Harmon Kardon

Archive for July, 2007

Harman Kardon Avr 125 Dolby Digital Receiver The AVR 125 delivers classic Harman Kardon performance in an affordable, feature-filled package. In addition to Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS surround decoding, the AVR 125 has Harman Kardon’s exclusive Logic 7 and VMAx decoding. The AVR 125’s output power of 45 Watts per channel in surround mode backed up by a high-current capability of ?25 amps can Make Your living room sound and feel just like a movie theater. For analog fans, an all-new Stereo bypass mode uses a fully analog path from source to output stage that preserves all of the subtleties of the original recording. And setup is simpler than ever with color-coded rear-panel connections that conform to the CEA standard.
Customer Review: Good quality inexpensive receiver
The HK AVR 125 isn’t a world class piece of stereo equipment. What it is is a very competent performer at its price level. It was Harman Kardon’s entry level A/V receiver in their line from 2001-2003. I’d originally bought mine as a temporary fix, thinking I’d relegate it to a backroom or a family member after I upgraded.

There are two postive comments to be made about it. First it contains a fairly advanced DAC for it’s class [DACs translate cd bits into music]. Not bad for an entry level product. Secondly it shares, along with most HK receivers the fact that it’s amplifier is made of discrete electronics unlike the particle board assemblies that other products in its price class contain.

One big negative: The HK receiver line is ugly. Extremely ugly. Cheap looking with some exterior clear plastic molds that don’t help, whoever designed the line’s looks should go back to the drawing board.

All in all I’m satisfied with the HK AVR-125. It’s not cutting edge but it’s amp section is good enough that I’m not worried about upgrading until after I purchase a Very Good universal player.
Customer Review: Excellent AV Receiver!
My first receiver was an Aiwa AV-D55 stereo receiver. It was pretty good but the volume knob stopped responding: If I turned it down at the unit it would go up. The only thing that works on it is a remote. So I bought the Harman Kardon AVR 125. I was immediately impressed with the clarity and while it didn’t produce the same bass as my other unit it produced better sound. I could see where adding a subwoofer is a good idea at this point. The Aiwa was much cheaper. Only $$ compared to $$. But I’ve been very pleased with the features of this model. It does everything I need it to do and has every input/output connection I need. This unit also doesn’t have sound fields like rock, jazz, or whatever. It’s just a very nice to the point receiver. So far this is the best receiver I’ve ever owned. The Aiwa sounded muddy by comparison. It had a t-bass tri-level setting which is handy if you don’t own a subwoofer. But I’ve never missed it. And I know that once I add the subwoofer this system is going to be even more amazing. I use JBL speakers and it’s very crisp and clear.