Harman Kardon AVR45 Dolby Digital Audio/Video Receiver

Harman Kardon AVR45 Dolby Digital Audio/Video Receiver

Harman Kardon AVR45 Dolby Digital Audio/Video Receiver

Product Description
Amazon.com Review
Harman Kardon's role in developing innovative audio components has earned the company one of the finest reputations in home electronics. The AVR45 is a prime example of HK's ability to offer pristine sound and a full set of features in a cost-effective design. The model offers Dolby Digital decoding, impressive audio specifications, and a full set of features including Pro Logic playback and several DSP modes.

Initially we were struck by the receiver's solid feel and clean design. Front-panel controls consist of the standards (volume, balance, mute, etc.) and two basic groupings: a row of buttons for selecting playback formats and input sources (any of X audio and Y video inputs) and a set of smaller buttons used for system setup. The AVR45 also includes an auxiliary set of audio/video inputs and a headphone jack. This front-panel simplicity results in intuitive use. The rear-panel design is also impressive, with clearly labeled jacks and binding posts for speaker connections.

We easily set up this receiver without using the owner's manual, as the sizable display informed us of any modifications we had just made or were about to make. The AVR45 is flexible enough to accommodate virtually any speaker layout, so the setup process consists of enabling or disabling each of the six speakers in your system. You can individually adjust the output level for each speaker and the delay times for both the Pro Logic and Dolby Digital modes. You can consult the manual for suggestions on delay settings based on your room layout.

In our tests, the AVR45 performed impressively in all playback modes, with crystal-clear highs and solid bass. The unit was especially good at handling material with extreme dynamics, thanks in part to its discrete amplifier circuitry and Harman's High Current Capability, which allows the AVR45 to deliver peak responses more accurately than receivers of comparable power. Channel separation was most apparent with the enveloping sound field of Dolby Digital sources, but the unit also delivered high-quality sound with analog inputs.

The AVR45's formats include Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby 3 Stereo (for users without surround speakers), and three DSP (digital signal processing) modes that add varying amounts of ambience to the input signal. DTS (Digital Theater Sound) decoding would be nice for use with DTS-encoded surround CDs and DVDs, but this feature is usually only found in higher-priced receivers. Switching between playback formats--as between analog and digital sources--can result in a noticeable shift in listening level, so you should conduct comparison listening at low volumes to prevent speaker damage.

Also, be aware that you cannot alter the delay times for the DSP modes. This is unfortunate because the preset delays are so extreme in their reverberation ("wetness") that they are unusable with most source material. Of course, you can disable the surround modes completely for the most accurate reproduction of conventional two-channel stereo recordings. Harman Kardon further increases the AVR45's flexibility by including 5.1-channel direct inputs for use with external surround decoders and, for those who plan on using additional amplification now or in the future, preamp outputs for all six channels.

The unit also features a backlit remote control designed to operate all the hardware in your home theater. Operating codes for most manufacturers are in the manual, and the remote is able to "learn" the codes for those not listed. The test model performed flawlessly with other components, although results may vary depending on your system.

Pros:

Cons:



Product Description:
Harman Kardon A/V receivers combine legendary Harman Kardon amplifier engineering, the most advanced digital processing, and elegant control systems to provide the optimum combination of power, performance and control for today's digital home-entertainment systems. Introducing the world's first stereo receiver is just one of Harman Kardon's many milestones. Harman Kardon offers the finest stereo receivers in their class, featuring high-current capability and ultrawide-bandwidth-amplifier design. Also included are audiophile features like gold-plated phono inputs, stereo line-level subwoofer outputs, preamp outputs with main-amp inputs, and two sets of binding-post speaker terminals. The best Digital audio/video performance at a moderate price. The AVR 45 offers HCC capability and Ultrawide-Bandwidth design, and the advanced Crystal Circuit for extraordinary performance rivaled only by top-of-the-line conventional receivers.

