Customer Reviews

Harman Kardon AVR 100 Dolby Digital Audio/Video Receiver

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have every component plugged into this thing, dvd, cd, tape, tv, vcr. i like how it automatically switches the output to the tv based on the component you select. digital connections allow me to use coax, or optical for dvd, giving a very crisp picture and sound. one issue that i've found is that if you turn it on to DVD mode, then turn on your dvd player and start a dvd, it will not play through the system. if you turn the dvd player on first, then the HK, everything works ok. (may be specific to the COAX connection). the system has two coax inputs for multiple types of components. the front of the system is vintage HK. very slick look, not too many buttons, very crisp and clear LEDs. as with many of the other reviews, i agree that you will probably never turn the volume knob up past half way...it pumps out a lot of power to multi-speaker systems.

Beware that the AVR 100, while excellent at audio processing, lacks a Phono input (for those who still care), and lacks the ability to record one thing to VCR while watching another. Both of these features were removed when H/K moved from the 5 series to the hundred series. It also lacks S-video inputs/outputs.

not as many bells and whistles compared to other common similary priced receivers. you could get dolby digital,dts, and 400 to 500 watts of power,and lots of useless soundfields but what you won't get is clean, effortless,dynamic sound. while it's rated at only 40wpc it blows away any bargain priced receiver no matter how many watts it's pushing.thats because along with those 40 watts it carries 30 amperes of current! it has it's limitations but trust me it will drive your system to theater levels with ease! plus it has 6 channel direct inputs for future formats like dts or dolby digital ex. i think you would be crazy to buy a sony or pioneer at this price! we all strive for the latest and greatest sound money can buy and with avr100 you will find it! :)

I have to admit that the Watts per Channel had me worried when the salesman was showing me receivers, until I listened to the sound. I also have a Harmon Kardon CD player and they are connected with a Fiber Optic line. The clarity and lack of distortion at all volume levels is incredible with this receiver. I have speakers rated at 150 watts and to tell you the truth, I would never turn this receiver up over 50%. I live in an apartment and it feels like the walls are caving in at that level. To me the most important thing with a receiver is how it sounds at more moderate levels. If you live in an apartment, that is how you will listen to it 90% of the time. The clarity is exceptional at low to moderate volume levels. You will not find a receiver that will deliver such a clean sound at this price. Most receivers at this price level WOW people with bells and whistles and high wpc ratings, and then they deliver junk. Buy this and save some money for speakers that will allow you to enjoy nice clear sound.

Having just entered the home theater arena, I wanted to get something solid that wouldn't break the bank so I had enough $$$ left for other components (cables, speakers, etc). Very clear sound and easy to use. Only complaint is that it may be a bit underpowered for people who want to crank it.

I don't own this, but I read the specs. Anyway, with no S-Video, you won't get the best results possible from DVDs, but keep in mind that if your TV is more than 3 years old, you probably couldn't use it anyway. Look for a black input with 6 holes right near to your A/V inputs. If it's there, you DON'T want this reciever. You might also want to count your sources. If you have more than 3 (count your TV, VCR, DVD, MD, Tape, Satellite, etc.) you can't use this.