TEAC AG-V4200 AV-receiver
When we pulled this receiver out of the packing box, there was a feeling of something familiar. Having put it next to the previously tested Marantz SR370, we understood why. These two models turned out to have much in common from the front and back sides. Particularly, they have the same multi-functional indicator; control elements on the front panel of the receiver are made almost equally. Both receivers have the same spring clips for connection of the front loudspeakers. And moreover, they are placed "wrong" in TEAC model: in "normal" receivers and amplifiers clips for the connection of front loudspeakers are placed on the top and clips of central channel's loudspeakers and rear loudspeakers are located at the bottom. Everything in TEAC is done conversely. The clips of rear loudspeakers are located at the top. So, be careful while connecting acoustics! We will also note the availability of AV-input on the front panel. If you take a look inside these devices, their similarity will become more obvious: power transformers, radiators, output cascades, the construction of the tuner's board are very similar. However, this cannot be said about their remote controls, which are completely different. You can manage all the receiver's functions, tape recorders (including two-cassette) and CD-player by TEAC with the remote control.
Ay first turning on the tuner doesn't cause any problems. If you briefly press Op and Down buttons, the receiver readjusts the frequency with the step of frequency synthesizer scale. At long-lasting pressing on these buttons it switches to auto search mode. Switching "channel-program" mode is realized using the Mode button. Having memorized the program in autosearch, we started to assess the quality of reception. Non-motorized volume control is applied in this receiver. At the reception of programs in FM-range the sound distinguishes by enviable purity and good ambience, high frequencies were excellent and very sonorous. At the same time at inactive timbres the receiver obviously needed basses; the lowest frequencies were in deficit. But in general the sounding of the receiver was very decent. At the reception of programs in AM-range TEAC played middle frequencies for the most part, but they sounded quite clear. Per totality of advantages and disadvantages AG-V4200 showed itself well.
At the listening to a record from CD-player TEAC receiver sounded easy and freely, but with inactive timbres middle frequencies significantly dominated. The attempt to improve the tonal balance using tone controls was unsuccessful - the amplifier didn't sound. However, its sounding noticeably enriched the listening of stereosonic recordings in Surround modes, especially in Dolby pro Logic in which the sound was incredibly rich and volumetric. In the mode of home theatre TEAC finally got hot on all cylinders and showed what it can do. The sound at Video CD in Dolby Pro Logic mode amazed us by its volume and naturalness. And at the same time, despite of the extraordinary effectiveness, the receiver's sound couldn't be regarded as absolutely perfect. Firstly, increased noise was noted in back channels, and secondly, there was an excessive aggressiveness of sharp sounds, particularly the sounds of shots. We will note the possibility to choose 3 modes of display's brightness as an additional advantage: maximum brightness, half brightness and complete display's shutdown. Considering the fact that people usually see films in a darkened room, the possibility of display's shutdown can be very useful as it won't distract from watching the movie.
