Very classy receiver with high power and clean crisp sound.

Rear channel is underpowered.

I got such a smashing deal on this receiver it could've been complete junk and I wouldn't have been disappointed. But the fact is it is the best receiver I've ever owned. The 50 watt a channel high current receiver positively thumps with clean and crisp sound. The features are not overwhelming, and it is very easy to use, and the remote is rather easy too. It is a pretty good home theatre receiver, and I enjoy watching movies in the Pro Logic Surround, but the reciver's best strength is when the surround is turned completely off, and you listen to music through the front channel. It produces a very sharp sound with very warm highs and pounding base. I highly recommend this receiver. I've used it with Advents, and with a Cambridge Soundworks Ensemble IV home theatre speaker system. I give it an excellent rating for the front channel sound, and a very good for surround, but the rear channel would be much more explosive if it recieved 50 Watts as well (it is only 20 watts per side). I paid $52 ($80 with shipping/handling) for this receiver and it is by far the best deal I've ever gotten on the internet. I added a Harmon Kardin CD Player to complete the system (so I could use a single remote) for an extra $65 ($85 shipped), and the ensemble IV speaker package ran me $120 shipped to my door. I challenge anyone to match the sound and features of my home theatre audio package for $285! I will never buy anything but Harmon Kardin, Yamaha or Denon from now on after hearing the difference a quality brand receiver makes.

Similar Products Used:

Technics, Sony, Pioneer, Onkyo

Overall Power, Reliability, Ease of use

Lack of Power to CTR, Rear.

I have been trying receivers in my home for 6 weeks. None, I repeat none of the above mentioned receivers, sound as good with my set up as the AVR 20 mkII. This receiver has worked like a champ for 4 years now. The newer HK receivers seem to not be built as well as this model/line. I have tried several receivers and am still sitting at home with my old HK. The solid sound of this amplifier is unparalleled in this price range.

Similar Products Used:

Marantz sr7000, Denon 3300, Rotel 965, HK 5000

good for music

Setting up. that speaker wire jacks are cumbersome
not enough AV input devices and hard to manipulate.
Remote is not universal and does not light up in dark.

It is an ok product there is a lot of room for improvement
I do not reccomend purchasing this product. I bought it on hk reputation and cost $200 open box. It had served me well for the first year but that was in 98. I also was not using it for home theater iwas strictly using it for music and radio. once i built my home thater it no lnoger provided me with my needs. It also Broke and i had a hard time getting it fixed. It went back 2 times and finally it was fixed but by that time i was so frustrated that i purchased the HK AVR65 DTS amp. which I love.

Similar Products Used:

HK AVR65 DTS