upper reciever remotes and JVC DVD players.And if your dvd is out of warrenty you have to pay to have this fixed.
User Rating: 8/10
Great Overall Sound and Qualityby - December 17, 2002
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Review: Sond is excellent, Rattles the windows with high quality bass thumping surround sound. I Like the sub room feature that allows you to have two seperate choices of media. If your having problems with sound quality, you need to upgrade your speakers. I paid 275.00 on EBAY, NIB and it was everything i wanted. I am not an expert on setting these things up and it was very simple. For sure best BANG for the buck.
User Rating: 
5/10
just the look, no good soundby - December 17, 2002
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Review: It look great, and got very nice features, but sound quality is not that great and it overloads too easy when turning up the volume. Got me an onkyo TX-SR600, for the same price and the difference is remarkable. Just buy something else.
User Rating: 8/10
Good Sound with many features.by - November 21, 2002
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Review: JVC has another great product in this one. I've had great luck with there audio and video gear. If there is one complaint, it would be the remote. But after you figure it out this is one great receiver.
User Rating: 8/10
Can't get more for the money!by - August 26, 2002
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Review: Great sound and a combination of features unavailable from any other manufacturer. Have patience connecting your wires. 800 number customer support reads off a screen and is worthless
User Rating: 
7/10
Excellent Value Home Theater System!by - June 26, 2002
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Review: This is my second JVC home theater receiver. I enjoy good sound for movies and music, but not to the point that I'm willing to commit a month's pay to buy a super high-end receiver. The JVC 9010 gives me 90% of what I'd get by spending considerably more to get to the next level! Excellent features and very good sound for both home theater and music. I especially like the 5-1 surround stereo setting... which adds a lot of "life" to CD's and non-Dolby t.v. shows. I needed lots of digital connections, both optic and coax and this unit provides more than any other amp I found. It's a booger to setup, until you figure out JVC's "logic", but it's well worth the effort. The price is awesome for all the features and quality of sound! I bought mine at auction for $199 (new)... so there are deals out ther for this unit...just have to be patient! Highly Recommened.
User Rating: 5/10
Nothing special about this one...by - June 26, 2002
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Review: ... except it's USB connectivity. However, this unique feature is far from important when it's not put to good use. From reviews, including that on CNet's, the sound quality isn't quite on the high-end for this receiver. All things considered, this is a so-so product, but not enough for me to give it a thumbs-up.
User Rating: 9/10
VERY VERSATILEby - June 12, 2002
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Review: I purchased mine at Walmart.com for $374. After a month of online searching and having it for a month, I have not found a better deal. The universal remote with IR/RF means one remote works my TV, VCR, DVD, and Reciever. Plus I can control all of them from the second room. (JVC includes an IR output with a long cord to place in front of your none RF equipment to control them from another room) The back is loaded with connections, including A/V out for VCR1 and VCR2. So, you can hook your cable box to your TV and still record TV on your VCR. The controls are much simpler than many other receivers on the unit and remote. Two family members with no A/V experience or interest found it easy to use after a week of use.
User Rating: 9/10
Great Receiveer Overallby - May 22, 2002
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Review: This receiver is great. It sounds wonderful. The price to features ratio is great. The USB input is nice. I love the IR/RF remote. The second room capability will be nice when I get around to using it. The remote is really poorly designed. It's the only remote I've owned that has had too many similar buttons to memorize their positions, even after over a year of use. Make sure you follow the placememnt guidelines. Mine gets poor ventalation, so I have to leave the glass door on my cabinent open to prevent the center channel from shutting down from overheating during a movie. I'll have to get a fan.
User Rating: 8/10
Best high ens amp at a low end priceby - March 26, 2002
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Review: Once I got it confgured, it plays like a champ. No receiver even comes close to all the features, power and connections of this unit. The only drawback is the manual. It is confusing and very hard to understand for a first timer. I had to call support to know the cable box needed the DBS setting. This wasn't mentioned in the manual at all. I would recommend this system to anyone in search of an affordable "high end" system. It has most all the featues you would want. I do miss knobs for the bass and treble though.
User Rating: 8/10
Great Home Theater Receiver at A Great Priceby - March 6, 2002
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Review: This 9010VBK was my second JVC reveiver... and I love this one. Excellent, clean sound with lots of easy adjustment capabilities to setup your system. The only complex part, which was the same on my old JVC Home Theater receiver, is figuring out the digital inputs...getting the right combo setup. I bought this because of the huge array of inputs (Composite Video, 4 Digital Sound Inputs, etc.) and THE PRICE. For my money this is the best deal on the market. Only "problem" I've had has been overloading the amp a couple of times while showing some VERY DYNAMIC DVDs at a high level of output. The amp shutdown (protection mode)...just waited a couple of seconds and turned it back on and brought the volume down a little...no problem after that. I had the volume up pretty high...love those DTS surround sound effects! I can highly recommend this amp for anyone who wants great sound...but not willing to pay the BIG $$$ for a "premium" amp... you won't be losing anything noticeable unless you have a huge area you're trying to cover.
