Harman Kardon AVR 30 User manual

AVA30.- Audio oand Video Receiver
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Audio and Video Receiver
harman/kardon
OWNER’S MANUAL

CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION:
TO
REDUCE
THE
RISK
OF
ELECTRIC
SHOCK,
DO
NOT
REMOVE
COVER
(OR
BACK).
NO
USER-SERVICEABLE
PARTS
INSIDE.
REFER
SERVICING
TO
QUALIFIED
SERVICE
PERSONNEL.
‘The
lightning
flash
with
arrowhead
symbol,
within
The
exclamation
point
within
an
equilateral
tri-
an
equilateral
triangle,
is
intended
to
alert
the
angle
is
intended
to
alert
the
user
to
the
pres-
user
to
the
presence
of
uninsulated
"dangerous
ence
of
important
operating
and
maintenance
voltage"
within
the
product's
enclosure
that
may
(servicing)
instructions
in
the
literature
accom-
be
of
sufficient
magnitude
to
constitute
a
risk
of
panying
the
appliance.
electric
shock
to
persons.
WARNING:
TO
REDUCE
THE
RISK
OF
FIRE
OR
ELECTRIC
SHOCK,
DO
NOT
EXPOSE
THIS
APPLIANCE
TO
RAIN
OR
MOISTURE.
CAUTION:
TO
PREVENT
ELECTRIC
SHOCK,
MATCH
WIDE
BLADE
OF
PLUG
TO
WIDE
SLOT,
FULLY
INSERT.
ATTENTION:
POUR
EVITER
LES
CHOCS
ELECTRIQUES,
INTRODUIRE
LA
LAME
LA
PLUS
LARGE
DE
LA
FICHE
DANS
LA
BORNE
CORRESPONDANTE
DE
LA
PRISE
ET
POUSSER
JUSQU’AU
FOND.
Manufactured
under
license
from
Dolby
Laboratories
Licensing
Corporation.
Additionally
licensed
under
one
or
more
of
the
following
patents:
U.S.
numbers
3,632,886,
3,746,792
and
3,959,590;
Canadian
numbers
1,004,603
and
1,037,877.
“Dolby”
and
the
double-D
symbol
Od
are
trademarks
of
Dolby
Laboratories
Licensing
Corporation.
Harman Kardon AVR30
Date of purchase
Purchased from
Address of business purchased from
Installed by
Date installed
Serial No.
Thank you for choosing a Harman
Kardon Audio/Video Receiver.
Your new unit is an exceptionally
well-engineered product that will give
you years of superb performance.
Save all packing material.
lt is essential for shipping should you
move, or in the event the unit ever
needs repair.
U. S. and Canadian customers
should use 120 volt AC only. Other
customers should use voltages
appropriate to their area.
Connecting the unit to an outlet
supplying a higher voltage may
create a fire hazard.

Handle the Power Cord
Gently.
@ To disconnect the plug from the
AC outlet, pull on the plug itself,
not on the cord.
MM Disconnect the plug from the AC
outlet whenever the unit is to be
left unused for an extended
period of time.
HM Do not place furniture or other
heavy objects on the cord, and
avoid dropping heavy objects on
it. Also do not make a knot in
the cord.
Place the unit on a firm
and level surface.
Avoid installing it:
Min moist or humid places;
Mi Close to heating equipment or in
places exposed to direct sunlight;
Min a direct draft from an air
conditioner or in other very cold
locations;
M@ In places subject to excessive
vibration or dust;
Min poorly ventilated places.
Moving the Unit.
Before moving the unit, be sure to
unplug the power cord from the AC
outlet and disconnect all wires to
antennas and other componenis.
Do Not Open the Cabinet.
Do not attempt to service this unit.
Tampering with internal components
can cause fire or shock, and may
void your guarantee. lf water or
small objects enter the unit, unplug
the power cord immediately and
consult an authorized Harman
Kardon service center. Using the
unit under such conditions may
cause a fire or shock hazard.
Cleaning.
Remove dust by wiping the unit with
a soft, dry cloth. If necessary, use a
soft cloth lightly dampened with mild
soapy water; then wipe with a dry
cloth. Never use benzene, thinner,
alcohol or other volatile agents,
and avoid spraying insecticides
near the unit.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Special Features
Installation and Connections
Front Panel Controls
Operating Instructions
System Remote Control. .
Home Theater Controller (HTC)
Using the On Screen Menu system
Using the Digital Signal Processor
- Setup Adjustments
Troubleshooting
Specifications

