harman/kardon AVR 520 5.1 Channels Receiver

Pros: It produces an excellent sound with a lot to offer!
Cons: Price & no Phono input!

The Harman Kardon AVR 520 has a modern look that is plain and simple but is very attractive in appearance. What I like is you have a big round Volume control knob and right below it are three small round knobs to control Bass, Treble and the Balance....

Pros: clear crisp well defined sound, lots of power, many features and stunning looks
Cons: Possible quality control problems

I started out with an AVR 510 and after many problems it fried, literally burned up smoked etc. H/K gave me a new AVR 520. This whole process was an extreme hassle but this has nothing to do with the 520 except that some sales people I have talked to...

Pros: Great Sound, Lots of Inputs, Bargain Price, Very complete feature set
Cons: Weak/Awkward Remote Control. Unit is quite heavy (Pro?)

Summary

I received this unit as a replacement for an AVR510, which started having problems with sound processing about 3 months after I bought the unit. I liked the sound of the 510, but
was concerned that this unit would fail just...

Pros: Excellent uncompromising warm sound. DTS-ES.
Cons: No Dolby Digital EX.

I really recommend this receiver to those who prefer a warm almost tube-like sound as opposed to the artificial digital sound of other receivers.

It does have fewer features than other brands, but I feel that the pure sound that is achieved...

Pros: Sound, Clarity, Power
Cons: None so far

This is the second harman kardon Receiver I have owned the first was the AVR 500 and figured it was time to update to the latest model, I read some great reviews here on the 520 and was comparing it to the 525, and in reality I dont plan on ever using...

Pros: refined, transparent, detailed, easy on the ears
Cons: drums not hard sounding enough remote is not ergonomic and won't adjust bass/treble

HK has been described as a 'dark' sound but i find it to be a refined transparent and airy sound. the sound is soft- too soft for me especially with drum sounds. i agree with other reviews about the remote. it is oddly shaped in an inverted triangle with most of the weight at the top. the dsp's and other modes are more worthwhile than other amps.

This receiver is extremely easy to utilize. With an excellent display screen, it is ergonomically perfected. Sound quality is impressive and robust. It is responsive and clean. It is currently hooked up with my Klipsch, synergy SP-2 floorstanding speakers; the match-up is marvelous. I highly recommend this piece of equipment; it has certainly fulfilled my craving desires.

Have had this reciever a few months now. It replaced a Sony, the Sony while priced in the same area just simply failed by comparison. The control on the Harmon Kardon are simple to navigate and opperate, the 5 JBL studio speakers coupled with a 15" sub sing with delight at the crystal clear signels the AVR 520 emits. Pity I have to get a pre amp to listen to my LP"s, guess I cant have everything. Get one you will love it.