Harman Kardon's AVR 340 7.1-channel A/V surround receiver offers a vast
feature set that's comparable to far more expensive models without
sacrificing an ounce of music or movie enjoyment. Internally, the
receiver is engineered for elite sonic performance, with an amplifier
section that delivers seven channels of high-current (+/-35 amps),
wide-bandwidth amplification--55 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/AVR340-rear-sm.jpg")
Take a closer look at the AVR 340'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.
Unlike many receivers in this class, the AVR 340 is also equipped for
extensive multiroom use. In addition to offering assignable surround
back amplifier channels, the receiver invites the listener to enjoy a
separate source in a remote zone. Essentially, this means one family
member can watch a movie in the living room while a second family member
listens to a CD in the bedroom--both through the AVR 340. The receiver,
which is A-Bus/Ready (enables remote component and speaker control),
also comes with a Zone II remote control.
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 340'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 340'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 four coaxial and four optical audio inputs,
including one of each on the front panel. Other jacks range from a
color-coded eight-channel direct audio input to a pair of video
recording outputs 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 340. 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 340 also includes a full set of manual configuration
settings for those who wish to custom-trim their system even further.
Lastly, the AVR 340 comes with an AM/FM tuner with 30 station presets.
The AVR 340 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 340 receiver, two remote controls, power cord, AM
and FM antennas, EzSet/EQ microphone, user's manual.
