Harman-Kardon Comprehensive Operation Guide for the HK 3490 Stereo System
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OPERATION

Now that you have installed your system components, you are ready to begin enjoying your new audio system.

Turning On the HK 3490

After you plug the power cord into an AC outlet and turn on the Main Power Switch on the rear panel, the Power Indicator should light up in amber. This indicates that the HK 3490 is in Standby mode and is ready to be turned on. See Figure 26.

The HK 3490 may be turned on by pressing the Power Switch or any Source Selector on the front panel or the remote. See Figures 26 and 27.

The Power Indicator will turn white to indicate that the HK 3490 is on. If the PROTECT message appears in the Message Display, unplug the receiver from AC power and check all of your wires and connections. Make sure no speaker wires are shorting out by touching each other, and that there are no breaks in the insulation covering any of the speaker wires, interconnects or the power cord. If the PROTECT message still appears when you plug in the HK 3490 and try to turn it on again, bring the receiver to an authorized Harman Kardon service center for assistance.

To turn the receiver off, press the Power Switch on the front panel, or press the Power Off Button on the remote. When the HK 3490 is left unplugged, any settings you have programmed, including system configuration and preset radio stations, will be preserved indefinitely.

Volume Control

The volume may be adjusted either by turning the knob on the front panel (clockwise to increase volume or counterclockwise to decrease volume), or by pressing the Volume Control Buttons on the remote. See Figure 28. The volume is displayed as a negative number of decibels (dB) below the 0dB reference point. Unlike some volume controls on other products, 0dB is the maximum volume for the HK 3490. Although it’s physically possible to turn the volume to a higher level, doing so may damage your hearing and your speakers. For certain more-dynamic audio materials, even 0dB may be too high, allowing for damage to equipment.

Figure 28 – Volume Controls

The HK 3490 is designed to reproduce audio with a minimum amount of distortion. This clarity may lead you to believe that your hearing and the equipment can handle higher volumes. We urge caution with regard to volume levels.

Mute Function

To temporarily mute all speakers and the headphones, press the Mute Button on the front panel or remote. See Figure 29. Any recording in progress will not be affected. If the Subwoofer Trigger Outputs are

in use and the Subwoofer Link Switch is on, muting will turn off the subwoofer’s amplifier to conserve energy. The MUTE message will flash in the display as a reminder. To restore normal audio, either press the Mute Button again, or adjust the volume. Turning off the HK 3490 will also end muting.

Figure 29 – Mute Buttons

Sleep Timer

You may program the HK 3490 to play for up to 90 minutes and then turn off automatically using the sleep timer.

Press the Sleep Button on the front panel or remote, and the time until turn-off will be displayed. Each additional press of the Sleep Button will reduce the time until turn-off by 10 minutes, until the OFF setting is reached, which disables the sleep timer. See Figures 30 and 31.

Figure 30 – Front-Panel Sleep Button

Figure 31 – Remote Control Sleep Button

When the sleep timer has been set, the front-panel display will automatically dim to half-brightness. If you press any button on the remote or front panel, the display will return to full-brightness. The display will dim again several seconds after your last command.

If you press the Sleep Button after the timer has been set, the remaining time until turn-off will be displayed. You may press the Sleep Button to change the time until turn-off. Pressing and holding the Sleep Button will disable the sleep timer, and the SLEEP OFF message will appear.

Tone Controls

You may boost or cut either the treble or the bass frequencies by up to 10dB.

The Bass and Treble Tone Controls may be adjusted using the knobs on the front panel. Remove the front-panel covers if necessary, then gently press the desired control knob until it unlatches and pops out. Turn the appropriate knob counterclockwise to reduce the levels of the low frequencies (Bass Control) or the high frequencies (Treble Control), and turn it clockwise to increase the levels for the low or high frequencies. See Figure 32.

Figure 32 – Tone Controls

You may also adjust the balance to compensate for speaker placement or the acoustic characteristics of your listening room. Ideally, the audio

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Contents Page Important Safety Instructions Safety InformationImportant Safety Information Page Table of Contents Introduction FRONT-PANEL Controls FM Mode DSP Mode Power REAR-PANEL Connections DVD REAR-PANEL Connections Been selected Remote Control FunctionsTape Controls CD recorders CD Controls CD players XM Controls the HK 3490 and its internal tuner onlyFM Mode Remote Control Functions Subwoofer Connecting Source Devices to the HKConnections Speaker ConnectionsDigital Audio AntennasAudio Connections Video ConnectionsSpeaker Placement Speaker PlacementStep Three Connect the Antennas InstallationStep One Connect the Speakers Step Two Connect the SubwooferCompact Disc CD Player Phono TurntableTape Video 1 SourceDocking Station Video 2 SourceVideo 3 Source Step Seven Connect Optional External Equipment Step Eight Plug In AC PowerStep Five Connect the Video Display Step Six Connect the Remote IR Input and Output OptionalStep Ten Turn On the HK Front-Panel Power SwitchOperation Source Selection HeadphonesSpeaker 1/2 Press the AM, FM or XM Button on the remote Using the Tuner AM, FM and XM ModesUsing The Bridge Auto Preset FM OnlyUsing Docking Station Using the XM Radio TunerMemory Processor ResetUnit will return to Standby mode, and you may power it on Dim FunctionTroubleshooting Guide NTSC/PAL/SECAM HK 3490 Technical SpecificationsTable A2 Subwoofer Trigger Output Operation Table A1 Remote Control Device TypesAppendix VID Table A3 Remote Control Function List

HK3490 specifications

The Harman-Kardon HK3490 is an exceptional stereo receiver that combines power, versatility, and timeless design to cater to audiophiles and casual listeners alike. Known for its impressive sound quality, the HK3490 is a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their home audio experience.

One of the standout features of the Harman-Kardon HK3490 is its powerful amplification. With a 120 watts per channel output, this receiver is capable of driving even demanding speakers with ease. Whether you're enjoying a quiet evening at home or hosting a lively gathering, the HK3490 delivers clean, dynamic sound that fills any room. The unit is equipped with an advanced high-current, low-impedance design, ensuring robust performance across a wide range of speakers.

In terms of connectivity, the HK3490 is equipped with an array of options. It offers multiple audio inputs, including six stereo line inputs, a dedicated phono input for vinyl enthusiasts, and a 2-channel tape monitor, allowing users to connect various audio sources seamlessly. The receiver also features a built-in AM/FM tuner with 30 presets, making it easy to enjoy your favorite radio stations.

The HK3490 further incorporates sophisticated technologies designed to enhance sound quality. Harman-Kardon's proprietary technologies, such as the Logic 7 processing, provide a rich, immersive audio experience that preserves the integrity of the original recording. This technology ensures that stereo signals are transformed into a surround sound experience, making your music, movies, or games more engaging.

Another important aspect of the HK3490 is its aesthetic appeal. The receiver features a sleek, classic design with a brushed aluminum front panel complemented by a large, easy-to-read display. The intuitive layout of knobs and dials makes it user-friendly, allowing for easy adjustments to volume and tuning.

Moreover, the HK3490 is designed with durability in mind. Its robust construction ensures that it can handle the rigors of daily use, while its thermal protection circuits prevent overheating, allowing for reliable performance over extended periods.

In summary, the Harman-Kardon HK3490 is a versatile, high-performance stereo receiver that caters to a wide range of audio needs. With its powerful amplification, extensive connectivity options, and advanced sound technologies, it stands out as a premium choice for anyone looking to elevate their listening experience. Whether you are a seasoned audiophile or simply enjoy quality sound, the HK3490 is a worthy addition to any audio setup.
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