Harman Kardon AVR 525 Dolby Digital Receiver

by Harman Kardon

Product Details

Product Manual [2.76mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 17.1 x 17.3 x 6.5 inches ; 44 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 48 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: B00007BKU2
• Item model number: AVR 525
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #184,279 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Thanks to the latest surround technology such as Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, and our own Logic 7 processing, in addition to a seven-channel, high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth amplifier, the AVR 525 doesn't miss a beat. Make your program selections from a vast array of digital, analog, and wide-bandwidth component video inputs, manage the bass with our Triple Crossover system, and extend the music to a second zone with A-BUS Ready technology or assignable rear-channel amplifiers. Wherever you want your music and movies, however loud you want them, the AVR 525 can handle the job.

Features:

• Audio
• Stereo Mode Continuous Average Power (FTC) Per Channel : 85 Watts per channel at <0.07% THD, 20Hz – 20kHz, both channels driven into 8 Ohms
• Seven-Channel Surround Modes, Power Per Individual Channel: Front L & R Channels-- 70 Watts per channel at <0.07% THD, 20Hz – 20kHz into 8 Ohms; Center Channel-- 70 Watts at <0.07% THD, 20Hz – 20kHz into 8 Ohms; Surround Channels (L & R Side, L & R Back)-- 70 Watts per channel at <0.07% THD, 20Hz – 20kHz into 8 Ohms
• Input Sensitivity/Impedance Linear (High-Level): 200mV/47k Ohms
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (IHF-A): 95dB
• Surround System Adjacent Channel Separation: Dolby Pro Logic I and II--40dB; Dolby Digital--55dB; DTS--55dB
• Frequency Response at 1W (+0dB,–3dB): 10Hz – 100kHz
• High Instantaneous Current Capability (HCC): ±45 Amps
• Transient Intermodulation Distortion (TIM): Unmeasurable
• Slew Rat : 40V/µsec

• FM Tuner

• Frequency Range: 87.5 – 108.0MHz
• Usable Sensitivity: IHF 1.3µV/13.2dBf
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Mono/Stereo 70dB/68dB
• Distortion: Mono/Stereo 0.2%/0.3%
• Stereo Separation: 40dB @ 1kHz
• Selectivity: ±400kHz 70dB
• Image Rejection: 80dB
• IF Rejection: 90dB

• AM Tuner

• Frequency Range: 520 – 1710kHz
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 45dB
• Usable Sensitivity: Loop 500µV
• Distortion: 1kHz, 50% Mod. 0.8%
• Selectivity: ±10kHz, 30dB

• Video

• Television Format: NTSC
• Input Level/Impedance: 1Vp-p/75 Ohms
• Output Level/Impedance: 1Vp-p/75 Ohms
• Video Frequency Response
• Composite and S-Video: 10Hz – 8MHz(–3dB)
•  Component Video: 10Hz – 50MHz(–3dB)

• General

• Power Requirement: 120V AC/60Hz
• Power Consumption: 120W @ idle, 1,040W @ rated output (7 channels driven)
•  Width: 17.3" (440mm) x Height : 6.5" (165mm) x Depth : 17.1" (435mm)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Harmon Kardon AVR 525 a Bargain, February 23, 2003

By 

Bergie (Minneapolis) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Harman Kardon AVR 525 Dolby Digital Receiver (Electronics)

I purchased the Harmon Kardon AVR 525 for a newly-remodeled medium-sized upstairs living area. To be honest, I didn't have great expectations of the AVR 525. We have a theater system made up of Parasound separates in our larger downstairs recreation room, and I felt like I was lowering myself to buy a mere receiver! I went with it mainly because it had seven powered channels that would fit it the limited space I had available for gear. However, I have been surprisingly pleased with the AVR 525.

