Harman Kardon AVR 154 5 x 30W 5.1-channel A/V receiver

Features galore

Versatile and multi-featured, Harman Kardon's AVR154 5.1-Channel A/V Receiver incorporates a wide range of listening options to match your every need. In addition to Dolby Digital and DTS Neo 6 decoding for digital sources, a broad choice of analog surround modes are available for use with sources such as CD, VCR, TV broadcasts, and the AVR154's own FM/AM tuner. The AVR154 also offers Harman International's exclusive Logic 7 process to create a wider, more enveloping sound environment with more defined fly-overs and pans, where the surround sound transitions from the speakers on one side to the speakers on the other side.

Rev your audio engines!

Watts-per-channel is not the only measure of amplifier power; in terms of dynamic range and impact. Current counts too. As an overall development approach, High-Current Capability encompasses everything from transformer design and capacitor size to discrete output circuitry, with minimal use of negative feedback. The AVR154's high current (+/-25 amp) amplifier is the electronic equivalent of a high-revving, high-horsepower racing engine that gives real benefits you can hear — tighter bass, superb transient response, and enhanced presence at any volume level. Put power behind your sound. Choose Harman Kardon.

Only two speakers — no problem

Even though current marketing focuses increasingly on multichannel surround sound, there are still many situations where it's only possible to have two speakers in a room, sacrificing the benefits of 360-degree sonic presentation. Harman Kardon has solved that problem with its exclusive VMAx technology in both multichannel receivers and stereo receivers. Today's music and soundtracks are all recorded by multichannel and multi-microphone methods. Digital processing can create the illusion of multichannel sound from only two speakers. Using a series of complex calculations based on intensive research into the way we hear and process sounds, VMAx creates a three-dimensional sound field using only conventional left and right front speakers. With VMAx, you get sound that fills your room and puts you in the first row, center.

Making the most of analog matrix soundtracks

When Harman Kardon engineers set out to enhance the playback of multichannel sound, they made significant improvements by building on recent advancements in digital technology. Logic 7 takes those advancements to the next level. Originally developed for high-end processors and currently featured in luxury automobiles, Logic 7 processing is now part of every Harman Kardon receiver. Proprietary digital algorithms are used to create a more cohesive and enveloping sound field from the tens of thousands of currently available analog matrix soundtracks. Not only is Logic 7 capable of resolving either five or seven channels from a two-channel source; but it also increases the accuracy with which sounds are directed to the center and surround channels, for more precise reproduction of the original soundtrack.

Future-proof your world

For the ultimate in flexibility, the AVR154 sports three HDMI 1.3a version inputs and one dedicated TV-bound HDMI output. It also features two component video and four S-Video inputs for connecting video devices. There are three additional audio inputs; and with a total of seven video inputs, the AVR154 is capable of handling all the latest A/V sources. Coax inputs/outputs are also available for direct connection to digital recorders. This bounty of connections, plus direct audio inputs, makes the AVR154 virtually future-proof, with everything needed to accommodate tomorrow's new formats right on board. But because proven technologies are sometimes the best technologies, the AVR154's powerful amplifier uses the traditional Harman Kardon high-current (+/-25 amps), ultrawide bandwidth design.

Comparison Specifications

Dolby Digital, DTS, DTS NEO:6, DTS 96/24, Logic 7®
Stereo power output: 40 watts x 2, multichannel power output: 30 watts x 5, 6-channel direct audio inputs
HDMI™ 1.3a pass-through up to 1080p (3 in, 1 out switching only), wideband (100MHz) component video switching (2 inputs)
Six digital audio inputs (coax/optical): rear panel 2/2, front panel 1/1; digital output (single coax on rear panel)
4 A/V Inputs, 4 S-video inputs
DSP presets: music, movie, Logic 7, cinema, game, 5ch stereo, hall, theater
Logic 7
11-device programmable remote control

Additional Specifications

0.07% THD @ 8 ohms
20Hz-20kHz bandwidth
100 dB signal-to-noise ratio (IHF-A)
Independent front and rear power supplies
Triple-crossover bass management
User-friendly, on-screen menu system
24 bit/192kHz audio D/A converter
Fully color-coded rear-panel connections with binding-post speaker terminals
Equalizer, bass/treble control, triple crossover subwoofer bass management
High current (+/-25 amp) capabilities

Manufacturer Specifications

RADIO: digital AM/FM, XM digital tuner band, loop antenna (loop AM / wire FM)
FM tuner: 87.5-108.0MHz freqency, IHF 1.3uV/13.2dBf usable sensitivity, mono/stereo 70/68dB signal-to-noise ratio, 40dB at 1kHz stereo separation, 80dB image rejection
AM tuner: 520-1720kHz freqency range, 45dB signal-to-noise ratio, Loop 500uV usable sensitivity, 1kHz, 50% mod 0,8% distortion, +/- 10kHz, 30dB selectivity
Built-in digital clock, timer
Additional features: EzSet/EQ, iPod ready, on-screen display
Color coded binding posts
Power consumption: 65W idle, 540W maximum (5 channels driven)
Power requirement: AC 120V/60Hz