Harman Kardon AVR 230 Audio/Video Surround Receiver

Harman Kardon AVR 230 Audio/Video Surround Receiver Review

Harman Kardon AVR 230 Audio/Video Surround Receiver Feature

• High-current audio/video surround receiver with 50 watts x 6 in surround mode
• Processing for Dolby Digital/Dolby EX, and DTS (DTS-ES, Neo:6) 6.1-channel discrete and matrix
• Dolby Pro Logic II and proprietary Logic 7 simulated surround sound
• Features 6.2-channel preamp outputs
• Measures 17.3 x 6.6 x 15 inches (W x H x D)

Harman Kardon's future-ready 6.2-channel AVR 230 provides outstanding performance and value with its high-current 50-watts-per-channel amplifier, abundant inputs, high-bandwidth HD-ready component-video switching, and through features such as Harman's exclusive Logic 7 and VMAx surround-sound processing, Triple Crossover bass-management system, multichannel direct inputs for DVD-Audio and SACD, and other enhancements. Power output for the receiver is 6 x 50 watts (6 channels driven), or 2 x 65 watts in stereo (in both cases from 20 to 20,000 Hz into 8-ohm speakers, with less than 0.07 percent THD).

The receiver offers extensive installation flexibility and connectivity, including front-panel audio/video and digital-audio inputs. You also get five A/V inputs, component-video switching for two sources, and a supplied universal remote control featuring patented EzSet automatic speaker-level calibration and advanced system control capabilities.

The unit's authoritative surround processing includes the two major surround formats, Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1, as well as the latest 6.1-channel incarnations, like Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES. A 6.1 configuration adds a rear-center speaker to the standard 5.1 setup of front left/right, front center, and rear left/right surround, with the ".1" representing the low-frequency effects channel handled by your powered subwoofer. The AVR 230 offers two subwoofer outputs in case you're using separate left/right subs in your system. Two proprietary Harman audio technologies, Logic 7 7.1/5.1, and VMAx, deliver heightened sonic realism from surround sound and stereo audio source material.

The AVR 230's Triple Crossover bass management is critical for balancing the inputs from different surround formats--including the 6/8-channel "direct" analog inputs to accommodate playback of high-resolution digital-audio formats such as DVD-Audio and SACD. The receiver's bass management seamlessly integrates these formats with any speaker system, regardless of the capabilities of the playback device.

Select from three different bass-crossover frequencies for the front, center, and surround speakers to perfectly tailor the audio output fed to each set of speakers for optimum frequency response and performance. This compensates for the absence of bass management on many high-resolution optical players (like DVD-Audio or multichannel SACD players) so you can enjoy the maximum sonic benefits from high-resolution formats.

What's in the Box
Receiver, remote control, remote batteries, a user's manual, a quick-setup guide, and warranty information. Powerful enough to bring action movies thundering to life, and versatile enough to accept virtually any source material, the AVR 230 is an impressive performer. It has a six-channel, high-current amplifier, and Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, along with Logic 7 Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS Neo: 6 to its credit. Featuring an EzSet remote with on-screen menus, component video switching and seven-channel architecture for adding a full complement of rear surround speakers, it's a home theater system you can grow with.