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SYSTEM CONFIGURATION 29

Once the settings outlined on the previous pages
have been made, the AVR is ready for operation.
While there are some additional settings to be
made, these are best done after you have had an
opportunity to listen to a variety of sources and
different kinds of program material. These
advanced settings are described on pages 37 to
38 of this manual. In addition, any of the
settings made in the initial configuration of the
unit may be changed at any time. As you add
new or different sources or speakers, or if you
wish to change a setting to better reflect your
listening taste, simply follow the instructions for
changing the settings for that parameter as
shown in this section.

Note that any settings changed at any time, also
when the discrete buttons are used only, will be
stored in memory in the AVR, also if it´s turned
off completely, unless it will be reset (see page
46).

Having completed the setup and configuration
process for your AVR, you are about to 
experience the finest in music and home-
theater listening. Enjoy!

30 OPERATION

DOLBY DIGITAL

Available only with digital input sources encoded with Dolby Digital data. It provides 
up to five separate main audio channels and a special dedicated Low Frequency Effects 
channel.

DOLBY DIGITAL EX

Available when the receiver is configured for 6.1/7.1 channel operation, Dolby Digital EX is the 
latest version of Dolby Digital. When used with movies or other programs that have special 
encoding, Dolby Digital EX reproduces specially encoded soundtracks so that a full 6.1/7.1 
soundfield is available. When the receiver is set for 6.1/7.1 operation and a Dolby Digital signal is 
present, the EX mode is automatically selected. Even if specific EX encoding is not available to 
provide the additional channel, the special algorithms will derive a 6.1/7.1 output.

DTS 5.1

When the speaker configuration is set for 5.1-channel operation, the DTS 5.1 mode is  
available when DVD, audio-only music or laserdiscs encoded with DTS data are played.
DTS 5.1 provides up to five separate main audio channels and a special dedicated 
low-frequency channel.

DTS-ES 6.1 Matrix

When the speaker configuration is set for 6.1/7.1 operation, playback of a DTS-encoded program

DTS-ES 6.1 Discrete

source will automatically trigger the selection of one of the two DTS-ES modes. Newer discs with
special DTS-ES discrete encoding will be decoded to provide six discrete, full-bandwidth channels
plus a separate low-frequency channel. All other DTS discs will be decoded using the DTS-ES Matrix 
mode, which creates a 6.1-channel sound field from the original 5.1-channel soundtrack.

DOLBY PRO LOGIC II

Dolby Pro Logic II is the latest version of Dolby Laboratory’s benchmark surround technology

MOVIE

that decodes full-range, discrete left, center right, right surround and left surround channels 

MUSIC

from matrix surround encoded programs and conventional stereo sources when  

DOLBY PRO LOGIC an analog input or a digital input with PCM or Dolby Digital 2.0 recordings is in use. The  
GAME

Dolby Pro Logic II Movie mode is optimized for movie soundtracks that are recorded with matrix 
surround, by creating separate center, rear left and rear right signals. while the Pro Logic II Music 
mode should be used with musical selections that are recorded with matrix surround or even with 
normal stereo mode, creating separate rear left and rear right signals in any case. The Pro Logic II 
mode creates compelling five-channel surround sound from conventional stereo recordings. Game 
mode ensures that special effects are routed to the surround channels, while delivering their full 
impact using the subwoofer, thus fully immersing the game player in the universe of the video game.

DOLBY PRO LOGIC IIx Dolby Pro Logic IIx is the latest extension of Dolby Pro Logic II technology that creates a discrete 

MUSIC

6.1 and 7.1 sound field from matrix surround or two-channel stereo sources in systems 

MOVIE

configured for surround back speakers. Both Movie and Music versions of Pro Logic IIx are 

GAME

available. Movie, Music and Game versions of Pro Logic IIx are available. Game mode ensures that 
special effects are routed to the surround channels, while delivering their full impact using the 
subwoofer, thus fully immersing the game player in the universe of the video game.

