AVR 220
Written: Apr 14 '06
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Pros: Excellent digital decoder with additional modes that augment and complement the requisite Dolby Digital.
Cons: Low power output rating and a supposed reliability problem reported in a few reviews.
The Bottom Line: Thus far, I am very satisfied with the receiver. Can't wait to add a subwoofer to my setup. Great sound and several decode options in an affordable receiver.
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| gkitash's Full Review: harman/kardon AVR 220 5.1 Channels Receiver |
This receiver replaced my dated Sony 100 watt stereo amp and separate tuner. Needless to say, the upgrade also included a digital coax cable and a pair of surround speakers.
Basically, it does a much better job on the digital decode than my Sony progressive scan DVD. The sound is now fuller and I hear sounds that were missing from my old setup. Having the decode occur on the receiver rather than on the DVD and sent analog to the stereo amp results in a huge difference; much more than I expected. The audio output from the receiver also seems to be less digitally sterile.
There are also a few additional decode modes that are nice:
Dolby Pro Logic II and Logic 7 - can create surround sound from non-5.1 input sources.
VMAx - surround emulation from front-only speakers (I used this while I awaited delivery of my surround speakers).
5-Channel Stereo - this mode sends the same output signal to the front L-R speakers and the surround L-R speakers; the manual says this mode ideal for background music in large rooms. I use it to reverse the primary output source to my surround speakers by setting the output levels to minus 10db front and plus 5db surround. This is nice due to the location of my desk in relation to my home theater setup (desk is located behind front speakers).
The only reservation I have about this receiver is the supposed reliability problem with the unit reported in a few reviews I've read. I opted for this receiver after narrowing the search down to Yamaha and HK. Sound quality was my primary criteria (of course, this is subjective as everyone hears the same sounds a bit differently).
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 435
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Epinions.com ID:
gkitash
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Reviews written: 3
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