Harman Kardon AVR 220 Audio/Video Receiver Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've had this receiver for about 3 months now, and I LOVE it.
Cool things about the AVR 220 relative to others I researched are:
1. "EzSet": When setting up a home theatre, it's critical that you independently adjust the volume of each of the 5 speakers (left, center, right, rear left, rear right) so that the sound that arrives at your customary listening position is balanced. To balance most systems you need to make manual adjustments and rely on your ear, or go out and purchase a sound level meter, to determine when you have it right. Major Pain. The AVR 220 has "EzSet": You set the receiver to a main volume level of -15DB, hold down a button on the remote for 2 seconds, and it enters auto setup mode. A test signal is sent to each speaker independently, and the remote detects the level using its built-in sound meter and automatically sends the appropriate adjustments. Voila - instant, near perfect balance. WAY COOL!
2. Full use of all speakers: Many of the cheaper home theater receivers only use the center and surround speakers when processing a true 5.1 input, e.g. from a DVD video. When processing traditional stereo inputs, e.g. from CDs/TV/VCR, they use just use the two front speakers. The AVR 220 can drive all 5(.1) speakers from any input source in a variety of ways. My favorite for CDs is Dolby Pro Logic II Music. When listening to a trumpet concerto, it puts the trumpets front and center and the strings off to the sides! Amazing!
3. Default surround modes by input source: You can set the AVR 220 to automatically switch to, say, Pro Logic II Music whenever you switch to your CD player, and Pro Logic II Movie when you switch to your VCR. This saves much button pressing.
4. Lots of ins (7 + 6-channel) and outs (2 + TV): I have everything I want connected, and I still have 3 extra ins. About the only feature missing from the 220 is component video ins and outs - it only has composite and S-video. But component video would've added another $100+ to my price, and I didn't want it that badly at the time.
5. 6-channel input: This is the major difference between the AVR 220 and the 210. It allows you to add new surround technology to your system without scrapping your receiver. In particular, once I discovered the joy of surround sound, I purchased a DVD player that supports the new(ish) DVD Audio format. Since the DVD player determines what signal goes to what speaker for DVD Audio, you need a way to just "pass thru" the signals. That's what 6-channel input is for.
6. Great on-board decoding, including DTS: Since I have 6-channel in, I can compare the Dolby decoding on the DVD player to that on the receiver. The receiver's decoding always sounds better. [BTW, DTS (Digital Theater Sound) rocks! I seek out DVDs that have a DTS soundtrack.]
Notes:
1. Plan to dedicate some room to the receiver. It stands 7" high, and needs another 2-3" above it, 'cause it runs hot.
2. For those of you who evaluate a sound system by wattage, get over it. This receiver is rated at only 45-55 watts per channel. Nevertheless, it can fill my 15'x25'x12' main room with painfully loud sound.
3. The instructions read like, well, stereo instructions. It will take time to figure out how to get maximum benefit from the receiver. But it's worth the effort.
This is a fabulous receiver. I'm delighted, and I'd recommend it to anyone.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Harman Kardon AVR 220 Audio/Video Receiver

Click here for more information about Harman Kardon AVR 220 Audio/Video Receiver

Read More...

Cerwin Vega CV-2800 HP Pro Power 2800watt Amplifier Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This amp kicks butt. Its well made and can drive speakers to insane sound pressure levels and destruction if not matched properely. It's not the cleanest amp around, but I doubt most will not notice or push it to that level. All in all, it's a powerhouse at a good price.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cerwin Vega CV-2800 HP Pro Power 2800watt Amplifier

Click here for more information about Cerwin Vega CV-2800 HP Pro Power 2800watt Amplifier

Read More...

