About the Harman Kardon AVR 1610
More than just a pretty faceplate
More than just a pretty faceplate
Harman Kardon's reputation is built on outstanding sound quality. But I think their components just look so cool. Take the AVR 1610 home theater receiver. First of all, it's pretty sleek — not as bulky as some receivers. And the finish has a real sense of style — from the curved edges of the deep-black front panel to the backlit volume knob and gleaming silver logo. Beneath the handsome exterior, you'll find enough power for your surround sound speakers, wireless music options like Bluetooth, and automatic speaker calibration for the right sound with your setup. See — beauty and brains.
Make the leap to 5.1-channel sound
If you've got the urge to jump from a stereo system to a surround-sound home theater, this receiver is a great way to hear what you've been missing. Surround sound does wonders for movies, TV shows, and video games. This receiver's got the connections to handle them all, including five HDMI inputs. What about power? Harman's GreenEdge technology employs a digital power supply integrated with Class A/B amplification. It ensures you can drive five speakers to room-filling volume while running more efficiently than conventional receivers.
Unleash your tunes with Bluetooth and network connectivity
When it comes to music, what matters most is being able to listen to as much music as easily as possible. The easiest way is with the AVR 1610's Bluetooth capability, so you can stream music directly from your smartphone or tablet. Harman's TrueStream improves the sound of Bluetooth, for near CD-quality streaming. Connect this receiver to your network router, and you can start listening to free Internet radio stations and music stored on networked computers or music servers. There's also a front-panel USB port for plugging in an iPod®, iPad®, or iPhone®, or a flash memory device loaded with MP3s.
App control with your smartphone or tablet
Your smartphone or tablet isn't just for streaming music to the AVR 1610. It can also control it. Download the free Harman Kardon Remote app to your iOS® or Android™ device, connect your receiver to your network router, and you've got a touchscreen remote that's easy to operate.
Highlights:
Power and Processing:
- 5-channel amplifier
- 85 watts per channel into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at less than 0.1% THD, with 2 channels driven
- Dolby® and DTS® surround sound decoding
- EzSet/EQ III automatic speaker calibration optimizes the receiver's sound for your room and speaker setup
Digital and Streaming Music Options:
- Internet-ready for listening to music from a networked computer or compatible device; plays MP3 and WMA files
- listen to free Internet radio streams with built-in support for vTuner
- built-in Bluetooth with Harman's TrueStream for high-quality wireless music streaming with smartphones, tablets, and compatible computers
- MHL-ready HDMI input for accessing content from select Android smartphones and tablets
- front-panel USB input for connecting an iPod, iPhone, iPad, or USB memory device
- direct digital connection for iPod or iPhone bypasses the device's digital-to-analog converter for better sound
Connections:
- HDMI 1.4 audio/video switching: 5 in, 1 out
- front-panel USB port for audio playback from an iPod, iPhone, iPad, or USB memory device
- composite video switching: 2 in, 1 out
- digital audio inputs: 1 optical, 1 coaxial
- 2 analog stereo audio inputs
- no phono input to connect a turntable you'll need to add a phono preamp
- preamp output for a powered subwoofer
- outputs for five speakers (Front L/R, Center, Surround L/R)
- Ethernet port
- IR in and trigger out for use with optional controllers
- 1/4" headphone jack
General Features:
- free Harman Kardon Remote app lets you use your Apple or Android device as a Wi-Fi remote
- 3D video pass-through
- GreenEdge technology uses an advanced digital power supply integrated with Class A/B amplification for energy-efficient, high-performance power
- 30 AM/FM presets
- programmable remote control
- 17-5/16"W x 4-3/4"H x 11-13/16"D
- weight: 10 lbs.
