Kenwood AV Surround Receiver VR 309 Manual

The Kenwood VR 309 is a 5.1 channel AV surround receiver featuring Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, multiple audio/video inputs, digital optical/coaxial inputs, AM/FM tuner with 30 presets, speaker setup microphone, remote control, bass/treble controls, sleep timer, and various sound modes. Powered by 120V AC, 60Hz. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Audio Setup and Calibration 8. Sound Modes 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 5.1 channel amplifier, Dolby Digital/DTS decoder, AM/FM tuner, remote control, speaker terminals, audio/video inputs, digital inputs.

Feature	Description
Power Output	100W per channel (front), 50W (center/surround)
Audio Decoding	Dolby Digital, DTS, Pro Logic II
Inputs	4x composite video, 2x digital optical, 1x coaxial
Speaker Terminals	Front L/R, Center, Surround L/R, Subwoofer
Tuner	AM/FM with 30 station presets
Remote Control	Full function remote included
Setup Microphone	Auto speaker calibration
Sound Modes	DSP modes: Hall, Theater, Stadium
Headphone Jack	3.5mm front panel connector
AC Power	120V AC, 60Hz operation

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, well-ventilated surface.

Connect speakers: Match polarity (+/-) for front, center, surround speakers.
Connect subwoofer: Use RCA cable to subwoofer output.
Connect source devices: DVD player, cable box, game console to appropriate inputs.
Connect antenna: AM loop and FM wire antennas included.
Plug into AC power outlet.

WARNING! Ensure proper ventilation; do not block vents. Use correct speaker wire gauge.

First-Time Setup

Power on receiver; follow on-screen display prompts.

Auto speaker setup: Connect calibration microphone, run auto setup in menu.
Manual speaker settings: Adjust distance, level, crossover if needed.
Tuner setup: Auto-scan AM/FM stations and store presets.
Input configuration: Assign digital inputs to sources.
Sound mode selection: Choose preferred DSP mode.

CAUTION! Keep magnetic items away from speakers. Ensure secure connections.

Specifications

Amplifier Section: 5.1 channels, 100W x 2 (front), 50W x 3 (center/surround)
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
Signal-to-Noise: 98dB
Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.08%
Input Sensitivity: 200mV
Digital Inputs: 2 optical, 1 coaxial
Analog Inputs: 4 composite video with audio
Tuner Section: AM/FM, 30 presets
Power Consumption: 280W max
Dimensions: 17.1" W x 5.9" H x 13.8" D

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER, VOLUME, INPUT SELECT, TUNER PRESETS, HEADPHONE JACK.

Remote: POWER, INPUT SELECT, VOLUME, MUTE, TUNER, DSP MODES, SETUP, NUMBER PADS.

Speaker Settings: Distance, Level, Size, Crossover. Audio: Bass, Treble, Balance, Loudness. Tuner: Auto preset, Manual tune, Preset memory. Input Setup: Input rename, Digital input assign. System: OSD setup, Sleep timer.

Connecting Devices

Audio Sources: CD player, turntable (with phono preamp). Video Sources: DVD player, cable box, game console.

Turn off receiver and devices before connecting.
Use appropriate cables: RCA for analog, optical/coaxial for digital.
Assign digital inputs in setup menu for proper decoding.
Select input via front panel or remote control.

Tip: Use quality cables for best audio/video performance.

Audio Setup and Calibration

Auto calibration with included microphone or manual setup.

Auto Calibration: Place microphone at listening position, run auto setup.
Manual Speaker Settings: Adjust distance (0.1-30ft), level (-10 to +10dB).
Speaker Size: Set to Small/Large based on speaker capabilities.
Crossover: 80Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz, 150Hz, 200Hz options.
Subwoofer: Level, phase, crossover frequency adjustment.
Test Tone: Use for manual level matching.

WARNING! Keep calibration area quiet during auto setup.

Sound Modes

Various DSP modes for different listening experiences.

Mode	Description
Dolby Digital	5.1 channel surround for movies
DTS	Digital Theater Systems decoding
Pro Logic II	5.1 from stereo sources
Hall	Concert hall acoustics
Theater	Movie theater sound field
Stadium	Live sports atmosphere
Direct	Pure analog bypass

Care & Maintenance

Unplug before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for exterior. Keep vents clear of dust.

CAUTION! Do not use liquid cleaners. Avoid moisture and extreme temperatures.

Regulatory Information

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No sound	Speaker connections/input select	Check speaker wires; verify input selection; volume level
No surround sound	Source/decoding mode	Ensure Dolby/DTS source; select proper surround mode
Remote not working	Batteries/obstructions	Replace batteries; clear line of sight; check mode
Poor FM reception	Antenna placement	Extend FM antenna; reposition for better reception
Overheating	Ventilation blocked	Ensure adequate ventilation space around unit
No subwoofer output	Settings/connections	Check subwoofer settings; verify RCA cable connection

Reset: System > Factory Reset to restore default settings.

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center for repairs.