Harman AVR 300 5.1 Channels Receiver
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- Surround Sound: Dolby Digital® DTS®
- THX Certification: No
- Number of Channels: 5.1 Channels
- Type: Receiver
- Surround Mode Power: 50 Watt @ 8 ohm, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, THD: 0.07%
- Stereo Mode Power: 60 Watt @ 8 ohm, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, THD: 0.07%
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Very slick receiver
Pros
High end amp for mid price, Many inputs and outputs for flexibility, Clean sound
Cons
Questionable quality, Generic unit design
Recommended it?
No
The Bottom Line:
A solid receiver, albeit with a couple serious engineering issues. Hopefully the AVR 310 does not exhibit these problems.
I was aware that Harman Kardon has one of the best reps in the industry, so when I started looking for a receiver, it was one of the first ones I considered. This model is really in the same mid-fi price range as the Pioneers, Sonys, etc, but it has many of the same features of more expensive units. Tons of pre-amp outs, IR control out, etc.
I received my unit last week and I'm definitely impressed. Very cool system. Teamed with a set of Hafler speakers this thing just rocked. It's almost too much power for my little apartment.
I have some concerns about the long-term durability of this product. Other people with the AVR 300 have complained that they had problems with the unit after a few months. They also mentioned a clicking noise when changing the volume (which I did notice, but it's _very_ minor). Supposedly, Harmon Kardon resolved all of the Quality Assurance problems in June, so all of the newer models are supposed to be solid. The receiver was of sufficient quality that I felt it was worth the risk.
(UPDATED JAN 8, 2002)
Well - so the other comments were true. While the volume clicking is slight, and not really that noticeable, the volume is extremely screwy. It will erratically get very loud or very quiet. Very, very annoying. HK's site lists both problems. I find their excuses galling. On the clicking issue, they describe it as a characteristic of the unit (whatever, a bug is a bug is a bug). On the volume changing problem, they state that a small number of units exhibit this problem and to bring it in for repair. Small number of units - every review I've read has complained about this! Oh well - other than that, the unit has served me well. It does a great job of powering my Hafler speakers.
I received my unit last week and I'm definitely impressed. Very cool system. Teamed with a set of Hafler speakers this thing just rocked. It's almost too much power for my little apartment.
I have some concerns about the long-term durability of this product. Other people with the AVR 300 have complained that they had problems with the unit after a few months. They also mentioned a clicking noise when changing the volume (which I did notice, but it's _very_ minor). Supposedly, Harmon Kardon resolved all of the Quality Assurance problems in June, so all of the newer models are supposed to be solid. The receiver was of sufficient quality that I felt it was worth the risk.
(UPDATED JAN 8, 2002)
Well - so the other comments were true. While the volume clicking is slight, and not really that noticeable, the volume is extremely screwy. It will erratically get very loud or very quiet. Very, very annoying. HK's site lists both problems. I find their excuses galling. On the clicking issue, they describe it as a characteristic of the unit (whatever, a bug is a bug is a bug). On the volume changing problem, they state that a small number of units exhibit this problem and to bring it in for repair. Small number of units - every review I've read has complained about this! Oh well - other than that, the unit has served me well. It does a great job of powering my Hafler speakers.
