Harman Kardon AVR 700 5.1-Channel Audio/Video Receiver User Manual

Introduction

The Harman Kardon AVR 700 is a 5.1-channel Audio/Video Receiver designed to deliver a fully immersive surround sound experience with high-definition sources. This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your AVR 700 receiver, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

Key Features

75 Watts Per Channel: Delivers solid, detailed sound output.
Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio Decoding: Creates an immersive, high-resolution sound environment.
Three HDMI Inputs with 3D and Audio Return Channel: Supports modern digital video sources and simplifies audio routing from smart TVs.
5.1-Channel Surround Sound: Powers a full surround sound system with high-current capability (HCC) for dynamic audio.
Extensive Connectivity: Includes composite video inputs, digital audio inputs, analog inputs, and a front-panel USB port.
Night Mode: Adjusts volume levels for quiet listening without disturbing others.
IR Remote Control: A fully functional remote optimized to control most devices in your home theater system.
Dot-Matrix Front-Panel Display: Provides easy-to-read information for system control without requiring a TV display.

What's in the Box

Upon unpacking your Harman Kardon AVR 700, please verify that all the following items are included:

1 Harman Kardon AVR 700 receiver
1 IR remote control and batteries
1 detachable IEC power cord
1 AM loop antenna
1 FM antenna
Quick-start guide

Setup

1. Placement

Place the AVR 700 on a stable, flat surface with adequate ventilation. Ensure there is enough space around the unit for proper airflow to prevent overheating.

2. Connecting Speakers

Connect your 5.1-channel speaker system to the corresponding speaker terminals on the rear panel of the AVR 700. Ensure correct polarity (+ to + and - to -) for each speaker. The AVR 700 supports 6-ohm speakers.

FRONT (L/R): Connect your main left and right front speakers.
SURROUND (L/R): Connect your left and right surround speakers.
CENTER: Connect your center channel speaker.
SUBWOOFER OUT: Connect an active subwoofer using an RCA cable.

3. Connecting Audio/Video Sources

The AVR 700 offers various input options for your audio and video devices.

Rear panel of Harman Kardon AVR 700 showing various input and output ports

Figure 1: Rear panel connections of the Harman Kardon AVR 700. This image displays the various input and output ports, including HDMI, digital audio (optical/coaxial), analog audio, composite video, and speaker terminals, along with the power input.

HDMI Inputs (HDMI 1, 2, 3): Connect Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, cable/satellite boxes, or other HDMI-enabled devices. These inputs support 3D and Audio Return Channel (ARC).
Digital Audio Inputs (COAX1, OPT1, OPT2): For devices with coaxial or optical digital audio outputs.
Analog Audio Inputs (CD, TAPE, VIDEO 1, VIDEO 2, VIDEO 3): For traditional analog audio sources.
Composite Video Inputs (VIDEO 1, VIDEO 2, VIDEO 3): For legacy video sources.
Front-Panel USB: For playing MP3 and WMA audio files from a USB drive.

4. Connecting Antennas

Connect the supplied AM loop antenna and FM antenna to their respective terminals on the rear panel for radio reception.

5. Power Connection

Once all audio/video and speaker connections are made, connect the detachable IEC power cord to the AVR 700 and then to a wall outlet.

Operation

1. Front Panel Controls

Front view of Harman Kardon AVR 700 receiver

Figure 2: Front view of the Harman Kardon AVR 700 receiver. This image highlights the front panel display, input selection buttons, navigation controls, volume knob, and front-panel input ports (USB, Phones, Video).

The front panel provides essential controls and a dot-matrix display for direct operation:

Power Button: Turns the unit on or off.
Input Select Buttons: Selects the desired audio/video source (e.g., HDMI, CD, Tuner).
Volume Knob: Adjusts the master volume level.
Navigation Buttons: Used for menu navigation and tuning.
Dot-Matrix Display: Shows current input, volume level, sound mode, and tuner information.
Phones Jack: For connecting headphones. Note: External speakers may not automatically mute when headphones are connected.
Front USB Port: For connecting USB storage devices to play MP3/WMA files.

2. Remote Control

Figure 3: The IR remote control for the Harman Kardon AVR 700. This image shows the layout of buttons for power, input selection, volume, navigation, sound modes, and tuner controls.

The included IR remote control provides full functionality for the AVR 700 and can be programmed to control other devices. Refer to the remote control section in the quick-start guide for detailed programming instructions.

3. Selecting an Input Source

Press the corresponding input button on the front panel or remote control (e.g., HDMI1, CD, AM/FM) to switch between connected devices.

4. Sound Modes and Decoding

The AVR 700 automatically detects and decodes various audio formats. You can select different sound modes to optimize your listening experience:

Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio: Provides high-resolution, lossless audio for Blu-ray discs and other compatible sources.
5.1-Channel Surround Sound: Delivers a multi-channel audio experience.
Stereo: For two-channel audio playback.

