Harman Kardon AVR 144 Product Information - Page 7

HIGH-CURRENT CAPABILITY To understand the importance of high-current capability, we first need to know what an amplifier really does in relation to a loudspeaker. An amplifier provides current (measured as amperes) to a loudspeaker. That's why it's called an "amplifier," and not a "wattifier." Fluctuations in current constitute the audio signal. The loudspeaker uses this current to make its cones or domes move the air in the listening space. This is how we experience sound, and the ability of a speaker to perform properly is directly related to the amount of current provided by an amplifier. That's why current is so important. Amplifier power, expressed in watts, is the product of voltage (volts) and current (amperes): power = voltage x current (watts = volts x amperes). When looking at amplifier power ratings in watts, it's impossible to determine how much current the product can generate. Most manufacturers choose not to publish separate current measurements; however, the high-current capability of Harman Kardon amplifiers and receivers is readily available. The amplifiers in our products are praised because they're capable of delivering enough current to drive even the most demanding loudspeakers, and of handling the most dynamic musical passages or movie soundtracks. To clarify the importance of current, think of a 12-volt car battery. Now think of eight 1.5-volt AAA batteries. Both options deliver 12 volts, but which would you choose to start your car? In other words, which would have more current? Or think of two cars with the same horsepower (watts), but one with more torque. The car with high torque (current) will not lose speed when driving uphill, while the car with low torque will lose speed and need to use a lower gear to maintain the same speed. ULTRAWIDE BANDWIDTH While most amplifiers and receivers struggle to cleanly reproduce the audible frequency spectrum from 20Hz to 20kHz, Harman Kardon components typically extend to well beyond 100kHz. Although this exceeds the boundaries of human hearing, this broadband response eliminates phase distortion for improved transient accuracy and phase linearity. The audible result is better-defined imaging and sharper focus. LOGIC 7 ® Developed by Lexicon® - a specialist in high-end audio and a Harman International company - Logic 7® was the first 7.1-channel surround mode to create realistic seven-channel surround from both stereo and matrix-encoded surround recordings. Logic 7/5.1 and Logic 7/7.1 allow 2-channel source material to play in thrilling multichannel surround. This patented processing technology extracts and re-creates all the subtle details and the full musical balance that the recording engineer included in the original master. Logic 7 technology can faithfully reproduce source material with maximum separation, and uses intelligent steering to provide full bandwidth to all channels. There are two Logic 7 modes, one for Cinema and one for Music. Making the best even better, many Harman Kardon receivers are capable of postprocessing, bringing the benefits of Logic 7 to the surround channels of discrete digital-playback formats. EzSet/EQ™ II, EzSet/EQ™ AND EzSet+® Whether you can't wait to set up a new receiver or are simply technology-shy, Harman Kardon has the answer you have been waiting for. EzSet/EQ II, EzSet/EQ and EzSet+ use a high-precision microphone and digital processing to measure a system's performance for quick and easy calibration of speaker settings, output levels and delay times with accuracy that rivals expensive test gear. EzSet/EQ II and EzSet/EQ add proprietary software to equalize the receiver's output for an optimal match to the sonic signature of your speakers' and listening room's individual characteristics. HONEST NUMBERS Harman Kardon measures power with all channels driven, with the frequency range, impedance and distortion clearly specified, according to FTC (U.S. Federal Trade Commission) guidelines. This means our figures include no exaggeration or inflation. By delivering full-rated power to ALL channels simultaneously, Harman Kardon ensures that music and movies are reproduced with full impact, the way they were meant to be heard. This is the user's guarantee for stability, reliability and pure, clean sound. TECHNOLOGY FIRSTS Harman Kardon holds true to the company's mission, as expressed by our founder, Dr. Sidney Harman, which is a commitment to "technology that serves the genuine needs of consumers - serves, not intimidates." We've reached that goal with constant innovation. For instance, our industry-leading bass-management systems make it easy to direct sound to the proper speaker, no matter what the combination of sources or speaker types. And Harman Kardon was the first to make it possible to link computer audio to home entertainment systems, and our new receivers include the first models ever to allow you not only to listen to audio via a direct USB connection, but to actually control the playback with your receiver's remote control. The Bridge simplifies use of an iPod® with your home audio system, while our DMC products transfer content to memory cards or USB drives for easy transportability between home, car and portable audio products. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH THE VERY FINEST Life is short. Too short for compromises, shortcuts and mediocrity. For more than 50 years, Harman Kardon has stood for excellence in the engineering, design and manufacture of products that satisfy our passion for perfection in music and movies. If it's a passion you share, we invite you to join us for heightened listening and viewing experiences. 7