Harmon Kardon information (1 Viewer)

[Daniel T]

I own a Harmon Kardon AVR 55. I will upgrade in the future but I just upgraded my speakers to the Axiom M3ti(fronts), VP100(center), QS-4(rears). I have always noticed that you have to turn the volume up quite a bit to get a lot of sound. I have owned other JVCs in the past but they operated the opposite. You barely turn up the volume and the speakers would become distored. I bought the H/K several years back because I heard of the reputation and sound. I have owned H/K amplified computer speakers and they seem to do the same where you must turn them up to full blast. I just want to know if this is common with H/K. I just don't want to ruin my new speakers by clipping the receiver. The receiver is rated at 55Watts X 5 Channels. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

 

[David John]

Some volume controls on receivers are linear and some are not.
Meaning on some, the non linear, you will reach full power at around the 1/2 way point, or maybe 80% power at 1/2 way on the volume.
so as you go past 1/2 way, you don't get much more volume.
Others that are linear, will increase gradually all the way until max volume. so 1/2 way is actually 50% volume.
so to reach 80% volume, you have to go to 80% with the dial.
The non linear volume is the manufacturer's way of making you believe the receiver has a large power reserve...
"if it's this loud at 1/2 way, WOW it must be really powerful!"
I wouldn't worry about the power rating on the H/K... they are capable of high current which is more important.
And they sound great, but you may have to turn it up a bit more than you are used to in order to make your speakers sing. But don't worry.. this is fine.

 

[Sheldon]

Hi Daniel:I went from a Pioneer Receiver to a H/K 510 and I have to say I love it.Even though I didn't have to turn the volume up much on the Pioneer to get lots of "power" the sound that the H/K produces is much warmer all around.I also have 2 Rotel amps hooked into it for my center channel and surrounds.

 

[Daniel T]

I appreciate the information. I too believe the H/K has a much smoother sound. I am use to the JVCs, Pioneers of the world that you barely turn up the volume and they are pounding on the speakers. I just didn't want to damage my new speakers by turning up the volume to much with the H/K. I think the next thing I need to do is calibrate my speakers.