Great Sound, PowerFull, Nice design, well made, HK!! A lot of Digital and S-Video input.

REMOTE, hard to set,

The best damn receiver I ever tried, the only weakness is the stupid remote, I cannot use it with my DVD player, and sometimes the AVR doesn't respond to it... I really like the Receiver but the Remote is crappy, not illuminated, so called glow in dark is a fraud!!!

But sound great, i recommend it!

Similar Products Used:

Technics, Sony, Bose, Kenwood, Nad

Digital inputs, build quality, power, fidelity, tuner, surround processing modes

Remote, manual, lack of phono preamp, apparent inability to utilize crossover w/analog inputs when surround sound turned off

For starters, here's the current setup:

* Harmon Kardon AVR 210 receiver
* Energy EXL-15 Front Satellites
* Klipsch KSW-12 Powered Subwoofer (I typically hate their speakers, but this thing is the best audio investment I've ever made - if you're looking for a sub for under $1,000, audition this model)
* Toshiba SD-4205 DVD Changer
* El-cheapo Cambridge Soundworks center and satellites (because I just don't watch movies that often, and have never noticed the slight mismatch between them and the Energy satellites once the action gets going)

I wish I could give this HK receiver a 5-star review, but I just can't. While I love its looks, admire its power and fidelity, and appreciate its "future-proof" plethora of digital connections and its analog 6-channel pre-amp input, it suffers from a glaring flaw that's probably going to force me to take it back.

I recently picked up a Toshiba SD4205 DVD changer, and finally decided to upgrade my el-cheapo JVC receiver (which did have basic analog 6-channel inputs for DVD use) to something a little more impressive -- something that would, among other things, come with its own (preferably digital) pre-amp level crossover that would allow me to bypass the output-level crossover in my subwoofer for greater accuracy. That way, I could feed a low-frequency line-level signal to the sub, and use the receiver to amplify only those signals above approximately 80-100Hz for the satellites. I had run across several models on the web with what I considered acceptable crossovers, including a couple from Yamaha and Sony, and even one from Pioneer. (Some receivers have crossovers, but they only work with Dolby Digital sources - you have to be careful, because while that's great for DVD, obviously your CDs aren't all encoded Dolby Digital!)

I stumbled across the HK AVR 210 at the local Circuit City while checking out their offerings, and was suitably impressed, especially after reviewing the owner's manual, which made it look as though it featured just the kind of adjustable crossover I wanted. My research on the web seemed to confirm this, so I hunted around for the best price, and finally got a deal at Video Only for $400.

Unfortunately, when I got home I discovered that you could only set the speaker size to small (which moves the crossover to around 100Hz between the front sats and the sub) either when using the digital inputs, or when using one of the surround modes. Well, while the digital inputs are great (and the 210 suffers from no shortage, having something like 4 optical and 3 coaxial digital inputs), I still have plenty of analog equipment, thank you very much. And while most of the surround modes are quite nice, I have no desire to activate them for critical stereo audio listening.

I could probably live with the lack of a low-cut for the satellites, though (Energy EXL-15's) with FM Stereo and video sources - they don't typically have much bass energy below 70Hz anyhow (although with this receiver's excellent tuner, that may not be the case for FM) -- plus a lot of video is ProLogic encoded, where I can set the sats to small and get a 100Hz crossover to the sub. But I've got to have that 100Hz crossover with CDs - the EXL-15's are all port below about 75Hz, and are distortion city.

So fine, you say, use the digital connections for the CD player, and bypass the crossover problem with the analog inputs. Which I tried. But unfortunately, when using the digital connection (coax or optic) either the player or the receiver is clipping off the first few moments of audio when a CD starts up, and frequently the first few moments get cut when a disc transitions from track to track. And that's not a flaw I can live with.

I really like this receiver, and I've been working with HK support to try to find a way to set the front speaker size when using the analog inputs (they've suggested a few fixes, which so far haven't been successful), but I'm not happy with the lack of a crossover for the analog inputs, and certainly can't live with the digital input cutting off the first moments of every track. I don't know if this is the Toshiba's or the HK's fault, and frankly don't care, since I love the Toshiba's picture and its features and don't intend to part with it until something much better comes along for under $400.

