!#5: Harman Kardon DPR 1001 Digital Receiver

Harman Kardon DPR 1001 Digital Receiver Review

Harman Kardon DPR 1001 Digital Receiver Feature

50 watts per channel x 7 (into 8 ohms, 20 to 20 kHz, with less than 0.15 percent THD); high-bandwidth HDTV video switching
Decodes Dolby Digital 5.1 and EX 6.1 (with additional rear-surround channels), Dolby Pro Logic II (for 5.1-channel surround from 2-channel stereo)
Also offers 6.1-channel DTS-ES Discrete, DTS-ES Matrix, DTS Neo:6; FM/AM tuner with station preset tuning
Versatile remote with EzSet automatic speaker-level calibration offers built-in sound-pressure-level measuring
Triple-Crossover Bass Manager is among the most advanced bass-management systems available

Harman Kardon DPR 1001 Digital Receiver Overview

The 7.1-channel DPR 1001 digital path receiver features a full digital-signal path from input to output, combining high-power output, convenience, and leading-edge performance with a sleek, high-tech appearance. Winner of a CEA Innovations 2003 Design and Engineering Award, the 7.1-channel DPR 1001 delivers 50 watts into each of its seven main channels. It's also compatible with all popular 7.1, 6.1, and 5.1-channel surround decoding formats, as well as with all high-resolution video and audio formats and display devices, thanks to its wide-bandwidth HDTV- and DTV-compatible component-video switching, multichannel analog-audio inputs, and detailed bass management.

The DPR 1001's versatile setup and configuration options include independent multiroom-multisource operation and a comprehensive array of rear-panel and front-panel digital and analog video and audio connections. The receiver comes with Harman Kardon's programmed LCD remote control with EzSet functionality, plus a Zone II remote for control of a second-room audio system. The receiver uses Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) digital amplifier technology--which keeps digital-audio signals in the digital domain from input to the last stage of output--to achieve significant advantages in performance and physical design.

Harman Kardon's Triple-Crossover Bass Manager is among the most advanced bass-management systems available in any audio-video receiver or DVD player. This system lets you select from three bass-crossover frequencies for the front, center, and surround speakers to perfectly tailor the audio output fed to each set of speakers for optimal frequency response and performance. This compensates for the absence of bass management on many high-resolution optical players (like DVD-Audio or multichannel SACD players), making it easy to enjoy maximal sonic benefits from high-resolution formats. Advanced 24-bit, 192 kHz D/A converters ensure the highest possible resolution, fidelity, and dynamic range. Two proprietary Harman audio technologies, Logic 7 7.1/5.1 and VMAx, deliver heightened sonic realism from surround sound and stereo audio source material. When the unit's connected to a computer or sound card with a compatible coaxial digital-audio output, you can play back MP3-encoded CDs or Internet-delivered streaming media.

The unit's audio-video connections includes composite video, S-Video, and wide-bandwidth component video switching, plus a wide-bandwidth component-video output, which passes the full bandwidth of HDTV signals. Digital and analog front-panel jacks accommodate program sources such as game consoles, VCRs, camcorders, digital still cameras, and portable audio-video products. Exclusive to Harman Kardon products, the front-panel coaxial digital audio and analog audio-video jacks may be switched to function as record outputs for easy connection to portable recording devices.