The AVR30 is a very unique and
versatile Audio and Video Receiver.
lt combines a special switching
system for all your Audio and Video
products with a complete Recording
switching system into one unit that
has five fully discrete amplifiers,
Dolby Pro Logic Surround, a Digital
Signal Processor, and a remote
control that operates the AVR30 and
many other products in your system.
Feature Highlights
Mi DOLBY Pro-Logic
Surround*
The AVR380 DOLBY PRO-LOGIC
Decoding system brings the theater
surround sound experience to your
home. Dolby Pro-Logic creates
four-channel surround sound plus a
true Center Channel. Because of this
center channel, listeners in less than
ideal positions will still hear the movie
dialogue coming from the screen.
M@ Digital Signal
Processor (DSP)
The AVR30 includes a custom
programmed Digital Signal Processor
for simulating the room ambience in
a variety of performance arenas from
the size of a large stadium to the
closeness of a small club. Unlike
many other Digital Signal processors
Special Features
that sound artificial and unnatural,
the AVR30 will sound true to life,
subtle and never distracting. The
system is easy to operate and will
yield realistic natural sound with any
of the available settings.
Mi System Remote
The System Remote controls AVR30
functions using various one-push
‘commands or the On Screen Menu
System. The system remote also
controls most Harman Kardon CD
players and cassette players.
HM Home Theater
Controller (HTC) Remote
The HTC is a remote control that
operates the AVR30 through a TV
screen menu system and is also
preprogrammed to control various
branded audio and video products.
Mi On Screen Menu System
A convenient control system with
visual conformation for selecting
various components, modes and
settings on to the AVR30.
Mi Video Switching
When an audio/video source is
selected for viewing or recording,
both audio and video outputs are
selected simultaneously.
Mi Memory System
The AVR30 includes a unique
memory system that remembers
each Digital Signal Processor mode
and setting last used and recalls
the setting when selecting a
"Listen To" source.
M@ Ultrawide Bandwidth
The AVR30 circuitry is designed
to deliver extended frequency
response, while keeping phase
shift well outside the audible
spectrum. The result is stereo
imaging and clarity with remarkably
accurate spatial positioning of
vocals and musical instruments.
Mi Discrete Circuitry
For maximum design flexibility
and highest possible performance,
the amplifier circuitry has been
designed using discrete electronic
components, not off-the-shelf
integrated circuits.
Mi Low Negative Feedback
Conventional designs rely heavily
on negative feedback to reduce
Total Harmonic Distortion. This
results, however, in excessive
Transient Intermodulation
Distortion, audible in the harsh,
grating quality of the sound.
*Dolby
Prologic
Surround
is
a
trademark
of
DOLBY
LABORATORIES
LICENSING
CORPORATION.
3
Harman Kardon keeps negative
feedback low for smoother, clearer
reproduction of complex musical
sounds, such as those of stringed
instruments.
Mi HCC (High Instantaneous
Current Capability)
This enables the AVR30 to maintain
an undistorted output signal when
driving Low Impedance or resistive
speaker loads.
Supplied Accessories/
Packing List
System Remote Controller
2 Batteries (size "AA")
Home Theater Controller (HTC)
4 Remote Batteries (size "AAA")
AM Antenna
FM Indoor Dipole Antenna
Manual
Safety Sheet
Warranty Card
Customer Response Card
Mi 2 IR Remote Connection Cables

