General Asylum: REVIEW: Harman Kardon AVR-110 Receiver by Clmrt

Model:	AVR-110
Category:	Receiver
Suggested Retail Price:	$399
Description:	A/V Receiver
Manufacturer URL:	Harman Kardon
Model Picture:	View

Review by Clmrt ( A ) on June 24, 2004 at 06:23:53
IP Address: 204.124.82.48

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for the AVR-110

Just browsing when I saw this model listed, so I thought I'd add my comments.

I've had this in my system for 3.5 years now. It replaced my first HT AVR, a Sony DE925 which failed. It wasn't as loaded with bells and such, couldn't specify distance or EQ but I don't use tone controls anyway. This is as simple as it gets - 5.1 in dts and DD, bass management limited to 100hz for all positions and 7 surround modes.

They put more emphasis on doing one thing right - clean amplification. Stated as 50x2, it certainly bucks the trend of 100 watt or bust that most other mfr's follow. Nice and clean, it drove my NHT's into the low 90db range before it would begin to compress. Now mated with Athena's and an A.A. DIY it just hums along, typical volume setting is -30db for most listening.

HT is clean, quiet, dynamic as hell. I slid in the extended Rings for the first time and heard for myself what people were talking about WRT the cleaner, more dynamic soundtrack vs the original edition. I had actually been in 2.1 mode for more than a month as I was re-wiring the rears (Superzeros) and had to do a tile floor at the same time. Finished the floor and then did the wires, and the first flick was LOTR - It is certainly a refreshing thing to get back into 5.1 and hear what you've been missing. The sound is absolutely unreal, and to think this AVR110 is the cheapest of the generation that year amazes me.

I do not need seperates. When this dies, I will go to HK.com and buy whatever refurb they have, possibly with pre-outs for an outboard amp (think Maggies), but not really a priority. 2 year warranty may come in handy, I've had friends' HK AVR's die and the service is excellent locally.

I have room enough for a seperate 2 channel sys, vintage, of course, so the HT will remain based on the HK AVR110 as long as possible.

Product Weakness: No Phono, front panel has no "light off" switch for everythng. No pre-outs, but that's no concern if you have sensitive speakers or a pwr sub.
Product Strengths: Clean amps, yes, you only need so much power. Ample ins and outs.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	HK AVR110
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	HK DVD5, Technics SL-d2, DIY batt op phono pre
Speakers:	Athena AS-B1 x 3, NHT SZerosx2, 90L DIY vented sub
Cables/Interconnects:	Maskeeper, Dayton
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classic rock, contemporary, pipe organ
Room Size (LxWxH):	28 x 13 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	Minimal
Time Period/Length of Audition:	3.5 yrs
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	No Phono, front panel has no "light off" switch for everythng. No pre-outs, but that's no concern if you have sensitive speakers or a pwr sub.
Product Strengths:	Clean amps, yes, you only need so much power. Ample ins and outs.