User Rating: 8/10
All the connections needed for hpme theaterby - January 28, 2002
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Review: Just follow the manual step by step, one component at a time and hook up is easy.
User Rating: 9/10
Good Receiver, Bad Remoteby - December 14, 2001
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Review: Plusses: Great deal at $299, very high quality connections, about 40 connections on back plane yet easiest-to-understand back plane I have ever worked with. Talks to other JVC equipment. Does a good job with Dolby Digital and DTS is even better. So what: Does not offer Dolby Pro logic II, only plain Dolby Pro Logic, but I don't sit in the midst of the speakers to listen to CDs. I listen using headphones while walking around or whatever. So DPL2 doesn't mean anything to me. FM reception is average. Minus: The Remote. Zillions of keys. Like most remotes bundled with products, it is designed for use during setup, with nearly every possible seting available through the remote control. This makes it impossible to use while watching a DVD, when you're not looking at the thing and you can't see the keys in the dark anyway. It's nearly the size of a skateboard, too.
User Rating: 9/10
great versatile productby - November 3, 2001
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Review: allows for audio dvd/sacd and great compatibility with RF remote and other RF or IR products. Great sound too.
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JVC RX-9010VBK specifications
- General
- Product Type AV receiver
- Width 17.2 in
- Depth 16.3 in
- Height 5.7 in
- Weight 26.2 lbs
- Enclosure Color Black
- Localization English
- Audio System
- Sound Output Mode Surround Sound
- Built-in Decoders DTS decoder , Dolby Digital , Dolby Pro Logic
- Surround Sound Effects 3D Phonic Surround , Advanced Virtual Surround Sound (V.S.S.)
- Sound Effects Bass Boost
- Digital Sound Processor (DSP) Yes
- DSP Preset Qty 7.0
- DSP Presets Dance club , Hall , Live , Arena , Theater
- Surround System Class 5.1 channel
- Output Power / Total 500.0 Watt
- Amplifier Output Details 100.0 Watt - 8.0 Ohm - THD 0.8 % - 2.0 channel(s) ( Center ) , 100.0 Watt - 8.0 Ohm - THD 0.8 % - 2.0 channel(s) ( Front ) , 100.0 Watt - 8.0 Ohm - THD 0.8 % - 1.0 channel(s) ( Rear )
- Bass Control Yes
- Treble Control Yes
- Tone Control Yes
- Built-in Display Fluorescent
- Equalizer
- Equalizer type Digital graphic
- Equalizer band qty 5 bands
- Radio
- Type Radio tuner - AM/FM - Digital
- Tuning Display Fluorescent display
- Preset Station Qty 45.0
- AM Preset Station Qty 15.0
- FM Preset Station Qty 30.0
- Auto Preset Memory Yes
- Turntable
- Type None
- CD System
- CD system type None
- DVD
- Type None
- Cassette System
- Cassette system type None
- Digital Player (Recorder)
- Type None
- MD System
- MD system type None
- Headphones
- Headphones Type None
- Microphone
- Type None
- Remote Control
- Remote Control Universal remote control - Infrared/radio
- Supported Devices VCR , Cable box , Satellite TV system , TV
- Features LCD display , Multi-brand compatibility
- Connections
- Connector Type 1.0 x Front speakers output ( Banana x 2 ) - Rear , 4.0 x Headphones ( RCA phono ) - Rear , 1.0 x S-Video output ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Rear , 2.0 x 5.1 channel audio line-in ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Front , 1.0 x Audio line-in ( Phone stereo 6.25 mm ) - Rear , 3.0 x SPDIF input ( Mini-phone 3.5 mm ) - Front , 1.0 x Rear speakers output ( RCA phono ) - Rear , 1.0 x Component video output ( 4 pin mini-DIN ) - Rear , 3.0 x Composite video/audio input ( RCA phono x 2 ) - Rear , 1.0 x SPDIF input ( RCA phono ) - Rear , 5.0 x Audio line-out ( RCA phono x 2 ) - Rear , 1.0 x S-Video input ( Banana x 2 ) - Rear , 1.0 x Subwoofer output ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Rear , 2.0 x Composite video input ( RCA phono x 6 ) - Rear , 1.0 x S-Video input ( 4 pin mini-DIN ) - Rear , 4.0 x SPDIF output ( RCA phono ) - Front , 3.0 x Component video output ( 4 pin mini-DIN ) - Rear , 1.0 x USB - Front , 1.0 x Center speaker output - Rear , 7.0 x AV Compu Link EX - Rear , Component video input - Rear
- Power
- Power Device Power supply - Integrated
- Miscellaneous
- AV Furniture None
- Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 2 years warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - Parts and labor - 2 years
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