Harman-Kardon AVR 5550 owner manual Surround Setup

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System Configuration

When the Set button @ Fhas been pressed and the system is ready for a change to the front speaker setting, the on-screen display and Main Information Display ˜ will read FRONT LARGE or FRONT SMALL depending on the current setting. Press the /buttons 7

$on the front panel or the /¤ buttons D on the remote until the desired setting is shown, using the instructions for “large” or “small” shown earlier, then press the Set button @F.

If another speaker position needs to be changed, press the /buttons 7 $ on the front panel or the /¤ buttons Don the remote to select a different speaker position, press the Set button

@Fand then the /buttons 7 $ on the front panel or the /¤ buttons Don the remote until the correct speaker setting is shown and press the Set button @ Fagain to con- firm the selection.

To assist in making these settings, the icons in the Speaker/Channel Input Indicators E will change as the speaker type is selected at each position. When only the inner icon box is lit, the speaker is set for “small.” When the inner box and the two outer boxes with circles inside them are lit, the speaker is set for “large." When no indicator appears at a speaker location, that posi- tion is set for “none” or “no” speaker.

Note: These icons are available only when making setup changes without the use of the full OSD mode.

As an example, in the Figure below, all speakers are set for “large,” and a subwoofer is set.

Surround Setup

Once the speaker setup has been completed, the next step for that input is to set the surround mode you wish to use with that input. Since sur- round modes are a matter of personal taste, feel free to select any mode you wish – you may change it later. The Surround Mode chart on page 29 may help you select the mode best suited to the input source selected. For example you may select Dolby Pro Logic II or Logic 7 for most ana- log inputs and Dolby Digital for inputs connected to digital sources. In the case of inputs such as a CD Player, Tape Deck or Tuner, you may wish to set the mode to Stereo, if that is your preferred listening mode for standard stereo sources, where it is unlikely that surround encoded material will be used. Alternatively, the 5 Channel Stereo or

24SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

Logic 7 Music mode may also be a good choice for stereo-only source material.

It is easiest to complete the surround setup using the full-OSD on-screen menus. From the MAS- TER menu (Figure 1), press the /¤ buttons

Duntil the cursor is next to the SUR- ROUND SELECT menu. Press the Set Button Fso that the SURROUND SELECT menu (Figure 5) is on the screen.

Figure 5

Each of the option lines on this menu (Figure 5) selects the surround mode category, and within each of those categories there will be a choice of the specific mode options. The choice of modes will vary according to the speaker configuration in your system.

When the SURR BACK line of the SPEAKER SETUP menu (Figure 4) is set to NONE the AVR 5550 will be configured for 5.1- channel operation, and only the modes appropriate to a five-speaker system will appear.

When the SURR BACK line of the SPEAKER SETUP menu (Figure 4) is set to SMALL or LARGE the AVR 5550 will be configured for 6.1/7.1-channel operation, and additional modes such as Dolby Digital EX and

7 STEREO or Logic 7 7.1 will appear, as they are only available when seven main speakers are present. In addition, the modes DTS ES (Discrete) and DTS+NEO:6 (DTS ES Matrix) available in the AVR 5550 will not appear unless a digital source is playing the correct bitstream.

Note: When a Dolby Digital or DTS source is selected and playing, the AVR 5550 will select the appropriate surround mode automatically, no matter which surround mode was selected for that input as default. Then no other surround modes will be available, except VMAx with Dolby Digital recordings and all Pro Logic II modes with Dolby Digital 2 channel (2.0) recordings (see page 34).

To select the mode that will be used as the initial default for an input, first press the /¤ buttons

Duntil the on-screen cursor is next to the desired mode’s master category name. Next, press the Set Button Fto view the sub-

menu. Press the /Buttons E to scroll through the available choices, and then press the

¤Button Dso that the cursor is next to BACK TO MASTER MENU to continue the setup process.

On the Dolby menu (Figure 6), the selection choices include Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II Music, Dolby Pro Logic II Cinema, Dolby Pro Logic

IIEmulation and Dolby 3 Stereo. A complete explanation of these modes is found on Page 29. Note that when the Dolby Digital mode is select- ed there are additional settings available for the Night mode that are associated with the sur- round mode only, not with the input. That´s why these settings must be made only once, not with each input in use. They are described later in the next main chapter (see below).

Figure 6

On the DTS menu, the selection choices made with the / Buttons E on the remote are determined by a combination of the type of DTS program material in use and whether the 5.1 or 6.1/7.1 speaker output configuration is in use.