Logic 7 Cinema

Exclusive to Harman Kardon for AV receivers, Logic 7 is an advanced mode that extracts the 

Logic 7 Music

maximum surround information from either surround-encoded programs or conventional stereo 

Logic 7 Enhance

material. Depending on the number of speakers in use and the selection made in the 

SURROUND

SELECT

menu, the “5.1” versions of Logic 7 modes are available when the 5.1 option is chosen,

while the “7.1” versions of Logic 7 produce a full sound field presentation, including back surround 
speakers when the “6.1/7.1” option is chosen. The Logic 7 C (or Cinema) mode should be used 
with any source that contains Dolby Surround or similar matrix encoding. Logic 7 C delivers 
increased center-channel intelligibility, and more accurate placement of sounds with fades and pans 
that are much smoother and more realistic than with former decoding techniques. The Logic 7 M or 
Music mode should be used with analog or PCM stereo sources. Logic 7 M enhances the listening 
experience by presenting a wider front soundstage and greater rear ambience. Both Logic 7 modes 
also direct low-frequency information to the subwoofer (if installed and configured) to deliver 
maximum bass impact. The Logic 7 E (or Enhance) mode is an extension of the Logic 7 modes that is 
primarily used with musical programs and is available with the 5.1 surround mode option selected 
only. Logic 7 E adds additional bass enhancement that circulates low frequencies in the 40Hz to 120Hz 
range to the front and surround speakers to deliver a less localized soundstage that appears broader 
and wider than when the subwoofer is the sole source of bass energy.

OPERATION 31

DTS Neo:6 Cinema

These two modes are available when any analog source is playing to create a six-channel 

DTS Neo:6 Music

surround presentation from conventional Matrix-encoded and traditional Stereo sources. Select 
the Cinema version of Neo:6 when a program with any type of analog Matrix surround encoding 
is present. Select the Music version of Neo:6 for optimal processing when a nonencoded,
two-channel stereo program is being played.
When selecting a DTS Neo:6 Cinema mode, a 3-, 5- or 6-channel configuration may be available,
depending on the number of speakers in your system. Use 3-channel mode when only a front left and 
right and a center speaker are present; surround-channel information will be mixed into these speakers.
The 6-channel mode will only be available if you have configured your surround back speakers as active.

DTS 96/24 

DTS 96/24 is a high-resolution format that uses a 96kHz sampling rate with 24 bits to produce extended 
information that improves the harmonics of the source material. The AVR is capable of automatically detecting 
and decoding DTS 96/24 materials and delivering them as the artist intended.

Dolby 3 Stereo 

Uses the information contained in a surround-encoded or two-channel stereo program to create center-channel 
information. In addition, the information that is normally sent to the rear-channel surround speakers is carefully 
mixed in with the front-left and front-right channels for increased realism.
Use this mode when you have a center channel speaker but no surround speakers.

Dolby Virtual Speaker Dolby Virtual Speaker technology uses a next-generation advanced algorithm to reproduce the dynamics and surround 
Reference

sound effects of a precisely placed 5.1-channel speaker system using only front left and right speakers. In the 

Wide

Reference Mode, the apparent width of the sound across the front image is defined by the distance between the two 
speakers. The Wide Mode provides a wider, more spacious front image when the two speakers areclose together.

THEATER

The THEATER mode creates a sound field that resembles the acoustic feeling of a 
standard live performance theater, with stereo and even pure mono sources.

HALL 1

The two Hall modes create sound fields that resemble a small (HALL1) or

HALL 2

medium sized (HALL 2) concert hall, with stereo and even pure mono sources.

