The JVC RX-D211S is a good combination of features and price in a relatively slim design that will save space in your home entertainment stack. Although it measures just over 3-1/2 inches in height, this silver receiver still packs a respectable punch by providing 110 watts of power to seven channels. The RX-D211S lacks a number of high-end features, but this is to be expected from a unit in this price range.

Like the higher-end JVC receivers, the RX-D211S is Sirius-ready, so all you need to listen to Sirius Satellite Radio's 120-plus channels is a plug-and-play tuner, antenna and paid subscription. On the other hand, unlike the more advanced models, the RX-D211S lacks HDMI connections, which may be a deal-breaker if you have an HDTV and digital components like an up-conversion DVD player or Blu-ray disc player.

The RX-D211S has internal processing for Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, DTS Neo:6 and DTS 96/24, as well as the standard five-channel surround formats. There are multiple digital signal processing modes for stereo and multichannel sources.

While it omits an HDMI connection, the RX-D211S does include a composite input, two component inputs and three S-video inputs. The receiver will up-convert a composite signal to S-video or an S-video signal to component video, which can prove very handy when linking to a TV. On the audio side, the RX-D211S sports one coaxial and two optical digital audio inputs. A USB input lets you stream audio from your PC to play over your stereo or home theater speakers.

If you don't need advanced features like HDMI switching, the JVC RX-D211S is a capable home theater receiver with a few surprises up its sleeve.


Pros:  Good price for the features, Sirius-ready
Cons:  Lacks HDMI connections

Warranty
2 years