Product Description

The Harman Kardon AVR-630 7.1 Channel Surround Receiver is a powerhouse by anyone's definition -- a gentle giant, with incredible finesse when it comes to audio fidelity. Frequency Response - 10Hz - 130kHz Multi-Room / Multi-Source Surround Back amplifiers assignable to Second Zone Integrated surround technologies - Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS 5.1, DTS-ES 6.1 Discrete and Matrix, DTS 96/24, DTS Neo - 6, Logic 7, 96kHz capability VMax Dolby Virtual Speaker Headphone Modes - VMax, Dolby Headphone AM - FM Tuner Coaxial & Optical Inputs / Outputs S-Video Inputs / Outputs Subwoofer Preamplifier 2-Line LCD Remote

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #100958 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Harman Kardon
• Model: AVR 630
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 17.31" h x 17.13" w x 41.00" l, 47.00 pounds

Features

• 7 x 75 high-current watts per channel (with less than 0.07 percent THD); 2 x 90 watts in stereo
• Multi-channel DVD-Audio- and SACD-ready, MP3 and HDCD decoding, front-panel AV input with selectable digital-audio input/output
• High-bandwidth (50 MHz) component-video switching, multi-room capability
• Quadruple Crossover digital bass management for seamless, all-format integration with your surround speaker system
• Handles Dolby Digital EX, Pro Logic II, all DTS modes (including 6.1 DTS-ES Discrete, DTS-ES Matrix, and DTS Neo:6)

Amazon.com Product Description
The Harman Kardon AVR 630 is an ultimate-performance 7.1-channel audio/video receiver that integrates the company's most advanced technologies and features. When it comes to format compatibility, switching and distribution power, audio refinement, and exciting audio-enhancing features, the AVR 630 has got it going on. Its superior audio quality derives from its seven channels of high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth amplification, its 192 kHz/24-bit digital-to-analog audio chips, the latest Cirrus Logic CS 49400 24-bit, dual-core DSP with 32-bit post-processing, and compatibility with all popular and many leading-edge surround-sound formats.

The AVR 630's suite of technologies includes HDCD processing and Harman Kardon's exclusive switchable front-panel audio, video, and coaxial digital-audio inputs. The AVR 630 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.

The AVR 630 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 bi-directional remote control and firmware upgradeability; Harman Kardon's exclusive EzSet remote with two-line LCD display; Dolby Virtual Speaker and Dolby Headphone surround processing; MP3 playback (through a digital-audio connection with your MP3-CD-compatible source component); and a slot-mounted tuner that may be upgraded at a future date to accommodate HD Radio.

Of special interest to custom installers, the AVR 630 offers extensive multi-room capabilities with assignable amplifier configuration and A-BUS Ready connectivity; a comprehensive selection of digital and analog video and audio connections, including two assignable, wide-bandwidth (50 MHz), HDTV-compatible component-video switching inputs; six digital-audio inputs, front-panel and S-video inputs and outputs; and a dedicated Zone II remote for multi room operation, among other features.

What's in the Box
Receiver, remote control, remote batteries, radio antennas, a user's manual, and warranty information.

From the Manufacturer
Harman Kardon, celebrating its 50th anniversary as a leader in high-quality home entertainment products, advances its position as the foremost manufacturer of high-performance audio/video receivers with the introduction of the AVR 630, which combines the industry's most innovative technologies and features with striking industrial design. The receiver redefines audio/video receiver performance and flexibility in its category, offering exceptional operational versatility for custom installations, multi-room applications, and sophisticated home entertainment systems.

Harman Kardon's 7.1-channel AVR 630 is one of the first to offer a Quadruple Crossover Bass Manager that allows the selection of one of six different crossover frequencies for each of the four loudspeaker positions in a 7.1-channel system. The AVR 630 also incorporates a host of leading-edge features such as bi-directional RS-232 connectivity with firmware upgradeability, Dolby Virtual Speaker and Dolby Headphone processing, assignable HDTV-compatible digital-audio inputs, wide-bandwidth component-video inputs, and A/V Sync Delay, along with many additional refinements.

