1. Main Ins and Pre-Outs for all channels
2. Six digital inputs
3. Remote allows volume and transport punch through
4. HDCD decoding
5. Sonically clean
6. Good for small to medium sized listening rooms

1. Low power output at mid levels
2. Remote
a. EZ-Set doesn't work well
b. Will not program using procedure in manual
c. Only one code for a Sony satellite receiver and that doesn't work, Onkyo CD and DVD player codes don't work
3. VMax
4. No convention for other than 8 ohm speakers
5. Doesn't do S-Video to Composite on the monitor output as stated in the manual
6. Headphones output extremely low level

Power on and setup are all pretty straightforward. The menus are easy to navigate and make some sense. The only problem in this area is the EZ-Set remote. I used it several times and it never really worked that well. I ended up using a sound level meter and ear to adjust the output for each channel.

Don't expect this receiver to forgive you for not having matched speakers. I have a very efficient pair of main/fronts (98dB sensitivity) whereas my center and surrounds are rated at 88 dB. Additionally, my mains are full range with 16 inch woofers, two mid drivers and two tweeters. If you have a setup like this, then expect to boost the signal to the lesser speakers and decrease the input to the larger or more efficient speakers.

Once I got the outputs set up I was pleased with the sound. I've been listening for the past two months to try and pick it apart and have come up with the following conclusions;

The HK puts out clean sound. I kept turning it up initially to achieve the same volume as my old receiver and wondering why it just didn't seem to have the same volume range. The HK has a volume range of -80dB to +4dB and I usually keep it about midrange for pleasant sound in my living room. At first I thought that was too high but have come to realize that the sound is much cleaner with practically no background noise and less plain pumped up power. I've also noticed when watching movies using ProLogic or otherwise that I notice small sounds a lot better. I was watching a movie last night and thought I heard popping and clicking that turned out to be paper rustling at one time and gravel crunching under the actors feet at another time. Very clear and distinct.

The CD decoding is fine. I have one HDCD disc and it detected it without problem and everything sounds fine. I have my CD player hooked up via one of the optical inputs and it sounds great. Extremely clean with plenty of separation between sounds. Voices and instruments are clear and distinct. I am very happy with the musical reproduction of the receiver. It far outstrips the Sony that it replaced.


Dolby Digital and DTS decoding are excellent. I prefer DTS over DD but that is purely a subjective thing. The receiver really pumps out the sound using these modes. I was pleasantly surprised at that since I think that the ProLogic decoding leaves a little to be desired. Anyone who has used a true dedicated ProLogic receiver as I did will know what I'm talking about.

Don't be fooled by the lack of power coming from satellite TV if you are on DirecTV. I was initially but DTV levels vary so much from channel to channel that you can't make a good call on the output from this receiver using DTV as a basis.

The remote is the real piece of junk of this whole setup. It's not a bad remote and has it's good points like the volume and transport control punch through that allow you to control the AVR volume without having to reselect AVR every time or the transport that allows association with a device so that it is the one to be controlled no matter which input is selected. The shape of the remote is awkward, though, being front heavy and skinny at the back/bottom. It's not comfortable in the hand, at least not mine. The EZ-Set feature sounds great on paper but doesn't work out in real life. Additionally, it would never accept a code from another remote using the manual programming method. The only other devices I've been able to set are my VCR and TV. But then, not all of the TV buttons are activated although the remote has ones that correspond to those on the original. None of the Onkyo codes will control my CD or DVD players and the single code for a Sony satellite receiver will not work either. Be prepared to add this remote to the collection of remotes you already own.

V-Max is okay but don't expect it to give you stereo out of old mono movies. I tried and there was a serious lip sync problem in both Near and Far modes. If you want stereo out of old mono movies try the 5 channel stereo. It splits the signal to all speakers and lends a sort of faux surround/stereo to what you're watching.

