Harman Kardon AVR 240 7.1-Channel A/V Receiver, Silver

Harman Kardon AVR 240 7.1-Channel A/V Receiver, Silver Review

Harman Kardon AVR 240 7.1-Channel A/V Receiver, Silver Feature

• 7.1-channel A/V surround sound receiver with quadruple crossover digital bass management system
• Built-in Dolby Digital EX, Pro Logic IIx, and DTS (including Discrete, Matrix, Neo:6, and 96/24) decoding
• High-bandwidth HD-compatible component video switching; proprietary Logic 7 enhanced audio reproduction
• Compatible with the Harman Kardon Bridge, which offers iPod navigation using AVR 240's preprogrammed remote control
• 50 watts x 7 high-current amplification; measures 17.3 x 5.9 x 13.8 inches (W x H x D); 2-year warranty

Harman Kardon's AVR 240 7.1-channel A/V surround receiver is among the best receivers in its class, as it harnesses many of the company's latest features and technologies to go with its near-universal surround-format compatibility. Internally, the receiver is engineered for extraordinary sonic performance, with an amplifier section that delivers seven channels of high-current (+/-35 amps), wide-bandwidth amplification--50 watts into 8 ohms, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, with less than 0.07 percent total harmonic distortion--in addition to employing state-of-the-art 192 kHz/24-bit audio digital-to-analog converters.

Take a closer look at the AVR 240's connections. You can also view the unit's front panel in detail.

The receiver also offers a wide range of digital and matrix surround modes, including Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIx (which provides an expansive, full-range 7.1-channel program from any stereo or 5.1-channel source), DTS, DTS ES Discrete and Matrix, DTS 96/24, and DTS Neo:6. Listeners will also delight in the Virtual Speaker mode, which creates an enveloping sound field when fewer than six speakers are available, and Dolby Headphone, which provides a much more open and realistic presentation through a pair of ordinary headphones.

Adding to the receiver's versatility are such sound-enhancing features as Harman International's exclusive Logic 7 processing in both 5.1 and 7.1 versions, which creates a wider, more enveloping field environment and more defined fly-overs and pans; and VMAx, which uses proprietary processing to create an open, spacious sound field even when only two front speakers are available. The receiver's extensive bass management options, meanwhile, include four separate crossover groupings.

Other receiver essentials include high-bandwidth, HDTV-compatible component video switching with assignable inputs, an onscreen menu and display system with the choice of a blue or black background screen, and compatibility with the Bridge, a Harman Kardon device that works with most iPod models. The Bridge lets you operate your iPod from across the room using the AVR 240's remote control, which has been preprogrammed with several iPod control codes. As a result, listeners can select tracks and navigate most iPod functions, charge the unit, or even view track information on the AVR 240's LED display or onscreen menu.

The receiver's variety of audio and video connections include three wide-bandwidth, HDTV-compatible component video inputs, five S-video and five composite video inputs, and two analog audio inputs. Digital audio options, meanwhile, include three coaxial and three optical audio inputs, including one of each on the front panel. Other jacks range from 6- and 8-channel direct audio inputs to 7.1-channel preamp outputs that accommodate a DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, SACD, or universal player.

Anyone that's ever suffered from technology overload when setting up his or her audio/video system can rest easy with the AVR 240. The unit's intuitive onscreen menus coordinate with the system's EzSet/EQ function to provide automated system calibration and room equalization, thus greatly simplifying installation. The resulting speaker output compensates for the effects of a room's acoustics to improve the overall system performance. In tandem with EzSet/EQ--which comes with its own microphone--the AVR 240 also includes a full set of manual configuration settings for those who wish to custom-trim their system even further.

Lastly, the AVR 240 comes with an AM/FM tuner with 30 station presets. The AVR 240 measures 17.3 by 5.9 by 13.8 inches (W x H x D) and carries a two-year warranty on parts and labor.

What's in the Box
AVR 240 receiver, remote control, power cord, AM and FM antennas, EzSet/EQ microphone, user's manual. 7.1 Channel Audio/Video Receiver that can hook up to your Ipod for Audio Playback, Control, and Charging.

MAM-A (Mitsui) DIGITAL-AUDIO *SILVER INKJET PRINTABLE* 80-Minute CD-R's 50-Pak in Cakebox

MAM-A (Mitsui) DIGITAL-AUDIO *SILVER INKJET PRINTABLE* 80-Minute CD-R's 50-Pak in Cakebox Review

MAM-A (Mitsui) DIGITAL-AUDIO *SILVER INKJET PRINTABLE* 80-Minute CD-R's 50-Pak in Cakebox Feature

• ARCHIVAL GRADE 80 Minute Silver Inkjet Printable Digital-Audio CD-R Media. MAM-A brand.
• These are the media needed for recording on Philips, Pioneer, Harman/Kardon, JVC & Marantz (and others) brands of home CD-Recorders. Known as Digital-Audio, these are the media supported by consumer audio-only cd-to-cd home recorders.
• These consumer audio-only CD-R discs meet the standards of the Audio Home Recording Act (AHRA) of 1992, which requires a royalty to be paid by the disc manufacturer to the music industry. These CD-R's support the Serial Copy Management System
• Sold in 50-Disc Cakebox.

