Price, features

Buzz at low levels.....

Does anyone else experience a low buzz while listening at low levels? I thought it might've just been my cable line hookup, but I set the receiver to CD and it still buzzes. Anyone have any idea if it is the receiver or any other ideas of what I could do to rectify the problem?

6 channel inputs for Dolby Digital Decoder or DVD player with onboard Decorder

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I bought a Sony DB830 based on the reviews on this site and was very disappointed with the two channel performance. While the Harman/Kardon does not have an onboard Digital Decoder, it has 6 channel inputs that make it digital ready.
The sound it open, clear and warm. Don't be fooled by the 45 wpc two channel/35 wpc six channel rating. The unit sounds effortless. Harman/Kardon units have the ability to produce high current levels into speaker impedances below 8 ohms which make them sound more powerful than the rating suggests. The Sony sounded two dimensional - there was no depth or air around the music. In contrast, the Harman/Kardon has wonderful detail - air - depth in the two channel stereo mode. It has no problem with six channel Dolby Digital either. I am using a powered subwoofer which does take some of the demands off of the amplifier. I would not hesitate for a minute to recommend this unit.

Similar Products Used:

Sony DB830, Yamaha RV-905, Pioneer D608

Open and natural sound in stereo mode, good prologic decoding, Dolby Digital 6 ch. inputs AND pre-outs for all channels.

Remote control with sliding door.

I purchased this model as a replacement of my broken Luxman. I paid 599$ for it (it's the retail price in Quebec, Canada). I'm shocked by the low prices you have in USA! BTW, I'm very happy with this receiver: it sounds better than the Luxman, and as good as the NAD. Warm and detailed sound, with air around instruments, and a believable soundstage depth (in stereo). It's also much more powerful than the specs would suggest. In this area, it reminds me my old NAD 7130 who was rated at 30 watts per channel, but actually was a little powerhouse! The only complaints I have about the AVR5 is the remote control with its sliding door; there's too much little buttons hidden underneath this door. Other things I noticed is power supply and display noises: the former makes a "hum" while the latter produce a slight high pitched tone (this stops when attenuating the intensity of the display of half). These noises are audible only when my room is dead quiet, with no sound source playing, so I don't bother with it anymore. IN SHORT: this is a very musical piece of gear, who actually makes me listen to more and more music.

Similar Products Used:

Luxman RV-357, NAD 7130

High current circuitry and its sleek look

Lack of dolby digital, sliding door on remote and graphical user interface

Overall, Im very satisfied with this receiver. I purchased it for $159 at Circuit City directly off the shelf. It didn't have a scratch on it. I will primarily be using it for background music outside of my home theater room. For left and right stereo, it sounds great. I considered the HK 3270, but I couldn't find a good deal on it. Im not an audiophile, so I couldn't convince my-self to pay extra for a stereo receiver when I could get an audio/video receiver for a lower price. Having the six channel inputs are great, but I'll probably never use them. The remote could have been better, but I can live with it. For the money, this was a real bargain. If you are not an audiophile, the best time to purchase electronic equipment is when their new line is coming out. You are assured to make out like a bandit.

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer Elite VSX-07, Pioneer Elite PD-65 and Pioneer DV 414

Decent power for entry level, I liked the remote, though most reviewers didn't, build quality (for a 200 buck unit)

Not enough power anymore for a larger home theater, lack of built in DD/DTS decoders

Well, before I retire this unit I figured it was time to review it. It has served me well for well over a year now and it's time to upgrade. I ran this unit for about 10 months through my Signature 2.1 power amp and it was awesome. Even without the 2.1 it was good. Since half my stuff got stolen though, I find it hard to justify buying a new power amp when the AVR is obsolete. I will just upgrade. Compared to the Technics amp I used before this, night and day difference, the AVR was more clear and crisp, and seemed more powerful, eventhough it was rated at half the power than the Technics. I liked the remote too, which from what I read is rare, although the # buttons could have been better laid out. Overall a great entry-level unit

Similar Products Used:

H/K AVR100,210, Technics DD reciever

new speckers

everything

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My first AV receiver and it has been a pleasure for me and my family thus far. The sound quality is excellant and very easy to use. It's everything we need for now. I've git it matched up with:
Denon DVP-3300
Infinity surround sound theater speaker package
sony video player

a perfect fit for me and the family.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo

Powerful unit. Handles most speakers. Clean crips sound ven at high volume.

Remote could be better.

Great AVR. I love it! To those who cry about lack of DTS etc. well you buy what suits you. If you want all the digital stuff then buy a different system. Evaluate this system as is. Certainly outperforms all the SONYs etc with so much power rating.

Similar Products Used:

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WELP, IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR HIGH END FOR NOT SO HIGH END OF A PRICE-LOOK NO FURHTER, THE AVR-5 IS WHERE IT'S AT. Now, at a modest 35 watts per channel is surround mode you might think "yeah right"-but understand it's TRUE 35 watts-per. Not like OTHER companies who may tell you 100 watts per channel, but maybe with an amp or on a "good day" you'll get that kind of power. My point is unless you wanna go with Caver deck or something for around a thousand dollars you're simply just not going to get alot of power-and more importantly power you dont need. The AVR-5 comes with a UNIVERSAL remote, it has all kinds of functions, way to many to go into. Check it out on JandR.com or at circut city-the cost about 250-299. It got 5 stars for preformance, cost, looks, and for its user friendly way.

I own both the Denon AVR-75 and the Harman Kardon AVR-5. It is a long story, I won't bother you with the details. The Denon is the same as the AVR-1400 from what I'm told. The HK is a much better value. The bass is much more defined in the HK. The denon has more sourround modes, but who actually listens to all the different modes? The HK also has pre-outs for all channels(front, center and rear), while the Denon only has front and center pre-outs. Don't be fooled by the wattage. The HK is louder and clearer than the denon at 45 watts vs 75 watts for the Denon. I don't understand this but it is true. The Denon does have a better remote. The HK also has video inputs on the front panel which is nice to have. They both are nice receivers for the money, but the HK is better.