Harman Kardon AVR 635 7.1 Channel Surround Sound Audio/Video Receiver Review
Harman Kardon AVR 635 7.1 Channel Surround Sound Audio/Video Receiver Feature
- 7.1-channel A/V surround sound receiver with quadruple crossover bass management system
- Built-in Dolby Digital EX, Pro Logic II, and DTS (including 6.1 Discrete, 6.1 Matrix, and Neo:6) decoding
- High-bandwidth component video switching; multisource/multiroom control for 2-zone speaker playback
- Supports multichannel DVD-Audio and SACD playback; proprietary Logic 7 enhanced audio reproduction
- 75 watts x 7 high-current amplification; measures 17 x 7 x 17 inches (W x H x D); 2-year warranty
Amazon.com Product Description Harman Kardon's AVR 635 7.1-channel audio/video surround receiver includes the company's latest features and technologies on top of near-universal surround-format compatibility. Internally, the receiver is engineered for extraordinary sonic performance, featuring a discrete-output amplifier section that delivers seven channels of high-current (+/- 50 Amps), ultrawide-bandwidth amplification--7 x 75 watts into 8 ohms, 20 to 20,000 Hz with less than 0.07 percent THD--in addition to state-of-the-art 192 kHz/24-bit audio digital-to-analog converters and a high-power Texas Instruments 32-bit DSP processor.
Take a closer look at the AVR 635's connections. You can also view the unit's front panel and remote control in detail. |
The AVR 635's wealth of cutting-edge technologies also includes quadruple-crossover bass management, automatic digital input polling, video cross-conversion (which converts all composite- and S-video sources to high-resolution component-video), bidirectional RS-232 connectivity with software and firmware upgradeability, A/V sync delay, and a slot-mounted tuner that may be upgraded at a future date to accommodate HD Radio.
Surround sound features include Dolby Virtual Speaker, Dolby Headphone processing, and Dolby Pro Logic IIx processing (which provides an expansive, full-range 7.1-channel program from any stereo or 5.1-channel source). The receiver handles all other popular formats (including Dolby Digital EX and Dolby Digital 5.1), all standard DTS modes (including 6.1 DTS-ES Discrete, DTS-ES Matrix, DTS Neo:6, Cinema 6.1/5.1, and Music 6.1/5.1), and even the latest DTS 96/24 high-resolution audio technology. In addition, the AVR 635 provides HDCD (High-Definition Compatible Digital) processing to deliver the best possible CD playback quality from HDCD-encoded discs.
You also get Harman's proprietary Logic 7 audio for enhanced multichannel reproduction from both matrix-encoded and 2-channel recordings. The latest implementation of Logic 7 provides improved post-processing for the rear surround channels.
The receiver's many audio and video connections include three wide-bandwidth, assignable HDTV-compatible component-video inputs. The AVR 635 also features multiroom/multisource operation with independent, simultaneous playback of two program sources, assignable back surround amplifier channels, A-BUS connectivity, and a Zone II remote. The A-BUS Ready system simplifies multiroom connectivity without external amplifiers. It uses a standard Cat5/Ethernet cable to connect the receiver's rear panel in one room to a Harman Kardon AB 1 A-BUS-compatible amplifier/control module in a separate room.
Along with its extensive video connectivity, the receiver offers a array of digital and analog audio connections, including multiple coaxial and optical digital audio inputs and outputs. It sports both analog and digital front-panel inputs, 6-/8-channel direct audio inputs, and 7.1-channel preamp outputs to accommodate a DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, SACD, or universal player.
The AVR 635 is also among the first receivers to include EzSet/EQ, which provides automated system calibration and room equalization, which greatly simplifies installation as it improves system performance by tailoring the output of the receiver to your speakers, compensating for the effects of room acoustics.
The receiver's quadruple-crossover bass-management system lets you choose from six different crossover frequencies for the front L/R, center, surround L/R, and surround back L/R speakers. Most receivers and DVD players have far more limited crossover filtering or none at all. Moreover, you can set different speaker-size configurations for different AVR 635 input sources according to your needs.
You get a high-quality FM/AM tuner with 30 station presets and a Listener Preference System that lets you specify a surround mode according to the program source. You can also set speaker-channel levels for each program source and DSP format (for example, the subwoofer level can be set differently for multichannel movie viewing and 2-channel CD music listening).
What's in the Box
Receiver, remote control, remote batteries, an EzSet/EQ microphone, FM wire/AM loop antennas, warranty information, and user's manual.
The number of channels is only one factor of many when considering home-theater surround performance. Harman Kardon AVR635 focuses on sound quality with the most fidelity throughout the listening spectrum for superior realism and a pleasurable experience. AVR635 combines the sonic power of a high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth amplifier with the computer power of Texas Instruments' most advanced audio DSP to deliver unparalleled performance. With exclusive, integrated EzSet/EQ functionality, speaker, output and delay settings are automated for optimal equalization to your room acoustics. Add video conversion circuits that output all video sources via component connections with on screen graphics, a digitally-tuned AM/FM radio (that's optionally upgradeable to digital radio), and, of course, the ability to play through up to 7 speakers plus a subwoofer, this is a receiver that's worth owning. A/V Inputs - 4 rear, 1 front S-Video Inputs - 4 rear, 1 front Analog and digital Inputs outputs - A/V Inputs - 5 ; S-Video Inputs - 5 ; Audio Inputs - 4 ; Digital Inputs (Coax/Optical) Rear panel - 2/2, Front panel - 1/1 ; Digital Outputs (Coax/Optical) Rear panel - 2/2, Front panel - 1/0 ; Direct Audio Inputs - 6-/8-Channel Up to 30 AM/FM tuning presets 2 AC outlets built-in (rear) Speaker Terminals - Color-coded binding post Unit Weight - 41 lbs Connector for external AM/FM antenna option Harman Kardon USA 2-Year Limited Warranty
