Installation and Connections

Referring to drawing of the remote control on page 11,there is a section of 7 buttons marked C, (AVR 355: 8 Buttons) near the top of the remote designated “Source Selectors”: Cable/Sat, DVD, Media Server,Radio,TV,Game and AUX. Each of these buttons corresponds to a “source input”. The AVR’s flexible design allows you to use almost any combination of audio and video connections for each source device. The goal of the installation is to match up each of your source devices, e.g., DVD player and cable television box, with the correct con- nectors on the AVR.

You may connect a source device to any appro- priate input connectors.Note which audio and video inputs are used for each device in TableA5 in the appendix. Table A1 indicates the default input-connection assignments, any of which may be changed to match the actual connections in your system.

The precise connections to be made depend on the capabilities of the source device and your video display (TV). Select the best audio and video connections for each source.

Analog and Digital Input Connections

1.Connect the analog output of a CD player to any of the analog audio 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 analog audio input jacks ￿. Connect the analog Record/In jacks on the recorder to the audio output jacks ￿ on the AVR.

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

￿￿*&.

We recommend connecting the coaxial digital audio output of your DVD player to the Coax 1 Digital Audio Input ￿, since that digital input is assigned to the DVD source by default.

If your DVD player has HDMI connection, use HDMI connection instead.

Although there is no official source on the AVR named CD, Phono or Audio, you may assign the audio device to an available source, such as TV (if the Cable/Sat source is in use for broadcast television), Game or AUX.

You can then add the name of the unit to the name of the assigned input, to make it read for example: "AUX - CD". (Please note that the AVR does not have a Phono input with RIAA for direct hook-up to a record player.You must use a separate RIAA preamplifier between a record player and the AVR)

NOTE: If you wish for your digital source device to be available for use by the multiroom system, you will need to connect its analog audio outputs to the appropriate inputs on the

AVR 255/AVR 355, as the multiroom system is not capable of distributing digital signals to the remote zone.

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 connection uses 300-ohm twin-lead cable, you should use a 300-ohm-to-75-ohm adapter to make the connection.

7.With the AVR 355 turned off, connect the

optional Harman Kardon to Digital Media Player (DMP) Connector ￿. Your compatible Apple® iPod® may be docked in when you wish to use it as your audio source device. This function is available on the AVR 355 only. The AVR 255 features a STEREO JACK Input instead to which all sorts of portable devices can be connected via the headphone output of such device.

8.Connect the front, center and surround speaker outputs ￿￿￿￿ to 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 influenced 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 a cross-section greater than 2 mm2.

Cable with a cross-section of 1.5 mm2 may be used for short runs of less than 4 m. We do not recommend that you use cables with a cross-sec- tion less than 1 mm2 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 cer- tain to observe proper polarity. Note that the positive (+) terminal of each speaker connection now carries a specific color code as noted on page 8. 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 configuration. To assure proper phase and optimal performance, 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.

16INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS

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Harman-Kardon AVR 255 owner manual Analog and Digital Input Connections, With the AVR 355 turned off, connect

AVR 255, AVR 355 specifications

The Harman-Kardon AVR 355 and AVR 255 are two standout receivers in the realm of home audio, each delivering exceptional sound quality and a variety of features designed to enhance the listening experience.

The AVR 355 is particularly known for its impressive power output, driving up to 100 watts per channel. It boasts a 7.1-channel configuration, providing an immersive surround sound experience ideal for home theater setups. One of its hallmark technologies is the Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, which ensure that high-definition audio tracks are reproduced with stunning clarity and depth. Beyond just surround sound, the AVR 355 also supports HDMI connectivity with multiple inputs, allowing for easy integration of high-definition video sources like Blu-ray players and gaming consoles.

On the other hand, the AVR 255, while slightly more compact, does not fall short of performance. It delivers a robust 7.1-channel output with 80 watts per channel, making it a great option for users looking to elevate their audio experience without overwhelming their space. The AVR 255 also incorporates advanced audio processing technologies, such as Harman’s proprietary Logic 7 technology, which converts stereo audio into a multi-channel experience. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who enjoy music in stereo and wish to enjoy it in a surround setup.

Both models feature extensive connectivity options, including Bluetooth and USB ports, enabling users to stream audio from a variety of devices seamlessly. Additionally, they are equipped with multi-room audio capabilities, allowing users to enjoy different audio sources in different rooms simultaneously.

Another notable characteristic of both receivers is their intuitive user interface. They come with on-screen displays which make navigating through settings and configurations straightforward, even for those new to home audio systems. Furthermore, they offer automatic calibration technology, which optimally adjusts the audio settings according to the unique acoustics of your room.

In summary, the Harman-Kardon AVR 355 and AVR 255 are exceptional choices for anyone looking to enhance their audio experience at home. With their powerful amplifiers, advanced audio technologies, and comprehensive connectivity options, these models ensure high-quality sound whether it’s for movies, music, or gaming. Whether you opt for the more powerful AVR 355 or the versatile AVR 255, you are guaranteed a superior audio experience tailored to your needs.