Right Lett
Outdoor FM Antenna ©) ©)
(2)
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Antenna
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SPEAKER IMPEDANCE
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FRONT A OR B: 62 MIN
GND GND A & B: 12Q MIN
CENTER 602 MIN
REAR 4 MIN
AUDIO EQUIPMENT
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i 4 MODEL NO.: AVR30
: HARMAN KARDON | SERIAL NO. _ J
4 NORTHRIDGE 2
4 i] CALIFORNIA, U.S.A.
Aes See] MADE IN JAPAN LISTED $960
MANUFACTURED UNDER LICENSE FROM DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING
CORPORATION. ADDITIONALLY LICENSED UNDER ONE OR MORE OF THE
cS) FOLLOWING PATENTS: U.S. NUMBERS 3,692,986, 3,746,792 AND
3,999,590; CANADIAN NUMBERS 1,004,603 AND 1,037,877,
"DOLBY" AND THE OOUBLE-D SYMBOL [IJ ARE TRADEMARKS OF
DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION.
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. * * Connect the "Inputs" of. ‘this unit to the
Video
Recorder
1
Video
Recorder
2
-
"Outputs
‘of
the
AVR30;
and:
vice-versa
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CENTER SPEAKER FR ‘| AG 120V/60Hz
CENTER GND
SWITCHED
TOTAL MAX 120W,1A
CAUTION
SPEAKER IMPEDANCE
FRONT A OR B: 62 MIN
p GND A & B: 122 MIN
CENTER 69 MIN
REAR 42 MIN
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DO NOT OPEN
MODEL NO.: AVR30
HARMAN KARDON | —SERIAL_NO._
NORTHRIDGE
CALIFORNIA, U.S.A.
MADE IN JAPAN
™ © >) @
GND GND
DOLGY LABORATORIES LICERSING CORPORATION.
OUTPUT
_LD AUDIO OUT
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on
: other H/K components
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TV VIDEO OUT |
Turntabie
“TV VIDEO IN
Re RR a Par we External Infrared Sensor
SS a Remote Conitrol
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harman/kardon AVRA30 Audio and Video Receiver
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Speaker Bass Treble
Headphones
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General Information
Placement:
Unit may be placed on top of or
beneath other stereo components,
so long as Its placement meets the
cooling requirements of the
component beneath it.
AC Power
Plug the cord into a polarized wail
socket, or polarized extension cord.
7 2 3 4
D @ a Cp g
5 6 7 8
Audio Direct Surround Mode - Effects Level + Center Mode Delay Time Test Tone
Remote Sensor
FM f
SEEK TUNED stereo Preset EEE
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Balance Subwoofer Leve/ Center Level Rear Level
Of AB @ ° e e e@ e
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Simulcast] VCR 1 | VCR 2 | VDP VoP SAT TV
a U U O O 0 Q
AC Outlets (120 Volt
Version Only)
2 SWITCHED OUTLETS and 1
UNSWITCHED OUTLET
Use these to connect the power cords
from your components to this unit.
The power to the SWITCHED outlets
is controlled by this unit's POWER
switch or the provided remote-control
transmitters POWER key. These
outlets will supply power to any
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Master Volume
EFF
component whenever this unit is
turned on.
The power to the UNSWITCHED
outlet can not be controlled by
this unit's POWER switch or the
provided remote-control transmitter’s
POWER key.
The maximum power (total power
consumption of components) that
can be connected to the SWITCHED
AC OUTLETS is 120 watts.
O ~ AN
Mono
The maximum power (total power
consumption of components) that can
be connected to the UNSWITCHED
AC OUTLET is 180 waits.

Connecting Audio
Components (see the
installation and
connections diagram on
page 4 for details)
1. Make sure the AVR30 and other
components are turned off.
2. Connect each component’s Output
jacks to the corresponding "In" jacks
on the back of your receiver. Use
the white, black or gray plugs to
connect Left channel jacks; use the red
plugs for Right jacks.
Connect your turntable to the jacks
marked "Phono".
Also connect the ground wire from
the turntable to the terminal marked
"GND" next to the Phono jacks.
Antenna Installation
Select the FM antenna that best
meets your needs.
1. An indoor dipole antenna is
supplied with your AVR30. This will
work well if you are located ina
strong signal area.
2. Other indoor antennas are
available which may improve
reception by offering greater
positioning flexibility.
3. If reception is unsatisfactory
using indoor antennas, an outdoor
antenna should be installed.
4. Alternatively, you may connect to
an FM cable antenna, if available.
Connect the EM _ antenna.
Connect the two leads of the
antenna to the two screw-down
terminals marked "FM 300QBAL".
If you wish to connect a cable
antenna, connect it to the
location marked "FM 75Q
UNBAL" (see antenna connection
diagram for details).
Position the FM antenna for optimum
reception. _
Reception from all of the above
antennas (except the cable antenna)
may be improved by re-positioning
them. Try your antenna in different
positions to find the one in which
most of your desired broadcast
stations have high signal strength
readings and good sound quality.
Connect the AM Antenna.
Your receiver comes with an AM
loop antenna which provides good
reception in most locations. For best
results, place this antenna away
from the unit and away from contact
with any metal object. |
In areas where AM signals are
weak, an outdoor AM antenna may
improve sound quality.
Connect the AM antenna leads to
the screw-down terminals marked
"AM" on the back of the AVR30
(see antenna connection diagram
for details).
SPEAKER INSTALLATION
This unit is designed to work with 6
to 16 ohm impedance speakers in
the front and 4 to 16 ohm speakers
in the rear.
For best performance, use high
quality speaker cables.
However, ordinary copper wire can
be used if the gauge meets the
following requirements:
Wire Lenth Gauge
Up to 8 feet 18 AWG
Up to 12 feet 16 AWG
Up to 20 feet 14 AWG
10-12 AWG custom
speaker cable
Over 20 feet
NOTE: Avoid coiling excess wire
with or near line level hook-up cords.
Connect the first pair of front
speakers to receiver terminals
marked "Speaker System" "A".

