New Stereo Receivers Feature iPod Support

The Bridge, available for an SRP of $99, provides a direct audio and control link between the iPod and the receiver via a single, proprietary cable; and also functions as a charging station. The Bridge, docked iPod, and remote control operate in conjunction with exclusive HK-developed software built into the receivers, which interprets the data from the iPod and formats it so that the multi-line messages on the iPod screen are converted for viewing as two-line text displays on the receiver’s front panel, and as a two-line on-screen message shown on the connected TV or video display. The remote controls can operate all iPod music playback functions.

The flagship AVR 740 includes dual-input HDMI 1.1 switching, and incorporates a DCDi by Faroudja FL2310 processor and scaler that provides upconverted and enhanced high-definition 780p and 1080i video output from 480i and 480p video sources. HK’s latest EzSet/EQ II feature set provides automated system calibration and full-range room equalization including stereo subwoofer adjustment capability. The ‘740 features a high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth, discrete-output amplifier section that delivers 7 x 85 Watts of power output (into 8 ohms, 20Hz – 20kHz, <0.07 per cent THD, all channels driven; 2 x 100 Watts in stereo; and ±60 amps of high-current capability), along with 24-bit/192kHz audio D/A converters, and a Texas Instruments TI DA610 32-bit, 250MHz DSP processor. The receiver also includes the latest full-process Logic 7 surround-enhancement technology.

Additionally, the AVR 740 offers a USB port for streaming audio from a PC; A-BUS connectivity for multiroom/multisource audio and video operation; and is XM Satellite Radio-ready. It’s supplied with HK’s new TC 30 activity-based remote control, an all-in-one remote that provides complete control of every component in a home entertainment system.

The Harman Kardon AVR 740 will be available in December for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $3,699.

The AVR 340 (October; SRP $1,299) includes upgrades like automatic EzSet/EQ functionality, video cross-conversion that converts all S-video and composite video sources to component video output, and an input titling function. It provides enhanced multiroom/multizone audio operation, including rear amplifier channels that are assignable to the multizone system, independent playback of multiple A/V sources, A-BUS connectivity and a supplied Zone II remote. The ‘340 boasts a high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth amplifier section with 7 x 55 Watts of power output (into 8 ohms, 20Hz – 20kHz, <0.07 per cent THD, all channels driven; 2 x 70 in stereo; and ±35 amps of high-current capability), along with 24-bit/192kHz audio D/A converters and a Cirrus 32-bit processor along with a Quadruple-Crossover Bass Manager. Other features include multiple wide-bandwidth, HDTV-compatible component video inputs, A/V Sync Delay, and digital input polling.

Also featuring EzSet+ functionality is the AVR 240 (October; SRP $899), delivering 7 x 50 Watts power output (into 8 ohms, 20Hz – 20kHz, <0.07% THD, all channels driven; 2 x 65 in stereo; and ±35 amps of high-current capability). It’s compatible with all popular 7.1-, 6.1- and 5.1- channel surround sound formats including Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Virtual Speaker, Dolby Headphone and DTS formats, and includes exclusive Logic 7 processing. Additional features include Quadruple-Crossover Bass Manager, A/V Sync Delay, an input titling function, and a Listener Preference System that allows users to set the surround mode and speaker-channel levels according to the program source selected. It provides a complete selection of audio and video connections, including multiple wide-bandwidth, HDTV-compatible component video inputs and digital and analog audio inputs.

The AVR 140 (September; SRP $699) incorporates the Quadruple-Crossover Bass Manager, along with HDTV-compatible component video inputs, on-screen display via its component video outputs, digital input polling, input titling feature, and FM/AM tuner. It delivers 6 x 40 Watts of power output (into 8 ohms, 20Hz – 20kHz, <0.07% THD, all channels driven; 2 x 50 in stereo; and ±25 amps of high-current capability), and offers reproduction of all 6.1- and 5.1-channel surround sound formats, as well as Dolby Pro Logic IIx and Logic 7 surround-enhancement processing. In addition to its multiple component video inputs, the AVR 140 provides an extensive complement of audio and video connections, including 6/8-channel direct inputs and front-panel A/V inputs.

Source: Harmon Kardon