The VRS-7100 has been receiving high marks for sound quality at
AC. The Kenwoods do maintain a direct digital signal path all the way to the speakers, which is great for digital sources (one or two less AD/DA cycles can't hurt) and are pretty decently featured. According to our "shootouts", the Kenwoods sound very good thru both analog & digital inputs, where the Panny is considered to be great with digital & lousy w/analog.
It's cool to see a higher end offering (although rated power is the same), and the ethernet card sounds cool. I'd really love to see USB 2.0 inputs, as that would make integration simply in my rig.
I wonder when the Denon's/Onk's/Yamaha's will catch up? That positions Kenwood & Sony at the forefront of the digital revolution.
Will AH be getting a review sample at all?