Cool to look at, clean sound

NO POWER, few inputs, horrible remote

People need to get off this receiver's jock. It sounds very good and clear at low volume levels, but If you like your music loud, RUN AWAY from this. 45 watts is laughable when it comes to today's music, and I swear on my life that HK presets their EQ to 60hz boost and 10khz boost. ARRGH! Look into Onkyo for a better quality receiver for the price.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo, JVC, Sony, Yamaha, Denon

Excellent sound quality, Cosmetics, Front panel inputs

Nothing

Folks - DO NOT BUY the Sony STR 835 - I've had my center channel go twice on mine in only 10 months... its a complete piece of junk at any price level and you should most definately avoid...

On the other hand, I just replaced the Sony unit with the brand new HK 110 --- whew! what an AMAZING piece!!! For the money it cant be beat - Yamaha is close but I could not stand the cosmetics - The HK looks like it could be worth 2k or more...

Happy Listening!

Similar Products Used:

Sony STR 835

Clean, crisp, hiss-free sound

Remote code coverage

I bought this as a bundle with the HKTS-2 Speaker set for
$678 at Circuit City. The setup was easy and aided by the
test tone facility. I have hooked up a Toshiba DVD and
Panasonic VCR, using a Mitsubishi 27inch TV as a monitor.
The remote worked for the VCR and DVD, but I had to search
the codes for TV. One of the codes worked. I was unable to
figure out the code number using the method described in
the manual, the green light did not blink as indicated.

I have watch both matrix and gladiator (and several indian
DVD's) and the Dolby Digital and DTS features work
beautifully. At night i had to watch the movies with the
volume set to the ~ -40 db, and still could follow the
dialog crisply. There is also a night mode feature.

I was able to study the user maual in detail before I
purchased by downloading the pdf file from the harmankardon website. This helped me in understanding the capabilites of the system. The speakers are from HK, very similar to the
JBL package (JBL in part of the HK group) and were the
best available for my budget.

Similar Products Used:

None

Easy of use and customablity.

Manual could be clearer for the novice and I can't program my other units, (TV, CD player etc.) even though it says that they can be.

This is a great A/V receiver that can easily be adjusted for speaker control. I found that it provides excellent sound quality to my older components. Coming from the lamp cord = speaker cable mentality this was an excellent purchase, especially for the novice.

Quality sound

After the first week, I was very happy with my purchase. Then my AVR 110 center channel stopped functioning for some reason. I switched the speakers around to see if my center speaker broke, but it was the AVR 110 that was the problem. Brought it back to Circuit City and got another one. If this one breaks, I'll have to lower my review ratings.

When I went back to Circuit City, I was planning on buying the Onkyo 575x for $100 more because I didn't want to run into any more problems, and I heard the remote on the Onkyo was one of the best where as the Harman remote sucks and can't program anything! So I decided to really compare the two receivers. In DTS, Harman is way more clearer than the Onkyo. Much better sounding, even though I don't have the audiophile ear, I could tell the Harman was the clearer of the two.

I was hesitant to buy the Harman because it only gave out 40 watts vs. 75 for the Onkyo vs. 100 for the Sony. I figured the more watts the better, but the Harman SOUNDS better, soft and loud. Just go and compare the receivers in that price range and see which one is the best. But if this one breaks like my last one, I will be very disappointed. For a first time home theater buyer, this AVR 110 will make you happy.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo 575x

I'm not a professional, just a guy with a critical ear who is interested in getting the most powerful experience out of my DVD/CD collection that I can. That being said, I recommend this receiver hands down. When testing equipment for purchase for home theater, it is best to use your favorite CD instead of a movie soundtrack because you are more familiar with it and can better judge the quality of the audio. Well, I got this baby home and set it up, and I have been very impressed (the neighbors don't like it so much). Just try listening to the radio through this receiver/speaker combo. I had no idea that radio waves carried that much quality until I hooked up this system!

Similar Products Used:

paired with Infinity HTS-10 sub and satellite speakers

Sound, Ease of Use, Connectivity... did I mention Sound?

None, zip, nada, zippy.