- warranty: 2 years
- MFR # AVR-1610
What's in the box:
Harman Kardon AVR 1610 owner's manual
- 5.1ch AV receiver
- Remote control (AVR161)
- 2 "AAA" batteries
- Auto calibration microphone (w/ 22' cable)
- AM loop antenna
- FM wire antenna
- Quick Start Guide
- Limited Warranty Sheet
- Important Safety Instructions
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More details on the Harman Kardon AVR 1610
Features & specs
Product Research
Audio Section
Video Section
Network & Tuner Functions
USB/iPod Integration
Convenience Features
Bluetooth + Remote Control
Audio Section
5-Channel Amplifier w/ Digital Power Supply: The Harman/Kardon AVR1610 employs a 5ch amplifier rated a 85 watts with 2 channels driven (8Ω, 20-20kHz, 0.1% THD). While the amplifier retains the time-tested Harman Kardon high-current capacity (HCC) ultra-wide bandwidth design to ensure the most accurate, dynamic sound with enhanced clarity and realism even at the highest listening levels, a digitally based power supply gives the amplifier all the wattage it needs without the weight of a traditional power-supply design and its heavy transformers.
Multi-Channel Decoding Formats: The Harman Kardon AVR1610 supports the following multi-channel (Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Pro Logic) decoding formats.
- Dolby Digital: Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD
- DTS: DTS, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-HD High Resolution, DTS Express, DTS 96/24, DTS Neo: 6
- Dolby Pro Logic: Dolby Pro Logic II
EzSet/EQ III Calibration: The new Harman EzSet/EQ III auto-calibration process precisely adjusts the AVR1610's volume levels, speaker distance/delay time settings, and equalization to optimize audio performance automatically for your specific speaker system and room conditions. The system features an easy-to-follow menu display and includes a plug-in calibration microphone. You can also choose to manually setup your connected speaker system.
Harman NSP: Harman's proprietary technology, NSP uses sophisticated digital processing to deliver a true natural sounding three-dimensional listening experience from conventional 2-channel stereo sources like CDs and stereo broadcasts. While preserving the recording's original timbre and spatial balance, Harman NSP creates a simulated listening space that automatically adjusts to suit the type of program you are listening to. The following adjustments are available for Harman NSP:
- Stage Width: This adjustment allows you to widen or narrow the width of the apparent listening space in front of you. For example, a higher setting would be appropriate for a recording of an orchestra playing in a concert hall, while a lower setting would be more appropriate for a recording of a singer playing an acoustic guitar.
- Stage Depth: This adjustment lets you control the total size of the apparent listening space. A higher setting would approximate the acoustic qualities of larger listening spaces, such as concert halls and arenas, while a lower setting would approximate the acoustic qualities of smaller listening spaces like small clubs or coffee houses.
Stereo & Headphone Modes: The H/K AV receiver offers a variety of listening modes so you can enjoy your movies and music regardless if you are using only have a two-channel speaker system, 5.1ch speaker system, or listening through headphones.
- Stereo: Sets the receiver to power only the front left and right speakers, no surround and no subwoofer. Two channel sources bypass the sound field processing and multi channel sources are down-mixed to 2 channels.
- Multichannel Stereo: Left and right stereo channels are distributed to all the speakers so that stereo sound can be heard from all directions at any listening position.
- Virtual Surround: When only two main speakers are present in the system, you can use "Virtual Surround" to create an enhanced soundfield that virtualizes the missing speakers.
- Harman Headphone: Virtual surround processing which simulates a 5.1-channel speaker system using standard headphones.
Dolby Pro Logic II Parameters: You can adjust the following parameters in Pro Logic II Music mode: Panorama (sends stereo signals to the surround speakers as well as the front speakers for a wraparound effect), Dimension (adjusts the soundfield either towards the front or towards the rear of the room), and Center Width (moves the center channel output completely towards the center speaker or towards the front left and right speakers).
Night Mode: Night mode compresses the audio so that louder passages are reduced in volume to avoid disturbing others, while dialogue remains intelligible. Night Mode can be set to Max, Mid, or Off.
Bass Management: The H/K AV receiver provides the following Bass Management settings for your front left/right speaker and subwoofer.
