HARMAN KARDON AVR 8000

A Complete Audio/Video Amplifier

The 6th of January 2001, Harman Kardon presented, for the occasion of the 2001 edition of CES, their new top-of-the-line integrated amp., the AVR 8000.

It was with evident pleasure that the manufacturer thus initiated the entire renewal of their audio-video range. For Harman Kardon, it’s a case of “moving it up a notch” to counter the massive arrival on the market of high tech machines. Apart from the AVR 8000, there are no less than four other integrated machines, accompanied by a new range of DVD Players and sources dedicated to Hi Fi arriving on the market at the same time. This renewal allows HK to include, in most of these products, the very latest developments and innovations in terms of audio processing and conversion.

The photos of the Harman Kardon are available in our CES 2001 slide show


Technology

With the AVR 8000, Harman Kardon are finally launching into the fertile fields of multi-channel reproduction, with a certain pleasure, because this amplifier manages virtually all current formats: Prologic 2, THX Surround EX, DTS, etc...

The AVR 8000 is, in addition, a forerunner of a new generation of so-called “intelligent” amplifiers, allowing for an almost immediate utilisation (set-up only takes a few minutes), thanks to a largely intuitive interface. This detail is not insignificant, when one considers the adjustments, often quite off-putting, on most machines.

Harman propose a simple solution to the future owners of integrated products of the brand: thanks to the EzSet process, now included on the audio-video amplifiers, it becomes possible to automatically carry-out an entire set of adjustments, thanks to a remote control placed in the centre of the room. The latter analyses a "test tone" (pink noise) played through the speakers, allowing the amplifier to define the approximate distance between the main listening zone and the speakers, to calibrate the levels.


Multi-Channel and High Fidelity

The arrival of new audio formats leads the manufacturers to develop products including a multitude of audio processors. Not being an exception to this rule, the Harman Kardon has also chosen to follow the current mp3 trend. Clever, huh? The AVR 8000 can thus, without any problem, decode music downloaded from the Internet.

Moreover, the AVR 8000 includes a broad choice of audio formats, the Lucas Labs having deemed to grant the THX Ultra approved label. In the footsteps of its competitors, the machine also has 5.1 decoding of both Dolby Digital and DTS varieties as well as 6.1 and 7.1 for ES and EX audio extensions, which benefit from DTS-ES matrix, discreet, Neo, as well as Dolby Prologic II.

In order to complete this exhaustive gadgetry, two “home” decoding processes have been added: the first is Logic 7, consisting of audio matrixing, managed by a big DSP processing and transporting the audio stream on a basis of two to eight channels (according to the pre-selected DSP models).

The second is the VMax, whose principle consists of reproducing, on only two channels, a sonic “space” audible in 360 degrees, allowing for the use of 3D sound using only two speakers.

Moreover, to meet the promising democratisation of DVD audio, the AVR 8000 is able to handle audio streams quantified in 192 kHz/24 bits, using, for this purpose, a new generation of DSP Crystal processors developed by Analog Devices. Finally, Hi Fi buffs will be happy to know that the beast contains an HDCD decoding section...


Amplification

In terms of power, it has to be said that up against the Onkyos and Denons, the bar is set relatively low, each channel delivering 100 watts - it should however be noted that the additional rear channels reserved to EX and ES are powered by a supplementary amplifier, proposed as an option by the manufacturer, as is the case with the DENON AVCA10SE.

In terms of specifications, the 100 watts per channel are under 8 ohms, with a THD of 0.007%, with power reaching 110 watts per channel during stereo reproduction.


Interfacing

As with any worthy amplifier, the AVR8000 is equipped with an interface which will have more than one neophyte bamboozled. A major part is dedicated to new plug & play technologies such as IEEE or USB (on versions sold in the USA).

In the video department, the flow transfer takes place thanks to 5 composite inputs, all doubled with S-video - note that a video transcoder is included in the machine, allowing it to convert the S-Video stream into composite.
4 composite outputs, doubled with S-video are also included. In addition to the standard connections, Harman have added YUV input/output (3 inputs and 2 outputs).

It’s the same philosophy for the audio section, which has a very complete interface: 7 inputs and 4 analogue audio outputs. The digital flow is transported by a series of 3 inputs and one optical output, doubled with coaxial plugs, allowing the user to connect different machines.

The icing on the cake – and testimony of professionalism! – Harman has included gold plated screw blocks, accepting banana plugs… something uncommon on machines of this price-range and which is worthy of praise.

The only dark cloud: the oversight (voluntary?) of a so-called upgradeable type RS-232 connection, which would have allowed for a future upgrading of the machine’s bios, albeit that the latter is nevertheless ultra-complete.


Availability and Price

Available in the first quarter of 2001 in the USA for a price situated between $1500 and $2500 , the AVR 8000 is expected to land in Europe before the Summer, accompanied by a swathe of other new products from the manufacturer, and which we will speak about in the near future.