Harman-Kardon AVR 5550 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 practice to unplug the unit from the AC wall outlet. This prevents any possibility of accidentally sending 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 5550.

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

*Ó.

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

speaker outputsto the respective speakers.

To assure that all the audio signals are carried to your speakers without loss of clarity or resolution, we suggest that you use high-quality speaker cable. Many brands of cable are available and the choice of cable may be influen- ced by the distance between your speakers and the receiver, the type of speakers you use, personal preferences 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 recommend 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 certain to observe proper polarity. Note that the positive (+) terminal of each speaker connection now carries a specific color code as noted on page 9. 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 surround-left and surround-right speakers, even if the speakers are a different distance from the AVR 5550.

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 or 7.1 outputs such as an external digital processor/decoder, DVD-Audio or SACD player is used, connect the outputs of that device to the

8-Channel Direct Inputs .

Video Equipment Connections

Video equipment is connected in the same manner as audio components. Again, the use of high- quality interconnect cables is recommended to preserve signal quality. To ensure best video performance S-Video sources should be connect- ed to the AVR 5550 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 or Video 2 In jacks

on the rear panel. The Audio and Video Record/In jacks on the VCR should be connected to the Video 1 or Video 2 Out jacks

on the AVR 5550.

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

3jacks.

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

.

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

*Ó.

5.Connect the Composite and S-Video (if S-Video device is in use) Monitor Output jacks on the receiver to the composite and S-Video input of your television monitor or video projector.

6.If your DVD player and monitor both have component video connections, connect the com- ponent outputs of the DVD player to the DVD

Component Video Inputs . Note that even

when component video connections are used the audio connections must still be made to either

the analog DVD Audio Inputs

or any of the

Coaxial or Optical Digital Input jacks

.

INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS 15

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Contents AVR 5550 Audio/ Video Receiver Power for the Digital RevolutionDeclaration of Conformity Table of ContentsVariety of modes and two modes of VMAx Description and FeaturesFront panel analog A/V inputs, switch- able to outputs IntroductionSafety Information Important Safety InformationUnpacking Front Panel Controls To select between the Optical See page 40 for more information on tuning stationsCoaxial Ó For more informationFront Panel Information Display Multi Indicator Auto IndicatorDigital Audio Outputs Connect these Rear Panel Connections+ and negative terminals Video source selected by the receiver’s video switcherUnswitched Outlet Switched Outlet AC Power Cord Jack Connect the ACRear Panel Connections Main Remote Control Functions Direct Button K Tuning Up/DownLogic 7 Mode Select Button P Transport Controls Channel/8 Channel Direct Input Movies ∆ Play Forward/Reverse/Stop ˚ Mute Zone II Remote Control FunctionsInstallation and Connections Audio Equipment ConnectionsVideo Equipment Connections Scart A/V Connections If you use a unit providing RGB signals on a RGB signals can be pathed throughImportant Note for the Use SCART-Cinch Adapters System and Power Connections Speaker Selection Speaker PlacementFirst Turn On System ConfigurationUsing the On-Screen Display System SetupSpeaker Setup Input SetupSurround Subwoofer Surround Setup To call up the menu Adjustments for Other InputsDelay Settings Night Mode SettingsOutput Level Adjustment Using EzSetPress and hold the SPL Indicator Select So that on is highlighted Sensor and Indicator offUp the Volume until you can hear the test noise clearly Operation Surround Mode ChartBut no surround speakers No delay availableMix of the in-phase material of the left and right channels No surround channelsBasic Operation Source SelectionChannel/8-Channel Direct Input One of the most important features Controls and Use of HeadphonesSurround Mode Selection Volume Up/Down ButtonsMP3 Audio Playback Digital Audio PlaybackDolby Digital PCM Audio PlaybackSelecting a Digital Source MP 3 DSP mode found in the newDigital Bitstream Indicators Speaker/Channel IndicatorsOr 2 Outputs Night ModeTape Recording Front Panel In/OutputsOutput Level Adjustment With Source Signals Memory BackupIndicator Select Display Brightness Advanced FeaturesTurn On Volume Level Surround Amplifier Channel AssignmentInstallation Advanced Features / Multiroom OperationSemi-OSD Settings Full-OSD Time Out AdjustmentMultiroom Operation Multiroom SetupMultiroom Operation RS-232 ControlTuner Operation Basic Tuner OperationRDS Operation Program Search PTY RDS stationMust be repeated first Programming the Remote with CodesDirect Code Entry If the unit you wish to program intoErasing 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 Prev 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 PauseRemote sensor ¯ is obscured Troubleshooting GuideProcessor Reset Power Switch 1 is pushedTechnical Specifications Harman Consumer International

AVR 5550 specifications

The Harman-Kardon AVR 5550 is a highly regarded audio/video receiver that embodies a perfect blend of power, performance, and versatility. Designed for the discerning home theater enthusiast, this model delivers a remarkable audio-visual experience with its robust set of features and cutting-edge technologies.

One of the standout characteristics of the AVR 5550 is its impressive power output. With 100 watts per channel across seven channels, it is capable of driving a wide range of speakers with clarity and authority. The amplifier section employs Harman-Kardon's legendary technology to ensure low distortion and a dynamic listening experience. This level of power allows users to experience immersive sound in their home theaters, making it ideal for movie nights and music playback alike.

Equipped with a variety of connectivity options, the AVR 5550 is designed to integrate seamlessly with modern audio and video sources. The receiver features numerous HDMI inputs to accommodate multiple devices, including Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. Additionally, it provides optical and coaxial digital inputs, as well as analog inputs for older equipment. This comprehensive set of connectivity options ensures that users can enjoy a wide range of media without the hassle of frequently switching cables.

The AVR 5550 also includes advanced surround sound processing technologies, like Dolby Digital and DTS, which contribute to its ability to create an enveloping soundstage. The integration of Harman-Kardon’s own Logic 7 technology enhances the audio experience by utilizing multi-channel processing to extract the best sound from stereo and multi-channel sources alike.

In terms of design, the AVR 5550 sports a sleek, modern aesthetic that fits well into any home theater setup. The intuitive user interface and remote control make it easy for users to navigate settings and choose their desired audio modes. The receiver also features a built-in AM/FM tuner, expanding its functionality beyond just home theater use.

Lastly, the AVR 5550 emphasizes user-friendly features such as on-screen displays and programmable presets, allowing personal preferences to be easily adjusted. Whether for casual listening or full-fledged cinematic experiences, the Harman-Kardon AVR 5550 stands out as a dependable and high-quality option that caters to all audiovisual needs. Its fusion of power, versatility, and advanced technologies makes it a favorite among audio enthusiasts around the world.
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