- L/R+LFE: This setting sends all low-frequency information to the subwoofer, including a) information that would normally be played through the front left and right speakers and b) the special low-frequency effects (LFE) channel information.
- LFE: This setting plays low-frequency information contained in the left and right program channels through the front left and right speakers, and directs only the LFE-channel information to the subwoofer.
- Off: Select this setting when no subwoofer is in use. All low-frequency information will be sent to the front left and right speakers.
Volume Settings: Two volume settings are used to program the volume level when you turn on the AVR1610. Set Volume Default to "On", and then set the Default Volume Setting to the desired turn-on volume. When Volume Default is set to "Off", the AVR will turn on at the last-used volume setting from the previous listening session
Audio Inputs/Outputs: The Harman Kardon AV receiver offers a variety of analog and digital audio inputs/outputs.
- Analog & Digital Inputs: The H/K receiver is fitted with two digital inputs; one optical (toslink) and one coaxial (RCA) digital input. Its also fitted with two sets of stereo analog audio (RCA) inputs.
- Color-Coded Binding-Post Speaker Terminals: The color-coded binding-post speaker terminals on all output channels accept banana plugs (single/dual), pin connectors, or bare wire (up to 10AWG) to provide secure links for your speaker cables. Compatible with 6-8 ohms speakers. The color-coded speaker terminals simply hook-up and reduce errors.
- Sub Output: A mono-RCA subwoofer output lets you connect a powered subwoofer to the AV receiver.
- Headphone Jack: When headphones are plugged into the full-size 1/4" jack on the front panel, all the speakers are automatically muted.
Video Section
HDMI 1.4: Five HDMI 1.4 inputs and one HDMI 1.4 monitor output with 3D and 30/36-bit Deep Color deliver high definition digital video at resolutions up to 1080p with full-fidelity audio up to 7.1ch through a single cable. The HDMI monitor output supports ARC (Audio Return Channel).
- 3D-Ready: The Harman/Kardon AVR1610 is compatible with 3D-ready Blu-ray disc movies, video games, and other 3D content through its HDMI 1.4 connections. 3D viewing requires 3D-ready source with 3D content, 3D-ready HDTV, 3D glasses, and high-speed HDMI cable. Other 3D accessories may also be needed.
- Deep Color: The AVR1610 also supports Deep Color, which can display a larger color range than standard-definition schemes. The result is a more lifelike, vibrant picture.
- ARC (Audio Return Channel): This feature allows audio to be sent from your compatible HDTV to your receiver through the same HDMI cable already being used to send audio and video to your HDTV. This eliminates the need for extra cables connected to your television.
MHL-Compatible: The receiver's rear-panel HDMI 1 input is MHL-compatible. This MHL compatible HDMI port provides easy, direct connection of MHL compatible smartphones, like Android. Playback of up to 1080p video and multi-channel audio from the phone is supported. The receiver will also charge (5V/1A) your connected phone. Play, Stop, and other basic operations can be controlled from the AV receiver's remote control.
Composite Video Inputs/Output: The receiver features two composite video inputs and one composite video monitor output. These composite video jacks only support 480i video.
AV Sync Delay: This feature allows you to correct a synchronization problem in which a source device or the video display introduces a significant amount of video processing that causes the audio and video parts of the signal to be out of sync. The audio for all channels can be delayed up to 180 milliseconds.
Network & Tuner Functions
Wired Network Connection: The Harman Kardon AVR1610 is fitted with a RJ-45 Ethernet (LAN) port to connect the receiver to your home network to access your DLNA music server and Internet Radio.