VMAx Near

When only the two front-channel loudspeakers are used, Harman’s patented VMAx mode 

VMAx Far

delivers a three-dimensional sound space with the illusion of “phantom speakers” at the 
center and surround positions. The VMAx N, or “Near Field” mode should be selected when
your listening position is less than 1,5 m from the speakers. The VMAx F, or “Far Field” mode
may be selected when your listening position is greater than 1,5 m from the speakers.
The VMAx modes are also available using the Headphones Output 4. When headphones
are being used, the Far Field mode will push the sound field away from your ears,
reducing the “inside the head” sensation often experienced when using headphones.

5-Channel Stereo

This mode takes advantage of multiple speakers to place a stereo signal at both the front and

7-Channel Stereo

back of a room. Depending on whether the AVR has been configured for either 5.1 or 6.1/7.1 
operation, one of these modes, but not both, is available at any time. Ideal for playing music in 
situations such as a party, this mode places the same signal at the front-left and surround-left,
and at the front-right and surround-right speakers. The center channel is fed a summed mono 
mix of the in-phase material of the left and right channels.

Surround Off (Stereo)

These modes turn off all surround processing and present the pure left- and right-channel presentation of 

Surround Off (Bypass)  two-channel stereo programs. The Surround Off (Bypass) mode may only be used with analog source inputs,
DSP Surround Off 

as it preserves the analog format of the audio signal for its entire path of travel through the receiver to the 
speaker and subwoofer outputs, bypassing all digital processing. Digital bass management is not available in 
Surround Off mode. The DSP Surround Off mode can be used with either an analog or digital input, as the 
signal undergoes digital bass management to optimize the distribution of the low frequencies between the
main speakers and a subwoofer.

Dolby Headphone 

Dolby Headphone enables ordinary stereo headphones to portray the sound of a five-speaker 

DH1 

surround-playback system. The DH1 mode creates headphone presentation that resembles a small,

DH2 

well-damped room and is appropriate for use with both movies and music-only recordings.

DH3 

The DH2 mode creates a more acoustically live room particularly suited to music listening.
The DH3 mode creates a larger room, more like a concert hall or movie theater.

32 OPERATION

Once you have completed the setup and configu-
ration of the AVR, it is simple to operate and
enjoy. The following instructions should be
followed for you to maximize your enjoyment of
your new receiver:

• When using the AVR for the first time, you must
press the Main Power Switch 1 on the front
panel to turn the unit on. This places the unit in a
Standby mode, as indicated by the amber color of
the Power Indicator 3. Once the unit is in
Standby, you may begin a listening session by
pressing the System Power Control 2 or the
Source button % on the front panel or the
AVR Selector

5. Note that the Power

Indicator 3 will turn blue. This will turn the unit
on and return it to the input source that was last
used. The unit may also be turned on from Standby
by pressing any of the Source Selector buttons
on the remote 

4567 or the Source

button % on the front panel.

NOTE: After pressing one of the Input Selector
buttons

4 (except VID3) to turn the unit on,

press the AVR Selector

5 to have the remote

control the AVR functions.

To turn the unit off at the end of a listening ses-
sion, simply press the System Power Control
2 on the front panel or the Power Off Button
3 on the remote. Power will be shut off to any
equipment plugged into the rear panel Switched
AC Outlets

 and the Power Indicator 3

will turn orange.

When the remote is used to turn the unit “off” it
is actually placing the system in a Standby mode,
as indicated by the orange color of the Power
Indicator 3.

When you will be away from home for an extend-
ed period of time it is always a good idea to com-
pletely turn the unit off with the front panel
Main Power Switch 1.

NOTE: All preset memories may be lost if the unit
is left turned off with the Main Power Switch
1 for more than two weeks.

Using the Sleep Timer
• To program the AVR for automatic turn-off, press
the Sleep Button

9 on the remote. Each press

of the button will increase the time before shut
down in the following sequence:

The sleep time will be displayed in the Main
Information Display Ò and it will count down
until the time has elapsed.

When the programmed sleep time has elapsed,
the unit will automatically turn off (to Standby
mode). Note that the front panel display will dim
to one half brightness when the Sleep function is
programmed. To cancel the Sleep function, press
and hold the Sleep Button 

9 until the infor-

mation display returns to normal brightness and
the Sleep indicator numbers disappear and the
words S L E E P O F F appear in the Main
Information Display Ò.

