Entered CNET Catalog: 05/29/2002
SKU: AVR-125
Manufacturer: Harman International Industries
Manufacturer description
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.Product summary
The good: Above-average sound; very high-quality digital-to-analog converters; six digital inputs; Stereo Direct analog-bypass mode; two-year parts-and-labor warranty.
The bad: No A/B speaker switching; lacks phono input; no onscreen display.
The bottom line: This receiver offers a glimpse of high-end sound quality for a real-world price.
CNET editors' review
- Editors' Rating: 7.0
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 07/16/2002
Entry-level receiver with high-end sound
The AVR 125 is HK's least expensive receiver, but the company didn't scrimp on build quality. Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, and DTS 5.1 surround decoding are handled by the sort of leading-edge, 192KHz/24-bit digital-to-analog converter that we usually see in more expensive components. Fussy audiophiles can bypass the converter by selecting the Stereo Direct mode for external analog sources, an option that most comparable receivers don't offer. The high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth amplifier section incorporates discrete output devices; power is rated at 45 watts into each of the five channels.
OK, HK deleted a few standard features, such as a phono input, component-video connections, and A/B speaker switching, but the six digital inputs and the fully adequate video/audio connectivity options should satisfy most buyers. There's a set of analog inputs for hooking up a DVD-Audio (DVD-A) or a Super Audio CD player. Front-panel digital and A/V inputs are ideally situated for gamers and video-camera users, and the color-coded speaker connectors should reduce the possibility of mixing up cable hookups. We also loved the AVR 125's easy-to-use front-panel-mounted bass and treble controls.
The receiver lacks an onscreen display, so we relied on the unit's front panel for information. Luckily, everything about the setup procedure was easy to understand and fairly intuitive. If you have large left- and right-front speakers, you may want to take advantage of the AVR 125's Advanced Digital Bass Manager, which allows you to send the LFE/subwoofer channel signals to the front speakers in addition to the subwoofer.
A quick note about the remote: The slender, preprogrammed clicker is partially backlit, and its different-sized and -shaped buttons are nicely organized.
Open your ears
The Talking Heads' Stop Making Sense DVD sounded very right--the band's rock-solid rhythms pulsed out of our reference Dynaudio Contour speakers with the sort of gusto that we associate with more powerful and pricier components. Detail resolution and air were excellent. Very dynamic DVDs such as Saving Private Ryan did reveal the AVR 125's power limitations but only when we played the system at fairly high levels.
With the home-theater tests squared away, we next listened to a lovely Igor Kipnis harpsichord recital, The Virtuoso Scarlatti, to see how the AVR 125 presented the exquisite sounds of this historic instrument. The harpsichord generates transients and rich harmonics, which can sound rather harsh and zippy on lesser electronics. However, the HK receiver unraveled the beauty of this CD with amazing grace.
Al Green's Greatest Hits on his new DVD-A release sounded very alive and gutsy. We didn't hear any evidence to suggest that the AVR 125's sound quality was hampered by HK's cost cutting. Sonics are remarkably neutral--they're warm, though not as lush as the Denon receivers', and they're richer and fuller than those of the Pioneer and Yamaha models that we've heard.
Finally, we briefly compared the $449 AVR 125 to its bigger brother, the $549 AVR 225, and we heard little difference between them. The 125 is a very good deal for those setting up a modest home theater. But if you're an audiophile or just want to eke out a bit more volume, the 225 is the way to go. It piles on another 10 watts per channel and has onscreen displays, more inputs and outputs, and EzSet functionality, which automates speaker setup to a small degree. Also take a look at the , which sells for about the same price but delivers 70 watts per channel in exchange for fewer features.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
User Rating: 
8/10
I would buy it again!
Pros: I love the rich full sound for movies it is unbeatable especially for the price
Cons: I've noticed that radio/music sounds a little less rich and lacks that crisp clean powerful sound you get during movies or TV
User Rating: 
7/10
I am glad I got this!
Pros: This is a great system for the price
Cons: The remote is NOT USER FREINDLY!!!!
I am having problems with the outputs in the back though. I cannot get any sound to come out from the DVD output, the V1, V2, and V3. The manual is a pain to read.
All I have trided is the cd output and WOW!!!
User Rating: 8/10
Excellent startup AVR at modest price
Pros: Nice crisp natural sound. More than sufficient power for a medium to large room. A must buy for a budget conscious buyer.
Cons: Remote is not very user friendly, but works okay
User Rating: 
9/10
Amazing high-quality value
Pros: Amazing sound for price and power rating; Wealth of audio inputs; sleek, stylish design; amazing value
Cons: none, considering price
User Rating: 9/10
Much better than expected, especially for the price.
Pros: Easy to use, affordable, great sound with Jamo 650s.
Cons: No Component Video inputs.
User Rating: 8/10
Go Ahead AND get ONE!
Pros:
Cons:
User Rating: 9/10
For the money, by far the best out there
Pros:
Cons:
User Rating: 9/10
Excellent receiver.
Pros:
Cons:
User Rating: 
10/10
Absolute High End.
Pros:
Cons:
User Rating: 8/10
Outstanding sound
Pros:
Cons:
User Rating: 9/10
harman/kardon is HOTT!
Pros:
Cons:
User Rating: 8/10
Sweet sound at an affordable price!
Pros:
Cons:
