I just recently purchased this receiver for my Home Theater. There were a few other receivers that I thought of purchasing, eg. Yamaha RX-V795, RX-V2902. I did not look into the Denons though. They're all in the $1000 price range +/- a couple of hundred dollars.
Let me start by saying the 65 watts/channel that this receiver puts out is enough to drive most mid-range priced speakers.

The pros of this receiver are:
- a new HK Crystal Circuit DSP
- AC-3 & DTS
- more... on the HK website http://www.harmankardon.com

The cons?: I actually like these "missing" features
- Only a few DSP modes (come on are you really going to use them all?)
- limited Digital inputs (only 2)

My thoughts about the "cons," I really don't think many of us need that many digital inputs. Okay you have a DVD player that takes up one of them already. So you're left with one more. So you might use it for a CD player or a miniDISC. What else do want to plus into it? Oh, you might want to plug one of those HDTV audios into them. Well then just get rid of the CD player and use the DVD player for movies and CD music listening. That leaves you with a free digital input for that HDTV that you might be getting. I highly doubt it because if you had the money to buy a HDTV, you wouldn't be looking for a mid-end receiver.

This receiver is simple, it has all the necessary inputs and outputs for a "newly" discoverd Home Theater enthusiast. Now go find a dealer where you can audition this receiver and comparable ones. You'll find that the HK sounds very good. I think it's the best value out there. You'll have a hard time buying the receiver for $800 retail, but you can mail order for about $750 (total, that includes shipping).

Is there anyone has more reviews on Harman Kardon AVR65 receiver? I was quite impressed with the quality of this receiver when I auditioned it at the Soundworks. I'm in the process of replacing my Yamaha RV-X690 prologic system with a Dolby Digital system. I think I've decided to go with the Atlantic Tech's 250.1 speaker system but I'm still undecided as to which receiver to buy. Everything about this H/K AVR65 seems perfect except for the low power at 65 watts. I have a movie theater set up in one of the rooms that's 15x12. Should I be concerned about the power and would this be a good fit with Atlantic Tech's 250.1 speaker system?
Thanks for any input in advance.

I've been burning in the AVR65 for a week now must say how impressed I am with its digital signal processing capabilities. DD,DPL and DTS sound superb. The new Crystal chip is a winner. I traded up from an HK AVR25 (a Hall of Famer on this site) in orfer to take full advantage of my Pioneer CLD-D504 and Panasonic A310. The DPL steering of the AVR65 is more pronounced than the AVR25. The sound quality of the amplification is virtually identical to the AVR25. However, the AVR65's additional wattage in the surround amps adds new impact to my home theater setup; I no longer have to set the rear channels' volume level near maximum to achieve sufficient output from my rear speakers. My only significant complaints reside with the preamp section. Unlike the AVR25, the AVR65 lacks a phono input, a loudness button, a tone control bypass button, independent video dubbing, provisions for a second set of main speakers, variable display window brightness settings and ample analog inputs (2 fewer); I find myself missing these features and am resigned to purchasing additional hardware to regain most of them. That said, I knew these shortcomings before purchasing the unit, and I certainly don't regret my choice of the AVR65. It represents a great value in the 700-800 USD range of contemporary receivers.
BTW -- Steely Dan's DTS edition of GOUCHO allows this unit to really shine.

I really like this receiver. It has Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Pro-Logic, Theater, Dolby 3 Stereo, and 2-Hall Modes. With 65-Watt x 5 channels it is a bit under powered compared to the Yamaha 2095. It does have high current amp design and discret amplifier output stage. Other features include on-screen display, multiroom capability, preprogrammed remote with backlit display and macros. Truthfully, at the retail price of $1,200, I would spend a few extra $$ and go with the Yamaha 2095, but since the HK AVR-65 can be mail ordered for $699, it suddenly becomes a worth wile unit. At that price, it is a close match for the 795 and worth checking out.

An excellent receiver with DD and DTS. Even though made in China, Very Good Build quality. It sounds absolutely superb. Preamp Outs. 6-channel inputs. On-screen display. I have the AVR-65 hooked up to a Harman Kardon PA-5800 5-channel AMP. Very satisfied with this setup. The Remote is not quite simple-looking, but love the backlight. If anyone have any questions, feel free to e-mail me. Bought mine from One Call.

I need help...I can't decide between the Denon 2700 and the HK AVR-65. They both seem like good systems, but all the reviews are confusing me. There is the bass issue with the Denon, and there appears to be a hiss in the HK.
Please help.

Sorry.

I have had two AVR65's with the humming problem so far. I have not had any problems with hiss, though. I have tried everything that has been suggested by HK tech support and others that responded to my posts. In my case the hum is NOT caused by a cable tv connection. HK Tech support, with whom I have been dealing for the last three weeks, told me that the tech department tested a number of units and found that a blown fuse inside the unit is causing the humming problem in the front channels. HK is sending me an RMA and a shipping label to send my unit back for a direct factory replacement.
I want to give Harman/Kardon a thumbs up for great service!

I've been using the unit for the past two two weeks and I have to say that I really enjoy this unit. It is very easy to use and setup. The DD experience has been great. As far as music is concerned, the clarity and detail is outstanding. My B&W 602s have really opened up. The unit looks great in an understated way. There are only a few things that are a bit bothersome. First, there is the delay when detecting a digital stream on menus or layer changes. Second, the remote is nice, but it does not control all of the basic functions of my equipment. And finally, the on-screen menus only work when you have a composite connection to the TV. All of these things are pretty minor when you consider how great this unit sounds. I heartily recommend this receiver and would not let these shortcomings stand in the way of purchasing it.

Remove NOSPAM from my address to reply...

After receiving a few e-mails regarding H/K AVR65, I thought I'd better return to the Audio Review to post my feedback.
I've had my system for almost 2 weeks now. I have to say that I'm quite happy with the combination of AVR65 and Atlanta Technology's 250.1 speaker system. I've also purchased some "expensive" speaker wires and coaxial and optical cables for the system.

I didn't experience the "humming" nor the "hissing" problem as some of you have asked me. The only time I could really hear the almost un-detectable noise was when I put my ears to the speakers and hold my breath. Obviously nobody listened to their audio system like that. So, it doesn't bother me a bit.

I have a quiet and private room upstairs set up as my home theater. The room is about 15' x 15'. In addition, I'm also quite picky about the sound quality. If there are humming and hissing noise, they wouldn't escape me at all.

I'm just very curious as to what may have caused the noise from the same receiver that I have.

When someone finds out about it, please post the finding here for all of us to read.

Notwithstanding, I'm extremely happy with the system. I did try several different brands before I decided to purchase this system.

I bought the AVR-65 for my home theater system, and from a features standpoint, I like it. Unfortunately, it produces an extremely annoying hiss at higher volume levels.
I don't play music at high volume, but many DVDs are mixed low, so it's necessary to turn it up to -15db or so, and that's about the point where the hiss becomes really noticable. (It can be heard at -25db.) It comes from all the speakers, but it's most obvious on the surrounds, since they're not in constant use and often don't produce any sound to mask the hiss. At 0db, the hiss rises to a thundering roar, which the signal simply can't cover.

To say I'm disappointed would be an understatement. I hope the replacement doesn't suffer from the same problem, and I can post a more positive review next week.

It has everything, Prologic, Digital Surround, DTS, as well as the options for upgrading later. A great product