Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)This will be the fourth receiver I've owned and by far the best. My last was the Onkyo TX-SR500, and it was solid. But I wasn't completely satisfied with the 5.1 surround sound generated from it. The audio was serviceable, but I knew it should sound better...especially considering it was connected to an excellent set of speakers (Onkyo SKS-HT500). So, without being too serious about it, I decided to look around for a new receiver.
I was specifically looking for an AVR that would support HDMI audio output now that I have an HD-DVD player, but frankly there aren't that many available in the store. I did find several affordable receivers that might be an improvement over what I already have. I especially had my eye on a Yamaha and this Harman/Kardon AVR. Neither supported HDMI audio, but they do provide HDMI ports for pass-through. Neither support TrueHD or DTS-HD, which also intrigued me.
When it was said and done, I decided those fancy features aren't really important for me right now. What IS important is a strong 5.1 surround sound at an affordable price. Did I mention both AVRs were out-of-the-box? I couldn't resist. I had heard some good things about the sound quality of H/K receivers and it's pleasing to the eye as well. I took it. And I'm so glad I did.
First, it has an amazing number of inputs and outputs. Plenty of ports for analog cables, coaxial and optical digital audio cables, s-video and component video cables. Maybe someday I'll actually have all those cables. As it is, I have my cable box and HD-DVD player connected with the fiber-optic cables and my other DVD/CD player connected by coaxial digital cable. And everything sounds incredible!
Now I don't want to imply that Onkyo is substandard. They make a great product. But my Onkyo AVR was probably a bit old and worn out. Sounds sometimes seemed muffled, particularly when watching movies with lots of explosions or gunfire. But the H/K is definitely an improvement. Right now, I'm watching one of the Harry Potter DVD's right now and I'm just enveloped in glorious 5.1 surround sound! The audio is sharp, crisp and, when need be, loud. When I played my Brandi Carlile CD, it sounded incredibly powerful and rich...and that's just from the Dolby ProLogic II - Music setting. I used to listen to CDs through the analogue cables to get decent audio quality from all 5 speakers and the subwoofer, but I think I'll keep the AVR on digital.
One thing that may turn-off potential buyers is the low wattage per speakers from the AVR-146 at only 30 watts per channel. I suppose if you need a new AVR for a huge Home Theater room you should get something more powerful. But I've had receivers with highter watts and they never sounded THIS good. I don't know what else to say about that...Harman/Kardon makes a great audio product and I'm truly enjoying my listening experience so far.
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The Harmon Kardon AVR-146's sonic quality and sophisticated features make it an exceptional value.It pumps 30 Watts of power through each of its 5 channels, employing Logic 7 processing and EzSet/EQ technology to ensure that you always have crisp audio. It also features true high current capability, ultra wide-bandwidth amplifier design with low negative feedback, and all-discrete amplifier circuitry. Dual independent power supplies for front and surround channels ensure that adequate power is always present. With two-input Simplay HD™-verified HDMI™ switching and a wealth of digital audio inputs, the AVR-146 lets you connect and command virtually any home theater source.
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