Just bought one for $179 brand new at a local store. Probably a close-out model. Even though it is rated at 60W per channel and the manual advises me to use speakers with a minimum of 8 ohms, it has no problem driving a difficult pair of Infinity floor standing speakers with the EMIT tweeter. It sounded a lot louder than another integrated amp I own, which is rated at 100W per channel. It used to be so frustrating when my 100W Japanese amp shut itself down if I turn the volume dial to the 12 O'clock position and start playing the third track on Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon. As soon as the clocks started to chime, the amp will shut itself down. It hasn't happened yet with the Harman/Kardon, and the H/K sounded louder than the 100W amp with the volume dial at the 12 o'clock position.
The same store also had a special on the H/K integrated amp model 200, IIRC. It was $75 more than the AVR20, but rated at 75W. Is it worth the extra money to get the H/K integrated amp? I have a SONY tuner so that is not a problem.

Bought the HK about 1.5 years ago. Wasnt looking to spends so much being that I knew nothing about home audio at the time but when I heard it, had to get it. A very clean and accurate sound, worthy of the Harman/Kardon reputation. Only problem is the rear surround is kind of weak. I was told this is becuase the surround amp intergrated. Still, in prologic it is very nice. When I crank it in stereo (especially with Enya) it amazing. I am running it with mission all around (704 fronts, 701 surround, 70c2 center, and sub). I just ordered an AVR 65 and Toshiba DVD so if anyone is interest in buying my old unit, email me. I was looking for $175 (shipping included).

When are you going to add the AVR40 to your review page? Just bought an AVR40 at Circut City for under $400. Power is in between the AVR20 and 25. Styling is great. This is the third receiver that I have brought home to try and the first one that I am keeping. Warmer sound, better separation, tighter base. This thing has me really pumped! First new receiver that I have owned in 12 years. I still love my old Onkyo sterio unit but this HK sounds better. These HK receivers show that wattage numbers don't tell the whole story. You have to listen. the salesmen tried hard to sell me a higher powered Onkyo with more features but the symplicity of the HK appealed to me. He could not hear much sonic difference but I could. the prologic also sounded cleaner than other receivers. I will keep this one for a long time.

I purchased the HK AVR20 II for it's easy to use controls. It is being used solely for surroundsound purposes and has done a good job. However, I have a friend that has a
Sherwood model 5530R (I believe that is the right number) and low and behold it is nearly
the exact same receiver! The Front of the unit is nearly identical, the remote is nearly
identical, all fuctions are the same. The display is the same. The power transistors, circuit
board, storage capacitors are all the SAME! Both of these receivers are made by the
same Korean manufacturer. Slight differences include: Heavy speaker wire binding posts
and some pre-amp outputs found on the HK. Otherwise, all else is essential the same. The one difference is the cost. I paid about $375, he paid about $225. Next time you see a Sherwood, look at it closely then you will believe.

Great receiver for this price. ac-3 inputs would be nice but one could use a separate 3ch amp and an active sub while patching the surround back through the main amp inputs on the avr20ii (or just get a 5/6 channel amp). sound is fuller and noticably richer than in other offerings in this price range. construction is solid and the unit has a high quality feel that is missing in the others. has the all the features you'll use without the extraneous fluff. got mine for $250 since it was a demo. dealer cost is $270. happy negotiating!

I am rather new to the world of A/V enthusiasm, but I must say, the h/k AVR 20 II is a great bang for the buck. Although I am relatively new to the A/V world, I have been a music listener/musician as long as I can remember. Playing in countless bands, I know how music is supposed to sound. The AVR 20 II is an excellent reproducer of music and a quality home theater receiver. However (this is the part where I'll probably piss some people off), I have a problem rating the system very highly because of its lack of upgradablility. A good portion of mid-fi systems on the market are very upgradable and barely $100 more than the ridiculously low sticker on the 20 mrk II. The system does deliver, and if you want great sounding music at an affordable price, or if you're satisfied with Dolby Pro Logic, then this is the system for you. But, if you can spare the extra hundred or so bucks, buy Dolby Digital.

The best word to describe this reciever is: Musical. It made all of my old CDs come "alive", and it doesn't get too upset when I crank it. The controls are straight forward and simple to use. If you want as little between you and your source, this is the reciver to get--all the excess sound field processing crap is taken out. All in all, I like this product.
But, if you have the extra bucks to shell out, get the AVR25ii, it's got more bouce for the ounce. For the money, though, the H/K should be seriously considered. (Just as an aside, this reciever can easily be turned into a preamp/tuner stage since it has all the pre-outs, so if you need more juice later, just get a better amp.)

Appearence, Musical

Not up to date (just use it for a second system)

I recently got this HK used from Classifieds 2000 with some Infinity Minuettes for $150! I absolutely love it. This is a very smooth (and well broken in) amp section which works well. As you can tell I use other newer recievers for DD and DTS but I like to have this one in my bassment with some 80's era Boston Acoustics for very pleasing and yet pounding sound. Pick one up used, but get a new remote too, I tried my Phillips Pronto with it and it was much nicer - and you can set it as the second reciever with that remote. Overall, 4 stars even though its outdated.

Similar Products Used:

HK AVR35, Newcastle R925

Outstanding sound and raw power.

Perhaps the rear channels could be a bit more louder.

Folks,i'v been listnening this receiver for about 6 years by now and i still enjoy every second of it.The sound is so warm and the bass is powerfull enought to make the house shackind.Even with the loudness switch off.I ever had the chance to drive it more than 2 O'clok cause at 60watt,the sound becomes too lould that my speakers can't take it.I,v listened onkyo and denon and they does not even compare with my avr20mk11.

I recently bouth an HKavr500 to upgrade to DD and DTS but i still keep my avr20mk11 cause the stereo sound of it,believe it or not,is better than my new avr500.

So if you still have one,i strongly recommand you to keep it cause for the price,it's by far the best sounding receiver that i ever heard,even if you compare it to the new amps out there.And i mean it.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo,Denon

Nice,clean power. Warm yet detailed, sound. Solid build,simple to use.

not enough power for surround channels.

I am now using the avr20II as a preamp for the HK/PA5800. I have enjoyed this reciever since the day I bought it. It looks great and it it sounds good. FM reception is good. AM is terrible. It is simple to operate and the sound is loads better then anything in it's price range. The extra power of the PA5800 really made my system come to life? My system is:
AVR20II
PA5800
HK FL8550 hdcd changer
Onkyo cassette deck, R1 single well, 3 head
Infinity Cresendo 3006 speakers
Audioquest topez between preamp & amp
Ixos 1004 from cd to preamp.

Similar Products Used:

ugraded from 10 year old hk reciever.