Hi Folks,

The process of finding a new A/V receiver began with a feature search... S-vid inputs and outputs, digital inputs and outputs, etc. I was ready to jump into the digital era of home theater, so I needed to find a receiver to control my satellite, dvd, cd, md, and S-VCR while offering great sound. What I found out in my search is that the "mid-fi" manufacturers like Sony, Pioneer, Kenwood, and JVC make their living by offering tons and tons of features... many of which no human would ever be able to use. After months of researching and listening, it basically came down to the Onkyo and the HK. While I honestly don't feel you can go wrong with either receiver, I ended up choosing the Harman based on sound and connectivity options. It's very hard to beat the HK for "value." Numerous digital inputs, digital outputs, S-video switching, high-current amp, and great looks make this a very appealing unit. This HK does not have a lot of useless sound processors and features that you will never use. The power rating is VERY modest. This receiver puts out AMPLE power for the typical living room or great room. The room I have it set up in is 20' x 15', and it will hurt your ears at anything over -10 on the volume dial. This receiver is incredibly easy to set up and use. I have a Home Theater Master MX-500 universal remote (also highly recommended), so I've never used the remote other than to learn commands.

Listening is a very subjective matter, so I won't sit here and tell anybody what "sounds better" than anything else. Go listen for yourself and go with the sound that is right for you... Not what the salesman tells you sounds better. Listen to the exact same sound source (dvd or cd) on each receiver with the exact same speakers (the same speakers you have at home if possible). I must have listened to the same chapter of the Matrix 100 times, but it really illustrated the different receiver and speaker production. For my ears, the HK had a "fuller" sound than the Onkyo. I thought the Onkyo was better for reproducing "highs", but I found the "total" sound of the HK to be more to my liking, especially matched to my speakers.

I cannot say enough good things about this receiver. It offers more features than the Onkyo (like digital outputs for recording and more connectivity options), sounds incredible, and performs flawlessly. If you are looking for a high quality receiver that performs great for both music and home theater, you absolutely cannot go wrong with the AVR110.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo 575x, Pioneer 710, Sony 945, Kenwood 410, JVC 7100

Tight, clean sound.

Remote

I have to admit that the battle between buying the AVR 110 and a similarly priced Denon reciever was close. However, hearing much about Harman Kardon's respect within the home theater world, I opted to go ahead with the AVR 110.

I can't say that I am at all unimpressed with this reciever! I am sure that there are many audio reciever's available that could crush this reciever into the ground. However, for the money I feel I got a great deal.

The sound available in this reciever is not punchy in terms of sheer volume level. However, the sound is completely clean, which I cannot say for many other digital recievers I've listened to. Virtually no hiss exists, and that for sure says much.

However, this receiver does not stop short on regular music listening. The bass, treble, and ambiance are such that a pure audiophile could not balk at listening to a standard compact disk, or even analog sources.

If you are looking to purchase an audio receiver on a budget, and you're just as interested in home theater as you are CD's, consider checking out the AVR 110.

Similar Products Used:

Mitsubishi pro logic receiver

Excellent stereo sound, styling, price and variety of inputs.

Power

This is my 3rd MID level receiver. My first with DTS and Dolby Digital.

I have also owned JVC and Pioneer (not elite) and consider these to be LOW level based on their lack of dependability, sound quality or a combination of the two.

My last receiver was a Yamaha RX590. It offered clear sound and more power then the AVR 110 but the sound was flat and without bass. I auditioned my friends Yamaha RX596 with DD/DTS but did not see much in the way of improvement over my older model so far as stereo sound was concerned.

My best experiences prior to this model have been with NAD and Onkyo. Both offered excellent sound and dependability but no surround options. I would have liked either the similarly featured Onkyo or NAD models that I auditioned. This based on there increased power and dependability. However, I could not justify the extra $200-$300 dollars in price.

I won't complain about the remote because it was minor on my list of requirements. I bought a receiver, not an accessory. Besides, I already had a back-lit universal model and only used the HK remote to program the universal.

Shortly after taking this puppy home, a few people warned me about dependability issues with HK. I myself have had no problems (cross my fingers) and hope not to till the new digital models become available 2 or 3 years down the road.