1. Note the difference between the
two conductors in each cable:
different colored insulation, ridged
insulation, or colored yarn.
2. Connect the front right-hand
speaker to the receiver, being sure
to connect the positive terminal on
the speaker to the terminal marked
“Front Speakers" "Right" on the
receiver, and the negative or
ground terminal on the speaker to
the corresponding "GND" terminal
on the receiver.
3. Connect terminals on the front
left-hand speaker to the "Front
Speakers" "Left" and corresponding
"GND" terminals on the receiver,
again being careful to maintain
correct polarity.
To connect a second set of
speakers:
IMPORTANT: When connecting
pairs of front speakers to speaker
systems "A" and "B," determine the
impedance of each pair by looking
on the back of the speakers, or in
your owner's manual, or by
contacting your dealer or
manufacturer. Speaker pairs A and
B can be played simultaneously only
when the impedance of speakers A
and B are 12Q or greater.
WARNING: Do not piay both sets of
front speakers simultaneously except
as recommended above. Receiver
may overheat.
4. Connect terminals on the Center
Speaker to the "Center" and
corresponding "GND" terminals on
the Receiver.
5. Connect terminals on the Rear
Left and Right Speakers to the
corresponding Rear "Left," "Right"
and "GND" terminals on the Receiver.
Subwoofer Out
Connect a powered subwoofer to
these jacks. This output may also
be used for any external
component requiring a full
bandwidth line-level input.
Wired Remote Control
To control your AVR30 with an
external infrared remote sensor,
connect the wire from the remote
sensor to the “Remote In" jack on
the back panel. Or, if you have a
stereo component with a built-in
infrared remote sensor and a
“Remote Output" jack, it may be
possible to connect this jack to the
"Remote In" jack of your AVR30. All
Harman Kardon products with
"Remote In" and "Remote Out" jacks
are compatible with one another,
except for the HD7400 CD Player,
Citation 22, Citation 24 and Citation
25. Other manufacturers’ remote
sensors may not be compatible, but
It will not hurt to experiment.
A second wire may be used to
connect your AVR30’s "Remote Out"
Jack to the "Remote Input" of another
stereo component. Continue this
process to include additional
components (if compatible).
To control your AVR30, you may use
one of the remote controls supplied
with the AVR30. You may use the
HTC to control other components,
such as TVs, VCRs, laser disc
players, etc.

Front Panel Controls
~xmo Bass Treble Center Delay Volume ==
Turn
to
increase
or
Turn
to
increase
or
decrease
the
Press
to
select
the
desired
center
mode
(NORMAL,
Press
to
select
the
appropriate
Dolby
Turn
to
raise
or
decrease
the
proportion
PHANTOM,
or
WIDE).
See
page
17
for
deiails.
Pro
Logic delay
time
(15,
20,
or
30ms).
lower
system
output
of low frequency sound.
| » Speaker
_ | Tum to select either of two
, | sets of speakers, or both,
| or neither (headphone
| | output only).
|| Power
' | Press to turn the unit on
_ 4 (Green Indicator) and off
of AB
Headphones
Headphone Jack
Plug in headphones if
desired (with Speaker
switch in "Off" position,
output is supplied only
proportion of high frequency sound.
|
|
(Orange
Indicator)
(for
use
with
|
2
t
romete
control,
see
page
12.
(Gorey SURROUND)
TOS
Speaker
A+B
| Shift A-B
» Allows you to access
| 16 pre-selected stations
| using the 8 preset buttons.
| Memory ———~
_ Press to set
| a new preset
Bass
ny VCR 1 VCR 2
UO OU
| Simulcast “Rec From”
| Press to record from a video
/ source combining the audio
_ from a different source.
station in memory.
Treble
6
Audio
Direct
=~
Press this bution
to bypass all surround
sound processing.
Preset Buttons
Press to access.
pre-selected stations.
Balance
| Balance -
_ Turn to sdaat reuaiive output
| level of left and right speakers.
"Record From" Selector
Press desired key to choose
source for recording.
Subwoofer Level
Surround
Press this bution to
select the desired
surround mode (MOVIE,
HALL, THEATER, etc.).
Effect Level + / -
Press these buttons to
adjust the "liveness"
of the glial. Signal
Processor.
Center Level
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Subwoofer Level
Turn to increase or decrease
the subwoofer output level
relative to the front speakers
connected to the AVR30.
"Listen To" Selector
volume.
- Effects Level +: | Center Mode Dek gs
Rear Level
t
_ Turn to increase or ?
| decrease the rear speaker level
| relative to the front speakers
! connected to the AVR30.
See page 16 for further information.
FM/AM ~
Press to select AM
or FM reception.
Test Tone
Press to turn on
the test tone used
for Speaker level
adjustment
(see page 18).
Time * i ast Tone
Rear Level
Center Level
Video L
to headphones).
Simulcast "Listen To"
Press to view a video source while
listening to separate audio source.
Press desired key to choose
listening source.
Turn to increase or decrease the
center speaker level relative to the
front speakers connected to the AVR30.
Press A to tune to
stations with higher
frequencies; press W
for lower frequencies.
Seek-Stereo
Press to select Seek
tuning in stereo, or
manual tuning in mono. |
Master Volume
- Mono
Press to hear input from
any source in mono.
LOUCNESS eres
Press to improve sound
quality when listening to
your system at low volume.