Harman-Kardon Explore Advanced Functions and Setup for the Harman Kardon AVR 160

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ADVANCED FUNCTIONS

Night Mode: Night mode is available with some Dolby Digital programs, if it has been encoded in the material. It compresses the peak sound levels, maintaining the intelligibility of the dialogue and quieter passages, while reducing the loudness of special effects and louder passages, to avoid disturbing others. Three levels of compression are available:

Off: At this setting, there is no compression, as the Night mode is deactivated.

Half: A mild compression is applied.

Full: More compression is applied.

Manual SPEAKER Setup

The AVR 160 is flexible and may be configured for most speakers, and to compensate for the acoustic characteristics of your room.

The EzSet/EQ process automatically detects the capabilities of each speaker, and optimizes the AVR 160’s performance. If you are unable to run EzSet/ EQ calibration, or if you wish to make further adjustments, use the Manual Speaker Setup on-screen menus.

Before beginning, place your loudspeakers as explained in the Speaker Placement section, and connect them to the AVR. Consult the owner’s guide for the speakers or the manufacturer’s Web site for the frequency range specification. Although you may set the output levels “by ear,” an SPL (sound- pressure level) meter purchased at a local electronics store will provide greater accuracy.

Record your configuration settings in Tables A4 and A6 in the appendix for easy re-entry after a system reset, or if the AVR’s Master Power Switch is turned off or the unit is unplugged for more than four weeks.

STEP ONE – Determine Speaker Crossover

Without using the EzSet/EQ process, the AVR 160 can’t detect how many speakers you’ve connected to it; nor can it determine their capabilities. Consult the speaker’s technical specifications and locate the frequency response, usually given as a range, e.g., 100Hz – 20kHz (±3dB). Write down the lowest frequency that each of your main speakers is capable of playing (100Hz in the example) as the crossover in Table A6 in the appendix. This is not the same as the crossover frequency listed in the speaker’s specifications. For the subwoofer, write down the transducer size.

The receiver’s bass management determines which speakers will be used to play back the low-frequency (bass) portion of the source program. Sending the lowest notes to small satellite speakers won’t sound right, and may even damage the speaker. The highest notes may not be heard at all through the subwoofer.

With proper bass management, the AVR 160 divides the source signal at a crossover point. All information above the crossover point is played through the satellite speaker, and all information below the crossover point is played through the subwoofer. Each loudspeaker in your system performs at its best, delivering an enjoyable sound experience.

STEP TWO – Measure Speaker Distances

Ideally, all of your speakers would be placed in a circle, with the listening position at the center. However, you may have had to place some speakers a little further away from the listening position than others. Sounds that are supposed to arrive simultaneously from different speakers may blur, due to different arrival times.

Use the AVR’s delay adjustment to compensate for real-world speaker placements.

Measure the distance from each speaker to the listening position, and write it down in Table A4 in the appendix. Even if all of your speakers are the same distance from the listening position, enter your speaker distances as described in Step Three.

Step Three – Manual Setup Menu

Now you are ready to program the receiver. Sit in the usual listening position and make the room as quiet as possible.

With the receiver and video display turned on, press the OSD Button to display the Master menu. Use the L Button to move the cursor to the MANUAL SETUP line, and press the OK Button to display the Manual Setup menu.

If you have run the EzSet/EQ process, the results were saved. To tweak the EzSet/EQ results, or to configure the AVR 160 from scratch, use the menu shown in Figure 26.

Figure 26 – Manual Setup Menu

NOTE: All of the speaker setup submenus include the option to go back to the previous menu, similar to what is shown at the bottom of Figure 26.

For best results, adjust the submenus in this order: Number of Speakers, Crossover, Sub Mode, Distance and Level Adjust.