Yamaha R-S700BL Stereo Home Theater Receiver (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Loving this stereo receiver! I bought this unit to replace my 3 years old onkyo sr605 that no longer produce any audio and I was really disappointed with onkyo build quality since I am a very light user and took very good care of it. I did my research and found out that the Yamaha unit has far better build quality and sound quality so I gave it a try. The result is night and day compare to my sr605, the sound stage of this receiver is just far better than the sr605. The bass is much deeper and cleaner even at low volumes. But I only had this for one day, hopefully this doesn't die like my onkyo after few years of usage and live up to it's name. But as far as the sound quality goes this thing is awesome!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Yamaha R-S700BL Stereo Home Theater Receiver (Black)

The Yamaha R-S700BL Stereo Home Theater Receiver redefines the elite two-channel receiver with 100 watts per channel of pure, clean power, ToP-ART stability, Continuously Variable Loudness Control, 40 AM/FM station presets, Zone 2 support, built-in port for supported Yamaha iPod docks (sold separately), and automatic power management.

Get 9% OFF

Click here for more information about Yamaha R-S700BL Stereo Home Theater Receiver (Black)

Read More...

Harman Kardon HK 3490 120 Watt X 2 Stereo Receiver with XM Radio-ready Tuner and Dolby Virtual Speaker Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I used the HK 3480 (the precursor to this model) for five years and loved it. The 3490 is even better. The sound is more robust and full, not different, but just more refined. It easily powers my Klipsch Synergy speakers and would pair well with any mid-level speakers. With 120w even inefficient speakers will have more than a enough power to move air.
Further, the 3490 has an important new feature: digital inputs. This is a very nice option for those who have made the jump to an all digital music library and use a digital jukeboxes like the Roku Soundbridge or the Squeezebox. Both players have digital outs and pair up nicely with the 3490.
The difference in quality from digital inputs or analog is debatable, but to my ear, going from the 3480 with analog cables, to the 3490 with optical TOSLINK, there was an immediately improvement in clarity. Songs with delicate sound work came alive. Soft details were more apparent. It's been a great upgrade for me.
It's important to note that the 3490 doesn't leave analog fans in the cold either. It has a very nice tape loop and a wonderful gold plated stereo pickup. In short, whether you're library consists of vinyl or mp3s this amp will do it all.
I have always been a fan of Harmon Kardon, and I bought the older 3480 because I'm a strict fan of stereo music listening. The 3490 is a very smart update to the 3480, bringing it into the 21st century with a host of digital options. For those who rely on an iPod for music, there is specific iPod cradle for this amp that allows you to play your iPod's music effortless over the stereo while controlling it with the HK remote. This amp is also XM Radio ready, just plug in your XM receiver and the HK will allow you to control it.
It's very hard to find a subtle, high powered stereo receiver with these features. The market has sadly moved away to the home theater, multi-channel world, but I'm glad Harmon Kardon is still loyal to their stereo listeners.
Build quality is very nice. It's not a flashy amp, it doesn't light up the room with needless LEDs. It's very understated, and handsome. HK even includes two little inserts that hide the front inputs and bass, treble, and balance controls (nice if you don't want people messing with your settings, or you appreciate a clean look.)
Other than the digital options, the tape loop and the phono pickup, the amp does allow video switching and pass through should you want to integrate into your home theater. The other notable detail are the speaker posts. They allow the use of banana clips or allow you to secure naked wire in two different ways to the posts. This is nice if you don't have a lot of clearance behind the amp.
At this price point, there is simply nothing out there that can compete with this amp in terms of quality, performance, or features.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Harman Kardon HK 3490 120 Watt X 2 Stereo Receiver with XM Radio-ready Tuner and Dolby Virtual Speaker

The HK 3490 is a high current stereo receiver that will give you the best possible audio performance. You can use the optional "Bridge II" to control and navigate your Ipod'. The power rating is 120 watts times two at 8 ohms and 150 watts times 2 at 4 ohms. It has 45 amps of current. It is also XM Ready. It has speaker A/B switching.

Click here for more information about Harman Kardon HK 3490 120 Watt X 2 Stereo Receiver with XM Radio-ready Tuner and Dolby Virtual Speaker

Read More...