Of note is the ease of operation of the AVR 525. I pretty much set up the entire system without referencing the operations manual; including experimenting with the triple cross-over bass management system (I'll talk about this later). About the only thing that I needed to use the manual for is programming the remote and using the AVR 525's EzSet feature to balance the speaker system. The AVR 525's learning remote is quite good. I was able to program it for my DVD player, CD player/recorder, S-VHS player, plasma monitor and satellite receiver without sacrificing any important features.

I matched the receiver with a Bose Accoustimass 15 Series III speaker system and two Definitive Pro-Sub 200 sub-woofers. I have to admit, I am extremely impressed with the AVR 525. Discrete theater modes sound astounding in both Dolby and DTS. Stereo modes and multi-channel emulations are clear and distinct.

I find the Logic 7 emulation particularly impressive for stereo programming. To the point where I hooked my Creek Audio MC Phono-stage amp and Music Hall MMF-7 turntable to the AVR 525, and have thoroughly enjoyed the last few weeks listening to vinyl recordings through seven channels. If you haven't done this, you have to give it a try!

A few comments on the AVR 525's triple cross-over bass management system. I found this to be a very useful feature. In fact, I achieved much better sound by getting rid of the Bose Accoustimass sub-woofer and using the triple-crossover bass management system for routing the bass through the Definitive Pro-Sub 200s. The ability to tune the bass management system for each of the emulation modes has been very useful, particularly for playback of vinyl recordings.

On the down side, the AVR 525 could use one more set of rear inputs. I maxed out the inputs with my current set-up. Fortunately, I have been able to connect my digital video camera through the 525's front inputs. The AVR 525 comes with two component-video inputs, one more would be nice. The unit runs quite hot. Given that the 525 is powering seventy watts through seven channels, this is not surprising. However, when setting up the AVR 525, ample ventilation space is required. All-in-all, these are minor points given the price-range of the unit.

What's quite amazing is that for around $650 the AVR 525 sounds pretty darned-near as good as my Parasound pre-pro and power amp system, which cost me over $5000. Granted, I am filling a much smaller room with sound. But watt-for-watt, the AVR 525 is a great sounding and full-featured receiver.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the one!, March 30, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Harman Kardon AVR 525 Dolby Digital Receiver (Electronics)

If your looking for a receiver that has plenty of power and tons of features. Stop at this one and buy it now. I tried all kinds of receivers from the Onkyo, Denon, and the Sony, but this HK is head and shoulders above them all. The sound that this thing puts out is incredible, nice and rich and perfectly rounded out. The separation in movie soundtracks will blow you away, and the music end of the sound from this receiver is unparalled. If your worried about the low rating of power compared to others, don't fret, because this thing has "pure" power - it truly surppasses the Onkyo rated at 100 x 6. HK has perfected the high current power in these sereis models and you get no distortion at top end. You won't beleive your speakers could have ever sounded like that. As far as features and ease of use - even if you have a little knowledge of audio hook up, you'll have it done in no time. The remote let's you sit there and it will adjust everything automatcally for you. Don't let the price scare you, because you can find it for less - brand new! Just look around, I found it here at Amazon, thank you so much for letting me have it for so cheap! People don't waste your time with anything else, because HK has made this the ultimate machine. Just way too much to list and completely go over, just get it and you won't regret it! Also thank you JR music world for partnering up with Amazon for that price!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Receiver, April 11, 2003

By 

Jonwes (Arcadia, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Harman Kardon AVR 525 Dolby Digital Receiver (Electronics)

I just got mine from J&R Music World a few days ago. Great shipment - fast, double boxed, etc. It took awhile to set the new receiver up, as I had over 50 connections on the back of my previous receiver. I had upgraded from a Kenwood model and the difference is substantial. The sound quality, particularly in music, is substantially better. The number of settings you can tweak for each particular input is awesome. A true audiophile's dream. Right down to being able to set individual crossover points for EACH channel for EACH input! The on screen display/programming is great and makes setup much easier. I would highly recommend this receiver.