Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
I really like this unit. I primarily use it as a preamp, but do use it to power my Pinnacle P5.5 center and my Pinnacle surrounds. I use the pre-outs to connect to two RB-980BX amplifier run in bridged-mono. Before I did all of that, I used this unit to run a simple 2-channel system. That is when I noticed how nice the AVR300 really is. Lots of power and very nice sound. I have had no issues with DTS like other users. No issues at all with any other features. The unit is very simple to control via the remote. I think this might be one of the last quality units produced by HK. And since I don't see myself ever going to a 7.1 system, I don't think I'll be replacing it.

Price Paid:  $1350.00

Summary:
After running in sound really smooth out for stereo. Seperation in both stereo and movies are top class with heart-pounding action movies making you don't lose grip from your seat. With a little quality-capacitor modding at the analog and power supply stage for the stereo channels, I manage to sparkle details, air and emotions to the stereo section giving it superior controls on bass, warmer mid and highs' extension. Overall a solidly- built, tube-like sounding, high-current receiver which just need a little component and power cord modification.

Strengths:
High current of 35A giving bags details for it's 60watts stereo power. Same goes for attack and explosions in movies

Weaknesses:
Looks, components used and undetachable power cord (which is modded with AFA Aphrodite power cord)

Similar Products Used:
AVR-4500

Price Paid:  $800.00 from Future Shop

Summary:
I bought my AVR 300 to replace my Kenwood reciever home theater system. I purchased it and immediately knew i needed better speakers. So i bought a set of cerwin vegas for the front and center and mirage for the rear. Man this sounded awesome, i love listening to my movies cranked and this measly 300 watt system blew the kenwood 500 watter away. hookups were great on the rear of the receiver. I was happy!!! Until the dreaded DTS problem arose....i played and played around, finally i after about a year and a half of this problem i bought a new dvd player figuring my old one was the problem. Well it wasnt. I mean its not that great of a deal but for an expensive receiver you would hope for better. I only use dolby digital now because i cant stand the static in the DTS mode.

Strengths:
System Cranks. I think im going deaf...LOL!! J/K

Weaknesses:
I don't like the DTS problem at all, when i called HK customer service, they didnt have a dealer in my area and told me to ship it to them. When i asked how much it would cost to fix all i could be told is that they work for 60$ and hour. Well that dosnet cut it and i think ill be switching brand names. The guy Tony Carbone also told me that my 800 machine was old to them!!! I guess i need a job at HK then i could spend a grand every year on a new machine?? whatever.
Also when you listen to a dvd, if you notice the comercial spots in the dvd...what happens is the audio switches off and on real quick, sometimes long enough to miss part of a sentence.

Similar Products Used:
My kenwood receiver may not crank as loud, but atleast everything still works.......10 years later!!

Price Paid:  $999.00 from future crap

Summary:
I THINK HARMEN AND KARDEN HAVE GOOD RECIEVERS EXCELLENT SOUND AND MAKE GOOD QUALITY PRODUCTS THE ONY THING I CAN FIND WRONG WITH IT IS THAT THE VOLUME IS PHANTOM IT TURNS UP AUTOMATICALLY AND DOWN ITS ONLY HAPPEND A FEW TIMES I JUST RESET IT AND IT DOESNT HAPPEN AGAINIVE HAD IT FOR ABOUT 3 YRS AND IT HAS HAPPEND MAYBE 5 TIMES

Strengths:
GREAT SOUND LOTS OF HOOK UPS GOOD PRODUCT

Weaknesses:
PHANTOM VOLUME AND REMOTE COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER

Price Paid:  $450.00 from Circuit City

Summary:
My AVR 300 has just gone in to the shop due to the well documented DTS problem. Like others I belived my troubles were the result of an early model DVD player. After replacing that unit with a Pioneer Elite DVD player the problem remains. Called Harmon customer service and they immeditly autherized repair at a local shop. Customer service:5/5. Can't say I would buy another Harmon just for that. Have owned many other brands and have never had a problem. Hoping Harmon will eventully replace this unit as they pleged they would if it proves to be un-repairable. If not I will be looking for a new DD/DTS unit and looking much more carefully (not likley at a HK).

Strengths:
Great Sound (still sounds the best)

Weaknesses:
No DTS (works for about 10 min.)If this reciver had the reliability that I have enjoyed in the rest of my home theater equipment it would rate a :6!/5 in both catagories.

Similar Products Used:
Yamaha, Pioneer, Sony, NEC and Denon home theater recivers.