Harman Kardon AVR45 Dolby Digital Audio/Video Receiver
Harman Kardon AVR45 Dolby Digital Audio/Video Receiver
Average customer rating: 2 out of 5 stars
  • What are you talking about?
  • I would never buy this brand again
  • A Total Dud
  • Good Brand, bad reciever
  • HK = Hums Konstantly
 Harman Kardon AVR45 Dolby Digital Audio/Video Receiver

Manufacturer: Harman Kardon
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Stereo ReceiversStereo Receivers | Receivers & Amplifiers | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
Home Theater ReceiversHome Theater Receivers | Receivers & Amplifiers | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics | Satellite-ready Home Theater Receivers
Audio & VideoAudio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
JBLJBL | Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics
Accessories:
  1. NETGEAR Wireless Digital Music Player

Product Features:
  • Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic decoding
  • 5.1-channel analog inputs
  • 65 watts per channel (stereo), 55 watts per channel (surround)
  • High current capacity
  • 30 AM/FM tuner presets

ASIN: B00000JCT7

Amazon.com Review

Harman Kardon's role in developing innovative audio components has earned the company one of the finest reputations in home electronics. The AVR45 is a prime example of HK's ability to offer pristine sound and a full set of features in a cost-effective design. The model offers Dolby Digital decoding, impressive audio specifications, and a full set of features including Pro Logic playback and several DSP modes.

Initially we were struck by the receiver's solid feel and clean design. Front-panel controls consist of the standards (volume, balance, mute, etc.) and two basic groupings: a row of buttons for selecting playback formats and input sources (any of X audio and Y video inputs) and a set of smaller buttons used for system setup. The AVR45 also includes an auxiliary set of audio/video inputs and a headphone jack. This front-panel simplicity results in intuitive use. The rear-panel design is also impressive, with clearly labeled jacks and binding posts for speaker connections.

We easily set up this receiver without using the owner's manual, as the sizable display informed us of any modifications we had just made or were about to make. The AVR45 is flexible enough to accommodate virtually any speaker layout, so the setup process consists of enabling or disabling each of the six speakers in your system. You can individually adjust the output level for each speaker and the delay times for both the Pro Logic and Dolby Digital modes. You can consult the manual for suggestions on delay settings based on your room layout.

In our tests, the AVR45 performed impressively in all playback modes, with crystal-clear highs and solid bass. The unit was especially good at handling material with extreme dynamics, thanks in part to its discrete amplifier circuitry and Harman's High Current Capability, which allows the AVR45 to deliver peak responses more accurately than receivers of comparable power. Channel separation was most apparent with the enveloping sound field of Dolby Digital sources, but the unit also delivered high-quality sound with analog inputs.

The AVR45's formats include Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby 3 Stereo (for users without surround speakers), and three DSP (digital signal processing) modes that add varying amounts of ambience to the input signal. DTS (Digital Theater Sound) decoding would be nice for use with DTS-encoded surround CDs and DVDs, but this feature is usually only found in higher-priced receivers. Switching between playback formats--as between analog and digital sources--can result in a noticeable shift in listening level, so you should conduct comparison listening at low volumes to prevent speaker damage.

Also, be aware that you cannot alter the delay times for the DSP modes. This is unfortunate because the preset delays are so extreme in their reverberation ("wetness") that they are unusable with most source material. Of course, you can disable the surround modes completely for the most accurate reproduction of conventional two-channel stereo recordings. Harman Kardon further increases the AVR45's flexibility by including 5.1-channel direct inputs for use with external surround decoders and, for those who plan on using additional amplification now or in the future, preamp outputs for all six channels.

The unit also features a backlit remote control designed to operate all the hardware in your home theater. Operating codes for most manufacturers are in the manual, and the remote is able to "learn" the codes for those not listed. The test model performed flawlessly with other components, although results may vary depending on your system.

Pros:

Cons:

Amazon.com Product Description

The best Digital audio/video performance at a moderate price. The AVR 45 offers HCC capability and Ultrawide Bandwidth design, and the advanced Crystal Circuit for extraordinary performance rivaled only by top of the line conventional receivers.

Product Description

Harman Kardon A/V receivers combine legendary Harman Kardon amplifier engineering, the most advanced digital processing, and elegant control systems to provide the optimum combination of power, performance and control for today's digital home-entertainment systems. Introducing the world's first stereo receiver is just one of Harman Kardon's many milestones. Harman Kardon offers the finest stereo receivers in their class, featuring high-current capability and ultrawide-bandwidth-amplifier design. Also included are audiophile features like gold-plated phono inputs, stereo line-level subwoofer outputs, preamp outputs with main-amp inputs, and two sets of binding-post speaker terminals. The best Digital audio/video performance at a moderate price. The AVR 45 offers HCC capability and Ultrawide-Bandwidth design, and the advanced Crystal Circuit for extraordinary performance rivaled only by top-of-the-line conventional receivers.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars What are you talking about?.......2004-01-13

My three year experience with the Harman Kardon AVR45 has been great. The AVR45 never gave me any problems. The stereo and surround features gave me a clean and powerful sound. No complaints from this AVR45 owner. I recently upgraded to a newer HK receiver with DTS.

