About $429
Specifications:
7.1 channel receiver (50 watts x 7, 65 watts x 2)
Supports typical surround sound modes
* Dolby® Digital EX, Pro Logic® II and IIx
* DTS® (5.1, DTS-ES® 6.1 Discrete and Matrix, 96/24™, and Neo:6®)
Several audio/video inputs
* AM/FM/XM tuner, CD, Tape, DVD
* Composite, S-video, component
* HDMI (2 in, 1 out)
* Optical (2 in, 1 out)
* Front panel (headphones, composite, S-video)
iPod compatibility (using The Bridge™ docking station sold separately)
Automated setup with supplied microphone
Source input naming; On-screen menu and setup guide
What’s in the Box?
The following items are supplied by the manufacturer with the product.
* Remote control
* EzSet/EQ microphone with extender rod
* AM loop antenna
* FM wire antenna
* 3 AAA batteries
* Covers for front panel input jacks
* Instruction manual and quick start guide
Instruction Manuals
The supplied instruction manual is very well written and comprehensive in its content. It’s a 73 page manual complete with full color photos to help those that are more visually inclined. Also supplied is a nice Quick-Start guide to help with making connections to your new receiver. Like an idiot, I thought I was a big shot and disregarded the manual in the beginning. What I learned is that in order for your receiver to recognize your components, it’s important that you follow the step-by-step instructions in these guides. I’d personally recommend using the Quick-Start guide to help you make all of your connections prior to turning on the receiver. Then, switch over to the regular instruction manual to finish the setup and configure the unit to your personal preferences.
Setup
Honestly, if I had followed the instructions a little better the setup would have been relatively easy. Since I jumped the gun on a few things, I had to back track to figure out why the receiver wouldn’t recognize any of my input sources. Simply put, it’s because you need to make your connections prior to initializing the unit! After I figured that out, everything else fell into place fairly quickly.
Supplied Peripherals
I’ve found the remote that was supplied with the receiver to be relatively user-friendly. It’s somewhat ergonomic and fits comfortably in your hand. The buttons are organized well. I would like to have a better lighting option for the buttons when you’re trying to see what you’re pressing in a dimly lit or dark room. The remote was able to recognize my other components, so I didn’t have to fool very much with programming the remote by trial and error with the provided codes.
The EzSet/EQ automated calibration tool is definitely helpful, but I ended up tweaking the setup to my own listening preferences manually. It’s rather simple to use — just plug it in and sit it in the listening position of your viewers. The receiver will then calibrate your audio settings based on your home theater room characteristics.
Performance
Don’t “curb appraise” this receiver based on it’s specifications. You’d be inclined to think that something that only puts out 50 watts per channel is not up to par with other systems boasting more power. You couldn’t be more wrong.
First, I’ve mentioned elsewhere that “all specifications aren’t created equal.” This simply means that these performance metrics documented by the manufacturer aren’t subjected to standard tests and don’t always refer to the same thing. To put this in context, I feel that I get better sound performance from this unit than I did with my previous Onkyo receiver that output 100 watts per channel.
I’ve been impressed with the sound quality this unit produces. The audio is always crisp even at the highest of levels. Not to mention that I can blow myself out of the room with this system. Most receivers now come with input jacks on the front panel. I like the fact that the jacks on this unit can be cover with a small plate the matches the rest of unit. This gives the unit an even better aesthetic appeal to me.
I’ve only had this receiver for 6 months, so I can’t comment on its durability. I have no reason to believe that I won’t get many years of enjoyment out of this receiver. It’s well constructed and the Harman/Kardon name is as reliable as any.
Recommendation
I purchased it from Best Buy — and I feel it’s a good value. It delivers exceptional performance, but not at a hefty price. I like the fact that it has several connection alternatives, from standard to high grade. For a high quality receiver in this price range, I was very excited when I saw this receiver had 2 HDMI ports. The design is clean and sleek and the sound quality is superb. Since I also own an iPod, I like the fact that you can purchase a docking station that integrates with the unit. It’s only about $50 on Amazon. Without hesitation, I’d strongly recommend this receiver to anyone.
— Bill Moore
[Reprinted with permission from:]
