Harman Kardon's AVR 240 7.1-channel A/V surround receiver is among the
best receivers in its class, as it harnesses many of the company's
latest features and technologies to go with its near-universal
surround-format compatibility. Internally, the receiver is engineered
for extraordinary sonic performance, with an amplifier section that
delivers seven channels of high-current (+/-35 amps), wide-bandwidth
amplification--50 watts into 8 ohms, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, with less than 0.
07 percent total harmonic distortion--in addition to employing
state-of-the-art 192 kHz/24-bit audio digital-to-analog converters.
![]("http://images.amazon.com/images/G/01/electronics/detail-page/AVR240-rear-sm.jpg")
Take a closer look at the AVR 240's connections. You can also view
the unit's front panel in detail. |
The receiver also offers a wide
range of digital and matrix surround modes, including Dolby Digital,
Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIx (which provides an expansive,
full-range 7.1-channel program from any stereo or 5.1-channel source),
DTS, DTS ES Discrete and Matrix, DTS 96/24, and DTS Neo:6. Listeners
will also delight in the Virtual Speaker mode, which creates an
enveloping sound field when fewer than six speakers are available, and
Dolby Headphone, which provides a much more open and realistic
presentation through a pair of ordinary headphones. Adding to the receiver's versatility are such sound-enhancing features
as Harman International's exclusive Logic 7 processing in both 5.1 and 7.
1 versions, which creates a wider, more enveloping field environment and
more defined fly-overs and pans; and VMAx, which uses proprietary
processing to create an open, spacious sound field even when only two
front speakers are available. The receiver's extensive bass management
options, meanwhile, include four separate crossover groupings.
Other receiver essentials include high-bandwidth, HDTV-compatible
component video switching with assignable inputs, an onscreen menu and
display system with the choice of a blue or black background screen, and
compatibility with the Bridge, a Harman Kardon device that works with
most iPod models. The Bridge lets you operate your iPod from across the
room using the AVR 240's remote control, which has been preprogrammed
with several iPod control codes. As a result, listeners can select
tracks and navigate most iPod functions, charge the unit, or even view
track information on the AVR 240's LED display or onscreen menu.
The receiver's variety of audio and video connections include three
wide-bandwidth, HDTV-compatible component video inputs, five S-video and
five composite video inputs, and two analog audio inputs. Digital audio
options, meanwhile, include three coaxial and three optical audio inputs,
including one of each on the front panel. Other jacks range from 6- and
8-channel direct audio inputs to 7.1-channel preamp outputs that
accommodate a DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, SACD, or universal player.
Anyone that's ever suffered from technology overload when setting up
his or her audio/video system can rest easy with the AVR 240. The unit's
intuitive onscreen menus coordinate with the system's EzSet/EQ function
to provide automated system calibration and room equalization, thus
greatly simplifying installation. The resulting speaker output
compensates for the effects of a room's acoustics to improve the overall
system performance. In tandem with EzSet/EQ--which comes with its own
microphone--the AVR 240 also includes a full set of manual configuration
settings for those who wish to custom-trim their system even further.
Lastly, the AVR 240 comes with an AM/FM tuner with 30 station presets.
The AVR 240 measures 17.3 by 5.9 by 13.8 inches (W x H x D) and carries
a two-year warranty on parts and labor.
What's in the Box
AVR 240 receiver, remote control, power cord, AM and
FM antennas, EzSet/EQ microphone, user's manual.
