Comments on: Harman Kardon AVR 100 Dolby Digital Audio/Video Receiver

By: N. Caine

N. Caine — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:18:47 +0000

Beware that the AVR 100, while excellent at audio processing, lacks a Phono input (for those who still care), and lacks the ability to record one thing to VCR while watching another. Both of these features were removed when H/K moved from the 5 series to the hundred series. It also lacks S-video inputs/outputs.
Rating: 4 / 5

By: scott watson

scott watson — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:19:11 +0000

not as many bells and whistles compared to other common similary priced receivers. you could get dolby digital,dts, and 400 to 500 watts of power,and lots of useless soundfields but what you won’t get is clean, effortless,dynamic sound. while it’s rated at only 40wpc it blows away any bargain priced receiver no matter how many watts it’s pushing.thats because along with those 40 watts it carries 30 amperes of current! it has it’s limitations but trust me it will drive your system to theater levels with ease! plus it has 6 channel direct inputs for future formats like dts or dolby digital ex. i think you would be crazy to buy a sony or pioneer at this price! we all strive for the latest and greatest sound money can buy and with avr100 you will find it!
Rating: 5 / 5

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:17:27 +0000

Having just entered the home theater arena, I wanted to get something solid that wouldn’t break the bank so I had enough $$$ left for other components (cables, speakers, etc). Very clear sound and easy to use. Only complaint is that it may be a bit underpowered for people who want to crank it.
Rating: 4 / 5

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:35:22 +0000

I have to admit that the Watts per Channel had me worried when the salesman was showing me receivers, until I listened to the sound. I also have a Harmon Kardon CD player and they are connected with a Fiber Optic line. The clarity and lack of distortion at all volume levels is incredible with this receiver. I have speakers rated at 150 watts and to tell you the truth, I would never turn this receiver up over 50%. I live in an apartment and it feels like the walls are caving in at that level. To me the most important thing with a receiver is how it sounds at more moderate levels. If you live in an apartment, that is how you will listen to it 90% of the time. The clarity is exceptional at low to moderate volume levels. You will not find a receiver that will deliver such a clean sound at this price. Most receivers at this price level WOW people with bells and whistles and high wpc ratings, and then they deliver junk. Buy this and save some money for speakers that will allow you to enjoy nice clear sound.
Rating: 5 / 5

By: Michael John Gariti

Michael John Gariti — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:41:58 +0000

I don’t own this, but I read the specs. Anyway, with no S-Video, you won’t get the best results possible from DVDs, but keep in mind that if your TV is more than 3 years old, you probably couldn’t use it anyway. Look for a black input with 6 holes right near to your A/V inputs. If it’s there, you DON’T want this reciever. You might also want to count your sources. If you have more than 3 (count your TV, VCR, DVD, MD, Tape, Satellite, etc.) you can’t use this.
Rating: 2 / 5