DLNA Certified: The AVR1610 is DLNA-compatible and can access MP3 (8-320kbps; 8-48kHz)and WMA (16-192kbps; 8-48kHz) audio media that is stored on other DLNA-compatible devices that are connected to the same network as the AVR1610. DLNA is a file sharing protocol that creates a bridge between the AVR1610 and other devices on the same network that contain audio media. DLNA is supported by PCs that have Windows Media Player, Windows Media Center, or Intel Media Server file sharing. Apple computers can also share files via DLNA using HARMAN Music Manager software, which you can download without charge from www.harmankardon.com. Third-party software that enables DLNA file-sharing also is available for Android.
vTuner Internet Radio: The AVR1610 features vTuner Internet radio to connect you to a whole world of online audio entertainment. You'll be able to stream over-the-air radio stations from around the globe as well as stream from a wide range of internet-only radio stations.
AM/FM Tuner: The H/K AV receiver features a built-in AM/FM tuner with manual, seek, and preset tuning. The AVR1610 lets you store up to 30 AM/FM station presets. This can be done manually or automatically (auto-preset tuning). Once your presets are set, you can use the Preset Scan function to scan through all of your available presets. You can also tune to a radio station directly using the remote control's numeric keypad. An indoor FM wire antenna and AM loop antenna are included with the receiver.
Firmware Updates: New firmware will be released for the purpose of additional features or product improvements. Firmware updates can be downloaded from the Harman Kardon website. If this unit is connected to the Internet, the receiver will indicate when a new firmware version is available and you can download the firmware via the network connection. The tested A/V receiver contained firmware version V002.19 (as of 8/13/2014). Check Harman Kardon's support site for the most recent firmware updates.
USB/iPod Integration
Front-Panel USB Port: This AV receiver is equipped with a front-panel USB (type-A) port that allows you to enjoy MP3 (8-320kbps; 8-48kHz) and WMA (16-192kbps; 8-48kHz) music files from a USB mass storage class memory device; such as your Android smartphone (Froyo/Gingerbread OS only), portable MP3 player, or USB thumbdrive. You can use the receiver's on-screen menu (via HDMI) and remote control to navigate your stored music files on your connected USB memory device. USB portable audio devices that can be charged via USB will be charged when plugged into the AV receiver's USB port (5V/0.5A).
iPad/iPhone Connectivity: The front-panel USB port provides convenient connection for your iPod, iPhone, or iPad so you can listen to your stored music and music apps through the H/K AV receiver. By simply connecting your Apple device's Lightning- or Dock-cable to the receiver's front-panel USB input, the digital audio signal from your device is transmitted directly to the system, minimizing noise interference and allowing use of the receiver's DAC; not the DAC in your iPod/iPhone/iPad; the result is more precise sound reproduction. You can control basic playback functions of stored music and music apps; such as Play/Pause, Previous/Next Track, and Repeat/Random functions. You'll continue to use your Apple device's clickwheel or touchscreen for advanced music navigation. Song/artist information from stored music and music apps on your iPod/iPhone will display on your connected TV (via HDMI) or the unit's front-panel display. Your iPod/iPhone's battery will be charged while connected to the receiver (max. 0.5A). Using the Lightning- or Dock-cable that came with your Apple device to connect directly to the H/K AV receiver, iPod/iPhone/iPad compatibility is as follows (as of 8/13/2014):
Apple Device | Generation | Tested Version | Connector Type | Media Type | Control Type | Display Type | Charge | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
USB | Bluetooth | Audio | Video | Remote | iPod/iPhone | Album Art | Artist/Song Text | Track Info | ||||
iPad | 1 | 5.1.1 | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | N |
2/3 | 8.0 | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | N | |
4/Air/Mini | 8.0 | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | N | |
iPhone | 2G | 3.1.3 | Y | N | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y |
3G | 4.2.1 | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | |
3GS | 5.1.1 | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | |
4/4S | 7.1.2 | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | |
5S/5C/5 | 8.0 | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | |
6/6+ | 8.0 | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | |
touch | 1st | 2.2.1 | Y | N | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y |
2nd | 4.2.1 | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | |
3rd | 5.1.1 | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | |
4th | 6.1.2 | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | |
5th | 8.0 | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | |
nano | ||||||||||||
2nd/3rd | 1.1.3 | Y | N | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | |
4th | 1.0.4 | Y | N | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | |
5th | 1.0.2 | Y | N | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | |
6th | 1.2 PC | Y | N | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | |
7th | 1.02 PC | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | |
classic | 80GB | 1.1.2 | Y | N | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y |
120GB | 2.0.1 | Y | N | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | |
160GB | 2.0.4 | Y | N | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y |
Convenience Features
Compact Design: The AVR1610 features a new compact design with a flush volume control. Because of the lighter weight made possible by an advanced digital power supply, the unit weighs less without sacrificing performance so that it is the perfect match for the thin glass shelves of today's open TV/entertainment furniture.
