Hello everyone.

I've had a Panasonic HTIB for 4 years, and now I'm looking for a slim 7.1 receiver. I don't care about video switching at all, I just want to play Star Wars DVDs in all their Dolby Digital EX glory.

Someone recommended me the Panasonic SA-XR57 a couple of days ago, but since then I found out about the JVC RX-D302B, which has an interesting wireless USB feature that has me drollling over the possibility of streaming Winamp radio to the living room. It has only 4-star and 5-star reviews in Amazon, which is a good sign.

However, I've searched this forum for info on this JVC family of slim receivers, but there is almost no info... Why?

Could any owner of any JVC receiver please chime in?

Could anybody compare the two receivers I am considering?

Does anybody know any rumors about future 7.1 digital slim receivers from the major players (Onkyo, Panasonic, Sony)?

Hello everyone.

I've had a Panasonic HTIB for 4 years, and now I'm looking for a slim 7.1 receiver. I don't care about video switching at all, I just want to play Star Wars DVDs in all their Dolby Digital EX glory.

Someone recommended me the Panasonic SA-XR57 a couple of days ago, but since then I found out about the JVC RX-D302B, which has an interesting wireless USB feature that has me drollling over the possibility of streaming Winamp radio to the living room. It has only 4-star and 5-star reviews in Amazon, which is a good sign.

However, I've searched this forum for info on this JVC family of slim receivers, but there is almost no info... Why?

Could any owner of any JVC receiver please chime in?

Could anybody compare the two receivers I am considering?

Does anybody know any rumors about future 7.1 digital slim receivers from the major players (Onkyo, Panasonic, Sony)?

Just not manly enough. A receiver should be at least 7", better yet 9". Anything less is just not satisfying. The JVC's are in the 3.5" ballpark. Totally unacceptable.

Edcuadorian,

I currently use a JVC RX-D702B, and I think it's a fantastic receiver. I originally purchased it because it is so svelte, it is a digital amp, and for the wireless audio feature, which don't listen to any negative reviews, it is AMAZING. I wirelessly transmit my entire GB upon GB music collection across a 12 foot room and it sounds exactly as if I had it hard wired. The bass and treble are all there and it sounds like there is no signal degradation.

I have to sell it however, because I recently upgraded a lot of my gear and now need a receiver that will handle HD audio. It makes me sad, but it has been an excellent receiver and I would recommend it to anyone who doesn't need HD audio. In fact, if anyone fits this description, please PM me and we can chat about mine. :)

Just not manly enough. A receiver should be at least 7", better yet 9". Anything less is just not satisfying. The JVC's are in the 3.5" ballpark. Totally unacceptable.

Satisfied with the the height of the AVR and not its features, SQ, etc.

Edcuadorian,

I have to sell it however, because I recently upgraded a lot of my gear and now need a receiver that will handle HD audio. It makes me sad, but it has been an excellent receiver and I would recommend it to anyone who doesn't need HD audio.

I understand that Dolby Digital AC-3 and DTS are mandatory in Blu-ray, so even if your receiver can't handle HD audio or can't perform Bass Management on PCM streams, you should be able to get at least a 5.1 track, or even a 6.1 track in Blu-ray movies with Dolby digital EX and DTS-ES.

If I can't hear the difference between a 192 kbps mp3 and the original CD, I don't think I need HD audio.

Am I forgetting something?

Is there any possibility that future Blu-ray releases will leave behind people with non-HD audio receivers? I mean, is there any chance of movies coming WITHOUT a regular Dolby or DTS surround soundtrack?

I have the JVC RX-D301S which is the silver version of the receiver. Yes, the wireless USB is a nice feature but if you are looking for a slim receiver so you can put it in a cabinet, I suggest you look elsewhere or make sure the cabinet has proper/additional ventilation. Mine sits on top of the RPTV so it's fine, but the receiver gets so hot you can't even touch the top. My old Onkyo got hot but it was ice compared to this receiver. As far as the SQ is concerned I prefer not to comment since I (still) have crappy speakers. Remote is not very well thought out and it doesn't have A/B speaker zones. That said, it does all that I need it to do and more, so I have been happy with it.

Hi I also have the silver slim AVR (from the Woot). :) Essentially it serves as a beginner model for me as I am learning my way through the whole complex audio codec world. I found out that I had to use S/PDIF and analog set up. Not sure what limitations this AVR would have with HD audio. Right now, I had to assign a DVR to work with my A35...how are the other doing their set up?

Yeah, it does get hot, but I think that was a tradeoff with slim design...