Harman Kardon AVR520 Audio/Video Receiver

by Harman Kardon

Product Details

Product Manual [1.16mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 17.3 x 17.1 x 6.5 inches ; 35 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 38 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: B00005Q5X0
• Item model number: AVR520
• Batteries: 2 AA batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #257,608 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The AVR 520 is Harman Kardon's midlevel entry into the 7.1-channel surround-sound processing. Featuring support for Dolby Digital, DTS, Logic 7, and VMAx digital sound processing, the AVR 520 caters to nearly any audio taste.

Pumping 75 watts per channel into 8 ohms, the AVR 520 will give you strong sound with less than 0.07 percent harmonic distortion, even with all channels being driven simultaneously. Eight-channel direct inputs are provided for digital sound processing upgrades down the road.

Loaded with advanced features, the AVR 520 includes DTS-ES 6.1 surround sound, wideband HDTV-ready component video switching, and 24-bit/192kHz audio digital-to-analog converter. Connection options are extensive with 7.1-channel preamp outputs, six digital inputs, and three digital outputs, plus a front-panel A/V and Coax inputs that can be switched to output mode.

Support for Dolby Pro Logic II Surround Sound is included to create surround-sound effects from a stereo input such as VCR or TV.

Additional features include multiroom/multisource audio, which allows users in separate rooms to listen to different sources simultaneously. A separate Zone II Remote Control is included for multiroom operation. Power-up volume can be programmed to avoid that jarring sensation of powering up your stereo with the volume at max from the night before, and rotary controls let you adjust bass, treble, and balance settings.

A universal backlit remote is programmable to control up to eight devices from preset codes or by using its learning capability.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Harman/Kardon AVR-520, January 5, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Harman Kardon AVR520 Audio/Video Receiver (Electronics)

I am extremely pleased with the rich, clear sound of my 520 receiver. DVD with optical cable is absolutely great. I had limited experience in home theater. So the setup was one step at a time; first the Denon speakers, tried the FM (very good), the Phillips DVD870P came next with optical out, then the VCR. I made at least three trips for various cables and speaker wire. One call to Harman/Kardon tech support. The call was promptly answered by a support tech (Steve). Steve must have thought that I was the village idiot, but he was pleasant and helpful. The remote is backlighted, it can balance the home theater speakers automatically, the on screen display is easy to use and the unit controls numerous audio/video sources, tape deck, TV, dvd, games... plenty of hookups. Plus there is a second remote... for listening to another source in a different room.
The more I play with it, the more I learn I can do with it, but mostly I enjoy listening to full spacious music without having to crank up the volume. I would not hesitate to recommend the AVR-520.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome sound - would buy another, January 5, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Harman Kardon AVR520 Audio/Video Receiver (Electronics)

Don't be fooled here by reviewers that don't read the manual! This is an AWESOME amp! Using with JBL studio front, center and powered subwoofer, Audiosource 100 watt in-wall speakers. This amp powers them all with ease. I can't turn the amp volume all the way up, it's so loud, it hurts! Dolby 5.1 and DTS are immersive. Sure, the manual won't win a pulitzer, but it does the job. Common sense is also a must (lacking by some quick-to-complain reviewers here). Unit runs a bit hot, make sure you have sufficient ventilation. FM tuner may need an additional FM antenna, get the best one you can (Terk hi-end). Plenty of inputs to mix and match, which you can assign. A fourth input on front w/S-video, optical, etc. Have a Sony DVD 5.1/DTS player, mid-range stereo VCR, DD satellite receiver and older LD player. No problem with ANY of these and the HK. You may want to pick up analog to S-video converters so you won't have to change the input on your TV. Get the converters from RADIO SHACK ($...) - NOT THE MONSTER VERSION ($...), RS is obviously much cheaper. This makes all your inputs from RCA jacks S-video. Also - USE GOOD CABLES! Monster, Acoustical Research and some others. Not Radio Shack cables. Also use good speaker wire like Monster. YES - IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE! If you get a hum, you may need to plug the HK into it's own surge protector, check the manual. I like the remote, has a digital meter with speaker built-in to adjust your speakers! I have a large media room with 60" TV and this receiver delivers. Tested with MP3's, CD-R/W, VCD, movies like "Matrix"(the bullets whizz by!), "Gladiator", "Blade 2", "Saving Private Ryan", "Attack of the Clones" and others. Classy front looks great! This guy is heavy too, make sure you have a good cabinet to put it in.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 5.1 never sounded better, September 24, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Harman Kardon AVR520 Audio/Video Receiver (Electronics)

For a semi-serious home theater enthusiast I have been extremely pleased with the AVR520. I switched to this reciever from an old Pioneer Elite VSX-97 and seriously consided another Pioneer Elite, Denon and Integra AVR's but found the sonic clarity unsurpassed by any of the other models. The receiver was easy to setup at the GUI was fairly easy to navigate. DVD's and CD's played on my Pioneer Elite DV F-07 DVD/CD Player have never looked or sounded better. The surround performance with this reciever is simply amazing. The Multi-room capability and the optional MP3 translator (allows MP3 playback from your computer through your reciever) are great additonal features.