ADVANCED FUNCTIONS

Much of the AVR 2600’s performance is handled automatically, with little intervention required on your part. The AVR 2600 is capable of being customized to suit your system and your tastes. In this section, some of the more advanced adjustments available are described.

AUDIO PROCESSING AND SURROUND SOUND

Audio signals output by sources are encoded in a variety of formats that can affect not only the quality of the sound but the number of speaker channels and the surround mode. You may also manually select a different surround mode, when available.

Analog Audio Signals

Analog audio signals usually consist of two channels – left and right. The AVR 2600 offers three options for playback:

1.Analog Bypass Mode: The 2-channel signal is passed directly from the input to the volume control, without being digitized or undergoing any processing for bass management or surround sound. To select analog bypass mode:

a)The analog audio inputs for the source must be selected. If necessary, press the Info Button on the remote and use the 5/1 Buttons to scroll to the Audio Input from source setting.

b)The tone controls must be disabled by setting the Tone Control to Off. Press the Audio Effects Button to access the Tone Control setting.

c)The 2-channel Stereo mode must be selected. Press the Surround Modes Button to access the STEREO line of the Surround Modes submenu. Press the OK Button to select 2-channel Stereo.

When the Tone Control setting is Off, the front speakers will be set to Large automatically. When the Tone Control setting is turned On, if you have set the front speaker crossover to a numeric setting, the front speakers will return to the Small setting.

NOTE: Audio from The Bridge III source is analog, and when 2-channel Stereo mode is selected, the audio will be played in Analog Bypass mode.

2.DSP Surround Off Mode: The DSP Surround Off mode digitizes the incoming signal and applies the bass management settings, including speaker configuration, delay times and output levels. Select this mode when your front speakers are small, limited-range satellites and you are using a subwoofer. To select this mode, use a digital audio input, or turn the Tone Control setting off, and select 2-channel Stereo mode.

3.Analog Surround Modes: The AVR 2600 is able to process 2-channel audio signals to produce multichannel sur- round sound, even when no surround sound has been encoded in the recording. Among the available modes are the Dolby Pro Logic II/IIx modes, the Harman Virtual Speaker modes, the DTS Neo:6 modes, the Logic 7 modes and the Stereo modes.

Digital Audio Signals

Digital audio signals offer greater capacity, which allows the encoding of center and surround channel information directly into the signal. The result is improved sound quality and startling directionality, since each channel is reproduced discretely.

Even when only two channels are encoded, the digital signal allows for a higher sampling rate that delivers greater detail. High-resolution recordings sound extraordinarily distortion-free, especially at high frequencies.

Surround Modes

Surround mode selection is dependent upon the format of the incoming audio signal, as well as personal taste. Table A13 offers a brief description of each mode and indicates the types of incoming signals or digital bitstreams the mode may be used with. Additional information about the Dolby and DTS modes is available on the companies’ Web sites: www.dolby.com and www.dtsonline.com.

When in doubt, check the jacket of your disc for more information on which surround modes are available. Usually, nonessential sections of the disc, such as trailers, extra materials or the disc menu, are only available in Dolby Digital 2.0 (2-channel) or PCM

2-channel mode. If the main title is playing and the display shows one of these surround modes, look for an audio or language setup section in the disc’s menu. Also, make sure your player’s audio output is set to the original bitstream rather than 2-channel PCM. Stop play and check the player’s output setting.

For any incoming signal, only a limited number of surround modes are available. Although there is never a time when all of the AVR 2600’s surround modes are available, there is usually a wide variety of modes available for a given input.

Multichannel digital recordings are found in the 5.1-, 6.1- or 7.1- channel formats. The channels included in a 5.1-channel recording are front left, front right, center, surround left, surround right and LFE. The LFE channel is denoted as “.1” to represent the fact that it is limited to the low frequencies.

6.1-Channel recordings add a single surround back channel, and 7.1-channel recordings add surround back left and surround back right channels to the 5.1-channel configuration. New formats are available in 7.1-channel configurations. The AVR 2600 is able to play the new audio formats, delivering a more exciting home theater experience.

NOTE: To use the 6.1- and 7.1-channel surround modes, the Surround Back channels must be enabled. See the Manual Speaker Setup section on page 36 for more information.

The Digital formats include Dolby Digital 2.0 (two channels only), Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital EX (6.1), Dolby Digital Plus (7.1), Dolby TrueHD (7.1), DTS-HD High-Resolution Audio (7.1), DTS-HD Master Audio (7.1), DTS 5.1, DTS-ES (6.1 Matrix and Discrete), DTS 96/24 (5.1), 2-channel PCM modes in 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz or 96kHz, and 5.1 or 7.1 multichannel PCM.

When a digital signal is received, the AVR 2600 detects the encoding method and the number of channels, which is displayed briefly as three numbers, separated by slashes (e.g., “3/2/.1”).

ENGLISH

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Harman 2600 Advanced Functions, Audio Processing and Surround Sound, Analog Audio Signals, Digital Audio Signals

2600 specifications

The Harman 2600 is a remarkable audio amplifier that has captured the attention of audiophiles and sound enthusiasts alike. As part of Harman's legacy of delivering high-quality sound solutions, the 2600 model combines advanced technologies and innovative features to ensure a superior listening experience.

One of the standout features of the Harman 2600 is its high power output. With the capability to deliver 260 watts per channel at 4 ohms, the amplifier is designed to drive even the most demanding speakers effortlessly. This power ensures that listeners can enjoy a full-bodied sound with deep bass and crystal-clear highs. The amplifier also supports a wide frequency response range, allowing it to reproduce every nuance of music with remarkable accuracy.

Incorporating Harman's proprietary technologies further enhances the performance of the 2600. The amplifier utilizes advanced Class D amplification technology, which not only improves efficiency but also minimizes heat generation. This technology allows for a compact design without compromising sound quality. The result is an amplifier that can run for extended periods without overheating, making it ideal for long listening sessions or intense audio experiences.

The Harman 2600 features multiple input options, including balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connections, which provide flexibility when integrating into a home audio system. This versatility is complemented by a robust built-in digital signal processor (DSP) that allows users to customize equalization and sound profiles according to their preferences. The DSP ensures that the Harman 2600 can adapt to various acoustic environments, delivering optimal sound in any setting.

Another notable characteristic of the Harman 2600 is its build quality. Constructed with high-grade components, the amplifier is designed to withstand the test of time while maintaining consistent performance. The elegant design features an aluminum front panel and a well-ventilated chassis, offering both aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency.

Additionally, the amplifier includes protection circuits to safeguard against short circuits, overheating, and overloading, ensuring both user safety and product longevity. In conclusion, with its impressive power, advanced technologies, versatile inputs, and premium build quality, the Harman 2600 stands out as a premier choice for audio enthusiasts seeking a powerful and reliable amplifier for their sound systems. Whether for casual listening or critical playback, the Harman 2600 delivers an exceptional audio experience.