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Contents AVR Important Safety Information Safety InformationImportant Safety Instructions Installation Location CleaningDo Not Open the Cabinet Moving the UnitTable of Contents Introduction Thank you for choosing a Harman Kardon productHarman Kardon AVR 160 7.1-Channel Audio/ Video Receiver Audio SectionSupplied Accessories Audio InputsAudio/Video Inputs Digital Audio InputsTuning Press these buttons to tune a radio station FRONT-PANEL ControlsVolume Knob Turn this knob to raise or lower the volume Always make a separate audio connection REAR-PANEL ConnectionsUse an HDMI-to-DVI adapter REAR-PANEL Connections Remote Control Functions AM/FMAVR Selector Press to switch the remote to AVR device mode AUX Controls a device connected to the Auxiliary InputRDS Activates RDS functions for FM Radio Introduction to Home Theater Typical Home Theater SystemMultichannel Audio Surround ModesConnecting Source Devices to the AVR ConnectionsSpeaker Connections SubwooferDigital Audio Analog AudioAntennas Video ConnectionsDigital Video Analog VideoSpeaker Placement Front Speaker PlacementPlacement of Surround Speakers in a 5.1- Channel System Placement of Surround Speakers in a 7.1- Channel SystemGetting Started Source Assignment WorksheetGetting Started Installation Step Eight Program Sources Into the Remote Step Nine Turn On the AVRTurn on your source device Two steps are required the first time you turn on the AVRConfigure the AVR 160, Using EzSet/EQ Technology Initial SetupUsing the On-Screen Menu System HDMI-Equipped Multichannel Disc Player Set Up SourcesChannel Inputs System Settings Dim FunctionOperation Headphones Using the RadioRDS Tuning Source SelectionRecording RDS Display OptionsProgram Search PTY Program Type PTYSelecting a Surround Mode Surround Modes MenuAudio Processing and Surround Sound Analog Audio SignalsDigital Audio Signals Indicates that an LFE channel is present Dolby Surround SettingsAdvanced Functions Manual Speaker Setup Step Three Manual Setup MenuStep ONE Determine Speaker Crossover Step TWO Measure Speaker DistancesSub Mode Number of SpeakersCrossover Menu Distance MenuWhen you have finished, press the OSD Button Audio SettingsStep Four Setting Channel Output Levels Manually Advanced Remote Control Functions Resetting the RemotePunch-Through Programming MacrosTable A1 Recommended Source Component Connections Appendix Default settingsAppendix Table A4 Delay Setting Defaults Table A2 Source Setting DefaultsTable A3 Speaker/Channel Setting Defaults Table A5 Source Input Settings Table A6 Speaker/Channel SettingsAUX Tuner LFETable A7 Remote Control Codes Table A8 System SettingsTable A9 Surround Modes VCR, PVR, DMCDTS-HD See below Mode Group Tuner Setting to be offDTS-ES Discrete DTS StereoTable A10 - Remote Control Function List 50 51 54 55DVD AUX Table A13 Remote Control Product Codes CD Table A11 Remote Control Product Codes TVTable A12 Remote Control Product Codes VCR Table A17 Remote Control Product Codes Cable Table A14 Remote Control Product Codes DVDTable A15 Remote Control Product Codes SAT Memory Troubleshooting GuideProcessor Reset Technical Specifications FM Tuner SectionAM Tuner Section Video Section

AVR 160 specifications

The Harman-Kardon AVR 160 is a versatile and powerful audio/video receiver that delivers a remarkable home theater experience. Designed for audio enthusiasts and casual listeners alike, this model combines cutting-edge technology, sophisticated design, and intuitive controls.

One of the standout features of the AVR 160 is its robust 7.1-channel surround sound output, which supports the latest audio formats including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. This allows users to enjoy a truly immersive sound experience when watching movies or playing video games. With a total power output of 75 watts per channel, the AVR 160 ensures that every sound detail is crystal clear, from explosive action sequences to the softest dialogue.

Another significant aspect of the AVR 160 is its advanced connectivity options. It comes equipped with multiple HDMI inputs, allowing you to connect a variety of devices such as Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. The HDMI 1.4 version support ensures compatibility with 3D video and offers audio return channel (ARC) functionality, simplifying connections with your TV. Additionally, the receiver features wide compatibility with legacy devices through analog audio inputs, as well as USB ports for direct playback of your music collections.

The AVR 160 also includes Harman's proprietary technology, like the EZSet/EQ automatic speaker calibration system. This feature effortlessly optimizes speaker performance by analyzing the acoustic properties of your room and adjusting settings accordingly. Users can also benefit from the integrated SiriusXM and Spotify support, allowing streaming of music directly through the receiver.

In terms of design, the AVR 160 presents a sleek aesthetic that complements any home entertainment setup. The minimalist front panel, with its bright display and easy-to-use controls, makes operation straightforward. Whether you are adjusting settings or selecting inputs, the receiver’s user-friendly interface enhances the overall experience.

In conclusion, the Harman-Kardon AVR 160 is an exceptional receiver that boasts remarkable audio quality, extensive connectivity options, innovative technologies, and a stylish design. Whether you're a movie enthusiast, music lover, or gaming aficionado, this receiver is well-equipped to meet diverse entertainment needs and elevate your audio experience to new heights.