Harman/Kardon AVR 635 user reviews

Pros Spectacular sound and looks

Cons Set up could be easier, auto calibration is just OK

Summary I am thrilled with the receiver, although I wish I am struggling with the auto EQ calibration. This is probably more due to my square room and unequal location of the front side speakers (one is almost in a corner). Range with my Aperion speakers is great and the sound is full and rich. Had a cheaper receiver and there is no way I could go back.

Pros Prodigious power with little or no distortion at full power. Easy to operate and setup using Avia and Radio Shack SPL meter.

Cons Small buttons on remote. Cheesy auto setup.

Summary I had owned an AVR435, which was a fabulous performer until it started making strange noises. After 4 replacements HarmanAudio upgraded me to this model. It is like my old AVR435 with a little extra juice. Setup for me was the same as I use an SPL meter instead of the supplied setup equipment. No matter what the source it's warm power output really performs - from music to movies. I use component video cables and fiber optics for my HD CRT 16x9 Sony television so not having HDMI inputs or outputs is not a problem. I would rave about the AVR 635, but I am going to make sure it doesn't suffer the fate of my previous AVR435. So far however, no problems and I am quite content.

Pros Good sound quality; easy to use, decent price

Cons Auto setup does not work well in small spaces

Summary I purchased this receiver to be the center of my basement home theater. To date, it has not disappointed. I wanted a high quality receiver for a decent price, and after shoping around, I purchased this one for about $800 from 6th Ave. Electronics. I considered the comparable Denon model, but it was more than I wanted to pay (same features for twice the price).

My setup is through a hi-res digital projector, so i did not need the HDMI input on the receiver. My audio goes directly from my upconverting DVD player and cable box directly to the receiver via separate coax cables. The video signal goes from the cable box and DVD player via HDMI cables through a switchbox to my Sanyo hi-res LCD projector. The image is projected onto a DA-LITE pull-down screen, for a 105" high-definition picture.

This HK receiver allows for a variety of inputs, including an MP3 player, so it has plenty of versatility. I only use the two coax inputs. I have it hooked up to my SV Sound SBS-01 5.1 speakers with a separate Monster subwoofer cable.

One of my first test runs was "The Incredibles" on DVD. Pardon the pun, but it was incredible. The HK receiver put out amazing bass, well defined midrange, and clear highs.

The main drawback with this unit is the auto setup feature. Given the relatively small size of my listening area (12' x 30' x 8' high), I kept getting "far field errors" during the auto setup process. I set it up manually, and the sound quality is very good.

I could have spent twice the price for a Denon receiver with comparable features; however, for my needs and space limitations, the HK AVR 635 does a very good job.

Bottom line: I have a 105" hi-def picture with excellent sound for a fraction of the price of an HDTV with a high-end receiver and comparable speakers.

Pros Sound and Video

Cons Remote control