Speaking of speakers. I've found that the best setup for surround sound is to set all speakers to small and then set the subwoofer to LFE. Which brings up probably the worst design flaw in the unit. The unit has four sub crossover points depending on speaker setup. If the fronts are set to large, then the crossovers are 40Hz and 60Hz. If the fronts are set to small, then the crossover points are 80Hz and 100Hz. If you have a setup like I do where you have large fronts and a small center and surrounds with a low frequency extension of 70Hz then setting the fronts to large leaves a 10Hz hole in the center and surround channels. I would prefer to have a fixed crossover of 80Hz or 100Hz than to have this hole and be restricted in setting up the speakers. As it is, I've set all speakers to small for all surround modes. I still use the fronts as large when playing stereo music and things are fine.

I only have two other complaints about the receiver. The first is that it does not convert S-Video to composite as stated in the manual. I took this into serious consideration when I was researching this unit and am seriously disappointed that it doesn't work. The second is that the headphones output is extremely low. I just plugged in my headphones to make sure it worked and practically had to take the output to the top just to get some sound out. Guess I'll stick to the speakers.

All in all, I like the receiver. The Main Ins as well as the Pre Outs, the array of digital inputs with corresponding outputs and the styling were factors that led me to buy this receiver. The stereo sound is very pleasing and when the speakers are properly set the surround in DD 5.1 and DTS are outstanding. I now realize though, that to achieve higher output levels I'm going to have to buy a multi-channel amp and I'm already shopping for replacement center and surround channel speakers.

Even with these few problems, I still enjoy the beautifully clean sound of this receiver in stereo and the clear and accurate decoding in the HT modes.

Similar Products Used:

Sony STR-D990

Power to Burn! Great DSP in Logic 7. Very clean soundstaging...and Looks

Transformer Hum, More hiss in the speakers than i'm used too.

I love this AVR but am I the only one who notices that it has a hum coming from the Front Left side of the unit (where the transformer is) Altough some people wouldn't notice this buggs, me too mucldn't notice this at all.h

Similar Products Used:

AVR55

Power to Burn! Great DSP in Logic 7. Very clean soundstaging...and Looks

Transformer Hum, More hiss in the speakers than i'm used too.

I love this AVR but am I the only one who notices that it has a hum coming from the Front Left side of the unit (where the transformer is) Altough some people wouldn't notice this buggs, me too mucldn't notice this at all.h

Similar Products Used:

AVR55

It took me less then 30 minutes to hook up all the devices (I did borrow a DVD for the first test), the manual is kind of long, but You really don´t need it. What counts is the sound - great. Naturally you won´t get the max current (I was used to my old Sansui AU-919, around 3 Amps) out of it, but that´s why subs are there for. The design is great, the OSD could be better, it takes a while to set up ALL the inputs - but on the other hand, this thing is supposed to be a reciever not a computer.

remote control is not able to handle the digital set-top box (dbox II, Nokia), had problems talking to a philips DVD player as well.

In Germany sold as the AVR-5000. This must be one of the early birds. None of the shops here in Hamburg do show the the 5000 Model (only the 3000 or/and 4000).
Not only DD and DTS, but as well MPEG3 and HDCD combined with power, enough digital Inputs/Outputs. Just perfect.
I am using ASW speaker (a german manufacturer), monster cables and so far no DVD player (waiting for the h/m DVD10).

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha

Great AV receiver for the money. Easy Set-up-. Sound Quality great at price paid!

Very Happy, None Found

System cranks! For a first time buyer of Home Theater I have to say it blew me away. Like most people here I am very satisfied with the unit as well as the price I paid. I found www.acousticsounddesign.com under audioreviews hot links section. I went to my local Tweeter and listened to other receivers- I could not believe how much you get for the money!

Similar Products Used:

First A/V receiver

This receiver replaces a Yamaha receiver I've had since ... well for a long time. The machine is awesome, right out of the box you get spectacular sound, the remote recognized all my other appliances from cable box to no-name DVD player. The MP3 decompression works great although not much difference from just taking the output of the speaker. Even comes with a second remote for multiroom functionality. Multiroom functionality does not require a second amplifier, but it's recommended.

Needed remote repeater is a bit annoying, get the Denon Aktis remote if you don't want to buy a remote repeater. Denon's remote is by radio so it will go through walls.

From when I put this 42 pound beast on the shelf, through connecting speakers, adjusting delays, testing (LOUD!!!) music to ensure the neighbours that I was home and until I finally sat in my chair and enjoyed my masterpiece took less than an hour. That's pretty good.

This receiver rocks... there might be better ones out there but for $699 you get for $2000 sound.

Go get it, you won't regret it.

j

Similar Products Used:

Nothing is similar to this beauty!

Future expandsion, like MP3 decoding, 5.1 inputs, Hi-Current 45 amp, Good-Looking Face Plate, Quiet ( GO HK! )

What's That!

I would say first off it is the best HK I've ever own, and after owning the 65 (buzzed alittle) HK is finally quiet as a dead Church mouse, but can run you and a friend out of the room if you turn it up pass -12db (with room to spare) 70 watts x5 80 in stereo really makes this receiver a killer is 45 amps. It's got so many inputs(digital, a/v ect..) I don't know what to do with them, they are even in the front panel. Resale value is good I sold my 65 and my 300 70%-80% of what I paid for them. But won't be saling this one it's ahead of its time in the way of A/V receivers. If your looking for a good clean sounding AVR get the 510 or the 7000 is th one to purchase (HK needs to pay me for this :-) ) If any one wants to chat {per email} feel free to ask me anything about the 510, I'll reply within 24 hours. Now the price was $899 at C.City but clerk said it was coming up $699 on her computer but it was an error, she said I'll sale it to you for $699 if you want it, I dropped my credit cards all over the floor trying to get one out fast enough to pay it. I only hope I've been helpful.

-HK Fan-

Similar Products Used:

Kenwood Stereo Amp, HK350i (20watt), AVR-55,65,300 You can say I'm a true fan!

Great sound, Lots of power(45A), Nice design, Lots of nice
goodies

The remote, Manual, No loudnes(i use it only for low volumes, No un-filtered sub output

The avr510 is named the avr5000 in the Netherlands. I had one of the first in the Netherlands. The avr5000 is very hard to get in the Netherlands at this time.

Itlooks great and sounds great, but the manual is very bad. The manual of my old avi200II was a miljoen times beter.
The Stereo,DTS,Dolby Digital and prologic modes decode extremly well. The other modes like logic7, MP3, vmax and 5channel stereo are nice but i could live without them.
The HDCD is VERY great. I never thought that it would make that muts of a diferance. It does only work this wel with cd's that are recorded with HDCD. And of course the DA's off
192khz are helping. If your old cd player has a digital out you get a better (HDCD) cd player for free.

The remote works so so and it does not learn from others so i have send it back to the store for repair. I also am missing the loudnes. I use it at very low volumes. The tone adjustment i never use. My sub has its own filter so i am missing an un-filtered sub output.

When i play the DVD's, gone in 60 sec, contact and indepandance day, than my house is caving in.

Also handy is the digital in/out at the front of the machine.

It also has RDS(Radio Data Signal)on the radio. So you get the name of the radio station and a lot more of radio goodies.

I have also tested 2 denon's in the same price range and the did not even come close, the only thing better was the denon remote.

So i love this machine it is the best i ever had.
I wonder if you could get a better one at this time and at this price.

Similar Products Used:

Harman Kardon AVI 200II,

Looks. Power. Versitility.

None so far.

This reciever performs up to all the standards I had set for it. It drives my speakers with great sound. The remote has not caused me too many problems so far, but then again, I haven't used it with my other components yet.

Similar Products Used:

Sony

Front digital inputs, learning remote, multiroom function, OSD, looks, HDCD and MP3 decoding, and so much more

remote could have been better

After bad experiences with an AVR-65 and AVR-500, H/K gave me this unit. (By the way, H/K has the greatest customer service I have ever dealt with!!) I have found this receiver to be perfect in almost every way so far. The remote could have been better built, but it is learning capable, which the AVR-500 was not. (But the AVR-65 was... doesn't make too much sense.) The AVR-510 is well built and has plenty of features. Most of all, it is quite... no hum from the center channel! I would recommend this unit to everyone.

Similar Products Used:

AVR-65 and 500