Good brains, decent brawn.
Written: Mar 15 '02
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Pros: High Current Design. Loads of inputs. Features galore.
Cons: Remote control. Low wattage (even for a high current amp)
The Bottom Line: If you are looking for a high-quality receiver with tons of features and inputs, but not looking to blow the windows out of your house, I highly recommend this unit.
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| kendslat's Full Review: harman/kardon AVR 210 5.1 Channels Receiver |
First off let me describe my setup:
H/K AVR-210
Paradigm Mini Monitors all around (4)
Paradigm CC-370 (matched to the minis)
Yamaha el cheapo sub
When I bought the AVR210, I was living in a small condo. I was looking for a 5.1 receiver with DTS, DD and DPL. I was also looking for a good looking unit (as to not offend the wife). I was drawn to a number of receivers. Onkyo, Denon and Harman Kardon.
I chose the H/K due to the fact that it had 5.1 analog ins (for future upgrades) and the shear number of inputs. The only drawback was the power rating. 40X5 didn't seem like much.
When I got it home and connected it to my setup, I was blown away.
Not only was the receiver relatively easy to setup: under two hours for complete install/config, but it was clear, neutral sounding and powerfull.
When I moved into my house shortly after, I noticed a big difference. The setup was now in a 27 x 14 room (vs. 14 x 10 at the condo). 40 watts just did not cut it. I needed more. Luckily the receiver has 5.1 preamp outputs: so I purchased a 120x5 watt amplifier to the receiver and WOW.
Nitty Gritty
This amp has plenty of inputs for most people (CD, Tape, Video1, 2, 3, 4, DVD...) The 5.1 analog inputs are great if you are planning to use DVD-Audio in the future - you won't need to upgrade your receiver. The preamp outs are great for adding an external amp to take advantage of the brains of this system. I guess the looks of the unit is more "love it or hate it" than anything else. I love it.
I like having the 2 video inputs on the front panels. I also like having 3 optical/digital inputs and 4 S-Video inputs.
One peice of advice, when you get the receiver, open the box, take everything out and throw away the remote. It is the most worthless and illogical remote I ever used.
After using this amp for the past year, I have came to the conclusion that it has to go. It's not that I don't like it, or think that it's not good enough, but I've been hit by the seperates bug. I bought a new pre/pro amp that handles DTS-ES, DD, DPLII and has almost twice the inputs.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 379.99
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Epinions.com ID:
kendslat
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Location: Hudson, MA
Reviews written: 31
Trusted by: 2 members
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