1 out of 5 stars I would never buy this brand again.......2003-11-15

I got the amp, it was awesome. Then less then a month later it crapped out on me. The center channel, the rear and the sub-out none of then worked. I took it back to where I bought it, they charged me the shipping to get it repaired, they are crap too. A couple of weeks later I get it back, I was told there was nothing wrong with it, it must be your equipment. So I hooked my EQUIPMENT up to my Yahamma amp from 1990 and it all worked perfect. I also hooked up to another friends amp and it was fine on that. So I took it back again and of course they said there was nothing wrong. I left it for a couple of years, the getting married thing and stuff, then I called Harmon Kardon repairs in British Columbia, they told me they could repair it, at my cost. So now I have a this harmon kardon amp that has just my front channels, wonderful waste of money.... I looked at the other review of this item and it says basically the same thing... whatever you do, don't buy this product

1 out of 5 stars A Total Dud.......2002-07-23

I purchased this reciever about a year back, the rear speakers went on it in the first day of use.
I had it in for repair but gave up after more problems.

1 out of 5 stars Good Brand, bad reciever.......2001-12-27

HK makes good products...except this one. Look over the web and you will find many complaints about this reciever. I know, I own one. The amp overheats then the surround modes go away. For a while, only the bypass mode worked. Now, I have an expensive paper weight. Save you money and buy a different model. I have had good luck with other HK's, just not hte AVR45.

1 out of 5 stars HK = Hums Konstantly.......2000-01-17

I purchased my HK AVR45 in July. It sounded great except for the hum. Went through all of their suggestions, it was in the shop for almost two months waiting for parts. But the parts did no good. I worked with HK customer relations people and they were great. They are replacing my unit with the brand new AVR500 model. Hopefully it will not hum. If you are having trouble with your unit contact them by phone or e-mail.

Electronics:

  1. Harman Kardon Signature Series 2.0 Surround-Sound Processor/Tuner
  2. JVC RX-6000VBK Dolby Digital/DTS Audio/Video Receiver
  3. Denon AVR1601 Dolby Digital Audio/Video Receiver
  4. Teac AG-D9320 5.1 Channel Surround Sound High Current Home Theater A/V Receiver
  5. Panasonic SA-HE70K Home Theater Receiver (Black)
  6. JVC RX-DP10VBK THX EX Ultra Audio/Video Receiver (Black)
  7. JVC RX-DP9VBK THX EX Select Audio/Video Receiver (Black)
  8. Harman Kardon AVR 225 Dolby Digital Receiver
  9. Sherwood RD-6108 5.1-Channel Surround Sound Receiver
  10. Kenwood VR-6070 6.1-Channel Dolby Digital/DTS Surround Sound Receiver

Electronics

electronics

Recommended Consumer Electronics:

Genicom 5050E Line Matrix Printer 500 ( 3S5050Cd1150A1 )

Samsung Tantus TXN2798HF 27'' HD-Ready TV with DynaFlat Scre

IBM INFOPRINT 1312N 20PPM 16MB ( 75P4133 )

Epson C40UX Inkjet Printer

TEAC CD224PE/KIT 24x Slimline External PC Card CD-ROM Drive

USB Data Cable + Complete Software for Samsung X105

Bell&Howell 2000DFB DUPLEX 43PPM (L) 200DPI ( 0102410 )

Macvision MA833A-5S 512 MB MP3 Player Silver

Sharp VLA110U 8mm Viewcam with 3" LCD Screen

Toshiba Satellite A70-SP211 - Mobile Pentium 4 538 / 3.2 GHz - RAM : 512 MB - HD : 80 GB - DVD?RW / DVD-RAM - 802.11b/g - Win XP Pro - 15.4" Widescreen TFT 1280 x 800 ( WXGA )

Hi-Capacity NiCad Cordless Phone Battery for Motorola MA300, MD451 (3300)