When the 5.1 configuration is in use the AVR will automatically select the 5.1 version of DTS processing when a DTS data stream is received. When the 6.1/7.1 mode is selected, the DTS-ES Discrete mode will automatically be activated when a DTS source with the ES Discrete “flag” is in use and the DTS-ES Matrix mode will be acti- vated when an ES-Matrix encoded audio track is received. In both cases the appropriate surround mode will be indicated in the Lower Display Line B in the front panel display and on the screen. When a non-ES DTS disc is in use, when the 6.1/7.1 mode is chosen the unit automatical- ly will select the DTS + NEO:6 mode to create a full eight-speaker surround mode. See page 29, 33 for a complete explanation of the DTS modes.

On the Logic 7 menu, the selection choices made with the / Buttons E on the remote are determined by whether the 5.1 or 6.1/7.1 speaker output configuration is in use. In either case, the selection of a Logic 7 mode enables Harman Kardon’s exclusive Logic 7 pro- cessing to create fully enveloping, multichannel surround from either two-channel Stereo or Matrix-encoded programming such as VHS cassettes, laserdiscs or television broadcasts produced with Dolby surround.

In the 5.1 configuration you may select the Logic 7/5.1 Music, Cinema or Enhanced modes. They work best with two-channel music, surround- encoded programs or standard two-channel pro- gramming of any type, respectively. When the 6.1/7.1 mode is selected, the Logic 7/7.1 Music

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Contents Power for the Digital Revolution AVR 5550 Audio/ Video ReceiverTable of Contents Declaration of ConformityDescription and Features Front panel analog A/V inputs, switch- able to outputsIntroduction Variety of modes and two modes of VMAxSafety Information Important Safety InformationUnpacking Front Panel Controls See page 40 for more information on tuning stations Coaxial ÓFor more information To select between the OpticalMulti Indicator Auto Indicator Front Panel Information DisplayRear Panel Connections Digital Audio Outputs Connect theseVideo source selected by the receiver’s video switcher Unswitched OutletSwitched Outlet AC Power Cord Jack Connect the AC + and negative terminalsRear 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 Zone II Remote Control Functions ∆ Play Forward/Reverse/Stop ˚ MuteInstallation 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 Placement Speaker SelectionSystem Configuration Using the On-Screen DisplaySystem Setup First Turn OnInput Setup Speaker SetupSurround Subwoofer Surround Setup Adjustments for Other Inputs Delay SettingsNight Mode Settings To call up the menuOutput Level Adjustment Using EzSetPress and hold the SPL Indicator Select Sensor and Indicator off So that on is highlightedUp the Volume until you can hear the test noise clearly Surround Mode Chart OperationNo delay available Mix of the in-phase material of the left and right channelsNo surround channels But no surround speakersBasic Operation Source SelectionChannel/8-Channel Direct Input Controls and Use of Headphones Surround Mode SelectionVolume Up/Down Buttons One of the most important featuresDigital Audio Playback Dolby DigitalPCM Audio Playback MP3 Audio PlaybackMP 3 DSP mode found in the new Digital Bitstream IndicatorsSpeaker/Channel Indicators Selecting a Digital SourceNight Mode Tape RecordingFront Panel In/Outputs Or 2 OutputsOutput Level Adjustment With Source Signals Memory BackupIndicator Select Advanced Features Turn On Volume LevelSurround Amplifier Channel Assignment Display BrightnessAdvanced Features / Multiroom Operation Semi-OSD SettingsFull-OSD Time Out Adjustment InstallationMultiroom Setup Multiroom OperationRS-232 Control Multiroom OperationTuner Operation Basic Tuner OperationRDS Operation RDS station Program Search PTYProgramming the Remote with Codes Direct Code EntryIf the unit you wish to program into Must be repeated firstProgramming the Remote Code ReadoutLearning Codes from a Remote Erasing Learned CodesErasing Macro Commands Macro ProgrammingPress the AVR Selector Volume Punch-Through Programmed Device FunctionsRemote With Other Devices 4and the Mute buttonChannel Control Punch-Through Selector buttonResetting the Remote Memory Function List Power On Power Off Mute TV Select Channel + Power On Power Off VID 3 Select Channel +Scan Scan + Rewind Play Fast Fwd Record Stop Pause Prev Channel 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ClearTroubleshooting Guide Processor ResetPower Switch 1 is pushed Remote sensor ¯ is obscuredTechnical 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.