Harman Kardon AVR-1565 (Black)

5.1-channel home theater receiver

538206804

For a more sensible solution to your home theater's processing and amplification needs, look to Harman/Kardon's AVR-1565. This receiver features enough inputs for your equipment, but doesn't bother adding dozens of connections you'll never use. It offers quality processing, but not frivolous extras. And in return for shaving unnecessary features from it, you reap the benefits with incredible savings compared to more wasteful models.

All things in moderation

You're ready for a new receiver in your home theater setup. But with receivers these days, you're usually getting a whole lot more than you need. Most modern receivers have enough inputs, outputs, and options to control the space shuttle and enough power to rule small countries. Fortunately, there's now a more sensible option. The AVR-1565 from Harman/Kardon isn't lacking on the features you want and need, but it doesn't go overboard either. There are three HDMI inputs and a handful of connections for legacy components. That's not many compared to most new receivers, but who really has 15 different devices to hook up anyway? It still supports the latest standards, including 3D, Audio Return Channel, and HD audio, and still offers high-quality processing, so you don't have to feel like you're missing out on anything. Furthermore, it still offers 70 Watts of power per channel — enough to fill your room with sound, but not enough to knock over walls. Basically, Harman/Kardon left everything you want from a receiver, but took out all the senseless extra features you have no use for. And when they removed those wasteful extras, they also removed a lot of the excess costs that other receivers will stick you with.

What's in the box?

Included with purchase is the receiver, power cord, quick-start guide, remote control, and setup microphone.

Comparison Specifications

Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD Master Audio decoding
5 channels x 70W output power, two channels driven, 8 ohms, 20Hz to 20kHz, 0.07THD (350W total)
3 HDMI inputs/1 output, 1 component video input, 3 composite video inputs/2 outputs
2 digital optical audio inputs, 1 digital coaxial audio input, 6 L/R audio inputs, 1 aux audio input (3.5mm)
Rrigger output, FM & AM antenna inputs, The Bridge IIIP port, Front headphone output, Front USB port
Advanced Logic 7 processing
Includes multidevice, programmable remote control