From the October edition of AVRev.com...

Harman Kardon AVR 7300 Audio/Video Receiver

Introduction

If you¹ve ever visited an audio/video store, chances are you¹ve heard of
Harman Kardon. HK is one of the oldest and most established brand names in
the audio/video industry. Over the years parent company Harmon International
has grown to include other brands such as JBL, Infinity, Mark Levinson,
Lexicon and Revel, just to name a few. While their product lines run the
gamut from entry level to ultra high end, the name Harman Kardon has
remained somewhat entrenched in the entry-to-mid-fi markets. However, their
new flagship AVR 7300 audio/video receiver is out to challenge that
perception in a big way.

Out of the box, the AVR 7300 is a sight to be seen. At a retail price of
$1,299, the AVR 7300 makes a real splash with regards to looks, sporting a
stylish black Plexiglas and brushed aluminum front. Its controls glow a pale
blue and add a pleasing sense of sophistication to a darkened room. In fact,
it¹s the only receiver I¹ve had in my system that I didn¹t immediately want
to try to hide from view. Measuring 17.3 inches wide by seven-and-a-half
inches tall by 20.5 inches deep, its size is a bit imposing. Tipping the
scales at 55 pounds, the AVR 7300 can only be classified as a beast.
However, its massive size is easily downplayed by its slick industrial
design. Focusing my attention on the back of the AVR 7300, I noticed a slew
of connection options laid out neatly and arranged in a very
well-thought-out albeit intuitive manner. The AVR 7300 has three component
video inputs, with a component video monitor out, making for a total of four
component video jacks. The AVR 7300 has a total of six inputs and three
outputs including monitor, composite and and S-video inputs as well. As far
as audio connections are concerned, the AVR 7300 has over a dozen standard
RCA connections, as well as four digital coaxial and four digital optical
inputs, all of which can be assignable by the user. No high-end receiver is
complete without five-channel direct inputs and complete seven-point-one
preamp outputs, of which the AVR 7300 has both. Complete the package with
above-average five-way binding posts for all of its seven channels and a
detachable power cord and you¹ve definitely got the makings of a serious
receiver. While looks may appease the spouses, all of us are well aware that
it¹s the performance that counts most.

As for the audio portion, the AVR 7300 boasts seven channels capable of 110
watts of continuous power into eight ohms (all channels driven), jumping up
to 125 watts of continuous power in stereo mode. It features all of the
latest surround sound decoding options from Dolby and DTS, as well as
numerous others, including Logic 7 and Harman¹s own VMAx sound technology.
VMAx , like Logic 7 and some of Dolby¹s own music settings, is geared
towards providing a realistic surround sound feel from traditional
two-channel stereo sources. In keeping up with the latest trends, the AVR
7300 also offers a bevy of options aimed at the multi-channel music
listener, such as full bass management and a quadruple crossover for its
DVD-Audio and SACD direct inputs, as well as for its standard inputs. The
AVR 7300 will also decode HDCDs and MP3s and includes Dolby¹s latest
headphone processing. The AVR 7300 also has multi-room or multi-zone
capabilities, allowing you to enjoy different movie and music sources in
various rooms of your home. Lastly, the AVR 7300 features Harman Kardon¹s
EzSet technology, which will automatically set and calibrate the 7300¹s
sound levels for optimal playback for both music and movies via its remote.
That will be music to the ears of anyone looking to get 100 percent from
their AV setup without having to hire a pro to achieve this.


Read the full review at: http://www.audiorevolution.com/equip/hk7300/