A stripped-down receiver aims to prove it still has muscle
This is possibly the first new receiver in a year not to include the latest Dolby EX/DTS ES 6.1 channel formats. Instead, with the AVR 3550 Harman Kardon has stuck to the traditional Dolby Digital/DTS 5.1 channel set-up.
The company suggests that - at this price - few people invest in 6.1 or 7.1 systems, and adding those extra channels is a waste of amplifier power and consumer cash (see p13 for news of H/Ks new higher-specced amps). So, this £500 AV receiver includes such practical musical additions as Logic 7 and VMAx, respectively the brands proprietary multi-channel from stereo and pseudo surround modes. The AVR 3550 also comes with Dolby Digital, DTS and Pro-Logic II, and five very powerful-sounding 65Watt amplifiers.
However, the brand has also pared down some other goodies, most notably component video inputs and outputs, pre-outs (to turn the AVR 3550 into a processor while upgrading) and front AV connections. Although we applaud a company cutting away the worthless chaff to focus on making better-sounding kit, the home cinema market is specification driven, and many a potential buyer will discount this receiver out of hand simply because of these minor omissions.
We think this is a crying shame, because consumers are missing out on a honey. The AVR 3550 is one of the most solid amps here. It comes with on-screen set-up menus, a thorough manual and a great remote that includes an E-Z Set measuring microphone for quick speaker level matching. While this is different to the microphone set-up systems used by Cyrus and Pioneer, it works well. Trained ears can be more accurate, but it takes the worry out of installation.
Sonically, the 3550 is a star performer, fighting way beyond its weight. Although the 5x 65Watts seem weak on paper, it is bolder, more dynamic and more powerful than the other products in this test. Sounds move around the room with aplomb, perhaps not in the most subtle manner, but with an authority and confidence that is attractive. When a sound is issued from a speaker with the 3550 connected, it does so with such solidity that the sound takes on an almost physical presence. Theres a crow noise in the right surround channel when Frodo and Gandalf are whispering at the start of Lord of the Rings. With the Harman playing, you jump as much as they do, as it sounds dark and malevolent and very much there. Similarly, you could almost smell the dirty, sweaty underground bunker environment of Enemy at the Gates.
Harman Kardon has made a good receiver with the AVR 3550. Like the Yamaha and Marantz, it seems lightly tailored at the treble end to prevent hard sounding DVDs from becoming bright. But unlike either the Yamaha or Marantz, this works on both music and movies alike. Play anything from polite Bach Partitas to full-on Gorillaz vs Spacemonkeyz dub, and the receiver gives as good as it gets. Ultimately, the fact that the 3550 places performance over detail means you tend to gravitate toward the rock end of the spectrum, but it still does wonders with classical. Also Logic 7 can - and often does - bring out the best of some recordings.
Its a shame to see such a good amp get potentially lost in the scrum because of its specs, but if you can look past the lack of 6.1, you will find yourself something special.
5.1 channel receiver, with 65Watts per channel, Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro-Logic II and DTS 5.1 multi-channel, proprietary surround formats like Logic 7 and VMAx pseudo surround, remote control includes E-Z Set speaker calibration system, comprehensive installation on-screen menus
A very good product suited to both home cinema and music, but in todays market, a new receiver without 6.1 is somewhat hampered
This article first appeared in Home Entertainment Issue 114 - March 2003 http://www.digitalhomemag.com/reviews |