Surround sound speakers don't amount to much without a quality receiver, and this JVC 7.1-channel model plays the role perfectly. Equipped with a full complement of surround decoders--including Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, DTS, DTS-ES, DTS Neo:6, DTS 96/24, Dolby Pro Logic II, and Dolby Pro Logic IIx--the receiver breathes life into home theater audio, delivering spectacularly crisp, explosive sound for both movies and music. The decoded formats are complemented by JVC's digital acoustics processor, which creates dynamic audio soundstages that mimic the acoustics of the most popular live venues. Among the multichannel DAP selections are Theater 1 and Theater 2, Hall 1 and Hall 2, Dance Club, Live Club, and Pavilion.

Included remote control. Detailed view or view larger.

The RX-D201S receiver features intuitive controls and a sleek, stylish design. View larger.

Loaded with inputs and outputs, this receiver accepts a wide array of components. Detailed view or view larger.

Internally, the receiver is equipped with a hybrid feedback digital amplifier and a DSP digital equalizer. The amp runs at 700 watts of total power (100 watts x 7 in surround mode, 100 watts x 2 in stereo mode), which should satisfy all but the largest environments. To create an even wider sound field, the receiver offers a virtual surround back function that simulates the effect of a back surround speaker even if you don't own one.

Busy listeners will also appreciate the RX-D201S's AV Compu Link function, which facilitates simple one-touch coordination between your JVC audio and video components. Simply pop a DVD into your JVC DVD player, and the RX-D201S automatically activates the receiver and TV while switching them to the proper modes. People who live in large households will delight in the 3-D Headphone feature, which creates an out-of-the-box surround effect through any pair of ordinary stereo headphones (not included). The receiver even lets you stream audio directly from your computer through its USB-PC link.

Components attach to the unit through its comprehensive series of inputs and outputs, including its two digital audio inputs (one optical and one coaxial), four analog audio inputs, and two audio outputs. The RX-D201S also acts as an audio/video switcher, with two component video inputs and one output, three S-video inputs and three outputs, and three composite inputs and three outputs.

What's in the Box
RX-D201S receiver, remote control, FM and AM antennas, user's manual.