Power and Elegance are no strangers to H/K
Written: Jul 04 '00 (Updated Jul 05 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Elegant looks, superior power supply
Cons: confusing remote that's not backlit
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| Matt21's Full Review: harman/kardon AVR 85 |
Harman International sets the standard for budget audio once again with it's flagship home theater receiver, the avr85. Contended by a barrage of mosfet power supplies and inferior transistors, H/K delivers the only breed of a/v gear with true high-current muscle.
Once this hefty power plant is unpacked and installed, the fun begins. The exterior of the avr85 is sleek and attractive, with an organized single-file array of buttons, as opposed to a confusing maze of switches and dials. The display is subtle, giving off a luminescence that's informative but not blinding. All of your basic surround modes are present, including an adequate selection of dsp modes. If you're in the mood for some music, the receiver's stereo mode is sure to please, delivering 100 clean, authoritative watts per channel. Movies are elevated to a new plateau as the H/K sends 85 high-current watts to all channels commanded by the best Dolby Digital processing in it's class. If for some reason the avr85's power plant doesn't cater to your tastes, don't worry. There are more pre-outs on this receiver than any mortal needs. If there's one qualm I do have with the avr85, it's the remote. It doesn't seem to be very user-friendly, and the controls are not back-lit, which makes viewing in the dark a real hassle.
This receiver used to be a little pricey, selling for nearly $1500 in some places. The price has dropped by almost half, but it's not easy to find. There are still a few available online, however, so if you're in the market for a digital receiver, don't miss out on this gem.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Matt21
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Member: Matthew Shockley
Location: Dinwiddie, VA
Reviews written: 9
Trusted by: 3 members
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