The AVR 630 utilizes high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth amplifier sections with discrete output devices--a cornerstone of Harman Kardon receiver technology. This superior amplifier topology reproduces digital movie soundtracks and high-resolution music discs with exceptional fidelity and dynamic authority even into difficult-to-drive loudspeakers, with more accurate frequency response in the audible range, lower distortion, superior phase linearity, and increased high-frequency headroom.

The AVR 630 uses a variable-speed fan that adjusts its speed according to the input from a microprocessor-controlled monitoring system. This assures that the fan is activated only when needed, and when the volume level is high enough to mask any air-flow noise--eliminating the possibility of overheating, while minimizing fan noise during quiet passages.

The receiver provides comprehensive bass-management capabilities to optimize the performance of the source components and loudspeakers in a multichannel home entertainment system. The AVR 630's Quadruple Crossover Bass Manager lets you select from among six different crossover frequencies for the front L/R, center, surround L/R and surround back L/R speakers, to tailor the audio output fed to each set of speakers and yield the optimum frequency response and performance from all the speakers in a 7.1-channel system.

The Quadruple or Triple Crossover Bass-Management Systems are much more precise and comprehensive than those available from most competitive receivers and DVD players, which have more limited crossover filtering options or none at all. In addition, different crossover points can be set for different program sources, enabling each source input to be optimized for music or movie soundtrack playback and the user's loudspeaker system.

The Bass Management System also operates in conjunction with the receiver's 8-channel analog direct inputs provided for connection to a DVD-Audio, SACD, or universal player. The AVR 630 offers the option of either passing their outputs through a direct "bypass" mode, or digitizing them so the Bass-Management System may be used, to obtain best sonic performance from a source component that does not have internal bass management.

The AVR 630 is also among the first home theater receivers to include Dolby Virtual Speaker processing, which provides a convincing surround sound listening experience from two loudspeakers, along with enhanced sonic realism when used in conjunction with Dolby Pro Logic II decoding. The receiver also features Dolby Headphone processing and built-in MP3 decoding, and handles all popular surround formats with ease, such as Dolby Digital EX and Dolby Digital, all DTS modes, including 6.1 DTS-ES Discrete, DTS-ES Matrix, DTS Neo:6 (Cinema 6.1/5.1 and Music 6.1/5.1) and the latest DTS 96/24 high-resolution audio technology. The AVR 630 also provides High-Definition Compatible Digital (HDCD) processing to deliver the best-possible sound quality from CDs.

Harman Kardon's proprietary Logic 7 audio technologies deliver improved, derived multichannel reproduction from both matrix-encoded and two-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 two listening modes, Cinema and Music, for improved playback of both matrix-encoded movie soundtracks and two-channel music recordings. The sonic result is better imaging and separation along with a greater sense of envelopment and a more seamless sound field. The AVR 630 also uses Harman International's patented VMAx Virtual Theater audio processing, a DSP method of producing realistic, high-fidelity, three-dimensional, 360-degree surround sound audio from two-channel stereo and matrix-encoded multichannel audio sources, using just two loudspeakers or headphones.

For exceptional resolution, channel separation, and dynamic range, the receiver uses audiophile-quality 24-bit/192 kHz audio D/A converters and DSP processors. The AVR 630 employs the latest Cirrus Logic 24-bit, dual-core DSP with 32-bit post-processing to achieve state-of-the-art audio performance.

Further, the receiver provides extensive installation flexibility and connectivity, with a far greater selection of digital and analog audio and video connections and control options than those found in competing home theater receivers. The AVR 630 features a bi-directional RS-232 port--a significant improvement over audio/video components with one-way RS-232 capability--enabling two-way communication between components in custom installations with integrated system control. In conjunction with extensive flash-memory capacity, the RS-232 port also ensures the receiver is ready for the future by enabling software and firmware upgradeability for the addition of new surround-sound formats or other capabilities.

The AVR 630 takes component switching to the next level by enabling either of the wide-bandwidth HDTV-compatible component-video inputs to be assigned to any video input source. An A/V Sync Delay function that compensates for the delay that can occur between the audio and video signals when digital video sources, external video processors or digital video displays are in use. Multiple S-video and composite-video inputs and outputs are also included, and the unit automatically down-converts S-video signals to parallel composite-video output simultaneously to simplify connection options and assure connectivity with all televisions.