Use the "SURR" or "STEREO" buttons on the remote to cycle through available sound modes.

5. Night Mode

Activate Night Mode to reduce the dynamic range of the audio, making loud sounds quieter and quiet sounds louder. This is ideal for late-night listening without disturbing others. Press the "NIGHT MODE" button on the remote control to toggle this feature.

6. USB Playback

Insert a USB flash drive containing MP3 or WMA audio files into the front-panel USB port. Use the navigation buttons on the remote or front panel to browse and select files for playback.

7. Tuner Operation (AM/FM)

Press the "AM/FM" button to select the radio tuner. Use the "TUNING" buttons to manually tune to a station or "PRESET" buttons to recall saved stations. You can save your favorite stations using the "MEMORY" function.

Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Harman Kardon AVR 700, follow these maintenance guidelines:

Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior surfaces. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, waxes, or solvents.
Ventilation: Ensure that the ventilation openings on the top and sides of the unit are not blocked. Do not place the receiver in an enclosed cabinet without proper airflow.
Power Cord: Periodically check the power cord for any damage. If damaged, replace it immediately with an approved cord.
Environmental Conditions: Avoid exposing the unit to extreme temperatures, humidity, or direct sunlight.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your AVR 700, refer to the following common problems and solutions:

Problem	Possible Cause / Solution
No power	Ensure the power cord is securely connected to the receiver and a working wall outlet. Check the power outlet with another device.
No sound from speakers	Verify speaker connections are secure and correct polarity. Check that the correct input source is selected. Increase the volume level. Ensure speakers are enabled in the receiver's settings (if applicable). Check if headphones are connected to the front panel.
No video output	Ensure HDMI or composite video cables are securely connected to both the source device and the receiver, and from the receiver to the TV. Select the correct input source on the receiver and the correct HDMI input on your TV.
Remote control not working	Replace the batteries in the remote control. Ensure there are no obstructions between the remote and the receiver's IR sensor.
On-screen display (OSD) not appearing	The OSD for this model may only be displayed via the composite video output. Connect a composite video cable from the receiver's MONITOR OUT to your TV's composite input to access the OSD.
USB playback issues	Ensure the USB drive is formatted to a compatible file system (e.g., FAT32). Verify that the audio files are in MP3 or WMA format. Some larger capacity USB drives or certain file structures may not be fully supported.

Specifications

Detailed technical specifications for the Harman Kardon AVR 700:

Category	Specification
General	Power Requirement: 120V AC/60Hz Power Consumption: <0.5W (standby); 280W (maximum) Dimensions (W x H x D): 17-5/16" x 4-5/16" x 13" (440mm x 125mm x 330mm) Weight: 20 lb (9.1kg) Model Number: AVR 700
Audio Specifications	Stereo Mode Continuous Average Power: 75 watts/ch, 1kHz, <0.1% THD, both channels driven @ 6 ohms Multichannel Power: 75 watts/ch, 20Hz –20kHz, <0.1% THD; two channels driven @ 6 ohms Input Sensitivity/Impedance: 200mV/47kohms Signal-to-Noise Ratio (IHF-A): 95dB Adjacent-Channel Separation: Dolby Pro Logic® I/II: 40dB, Dolby Digital: 55dB, DTS: 55dB Frequency Response @ 1W (+0dB, –3dB): 10Hz – 100kHz High Instantaneous Current Capability (HCC): ±25 amps Transient Intermodulation Distortion (TIM): Unmeasurable Rise Time: 16µ sec Slew Rate: 40V/µsec
FM Tuner Specifications	Frequency Range: 87.5 – 108MHz Usable Sensitivity (IHF): 1.3µV/13.2dBf Signal-to-Noise Ratio (mono/stereo): 65dB/62dB Distortion (mono/stereo): 0.2%/0.3% Stereo Separation: 35dB @ 1kHz Selectivity (±400kHz): 70dB Image Rejection: 80dB IF Rejection: 90dB
AM Tuner Specifications	Frequency Range: 520kHz – 1720kHz Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 45dB Usable Sensitivity (loop): 500µV Distortion (1kHz): 50%, mod 0.8% Selectivity (±10kHz): 30dB
Video Specifications	Television Format: NTSC Input Level/Impedance: 1Vp-p/75 ohms Output Level/Impedance: 1Vp-p/75 ohms Video Frequency Response: 10Hz – 8MHz (–3dB) HDMI: With 3D and Deep Color

Support and Warranty

For further assistance, technical support, or information regarding warranty coverage, please contact Harman Kardon customer service. You can typically find contact details on the official Harman Kardon website or through the documentation included with your product.

Additional documentation, such as the full Owner's Manual and Quick Start Guide, can often be downloaded from the Harman Kardon support website.