Harman-Kardon AVR 5550 owner manual Controls and Use of Headphones, Surround Mode Selection

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Operation

Controls and Use of Headphones

•Adjust the volume to a comfortable level using the front panel Volume Control ı or remote

Volume Up/Down

î buttons.

•To temporarily silence all speaker outputs press the Mute button ˚. This will interrupt the output to all speakers and the headphone jack, but it will not affect any recording or dubbing that may be in progress. When the system is muted, the word MUTE will blink in the Main Information Display ˜. Press the Mute button ˚ again to return to normal operation.

•During a listening session you may wish to adjust the Bass Control and Treble Control Ú to suit your listening tastes or room acoustics. Note that these controls (and Balance) will not function when the 6/8 channel direct input is in use.

•To set the output of the AVR 5550 so that the output is “flat,” with the tone and balance con- trols de-activated, press the Tone Mode button 8 once or twice so that the words Tone Out appear momentarily in the Main Information Display ˜. To return the tone controls to an active condition, press the Tone Mode 8 button once or twice so that the words Tone I n momentarily appear in the Main Information Display ˜.

•For private listening, plug the 6.3 mm stereo phone plug from a pair of stereo headphones into the front panel Headphone Jack 4. Note that when the headphone’s plug is connected, the word HEADPHONE will scroll once across the Main Information Display ˜ and all speakers will be silenced. When the head- phone plug is removed, the audio feed to the speakers will be restored.

Surround Mode Selection

One of the most important features of the

AVR 5550 is its ability to reproduce a full multi- channel surround sound field from digital sources, analog matrix surround encoded programs and standard stereo or even mono programs. In all, a total of 23 listening modes are available on the AVR 5550.

Selection of a surround mode is based on personal taste, as well as the type of program source mate- rial being used. For example, CDs, motion pictures or TV programs bearing the logo of one of the major surround-encoding processes, such as Dolby Surround should be played in either the Dolby Pro Logic II Movie (with movies) or Music (with music) surround mode, with any DTS NEO:6 mode or with Harman Kardon´s exclusive Logic 7 Movie Mode, to create a full range 5.1 channel or (with Logic 7 and DTS NEO:6) even 7.1 channel surround signal from surround encoded pro- grams, with a stereophonic left and right rear sig- nal, just as it was recorded (e.g. sound being recorded from left rear side will be heard from that side only, for more details see chart on page 29).

When no rear speakers are in use, the Dolby 3 Stereo mode should be selected with all surround recordings.

Note that when Dolby Digital 2.0 signals (e.g. "D.D. 2.0" tracks from DVD), that are encoded with Dolby Pro Logic information, are received via any digital input, the Dolby Pro Logic II Movie mode will be selected automatically (in addition to the Dolby Digital mode) and will decode a full range 5.1 channel surround sound even from those recordings (see also "Dolby Digital" on page 34).

To create wide, enveloping sound field environ- ments and defined pans and flyovers with all analog stereo recordings select the Dolby Pro Logic II Music or Emulation mode or Harman Kardon’s exclusive Logic 7 Music mode for a dramatic improvement in comparison to the Dolby Pro Logic (I) mode of former times.

NOTE: Once a program has been encoded with matrix surround information, it retains the sur- round information as long as the program is broadcast in stereo. Thus, movies with surround sound may be decoded via any of the analog sur- round modes such as Pro Logic II Cinema, Logic 7 Cinema or DTS Neo:6 Cinema, when they are broadcast via conventional TV stations, cable, pay-TV and satellite transmission. In addition, a growing number of made-for-television programs, sports broadcasts, radio dramas and music CDs are also recorded in surround sound. You may view a list of these programs at the Dolby Laboratories Web site at www.dolby.com.

Even when a program is not listed as carrying intentional surround information, you may find that the Dolby Pro Logic II Music, DTS NEO:6 Music or Logic 7 Music or Enhanced modes often deliver enveloping surround presentations through the use of the natural surround information present in all stereo recordings.

However, for stereo programs without any surround information the Theater, Hall and 5/7CH Stereo modes should be tried (effective particularly with old ”extreme” stereo recordings) and for mono programs, we suggest that you try the Theater or Hall modes. And when you use only two front channel speakers you should select Harman’s patented VMAx mode, delivering a virtually three dimensional sound space with two speakers only.

Surround modes are selected using either the front panel controls or the remote. To select a new surround mode from the front panel, first press the Surround Mode Group Selector Button 5 until the desired major surround mode group such as Dolby, DTS or Logic 7 is selected. Next, press the Surround Mode Selector Button 9 to choose the specific individual surround mode.

To select a surround mode using the remote con- trol, press the button for the major surround mode group that includes the mode you wish to choose from: Dolby M, DTS Surround N,

DTS Neo:6 , Logic 7 O, Stereo or DSP Surround A. The first press of the button will show the current mode from that group if it is already in use, or the first available mode if you are currently using another mode. To cycle through the available modes in that group press the button again until the desired mode appears in the Lower Display Line B and the on- screen display.

To select from the DSP modes (Hall 1, Hall 2, Theater, VMAx Near or VMAx Far) press the Surround Mode Selector Arepeatedly to scroll through the list of available modes.

As the surround modes change, a green LED will light next to the current mode in the Surround Mode Indicators ˘ list on the front panel.

Note that the Dolby Digital or DTS modes may only be selected when a digital input is in use. In addition, when a digital source is present, the AVR 5550 will automatically select and switch to the correct mode (Dolby Digital or DTS), regard- less of the mode that has been previously selected. For more information on selecting digital sources, see the following section of this manual.

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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 VMAxUnpacking Safety InformationImportant Safety Information 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 Logic 7 Mode Select Button P Transport Controls Main Remote Control FunctionsDirect Button K Tuning Up/Down Channel/8 Channel Direct Input Movies Zone II Remote Control Functions ∆ Play Forward/Reverse/Stop ˚ MuteVideo Equipment Connections Installation and ConnectionsAudio Equipment Connections Scart A/V Connections Important Note for the Use SCART-Cinch Adapters If you use a unit providing RGB signals on aRGB signals can be pathed through 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 menuPress and hold the SPL Indicator Select Output Level AdjustmentUsing EzSet 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 speakersChannel/8-Channel Direct Input Basic OperationSource Selection 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 OutputsIndicator Select Output Level Adjustment With Source SignalsMemory Backup 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 OperationRDS Operation Tuner OperationBasic Tuner 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 CodesPress the AVR Selector Erasing Macro CommandsMacro Programming 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.
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