OSD (On-Screen Display): The Harman/Kardon AVR1610's on-screen display (OSD) makes setting up the receiver easy. To view the on-screen display you must connect the HDMI monitor output of the receiver to your television. If your TV is connected to the composite video monitor output, you will need to use the AV receiver's front-panel display when changing settings.
Input Name: You can program the source name for any of the inputs, up to 10 characters.
Timers: The receiver offers a programmable Sleep Timer and Auto Power Off function.
- Sleep Timer: This function allows you to automatically set the power to standby after a predetermined time; from 10 to 90 minutes in 10 minute increments.
- Auto Power Off: If you don't operate the receiver or use the remote for an extended period of time, the unit will automatically go into standby mode (Auto Power Off function). The Auto Power Off feature is selectable from 1-8 hours.
Harman GreenEdge Technology: The Harman GreenEdge logo assures you that the AVR1610's design is environmentally friendly without compromising the premium performance for which Harman products are known. Thanks to an advanced power supply, the AVR1610 can deliver high-quality audio in a small, light chassis that uses less metal and plastic. The small design means that less fuel is used in transportation with the end result being a lower carbon footprint.
Bluetooth + Remote Control
Built-in Bluetooth w/ Harman TrueStream: The H/K AVR1610 features built-in Bluetooth (version 3.0) with support for profiles A2DP 1.2 and AVRCP 1.4. You'll be able to wirelessly stream music from your Bluetooth-enabled Apple device, Android smartphone/tablet, portable audio player, laptop, or PC to the H/K receiver. Harman TrueStream Technology ensures the best possible listening experience when you stream audio wirelessly via Bluetooth. You will also be able to control basic playback functions (Play/Pause & Previous/Next Track) using the receiver's remote control. Advanced music operation will still need to be handled from your Bluetooth-enable device. There is no song/artist information display on the receiver or connected TV; continue to use your Bluetooth device's screen to view song/artist info.
H/K Remote App: The free Harman Kardon Remote app is available from the iTunes App Store for Apple iOS (5.0+) devices and the Google Play Store for compatible Android (OS 2.2+) smartphone/tablets. It will let you use your compatible smartphone or tablet to control the AVR1610 without picking up its remote. The Harman Kardon Remote App controls virtually all the functions of AVR1610 that is connected to the same network as the device that has the app installed. With this easy-to-use app you can turn the AV receiver on/off, select input source, control the volume, and virtually any other function. You can also access and navigate all of the receiver's on-screen setup menus.
IR Remote w/ HDMI Link: The AVR1610 simplifies your life with a programmable infrared (IR) remote control. It works seamlessly with the receiver's multilingual on-screen display, guiding you through system setup and operation with ease. The remote can also be programmed to control your TV, cable/satellite boxes, Blu-ray/DVD players, and other playback sources. HDMI Link allows the communication of control information among connected HDMI components in your system.
12V Trigger + Remote In: For further installation flexibility, there is a 12-volt trigger output and a remote IR sensor input. The AVR1610 has a 3.5mm minijack output to send a 12-Volt DC turn-on signal to another component that accepts a 12V trigger. The receiver also has a 3.5mm minijack input for use with an external IR receiver.
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I got this receiver to replace an Onkyo receiver that I had for a1.5 years that just stopped working. Setup was a breeze and took no time at all. Plug everything in and you're pretty much good to go!
Vaesive from Colorado