Harman Kardon DPR 2005 7.1 Channel Surround Sound Digital Path Audio/Video Receiver

by Harman Kardon

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 18.8 x 17.3 x 4.5 inches ; 27 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 30 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: B00027EQLU
• Item model number: DPR 2005
• Batteries: 2 AA batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #160,055 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Harman Kardon's DPR 2005 7.1-channel audio/video receiver is a must for videophiles and audiophiles alike, offering 7 channels of high-power amplification, full compatibility with the latest surround-sound formats, and 192 kHz/24-bit digital-to-analog audio chips. It's also Harman's first AV receiver to feature built-in progressive-scan digital video processing. The DPR 2005's newly designed digital-amplifier section--featuring a fully digital signal path from input to output--delivers high-power output with strong low-impedance drive abilities, empowering the receiver to drive even difficult speaker loads to ample volume levels.

The 120-watts-per-channel DPR 2005 features HDCD processing and Harman Kardon's exclusive switchable front-panel audio, video, and digital-audio connections (inputs switchable as outputs and vice-versa). The DPR 2005 also offers complete Quadruple Crossover digital bass management for all inputs--critical for balancing the inputs from different surround formats--including the 6/8-channel "direct" analog inputs to accommodate playback of high-resolution digital-audio formats such as DVD-Audio and SACD. The receiver's bass management seamlessly integrates these formats with any speaker system, regardless of the capabilities of the playback device.

Digital signals from sources like DVD players, HDTV set-top boxes, and CD players are routed directly to the receiver's DSP section and then to the digital-amplifier section, while remaining completely in the digital domain from input to the final amplifier output stage. This topology maintains maximum digital signal purity by eliminating multiple stages of A/D and D/A conversion, and the resulting distortion and noise that can occur in conventional amplifier designs. The DPR 2005 also includes a host of important features such as A/V Sync Delay for synchronizing the audio and video signals in systems using digital video displays, external video processors, or with digital sources such as PVRs, satellite, or digital cable; RS-232 connectivity for bidirectional remote control and firmware upgradeability; Harman Kardon's exclusive EzSet remote with 2-line LCD display; Dolby Virtual Speaker and Dolby Headphone surround processing; and even MP3 playback (through a digital-audio connection with your MP3-CD-compatible source component).

Of special interest to custom installers, the DPR 2005 offers extensive multi-room capabilities with assignable amplifier configuration and A-BUS Ready connectivity (2 jacks); a comprehensive selection of digital and analog video and audio connections, including 2 assignable, wide-bandwidth (50 MHz), HDTV-compatible component-video switching inputs; 6 digital-audio inputs, front-panel and S-video inputs and outputs; surround back channels assignable to remote zone; and a dedicated Zone II remote for multi room operation, among other features.

Harman Kardon's proprietary Logic 7 audio technologies deliver improved, derived multichannel reproduction from both matrix-encoded and 2-channel stereo recordings with derived stereo decoding (unlike the mono decoding provided by other 6.1 formats) for the back surround channels. Logic 7 is compatible with 96 kHz sources and offers 2 listening modes, Cinema and Music, for improved playback of both matrix-encoded movie soundtracks and 2-channel music recordings. The result is better imaging and separation along with a greater sense of envelopment and a more seamless sound field.

The DPR 2005 also uses Harman International's patented VMAx Virtual Theater audio processing, a DSP method of producing realistic, high-fidelity, 3-dimensional, 360-degree surround sound audio from 2-channel stereo and matrix-encoded multichannel audio sources, using just 2 loudspeakers or headphones.

What's in the Box
Receiver, remote control, remote batteries, FM wire/AM loop antennas, warranty information, and a user's manual.

Product Description

Fully Digital peth 7.1 receivers from the input to the output stage.

See all Product Description

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great receiver that can now be bought for a bargain price, February 16, 2006

By 

Timo L (Stanford) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Harman Kardon DPR 2005 7.1 Channel Surround Sound Digital Path Audio/Video Receiver (Electronics)

I had been looking for a new receiver to upgrade my home theatre system, and after extensive research, both online and in stores such as Sony, Fry's Electronics and Best Buy, I decided to get this one. My primary use of my surround sound system is for music- and the DPR 2005 is as good as it gets for a mid-upper range receiver for that.

Harmon Kardon manufacture the best receivers in this price range in my opinion, better than the likes of Pioneer, Yahama, Onkyo and Denon for SOUND. The tone quality is phenomenal- rich, warm, full are adequate adjectives to describe the phenomenal sound. And not only is the sound quality amazing, but the design of the receiver itself is second to none.


I previously owned the Pioneer VSX-1015TX, which is also a great receiver, with excellent functions, but its sound did not compare to the DPR 2005 or my friends AVR 340 or the AVR 435/635. Though I really liked the sound of the AVR 635, which can be bought for a similar price to the DPR 2005, it was too large for my room, and the idea of digital sound without conversion appealed to me.


Disregard all reviews that criticize the HK DPR 2005 and the AVR series- admittedly the DPR 2005 lacks digital outputs, but its superior sound more that compensates for that. All the bugs that people claim plagued the DPR 2005 have been largely fixed, and the receiver that I bought last week has presented no problems at all. I highly recommend this receiver, which can be had for a bargain price nowadays- I spent many weeks searching and researching to find the best receiver and I truly believe that if you want to get the best out of your 5.1 or 7.1 surround system, then this is the receiver for you.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Shoud YOU take the pluge?, March 26, 2006

By 

M. Carr - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Harman Kardon DPR 2005 7.1 Channel Surround Sound Digital Path Audio/Video Receiver (Electronics)

Harman Kardon DPR 2005

I have owned a number of Harman Kardon receivers in my lifetime. From the AVR 40 to the AVR 135. I even own the DPR 1001. Since my tastes in music and film have change over the years so has my expectation of the performance of an audio/video system. For me a system should convey the intent of the artist/film maker. In addition it should reproduce what it is given as faithfully as possible.

A receiver is only a part of a system. In addition to it you have the source, the speakers, the cables and even the room. A system that sounds great in one space can sound very different in another. Conversely a system can sound very different to two people listen to it in the same room at the same time. These facts are known to most people who read this so why am going in to this? Only to say that in my system, in my space this receiver has exceeded my expectations.

The reasons are numerous. First I have grown accustomed to the "H/K" sound over the years. Second years ago I've learned that nothing in the world of audio/video is perfect so when you stumble upon something good you run with it. Third I really like what I'm hearing so far.

I won't go into detail of the rest of my system however believe me it is not entry level nor top of the line. I tend to do a lot of research to determine what I don't want and keep an eye out for the products the meet my needs and tastes and that are a good match with what I already have. When it was time to upgrade my main system I was already well versed in the digital receiver market.

I like to think that I have a knack for finding a great deal. That's why I find the DRP 2005 so hard to resist. Although it lists for $1799.00 it can be had for as little as $599.00 from online line retailer such as One Call. Currently I do not see myself in a position to drop $1800 on just one part of an a/v system however I was able to hustle up the $626.02 (PB & maybe J for the next few months) required to have this piece delivered to my door.

After reading as many reviews concerning the DPR 2005 as I could find and taking a closer listen to the DPR 1001 (moved to the bedroom because of space issues) I placed my order and waited. Cold out of the box the sound was full with a "processed" feeling to it. My wife is into Karaoke big time so after about a week of "Do It Yourself Concerts" I dove back for a closer listen. The processed sound yielded to a warmth I've grown to expect from H/K. On CD after CD I heard richness and detail. If it was on the CD it was reproduced. On DVD after DVD a relaxed presentation of the soundtrack was the norm. The surround soundstage was more lifelike and natural. Lately I've spent more time listening to music and movies than listening to my system.

So is this the greatest thing to enter the world of Home Theater? Not by a long shot but it is very good as what it sets out to do. Is it worth the $1799 list price Harman Kardon is asking? I won't know but if I ever have to replace it the price will be much greater than the $626.02 I paid. If my best friend had $500- $700 to spend on a receiver would I recommend the DRP 2005? Yes.

Thanks for reading.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Resetting the processor solves the power off issue., December 1, 2009

By 

C. Sullivan - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Harman Kardon DPR 2005 7.1 Channel Surround Sound Digital Path Audio/Video Receiver (Electronics)

I've had my DPR 2005 since they were brand new and it has been a great receiver. The only issue I've had was with the unit randomly shutting off after owning it a few years. I could power it back on but it would immediately shut off again. I found that by resetting the processor, per the owners manual - last page, it solves the issue. This has happened to me twice in the last year and the reset trick worked both times. I've seen numerous people complain about this problem and not being able to get it working again. I'm hoping the reset trick will help you like it helped me.