You'll find a comprehensive selection of digital and analog audio connections, including multiple coaxial and optical digital audio inputs and outputs and 6/8-channel direct audio inputs and 7.1-channel preamp outputs. The receiver also includes digital and analog front-panel inputs. Exclusive to Harman Kardon, the AVR 630's front-panel audio/video and coaxial digital audio inputs can be switched to also function as record outputs to facilitate connecting a camcorder, CD recorder, VCR, portable audio product or other component for either playback or recording.

Its many additional advanced features include a Listener Preference System that allows users to set the surround mode according to the program source and a function that lets you set speaker-channel levels for each program source and DSP format (for example, the subwoofer level can be set differently for multichannel movie viewing and two-channel CD music listening).

The AVR 630 includes Harman Kardon's latest two-line LCD remote control with EzSet automatic speaker-level calibration. The preprogrammed and learning remote's highly legible LCD display and logically grouped controls provide easy operation and access to all functions. Setting speaker levels is one of the most critical adjustments for proper movie-soundtrack reproduction, and the EzSet feature makes the process accurate and virtually foolproof for maximum sonic benefits. In the manual mode, the LCD display enables the remote to be used as a direct readout SPL (sound-pressure level) meter for even more precise output-level adjustment. Advanced capabilities include macro programming and easy programming of the remote directly by using product brand names instead of code numbers. The remote's convenient volume "punch through" feature maintains volume control of the receiver even when it is being used to operate another audio/video component.

For multi-room versatility, the AVR 630 offers amplifier sections with assignable back surround channels, enabling them to be configured for either 7.1 or 5.1-plus-stereo dual-zone operation. All three can be used in full 7.1-channel mode, or switched to 5.1-channel operation to power the main room system, with the remaining (back surround) channels used to drive the stereo audio channels in a second room. In this configuration, the loudspeakers in both the main-room 5.1 system and the second-room audio system can be fed by two separate audio sources. For example, viewers in the main room can watch a DVD movie in 5.1 surround sound, while listeners in another room can enjoy stereo audio from another source, such as a CD player or the receiver's tuner. Separate audio preamp outputs enable a multizone system to be powered with external amplifiers such as the Harman Kardon PA 4000 or PA 2000.

The AVR 630 also incorporates the A-BUS Ready system for easy multi-room connectivity without the need for external amplifiers. The A-BUS system utilizes a standard Cat.5 Ethernet cable to connect to an RJ-45 jack on the receiver's rear panel in one room, and to a Harman Kardon AB 1 A-BUS-compatible amplifier/control module in the second room. The AB 1 remote module provides stereo audio amplification along with local volume control, and has a built-in IR sensor that is used with the standard AVR Zone II remote, included with all three models, to control the receivers as well as other compatible Harman Kardon source components.

The receiver's industrial design--a stunning, high-tech look that is elegant and distinctive, and perfectly matches Harman Kardon's audio/video components and loudspeakers--sets the AVR 630 apart from the pack. The receiver incorporate a gloss-black upper panel, accented by a volume control surrounded by an illuminated blue ring and silver outer ring, with a contrasting silver lower panel and a clean, functional control layout. The upper panel includes a large, two-line dot-matrix display that can be dimmed or turned off if desired. The AVR 630 extends the design concept with a curved lower front panel and a drop-down lower door that conceals all but the most-used controls.