These discs have an unbranded, no-logo, silver inkjet printable surface (the discs and packaging do not have the Digital-Audio logo). In the center hub, it reads, "MAM-A DIG AUDIO 80MIN INKJET", which is the manufacturers way to indicate that these are Digital-Audio CD-R's.

Harman Kardon AVR 340 7.1-Channel A/V Receiver, Silver

Harman Kardon AVR 340 7.1-Channel A/V Receiver, Silver Review

Harman Kardon AVR 340 7.1-Channel A/V Receiver, Silver Feature

• 7.1-channel A/V surround sound receiver with quadruple crossover digital bass management system
• Built-in Dolby Digital EX, Pro Logic IIx, and DTS (including Discrete, Matrix, Neo:6, and 96/24) decoding
• High-bandwidth HD-compatible component video switching; proprietary Logic 7 enhanced audio reproduction
• Compatible with the Harman Kardon Bridge, which offers iPod navigation using AVR 340's preprogrammed remote control
• 55 watts x 7 high-current amplification; measures 17.3 x 5.9 x 13.8 inches (W x H x D); 2-year warranty

Harman Kardon's AVR 340 7.1-channel A/V surround receiver offers a vast feature set that's comparable to far more expensive models without sacrificing an ounce of music or movie enjoyment. Internally, the receiver is engineered for elite sonic performance, with an amplifier section that delivers seven channels of high-current (+/-35 amps), wide-bandwidth amplification--55 watts into 8 ohms, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, with less than 0.07 percent total harmonic distortion--in addition to employing state-of-the-art 192 kHz/24-bit audio digital-to-analog converters.

Take a closer look at the AVR 340's connections. You can also view the unit's front panel in detail.

The receiver also offers a wide range of digital and matrix surround modes, including Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIx (which provides an expansive, full-range 7.1-channel program from any stereo or 5.1-channel source), DTS, DTS ES Discrete and Matrix, DTS 96/24, and DTS Neo:6. Listeners will also delight in the Virtual Speaker mode, which creates an enveloping sound field when fewer than six speakers are available, and Dolby Headphone, which provides a much more open and realistic presentation through a pair of ordinary headphones.

Adding to the receiver's versatility are such sound-enhancing features as Harman International's exclusive Logic 7 processing in both 5.1 and 7.1 versions, which creates a wider, more enveloping field environment and more defined fly-overs and pans; and VMAx, which uses proprietary processing to create an open, spacious sound field even when only two front speakers are available. The receiver's extensive bass management options, meanwhile, include four separate crossover groupings.

Unlike many receivers in this class, the AVR 340 is also equipped for extensive multiroom use. In addition to offering assignable surround back amplifier channels, the receiver invites the listener to enjoy a separate source in a remote zone. Essentially, this means one family member can watch a movie in the living room while a second family member listens to a CD in the bedroom--both through the AVR 340. The receiver, which is A-Bus/Ready (enables remote component and speaker control), also comes with a Zone II remote control.

Other receiver essentials include high-bandwidth, HDTV-compatible component video switching with assignable inputs, an onscreen menu and display system with the choice of a blue or black background screen, and compatibility with the Bridge, a Harman Kardon device that works with most iPod models. The Bridge lets you operate your iPod from across the room using the AVR 340's remote control, which has been preprogrammed with several iPod control codes. As a result, listeners can select tracks and navigate most iPod functions, charge the unit, or even view track information on the AVR 340's LED display or onscreen menu.

The receiver's variety of audio and video connections include three wide-bandwidth, HDTV-compatible component video inputs, five S-video and five composite video inputs, and two analog audio inputs. Digital audio options, meanwhile, include four coaxial and four optical audio inputs, including one of each on the front panel. Other jacks range from a color-coded eight-channel direct audio input to a pair of video recording outputs to 7.1-channel preamp outputs that accommodate a DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, SACD, or universal player.

Anyone that's ever suffered from technology overload when setting up his or her audio/video system can rest easy with the AVR 340. The unit's intuitive onscreen menus coordinate with the system's EzSet/EQ function to provide automated system calibration and room equalization, thus greatly simplifying installation. The resulting speaker output compensates for the effects of a room's acoustics to improve the overall system performance. In tandem with EzSet/EQ--which comes with its own microphone--the AVR 340 also includes a full set of manual configuration settings for those who wish to custom-trim their system even further.

Lastly, the AVR 340 comes with an AM/FM tuner with 30 station presets. The AVR 340 measures 17.3 by 5.9 by 13.8 inches (W x H x D) and carries a two-year warranty on parts and labor.

What's in the Box
AVR 340 receiver, two remote controls, power cord, AM and FM antennas, EzSet/EQ microphone, user's manual. 7.1 Channel Audio/Video Receiver that can hook up to your Ipod for Audio Playback, Control, and Charging.