So the verdict on this receiver is great, if all of your sources are digital, but not-so-great if you have a sub/sat setup and lots of your sources are analog. I do have to admit though that after having a receiver with so many digital inputs, including coax and optical inputs on the front panel (I connected my PC to them and rocked the house with the best sounding .MP3 audio I've ever heard - no cheap Soundblaster D/A converters and noisy amps to get in the way!), I might have a difficult time settling for a receiver with anything less.

I'm going to give HK till the end of the week to come up with a solution – the unit has a lot of features, but it's extremely complicated to master as a result, and it's certainly possible I just missed something, though not terribly likely. After that, it's back to Video Only with regrets (assuming they'll take it – I've read they can be difficult, though I did make them aware of the problem I'm having several days ago). Maybe they'll take it if I buy a new TV from them. I would like one of those new Sony Wegas, now that I think about it . . .

Similar Products Used:

None

Great sound, very few useless features.

Reliability??? Remote.

The set up was a bit tedious, the manual is not too well done. After the set up, the sound is very impressive. I've listened to lots of gear, in many price ranges. Most of my friends are true "audiophiles" who spend $5K on class A amps and solid silver leads... but my one bedroom condo is not the place for that kind of investment.

My current setup includes:

Harmon Kardon AVR210
Bose AM 7 fronts
Bose 301's for the rears
Sony DVP-NS700P DVD player
Harmon Kardon bit-stream CD player (vintage 1991, still working perfectly)
All interconnects are Monster Cable, and Monster XP running out to the cubes and 301's


Currently, I have the the three cubes up front for space concerns. I would prefer to use the 301's as my fronts if I could. Overall, I am extremely impressed by the quality of sound, DVD's sound incredible, Saving Private Ryan, Gladiator, Star Wars Episode I have all been very impressive.

Listening to my favorite CD's had been very pleasing as well. If I had to complain, I would say that to my ear, the unit is a bit bright. However, that may be more the fault of the Bose cubes than the AVR210. One day, when I get some Apogee Acoustic Hybrids and some Krell class A mono blocks then I'll give the AVR210's pre-amp outs a try.

I did quite a bit of research before buying an A/V receiver, but unfortunately I did not find this site before buying the H/K. I leaned toward H/K because of my experience with my CD player and also the specs of H/K's high current amps are some of the best I've seen. I think you have to buy a MacIntosh to get the same level of clean power. I am really worried now that maybe I should have gone with the Onkyo for reliability reasons. I love the sound of the H/K, and chose it over the Onkyo, which was good... but the H/K sounded cleaner and smoother overall.

It has only been two weeks... should I take it back before the C.C. 30 day return policy expires??

Please email your thoughts.

I would have given the AVR210 five stars, because it tuly is far better than I imagined, but the reliability issue plagues me now. I'll be wondering every time I got to turn it on if it will crap-out on me.

By the way, the remote really does stink, I think a good universal is in order.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo, Denon, Yamaha, Pioneer Elite all in the $500 - $700 range.

Sound quality, H/K reputation, A zillion inputs, Great Versatility, and one SICK looking cabinet!

Although the remote control will be the cheesiest one you own, it's NOWHERE near as bad as a lot of people say (and the tradeoff for receiver quality is worth it!!)

If you are like me when it comes to making a decision like buying a new component, you torment yourself (and the salespeople working with you) for days before making a purchase. Then you live happily ever after with a great product. This is exacly how I came to buy the H/K AVR 210. I love it!

After getting a lesson on multiple discreet amplifiers and how mass produced receivers like Sony, JVC, and Technics lack them, I had settled on either buying the H/K AVR 210 or the Dennon 1801. I tested both the Dennon and the H/K side-by-side and felt that , though equally crisp, the H/K had a warmer sound. (Incidentally, I listed to a more expensive Sony in this comparison and both receivers slapped its "hissy" butt silly). The Dennon remote control was much nicer than the H/K, but Harman's r/c is not as bad as a lot of reviews on this site make it out to be. Don't eliminate this receiver due to its remote. In short, I don't think you could go wrong with either set, but the H/K AVR 210 won me.

I did have to bring it back immediately due to a burned out LED on the face, but it was replaced at the store immediately (no questions asked). Also, I haven't had any of the problems with fadeouts or delays that people have talked about.

The Power Issue: Though, I was apprehensive at first about the 40 watts/channel (55 watts/channel for two speakers), which seemed low, I've since come to a realistic awareness that this receiver has all the power I need (even on a Friday night when I do let it rip). And I've never touched the top end of the volume control.

