Harman Kardon AVR 300 Dolby Digital/DTS Audio/Video Receiver

by Harman Kardon

Product Details

Product Manual [329kb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 17.5 x 17.5 x 6.5 inches ; 31 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 36 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B0000300EC
• Item model number: AVR 300
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #352,479 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

The AVR 300 is Harman Kardon's most affordable full-featured receiver--it combines Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Digital, and DTS surround decoding and provides S-video switching, a full complement of preamp outputs, and 5.1-channel direct inputs. But there's more than features here: the AVR 300 exhibits Harman Kardon's unswerving attention to sonic accuracy and detail.

Because of its sophistication, the AVR 300 does require some effort to set up. Thankfully, Harman Kardon's owner manuals are among the most clearly written and illustrated that we've seen. Additionally, the AVR 300's intuitive onscreen display and uncluttered, programmable remote control speed the setup considerably. Our only wish is that the universal remote was fully illuminated; the only the buttons that glow are the ones you're commanding at the moment.

The AVR 300's performance, however, is outstanding. Stereo recordings sound full and natural. This receiver offers a terrific sense of air with pinpoint placement of sonic images in the stereo sound field. Dynamics are well above average, thanks to Harman's High-Current Capability. High frequencies are silky smooth and the bass scores points for both definition and wallop.

Surround sources, whether Dolby Digital or DTS, are equally satisfying, enveloping you in a wide and seamless sonic environment that makes great surround-mixed music and movies much more compelling.

And if you've any reservations about the seemingly low 50-watt-per-channel power rating, surrender them now--the AVR 300's high-quality amplifier has power to spare, even with demanding source material.

It's very simple: if you want one of the best sounding, most generously endowed receivers on the market and are willing to pay just a bit more than the average, then Harman Kardon's AVR 300 must be in the running; the returns on your investment will be anything but average.

Pros:

• Superb sound quality
• Excellent build quality
• Loaded with features
• Great value

Cons:

• Remote is not fully illuminated

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Once in a lifetime purchase, May 23, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Harman Kardon AVR 300 Dolby Digital/DTS Audio/Video Receiver (Electronics)

For me, this is one of those well spent "Once in a lifetime" Purchases. The unit does everything I ever wanted an A/V system to do, plus much more. EXAMPLE: With it's on-screen display system, I can delay the sound output of any specific speaker to the nano-second so that every speaker delivers sound to my ears at the exact same time. It's spectral range goes below and above what the human ear can detect and is incredibly sharp on both ends, thanks to the reserve amps. From the rumble of a 747 take-off, to the high-pitched chirp of a bird in a surround speaker. Add to this no audible hiss or distortion at all, even at peak volumes. This unit also actually switches all of your Audio AND video feeds together with either coax, s-video, digital, or fiber cable inputs and outputs. This feature truly eliminates multiple remote controls for ALL of your other A/V components. After all of this techno-babble, the instructions were very clear and the unit was fairly easy to set up. It did take me a few hours, but the time spent was well worth it. This unit was built with top notch quality. You will probably never have to (or want to) purchase another reciever.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars High Quality and Versitile, December 10, 2000

By 

"peewhitlle" (Nashua, NH USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Harman Kardon AVR 300 Dolby Digital/DTS Audio/Video Receiver (Electronics)

I've had this unit for several months now and I love it. In comparing it with other models having the same features, I believe the slightly higher price is justifiable. There are plenty of audio inputs for the average user, and each channel (all 6) has a line-level output. Compared to other brands which only provide Center and Sub, or just Subwoofer line outs, this is a nice touch. The sound quality is excellent, even through lower-end speakers, and there's power to spare.

The multi-room feature may seem unneeded, but it's nice to have. You can send a line-level signal to another amp, and listent to the same thing in separate rooms. You can also have the HK send a different signal to the second room than you're currently listening to on the main channels. It would be nice to have more video switching inputs, since I have used them all at this point. I think the next model up (AVR500) has at least one more video option.

I've only had one problem with my AVR300, and that's heat. I had mine in a glass-front cabinet along with my other equipment, including a DVD palyer and computer. After enough time with everything running, the amp would cut out on one or more channels. I eventually removed the glass door, and haven't had any problems since.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is an excellent receiver.It is very powerful with excellent sound., February 19, 2007

By 

stewart L (flushing ,ny) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Harman Kardon AVR 300 Dolby Digital/DTS Audio/Video Receiver (Electronics)

The hk avr 300 is an excellent sounding 5.1 receiver.I picked it up on ebay for 75 bucks.The unit runs rings around most receivers under 400 bucks.The3 unit will not carry an hd signal,only s-video quality.If your looking for great sound at a low price,this may be the right unit for you.5 star rated.This unit can only be purchased used.If you are looking for 7.1 with hd please look elseware.Thank you for reading my review.from Stewart L.2/19/07 440pm est