Harman Kardon AVR 330 Product Information - Page 2

TEST REPORT key features ● Dolby Digital EX and DTS ES 6.1-channel decoding ● Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS Neo:6, and Logic 7 processing for 5.1/6.1-channel playback from two-channel or matrixed four-channel sources ● Hall 1 and 2, Theater ambience-generation surround modes ● VMAx two-speaker and headphone virtual surround ● 2 HDTV-compatible component-video inputs, 1 output ● 5 A/V inputs (1 on front panel), 2 outputs, all with S-video ● 3 optical, 3 coaxial digital audio inputs (1 each on front panel); 1 optical and 1 coaxial output ● 192-kHz/24-bit D/A converters on all outputs ● Bass-management options include 6 crossover-frequency choices individually assignable to front L/R, center, and surround channels ● EzSet auto-level calibration using soundlevel sensor in remote control ● 8-channel analog audio input, preamp out ● 2 stereo audio-only inputs; 1 record output ● Multiway binding-post speaker terminals for all channels; back surround outputs can be redirected to power remote-room stereo system ● 8-component preprogrammed system remote control with 5 (19-step) macros ● Multiroom capability with independent source and volume; basic second-room remote control the option of diverting the back surround speaker outputs to power remote stereo speakers instead. What's more, a basic remote control for use in a second room is supplied, giving you unusually complete multiroom capabilities for a midprice A/V receiver. Up and running, the Harman Kardon consistently impressed me sonically as a very clean, dynamic receiver. And don't let the comparatively modest seven-channel power ratings mislead you: 55 watts represents only 2.6 dB less potential dynamic output than 100 watts. This was born out by the AVR 330's having no difficulty at all in driving my modest-sensitivity speaker array to movie-theater volumes with convincing authority even on demanding program material. For example, in the very well-produced DVD soundtrack of the hokey thriller K19: The Widowmaker, the receiver's surround processing delivered the famous action sequences without a hitch. When the submarine surfaces from under the polar ice and launches a missile, I heard convinc- ing impacts of rumbling, shattering ice and head-snapping blast-off effects as the ICBM comes more or less straight toward you. Of course, finesse is equally important. The 5.1-channel Super Audio CD mix of James Taylor's October Road requires plenty of finesse, and the AVR 330 conveyed the nuance and details evident throughout the disc, especially the lovingly recorded drum kit on the title track. In addition to the now-common Dolby Pro Logic II (DPL II) and DTS Neo:6 processing for enhanced 5.1/6.1-channel playback of two-channel sources like CDs and Dolby Surround-encoded TV broadcasts and older movies, the AVR 330 also incorporates Harman Kardon's proprietary Logic 7 mode for the same purpose. Harman claims that Logic 7 is a quicker-steering The AVR 330 convincingly delivered all the impact of the effects in the soundtrack of K-19: The Widowmaker. and more enveloping process than DPL II, and I'm inclined to agree, at least with some kinds of program material. I often heard a more spacious, coherent surround bubble on TV broadcasts, such as Monday in the lab DOLBY DIGITAL PERFORMANCE All data were obtained from various test DVDs using 16-bit dithered test signals, which set limits on measured distortion and noise performance. Reference input level is -20 dBFS, and reference output is 1 watt into 8 ohms. Volume setting for reference level was -8. All level trims were at zero; all speakers were set to "large," subwoofer on. All are worstcase figures where applicable. Output at clipping (1 kHz into 8/4 ohms) 1 channel driven.......95/148 W (19.8/21.7 dBW) 5 channels driven (8 ohms).....66 W (18.2 dBW) Distortion at 1 watt (THD+N, 1 kHz) 8/4 ohms 0.03/0.03% Noise level (A-wtd 75.1 dB Excess noise (with sine tone) 16-bit (EN16 0.4 dB Frequency response 20 Hz to 20 kHz +0, -0.3 dB MULTICHANNEL PERFORMANCE, ANALOG INPUT Reference input and output level is 200 mV; volume setting for reference output level was -6. Distortion (THD+N, 1 kHz, 8 ohms) ........0.04% Noise level (A-wtd 85.4 dB Frequency response