Harman-Kardon AVR 8500 owner manual Installation and Connections, Audio Equipment Connections

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Installation and Connections

After unpacking the unit, and placing it on a solid surface capable of supporting its weight, you will need to make the connections to your audio and video equipment.

Audio Equipment Connections

We recommend that you use high-quality inter- connect cables when making connections to source equipment and recorders to preserve the integrity of the signals.

When making connections to audio source equipment or speakers it is always a good prac- tice to unplug the unit from the AC wall outlet. This prevents any possibility of accidentally send- ing audio or transient signals to the speakers that may damage them.

1. Connect the analog output of a CD player to the CD inputs .

NOTE: When the CD player has both fixed and variable audio outputs it is best to use the fixed output unless you find that the input to the receiver is so low that the sound is noisy, or so high that the signal is distorted.

2.Connect the analog Play/Out jacks of a cas- sette deck, MD, CD-R or other audio recorder to

the Tape Input jacks . Connect the analog Record/In jacks on the recorder to the Tape

Output jacks

on the AVR.

3.Connect the digital output of any digital sources such as a CD or DVD changer or player, advanced video game, a digital satellite receiver, HDTV tuner or digital cable set-top box or the output of a compatible computer sound card to the Optical and Coaxial Digital Inputs

.

4.Connect the Coaxial or Optical Digital

Outputs on the rear panel of the AVR to the matching digital input connections on a CD-R or MiniDisc recorder.

5.Assemble the AM Loop Antenna supplied with the unit as shown below. Connect it to the AM

and GND screw terminals .

6. Connect the supplied FM antenna to the FM

(75 ohm) connection . The FM antenna may be an external roof antenna, an inside powered or wire lead antenna or a connection from a cable system. Note that if the antenna or connec- tion uses 300-ohm twin-lead cable, you should use a 300-ohm-to-75-ohm adapter to make the connection.

7. Connect the front, center and surround speak-

er outputs

to the respective speakers.

To assure that all the audio signals are carried to your speakers without loss of clarity or resolu- tion, we suggest that you use high-quality speak- er cable. Many brands of cable are available and the choice of cable may be influenced by the dis- tance between your speakers and the receiver, the type of speakers you use, personal prefer- ences and other factors. Your dealer or installer is a valuable resource to consult in selecting the proper cable.

Regardless of the brand of cable selected, we rec- ommend that you use a cable constructed of fine, multistrand copper with an area greater than

2 mm2.

Cable with an area of 1.5 mm2 may be used for short runs of less than 4 m. We do not recom- mend that you use cables with an area less than 1mm2 due to the power loss and degradation in performance that will occur.

Cables that are run inside walls should have the appropriate markings to indicate listing with any appropriate testing agency standards. Questions about running cables inside walls should be referred to your installer or a licensed electrician who is familiar with the applicable local building codes in your area.

When connecting wires to the speakers, be cer- tain to observe proper polarity. Note that the positive (+) terminal of each speaker connection now carries a specific color code as noted on page 8. However, most speakers will still use a red terminal for the postive (+) connection. Connect the “negative” or “black” wire to the same terminal on both the receiver and the speaker.

NOTE: While most speaker manufacturers adhere to an industry convention of using black terminals for negative and red ones for positive, some manufacturers may vary from this configu- ration. To assure proper phase and optimal per- formance, consult the identification plate on your speaker or the speaker’s manual to verify polarity. If you do not know the polarity of your speaker, ask your dealer for advice before proceeding, or consult the speaker’s manufacturer.

We also recommend that the length of cable used to connect speaker pairs be identical. For example, use the same length piece of cable to connect the front-left and front-right or sur- round-left and surround-right speakers, even if the speakers are a different distance from the AVR.