(Note: If you are a fraternity looking for a receiver to power Fender column speakers for a party, the AVR 210 is not for you - look higher up in the H/K spectrum)

In short, if you are looking for a reasonably priced AV receiver for a home or apartment, I highly recommend the Harman Kardon AVR 210. The quality per dollar is unbelievable and the sick looking plain black cabinet will make all your friend who own Sony's and JVC's green with jealousy!

PS: I've ranked a bit on Sony in this review. I use the Sony DVP-S360 DVD player with my H/K and love it!

Similar Products Used:

Dennon, Onkyo, Sony, Technics

Sounds Great! easy to hook up. Too many connectors on the back

remote not completely universal and too many buttons to push.

SOunds great. I have a medium sized room and with the HK speakers and sub, it is fantastic.
I love the 3 optical inputs and optical outputs that let you have true digital sound. I have digital cable running through it, next is the vcr and cd-player. DVD movies will never be good enough without this system.

Call Rod at Carter's Custom Sound, Adrian Michigan for your next home theater system.

Similar Products Used:

na-da. Looked at Pioneer, but htey didn't have the poered sub and digital optical outlets as the HK did for the price.

Great sound in almost all modes, flexibility, price to performance ratio

Remote, Looks

I use this unit as a preamp, mated with a 400 watt, 5 channel HK amp. It sounds great through the digital inputs in straight stereo, 5 channel stereo, Dolby Prologic, Dolby Digital, DTS, Logic7 Music and Cinema modes. The analog inputs leave something to be desired, however, and I only use them with either straight stereo or old Pro Logic material. Oh, and the Hall, Theater, and Vmax surround setting are useless through any input. Also, HK has really bumped up the LPI (lights per inch) on this unit, cluttering up the display with redundant LEDs and backlit jargon. Still, it sounds wonderful with digital input sources, and is priced right. I've had no reliability issues thus far.

Similar Products Used:

AVR 5, AVR 300

Great sound in almost all modes, flexibility, price to performance ratio

Remote, Looks

I use this unit as a preamp, mated with a 400 watt, 5 channel HK amp. It sounds great through the digital inputs in straight stereo, 5 channel stereo, Dolby Prologic, Dolby Digital, DTS, Logic7 Music and Cinema modes. The analog inputs leave something to be desired, however, and I only use them with either straight stereo or old Pro Logic material. Oh, and the Hall, Theater, and Vmax surround setting are useless through any input. Also, HK has really bumped up the LPI (lights per inch) on this unit, cluttering up the display with redundant LEDs and backlit jargon. Still, it sounds wonderful with digital input sources, and is priced right. I've had no reliability issues thus far.

Similar Products Used:

AVR 5, AVR 300

Great sound in almost all modes, flexibility, price to performance ratio

Remote, Looks

I use this unit as a preamp, mated with a 400 watt, 5 channel HK amp. It sounds great through the digital inputs in straight stereo, 5 channel stereo, Dolby Prologic, Dolby Digital, DTS, Logic7 Music and Cinema modes. The analog inputs leave something to be desired, however, and I only use them with either straight stereo or old Pro Logic material. Oh, and the Hall, Theater, and Vmax surround setting are useless through any input. Also, HK has really bumped up the LPI (lights per inch) on this unit, cluttering up the display with redundant LEDs and backlit jargon. Still, it sounds wonderful with digital input sources, and is priced right. I've had no reliability issues thus far.

Similar Products Used:

AVR 5, AVR 300

Great sound in almost all modes, flexibility, price to performance ratio

Remote, Looks

I use this unit as a preamp, mated with a 400 watt, 5 channel HK amp. It sounds great through the digital inputs in straight stereo, 5 channel stereo, Dolby Prologic, Dolby Digital, DTS, Logic7 Music and Cinema modes. The analog inputs leave something to be desired, however, and I only use them with either straight stereo or old Pro Logic material. Oh, and the Hall, Theater, and Vmax surround setting are useless through any input. Also, HK has really bumped up the LPI (lights per inch) on this unit, cluttering up the display with redundant LEDs and backlit jargon. Still, it sounds wonderful with digital input sources, and is priced right. I've had no reliability issues thus far.

Similar Products Used:

AVR 5, AVR 300

Digital quality Sound

N/A

Overall great performance for a theatre receiver! Great extreme sound, and user friendly.

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha, Onkyo