What I like most about this receiver are as follows;
- Excellent sound for a good price. HK makes a very clear product that offers clarity, depth and warmth. I found this similar to Onkyo and NAD. Only the Arcam AVR100 that I listened to offered noticeably better sound. But at $1700 CDN, forget it.
- Variety of inputs. A little difficult to figure out at first but easily worth the effort.
- Banana plugs all around and S-Video switching.
- Styling, I did not care for the looks of this unit at first, but I now find it to be very sharp.
- Tone bypass. It's a minor feature not offered on many models at this level. Denon receivers also offer this feature.

Potential issues with this receiver;
- Lack of power. As stated by those before me, this is not a powerful model. My room is 12x20' in size and I found myself wanting more sound while watching some movies. I was able to play Fifth Element at full volume and would liked to have gone louder. This even though I have a 10" Paradigm PDR 10 SUB attached.
- Possible dependability issues. I hope my concerns are unfounded and their is nothing to worry about. The unit has a 2 year warranty and I hear their service is good. It's just a pain in the a_._to have to unplug everything and go without while it's in the shop.

All-in-all, this is an excellent value for those that want both great surround and stereo at an affordable price. I give it 5 stars for value and 4 as my overall rating. After all, their are better receivers available. I just can't afford them.

By the way, I'm using Energy bookshelf (4ohm) for the front, Mirage center, JBL bookshelf surrounds, Paradigm sub all connected with 12 gauge AR speaker wire. My DVD player is Toshiba 5 disk carrousel. I find no difference in sound between the digital optical (tosslink) and the coax digital cable. Save some money and use a 3' or 6' coax digital cable to connect your DVD player.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo, NAD

Excellent stereo sound, styling, price and variety of inputs.

Power

This is my 3rd MID level receiver. My first with DTS and Dolby Digital.

I have also owned JVC and Pioneer (not elite) and consider these to be LOW level based on their lack of dependability, sound quality or a combination of the two.

My last receiver was a Yamaha RX590. It offered clear sound and more power then the AVR 110 but the sound was flat and without bass. I auditioned my friends Yamaha RX596 with DD/DTS but did not see much in the way of improvement over my older model so far as stereo sound was concerned.

My best experiences prior to this model have been with NAD and Onkyo. Both offered excellent sound and dependability but no surround options. I would have liked either the similarly featured Onkyo or NAD models that I auditioned. This based on there increased power and dependability. However, I could not justify the extra $200-$300 dollars in price.

I won't complain about the remote because it was minor on my list of requirements. I bought a receiver, not an accessory. Besides, I already had a back-lit universal model and only used the HK remote to program the universal.

Shortly after taking this puppy home, a few people warned me about dependability issues with HK. I myself have had no problems (cross my fingers) and hope not to till the new digital models become available 2 or 3 years down the road.

What I like most about this receiver are as follows;
- Excellent sound for a good price. HK makes a very clear product that offers clarity, depth and warmth. I found this similar to Onkyo and NAD. Only the Arcam AVR100 that I listened to offered noticeably better sound. But at $1700 CDN, forget it.
- Variety of inputs. A little difficult to figure out at first but easily worth the effort.
- Banana plugs all around and S-Video switching.
- Styling, I did not care for the looks of this unit at first, but I now find it to be very sharp.
- Tone bypass. It's a minor feature not offered on many models at this level. Denon receivers also offer this feature.

Potential issues with this receiver;
- Lack of power. As stated by those before me, this is not a powerful model. My room is 12x20' in size and I found myself wanting more sound while watching some movies. I was able to play Fifth Element at full volume and would liked to have gone louder. This even though I have a 10" Paradigm PDR 10 SUB attached.
- Possible dependability issues. I hope my concerns are unfounded and their is nothing to worry about. The unit has a 2 year warranty and I hear their service is good. It's just a pain in the a_._to have to unplug everything and go without while it's in the shop.

All-in-all, this is an excellent value for those that want both great surround and stereo at an affordable price. I give it 5 stars for value and 4 as my overall rating. After all, their are better receivers available. I just can't afford them.

By the way, I'm using Energy bookshelf (4ohm) for the front, Mirage center, JBL bookshelf surrounds, Paradigm sub all connected with 12 gauge AR speaker wire. My DVD player is Toshiba 5 disk carrousel. I find no difference in sound between the digital optical (tosslink) and the coax digital cable. Save some money and use a 3' or 6' coax digital cable to connect your DVD player.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo, NAD