8.Connections to a subwoofer are normally made via a line level audio connection from the

Subwoofer Output to the line-level input of a subwoofer with a built-in amplifier. When a

passive subwoofer is used, the connection first goes to a power amplifier, which will be connect- ed to one or more subwoofer speakers. If you are using a powered subwoofer that does not have line-level input connections, follow the instruc- tions furnished with the speaker for connection information.

9.If an external multi-channel audio source with 5.1 outputs such as an external digital proces- sor/decoder, DVD-Audio or SACD player is used, connect the outputs of that device to the

6-Channel Direct Inputs .

10.If an external multi-channel audio source with 7.1 outputs such as an external digital processor/decoder, DVD-Audio or SACD player is used, first connect the outputs of that device to the 6 Channel Direct Inputs as noted above, and then connect the Surround Back Left and Surround Back Right output channels of the source device to the 8-Channel Direct Inputs

.

11.If you plan to use a 7.1 channel source or wish to take advantage of the 6.1/7.1 channel processing modes such as THX Surround EX or DTS-ES, you must use an optional audio power stereo amplifier for the Surround Back channels. Connect the SBL and SBR Preamp Outputs

to the inputs of the amplifier feeding those channels' speakers.

Video Equipment Connections

Video equipment is connected in the same manner as audio components. Again, the use of high-qual- ity interconnect cables is recommended to pre- serve signal quality. To ensure best video perform- ance S-Video sources should be connected to the AVR only with their S-Video In/Outputs, not with their composite video connectors too.

1.Connect a VCR’s audio and video Play/Out jacks to the Video 1/ Video 2 Input Jacks on the rear panel. The Audio and Video Record/In jacks on the VCR should be connected to the

Video 1/ Video 2 Output Jacks

on the

AVR.

 

2.Connect the analog audio and video outputs of a satellite receiver, cable TV converter or television set or any other video source to the

Video 3/ Video 4 Input Jacks

jacks.

3.Connect the analog audio and video outputs of a DVD or laser disc player to the DVD Inputs .

4.Connect the digital audio outputs of a CD, MD or DVD player, satellite receiver, cable box or HDTV converter to the appropriate Optical or

Coaxial Digital Inputs

.

INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS 15

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Contents AVR 8500 Audio/ Video Receiver Power for the Digital RevolutionDeclaration of Conformity Table of ContentsIntroduction Description and FeaturesIntroduction Hdcd Decoding for Superb CD PlaybackSafety Information Important Safety InformationUnpacking Front Panel Controls Power Indicator #Preset Station SelectorHeadphone Jack $Stereo Mode Selector /› Button Home THX Mode Selector Press thisCoaxial Ó DTS-ES 6.1 Discrete DTS-ES 6.1 MatrixDTS + NEO6 To select between the OpticalMulti Indicator Auto Indicator Front Panel Information DisplayFront Panel Information Display Rear Panel Connections Channel Direct Inputs If an externalRear Panel Connections Unswitched Outlet Surround Mode Selector Power Off ButtonProgram/SPL Indicator Power On ButtonChannel Direct Inputs Main Remote Control FunctionsMain Remote Control Functions Main Remote Control Functions ∆ Play Forward/Reverse/Stop ˚ Mute Zone II Remote Control FunctionsInstallation and Connections Audio Equipment ConnectionsVideo Equipment Connections Important Note for Adapter Cables Scart A/V ConnectionsComponent Video Inputs . Note that even Video Connection NotesAlso other colours possible, e.g. brown and grey Important Note for the Use SCART-Cinch AdaptersSystem and Power Connections Speaker Placement AC Power ConnectionSpeaker Selection First Turn On System ConfigurationUsing the On-Screen Display System ConfigurationInput Setup Front panel or Speaker Setup¤ Button Dto begin the speaker configura- tion process Optional, external power amplifiersSurround SubwooferOn the remote so that Sublfe appears in the on-screen menu Surround Setup Within five seconds, either press ⁄/¤ buttonsTHX Surround EX and DTS Settings Independent of the Input Selected Adjustments for Other InputsDelay Settings To select the DOLBYmenu see fig Night Mode SettingsOutput Level Adjustment On the remote. Then press the ⁄/¤ buttonsSo that on is highlighted Using EzSetPress and hold the SPL Indicator Select Turn off the OSD system if it is in useSensor and Indicator off When all channels have the same output levelMenu Bass Peak Limiter Operation Surround Mode ChartOFF Stereo Dolby 3 StereoTheater HallControls and Use of Headphones Basic OperationSource Selection Until Surr OFF appears in the Main Information Display ˆ Surround Mode SelectionOne of the most important features Digital Audio PlaybackMP3 Audio Playback Dolby DigitalDolby Digital Surround EX PCM Audio PlaybackSelecting a Digital Source Digital Bitstream IndicatorsSpeaker/Channel Indicators Eand adjust to accommodate itOFF Tape Recording Output Level Adjustment With Source SignalsIndicator Select Indicator offWill not function Memory BackupChannel/8-Channel Direct Input To change the output levelAdvanced Features Advanced FeaturesSpeaker Reset Turn On Volume LevelFull-OSD Time Out Adjustment Semi-OSD SettingsMultiroom Operation InstallationMultiroom Setup Multiroom OperationBasic Tuner Operation Tuner OperationRDS Operation Auto-Search Method Time. When the Program/SPL IndicatorProgramming the Remote with Codes Direct Code EntryErasing Learned Codes Programming the RemoteCode Readout Learning Codes from a RemoteErasing Macro Commands Macro ProgrammingPress the AVR Selector 4and the Mute button Volume Punch-ThroughProgrammed Device Functions Remote With Other DevicesSelector button Channel Control Punch-ThroughResetting the Remote Memory Function List Function ListPrev Channel 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Clear Power On Power Off Mute TV Select Channel +Power On Power Off VID 3 Select Channel + Scan Scan + Rewind Play Fast Fwd Record Stop PauseTroubleshooting Guide Processor ResetTroubleshooting Guide Technical Specifications Harman Consumer International

AVR 8500 specifications

The Harman-Kardon AVR 8500 is a high-performance audio/video receiver designed for enthusiasts who demand exceptional sound quality and advanced features. This model is part of the premium AVR line and has become a respected staple in home theater setups since its introduction.

One of the standout features of the AVR 8500 is its robust amplification system. With a powerful output of 120 watts per channel, it drives even the most demanding speakers and ensures a dynamic audio experience. The receiver supports a variety of surround sound formats, including Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS, and THX Surround EX, delivering an immersive listening experience for movies, games, and music.

The AVR 8500 also showcases a range of advanced processing technologies that enhance audio fidelity. Harman-Kardon’s proprietary Logic 7 processing allows for the seamless upmixing of stereo content to surround sound, providing a richer soundscape. Additionally, the integration of the latest HDMI inputs ensures that high-definition audio and video signals can be transmitted without degradation in quality. This model typically includes multiple HDMI ports, along with support for 4K video passthrough, making it an ideal choice for modern home theater configurations.

In terms of connectivity, the AVR 8500 offers versatility, featuring multiple analog and digital audio inputs, a variety of video connections, and even network capabilities for streaming music from popular services directly. The receiver often comes equipped with advanced room correction technologies, such as Harman’s proprietary room setup and calibration system, which helps to optimize sound quality based on the specific characteristics of your listening environment.

Another notable characteristic of the Harman-Kardon AVR 8500 is its user-friendly interface. The intuitive on-screen setup allows users to easily configure their audio and video settings, making it accessible not only for seasoned audiophiles but also for those new to home theater systems.

A sleek design further complements its high-performance capabilities, ensuring that the AVR 8500 not only performs well but also looks great in any entertainment setup. The combination of its advanced technological features, extensive connectivity options, and impressive sound quality makes the Harman-Kardon AVR 8500 a premier choice for anyone seeking to elevate their home audio experience.