Customer Reviews

Harman Kardon AVR630 - Wonderfully Beautiful Sound
This is a very clear, powerful, and relaxing Receiver. I tried many other units and spent hundreds in restocking fees and returned postage before I tried and settled on this one as my favorite pick. I tried an Arcam AVR300 which had very revealing tonalities at twice the price - but had so much treble (I almost heard every breath of everyone in the audience and every sizzle of a cymbal) that it made my B&W 805 speakers which are already prone to be a little bright and revealing sound harsh and annoying after only a few minutes of listening. When I connected the Harman Kardon 630 suddenly I relaxed and enjoyed listening as I heard smooth, clear, and warm yet natural and open sound from this high powered amp. Don't be confused with the advertised 75 watts. The Arcam AVR300 at twice the price advertised at 100 watts and the Denon 3805 at 120 watts did not seem as powerful. The total power output is a related to the level of current X watts which is very high in this receiver since it puts out more total power than many receivers advertising twice the power (watts only) because of its high current This is a little like comparing a fire truck hose (the Harmon Kardon with high current) to a garden hose - which would be the others with low current (a small hose diameter) with water moving a little faster out of the end (watts) but not delivering near as much total water out the end as the fire hose did with the larger hose (more current). You can immediately hear the improved fidelity and very clean sound associated with this powerful receiver. I also compared the Denon 3805 which was even harsher and brighter than the Arcam AVR300 - but at least had a built in full spectrum EQ to try to compensate unlike the Arcam which only had base and treble. Again, the Denon and Arcam are verable receivers and may have sounded wonderful with their openess on other speakers or if the harsh upper ends of the B&W speakers didn't bother me. The HK receiver's sound has a softer more analog edge as it is not pure digital processing like the other's.

How your music sounds is effected largely by the built in tonal bias of both your Receiver, Speakers, and CD player together. In my opinion, as far as speaker receiver combinations go, the B&W 805's (bright speakers - yet warm & revealing) combined with the Arcam or Denon receivers (which are also bright) would induce listener fatigue in most listensers. The bright sounding Infinity speakers would probably have the same effect with the Arcam and Denon receivers unless you have a cheap CD player with poor tonal output (I like the Arcam and Jolida CD players for their revealing and warm sound). For my listening tasts the Harman Kardon AVR630 wins hands down as the best receiver with my B&W 805's. I feel it would complement almost any speakers out there nicely. Wish I had started with it in the beggining in my search for the "perfect sytem".

The Harman Kardon AVR630 is currently discounted as it is soon to be replaced. If you don't mind paying a few hundred more, any week now (this November) Harman Kardon is coming out with a new receiver line that looks the same (beautiful) as the current line but with a built in full spectrum automatic EQ which I assume will allow you to override its automatic adjustment to adjust the sound to the accoustics of your room and personal listening preferences. My experience with EQs is that they can dramatically improve the overall quality of the sound which is already near perfect in this unit. If you have a fairly laid back speaker (such as the Polk LSI series - which are also wonderful sounding - but not quit in the class with the 3X more expensive B&Ws) you may be happy with one of the bright sounding Arcam or Denon receivers, but from my experience and personal listening preferences - the Harman Kardon AVR630 is one of the best and most easy to listen to natural sounding high fidelity receivers around bar none and my personal favorite - with perphaps the exception of the soon to be released HK AVR635 sometime in November, 04.

P.S. The new HK AVR635 will set the EQ with auto only and although it may do a good job, it does not let you manually overide it to adjust the EQ to your own personal preferences - an obvious engineering blunder. Denon allows you to overide if that is important to you. The Denon works wonderful with the incredibly great sounding yet smooth Onix Reference speakers which by the way you can get 1/2 off at Audiogon dot com or B Stock at the AV123 site if you watch for them regularly. These speakers sound as good as the B&W 803's without the harsh treble and have better base at 1/2 the price of the B&W's new or 1/4 if you get them at half price used. I highly recommend them. Great and big sound out of small speakers!

I absolutely love this receiver!!
Don't be fooled by the low wattage, this receiver is all about high current amperage! Clean sound and very detailed. My Sony died on me and I decided to go with H/K for a replacement. The AVR 630 completely changed the sound of my speakers. It was like getting a new receiver AND new speakers!

Sounded Great When it Worked
I owned a Harman AVR 500 for years. Great receiver. Sounded good no problems. I still have it hooked up in our bedroom. Upgraded to the AVR 630 for the 7 channels. After 13 months no sound. Took to authorized repair shop. 50 dollars to look at. Was told unit could not be repaired. Called Harman & they replaced for free minus 60 dollars shipping. Nine months later AVR 630 won't stay on for more than 10 seconds. No HDMI connections. No more Harman. Looking for new receiver now.