Harman AVR 45 5.1 Channels Receiver
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- Surround Sound: Dolby Digital® Dolby Pro Logic II
- THX Certification: No
- Number of Channels: 5.1 Channels
- Type: Receiver
- Surround Mode Power: 55 Watt @ 8 ohm, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, THD: 0.07%
- Stereo Mode Power: 65 Watt @ 8 ohm, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, THD: 0.07%
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Harman Kardon AVR-40
Pros
Good bass response
Cons
Poor quality, only lasted 68 days.
Recommended it?
No
I purchased a Harman-Kardon AVR-40 from the Harman Outlet on September 11, 2000. It was one of a few receivers that had the "3 must haves" in my book; a Tape Monitor, a Loudness function (they call it Contour) and Virtual Surround Sound. Moving up from a JVC receiver that was experiencing some problems, I considered Harman-Kardon a very good quality product. "Even though the unit was 'reconditioned', it was still a Harman-Kardon with the full warranty", I thought.
I received the unit in about a week. It was not hard to setup. It delivered considerably more base response than my previous JVC receiver. My JBL speakers came alive with heretofore-unheard base notes. This is a Pro-Logic unit, not a Dolby Digital unit. The spatial representation was not as warm as I had hoped, but was still quite good. The 'WRAP' feature (spatial presence) seemed to have no real impact on the sound at all. Overall, though, I was happy with my purchase, but would probably go for DTS if I were to do it again. (and probably will).
On the 68th day, my receiver started delivering a loud buzzing noise in Pro-Logic and Phantom modes. I called Harman-Kardon. There is exactly ONE authorized service facility in Maryland. The owner says he has a two-week backlog to even look at the receiver (let alone repair it). He expects the backlog to continue until about mid- January. I called Harman-Kardon again. Laurie in the Warranty department suggested I call the Harman Outlet for a replacement since the unit was only 68 days old. I did so and was told that Harman Outlet does not replace units passed 30 days. I pleaded my case stating that the unit was purchased only 68 days ago. I was told I had to speak to Kelly Sanders. I have called 5 times and Kelly never seems to be in. It appears I have the option of doing without my receiver for several weeks (for repair), or buying a new receiver.
In conclusion, I expected better from Harman-Kardon. I?d expect a K-Mart receiver to last at least 68 days! Where I expected more from Harman-Kardon quality, I expected FAR more from their Customer Service. I was very disappointed on both accounts.
I received the unit in about a week. It was not hard to setup. It delivered considerably more base response than my previous JVC receiver. My JBL speakers came alive with heretofore-unheard base notes. This is a Pro-Logic unit, not a Dolby Digital unit. The spatial representation was not as warm as I had hoped, but was still quite good. The 'WRAP' feature (spatial presence) seemed to have no real impact on the sound at all. Overall, though, I was happy with my purchase, but would probably go for DTS if I were to do it again. (and probably will).
On the 68th day, my receiver started delivering a loud buzzing noise in Pro-Logic and Phantom modes. I called Harman-Kardon. There is exactly ONE authorized service facility in Maryland. The owner says he has a two-week backlog to even look at the receiver (let alone repair it). He expects the backlog to continue until about mid- January. I called Harman-Kardon again. Laurie in the Warranty department suggested I call the Harman Outlet for a replacement since the unit was only 68 days old. I did so and was told that Harman Outlet does not replace units passed 30 days. I pleaded my case stating that the unit was purchased only 68 days ago. I was told I had to speak to Kelly Sanders. I have called 5 times and Kelly never seems to be in. It appears I have the option of doing without my receiver for several weeks (for repair), or buying a new receiver.
In conclusion, I expected better from Harman-Kardon. I?d expect a K-Mart receiver to last at least 68 days! Where I expected more from Harman-Kardon quality, I expected FAR more from their Customer Service. I was very disappointed on both accounts.
