A big, solid, hunky performer
Written: Jan 22 '02 (Updated Jan 22 '02)
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Pros: Sound quality, versatility, do-it-all remote, doesn't appear it'll become obsolete any time soon.
Cons: READ THE DIRECTIONS FIRST!
The Bottom Line: Check the rest, then buy the H/K.
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| jplattet's Full Review: harman/kardon AVR 510 5.1 Channels Receiver |
***NOTE: This review is for the HK AVR520 which is the current model replacing the AVR510. It has a few more features and a tad more power.
I was looking around for a receiver to replace my 11-year-old Sony STR-D711 as the heart of my home entertainment system.
The following criteria were of importance to me:
1) The ability to drive my speakers (JBL model S312 and model 4311B Studio Monitors) at strong levels on all kinds of music.
2) The ability to connect VCR, DVD, CD and to play MP3's.
3) Quietness of the amplifier background noise and controls.
4) Looks. Everyone sees the thing when they are in the living room.
5) Price.
Now, I had never owned a Harman/Kardon before, but back in the good old days I remembered that they were quite "the piece" to own and I wanted something that had quality (of sound AND build) and would last for years.
I auditioned some other brands: another Sony (nothing wrong with Sony), Denon, Onkyo, etc and I picked the HK. I auditioned them on the JBL model S312's that I also have a pair of at home. This is a very important step to do. If you cannot duplicate your own speakers then take them with you when you go to audition. They'll think you are a little whacked, but who cares.....it's YOUR money, right?
Why did I pick the H/K? I felt that overall the sound was the best. The Sony was good, but lacked depth. The Denon lacked bass reproduction and I did not like the looks of the Onkyo. The H/K seemed to produce all the sound effortlessly.
I recommend this receiver highly, and to anyone who buys one, let me tell you this: read the directions before hooking it up. Read them twice if you have to. Have all your cables ready and label all the cables on both ends so you know what goes into what on both ends. It'll save you a lot of headache. And I am an old hand at this kind of stuff.
I see also online that the prices for this unit vary widely. I paid ~$600 from Etronics which is the best deal I could find. Had to wait a week before the item came off back-order, but what-the hey.
This H/K receiver is a very, very nice piece to make the heart of a killer audio/video system and you will not go wrong if you choose to own one.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 600
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Epinions.com ID:
jplattet
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Location: Boston, Mass
Reviews written: 13
Trusted by: 1 member
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