• To select a source, press any of the Source
Selector buttons on the remote 

46

7.
NOTE: After pressing one of the Input Selector
buttons

4 to turn the unit on, press the 

5 to have the remote control the

AVR functions.

• The input source may also be changed by press-
ing the front-panel Input Source Selector but-
ton %. Each press of the button will move the
input selection through the list of available
inputs.

• As the input is changed, the AVR will auto-
matically switch to the digital input (if selected),
surround mode and speaker configuration that
were entered during the configuration process for
that source.

• The front-panel Video 4 Inputs Ô, Optical
Digital 3 Input * or the Coaxial Digital 3
Input Ó may be used to connect a device such
as a video game or camcorder to your home
entertainment system on a temporary basis.

• As the input source is changed, the new input
name will appear momentarily as an on-screen
display in the lower third of the video display.
The input name will also appear in the Main
Information Display Ò and a blue LED will
light next to the selected input’s name in the
front-panel Input Indicators ˆ.

• When a pure audio input (CD, Tuner, Tape,
6/8 Channel Input) is selected, the last video input
used remains routed to the Video Outputs
 and Video Monitor Output  . This per-
mits simultaneous viewing and listening to differ-
ent sources.

• When 

Digital Media Player (DMP)

source is selected, if a compatible Apple iPod
device is inserted in an optional Harman Kardon

that is connected to 

 on the rear panel, function mes-

sages will appear on any video display connected
to the AVR’s Video Monitor Outputs

, and

the remote control may be used to navigate the
iPod and access many of its functions. The func-
tion messages will also appear in the front-panel
display, and the iPod’s battery may be charged.
See the owner’s guides for 

and your

iPod for more information.

• When a Video source is selected, its audio signal
will be fed to the speakers and the video signal for
that input will be routed to the appropriate
Monitor Output Jack

 and will be viewable on

a TV monitor connected to the AVR. If a component
video source is connected to the Video 1

 or

 Component Inputs, it will be rout-

ed to the Component Video Outputs

. Make

certain that your TV is set to the proper input to
view the appropriate video signal (composite, S-
Video or component video, see Notes for S-Video
on page 13).

• There are two input choices available for use
with sources such as a DVD-Audio or SACD play-
er that are connected to the 8-Channel Direct
Inputs

. Select the appropriate input accord-

ing to the way your system and source equipment
is configured:

• The 

6 C H DIRECT INPUT

should be

used when the SBR and SBL inputs are NOT in
use and the input source device has its own inter-
nal bass management system. This input passes
the input from the source directly through to the
volume control without any analog to digital con-
version and it mutes the unused input jacks to
prevent unwanted noise from interfering with sys-
tem performance.

• The 

8 C H DIRECT INPUT

should be

used when an input is connected to all eight 
8-Channel Direct Inputs

 and when the

input source device has its own internal bass
management system. This input passes the input
from the source directly through to the volume
control without any analog to digital conversion
and it mutes the unused input jacks to prevent
unwanted noise from interfering with system
performance.

Note that when the 6-Channel or 8-Channel
Direct Input is in use, you may not select a sur-
round mode, as the external decoder determines
the processing in use. In addition, there is no
signal at the record outputs or bass management
when the 6-Channel or 8-Channel Direct Input is
in use and the tone or balance controls will not
function.

• Adjust the volume to a comfortable level using
the front panel Volume Control ı or remote
Volume Up/Down 

 buttons.

• To temporarily silence all speaker outputs press
the Mute button 

. This will interrupt the out-

put to all speakers and the headphone jack, but it
will not affect any recording or dubbing that may
be in progress. When the system is muted, the
word 

MUTE

will blink in the Main Infor-

mation Display Ò. Press the Mute button
 again to return to normal operation.