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Entered CNET Catalog: 01/06/2004
SKU: 0028292501234
Manufacturer: Harman International Industries
Manufacturer description
In the world of electronics, this is what's known as "robust": a dual-core, 24-bit DSP processor and 32-bit post processor, RS-232 connectivity for system control and software updates, a two-line LCD remote control, Logic 7 processing and DTS 96/24, as well as the latest Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS Neo: 6 surround sound processing options. This model also has quadruple crossover with six crossover points per speaker location and, with A-BUS/Ready connectivity, it offers more multiroom options than any other receiver. The AVR 630 has seven channels of high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth performance, with front and rear inputs and outputs for any application. It's a lot of power, but you can handle it.CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 05/18/2004
The remote takes its sleek styling cues from the receiver, and it's fully backlit, so we could easily navigate the buttons in the dark. Harman provides a second, smaller remote, along with an IR blaster system, for multiroom operation.
The AVR 630 uses Harman's EzSet feature. It simplifies setup chores by automatically balancing the volume levels of all seven speakers, but curiously, it neglects the subwoofer's volume: you still have to set that by ear. The setup routines in some Pioneer and Yamaha receivers, such as the RX-V1400, provide better automation. They not only adjust the volume of all of the speakers, including the subwoofer, they also determine the speakers' size and measure listener-to-speaker distances. This receiver's amps deliver 75 watts to each of the 7 channels, and its processor handles the complete gamut of surround modes, including Dolby Digital, EX, and Pro Logic II; DTS ES, 96/24, and Neo:6; and Harman's proprietary Logic 7, a stereo-to-surround scheme similar to Dolby Pro Logic II. The AVR 630 also incorporates High Definition Compatible Digital (HDCD) decoding circuitry that improves the sound of HDCD-encoded CDs. Headphone users will appreciate the Dolby Headphone processor; it delivers increased ambiance and spaciousness through standard stereo headphones.
Today's video displays and scalers have to do a lot of processing, and sometimes, their pictures lag behind the audio track. Lip-Synch group delay is a rare but useful feature designed to compensate for such devices. The AVR 630 allows up to 80 milliseconds of delay on all channels, continuously adjustable in 1-millisecond increments. You can even assign different delays to different video sources if required.
Another highlight: the AVR 630's bass-management (BM) settings--especially critical for small sat/big sub systems--are available for use with every multichannel format and source, including Dolby, DTS, and SACD/DVD-A. You can set a separate crossover point for each set of speakers: one for the front left and right speakers, a different setting for the center, and another for the surrounds. The AVR 630 is the first receiver we've tested with this level of versatility. Just be aware that to accomplish bass management for SACD/DVD-A, the AVR 630 reconverts the player's analog output back to digital, where the BM takes place. Alternatively, you can turn off the AVR 630's BM for SACD/DVD-A and send full-range signals to all of your speakers. We'd recommend listening both ways to see which sounds better in your system.
The AVR 630's well-endowed back panel sprouts four inputs and two outputs for A/V/S-video sources; an 8-channel SACD/DVD-Audio input, four digital inputs (2 optical, 2 coaxial), and optical and coaxial digital outputs. An 8-channel preamp output can be used for connection to a separate multichannel power amplifier. The cluster of front-panel A/V inputs and outputs provides a handy connection route for a camcorder or a portable MP3 player. We also counted two HDTV-compatible component-video inputs. Heavy-duty speaker banana-plug-compatible connectors are used for all channels.
This model also offers numerous multiroom connectivity options, including an RS-232 port for use with computers or specialized remote control systems. IR (infrared) inputs and outputs are also available, so you can control the receiver from another room using the smaller remote. The AVR 630's refinement became obvious during our late-night listening sessions. It delivered breathtaking clarity at all volume levels; with this receiver, you won't need to blast the volume to feel the sound. And don't worry about the 75-watts-per-channel rating; the AVR 630 felt at least as powerful as typical, optimistically rated 100-watt-per-channel receivers when we played the Master and Commander DVD. This disc's extreme dynamic range assaults the endurance of many receivers, but the Harman Kardon AVR 630 sailed through unscathed.
Listening over a set of Sennheiser HD-280 Pros, we found the Dolby Headphone processing reasonably effective. The sound opened up and no longer occupied only the space between our ears. If you're a regular headphone user, it's a nice perk.
And finally, we confirmed the effectiveness of the AVR 630's bass management with David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust DVD-Audio disc. The receiver nicely integrated the bass from Atlantic Technology System 1200's wee satellites and big subwoofer--certainly better than we've heard before. The dazzling holographic 5.1-channel mix brought out the best of this SACD's clarified sound. We could pick out little details and textures in the acoustic strums that open "Starman," and we discovered subtle new inflections in Bowie's vocals.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 User Rating: 
9/10
A power house!
Pros: Plenty of clean power, easily upgradeable
Cons: no video up-conversion, no HDMI, no on-screen menu thru component
User Rating: 
10/10
Best purchase ever
Pros: God like power, 7.1 tons of inputs
Cons: its heavy, little large (but worth it)
User Rating: 
8/10
no need for the THX certification.
Pros: very low distortion levels. high current amplifiers produce cleaner power than non-high current receivers; The wattage is a useless measure of loudness and power so the 75 watts at 50 amps can compete with receivers with 100+ watts of power with NO proble
Cons: large, heavy. overall its bulky, but it's worth it.
User Rating: 8/10
the dark bane of sony and dennon
Pros: Extremely clear Exremely conservatively rated, can run over any 150 watt /p/channel sony receiver any day Very versatile
Cons: Can be a tad confusing at the start Huge amount of initial settings and plugs that must be properly set and calibrated to make this unit truly shine
User Rating: 8/10
Extremely happy with this receiver!
Pros: -Ignore the low wattage, it's the amps that count, and the amperage is high clean current for excellent sound. -Flexible bass management. -Bulit in SPL meter in remote. -Clean, classy look. -Well ventilated housing. -Excellent prices to be found on intern
Cons: -No video upconversion. -Remote has problems functioning with none H/K equipment.
User Rating: 9/10
Exellent Receiver
Pros: Very warm sounding. Extremely pleasing both in using with music as well as DVD's. Loaded with functions.
Cons: Remote control difficult to get used to.
User Rating: 
6/10
Error in C-net's review - No Video Up-conversion
Pros: This is a good looking unit, and it has a nice, smooth, "H/K" kind of sound, but it lacks the features of its competitors in this price range.
Cons: I listened to this unit, and it sounds pretty good, however, it doesn't have all of the bells and whistles that C-net says it has - most notably video up-conversion. I don't know how C-net got the idea that this feature was included. H/K's owner's manua
User Rating: 8/10
Excellent Sound !!!
Pros: 1) Lots of features 2) Very clear Sound 3) Works very well even with any normal speaker system. 4) Its a 7.1 !!!
Cons: 1) Initial Connectivity is a little scramble 2) Extremely bulky 3) No THX certification but this is not much of a big importance
User Rating: 8/10
THIS THING ROCKS!
Pros: LOUD CLEAN SOUND,BASS MANAGEMENT,UPGRADABLE,ONE OF THE BEST LOOKING RECEIVERS OUT THERE.
Cons: OWNERS MANUAL
