Product Description

The AVR 520 is a 7.1- channel audio/video receiver. It's extremely powerful, with a high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth amplifier design. It's supremely capable, with Dolby Digital and Dolby Pro Logic II, three DTS modes and HDCD decoding, as well as four modes of Logic 7 and two modes of VMAx virtual surround sound processing, and MP3 playback from compatible computer-based audio sources. It's elegantly intuitive, with on-screen menus, fully color-coded rear-panel connections, and the exclusive EzSet remote, which automatically sets the system's output levels, as well as offering programmable or learning control of up to eight system components. And it's ingeniously versatile, with HDTV-ready component video switching and multi-room/multi-source audio capability. The AVR 520 provides superior performance for serious digital entertainment at home.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #155599 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Harman Kardon
• Model: AVR520
• Dimensions: 6.50" h x 17.10" w x 17.30" l, 35.00 pounds

Features

• High Current amplifier design
• S-Video inputs and outputs
• EzSet remote
• Multi- zone audio switching
• HDCD

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

Awesome sound - would buy another
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.

5.1 never sounded better
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.

Great unit
I get the feeling that the reviewers that had difficulty with this receiver were either not reading and following the manual or really just did not understand what they were doing. I've had the machine for just over 2 months, and it performs great. The sound is fantastic, and it can handle anything I want to run through it, including my DVD, CD, Tape, 2 VCR's, and TV, and I still have room to hook up additional components if I can think of any. It supports 5.1, 7.1, dolby digital, and all the simpler formats, has plenty of optical, s-video, and component hookups to run everything at higher levels. The remote has little difficulty running my complete mutt of a system (toshiba, techniques, HK, JVC, Onkyo, and Hitachi). I think it's a bit spendy at anything close to full price, but I can't say it isn't worth the money. Overall a great machine.