System and Power Connections
The AVR 5550 is designed for flexible use with multiroom systems, external control components and power amplifiers.
Main Room Remote Control Extension
If the receiver is placed behind a solid or smoked glass cabinet door, the obstruction may prevent the remote sensor from receiving commands. In this event, the remote sensor of any Harman Kardon or other compatible device, not covered by the door, or an optional remote sensor may be used. Connect the Remote IR Output of that device or the output of the remote sensor to the Remote IR Input jack .
If other components are also prevented from receiving remote commands, only one sensor is needed. Simply use this unit’s sensor or a remote eye by running a connection from the Remote IR Output jack to the Remote IR Input jack on Harman Kardon or other compatible equipment.
Multiroom IR Link
The key to remote room operation is to link the remote room to the AVR 5550’s location with wire for an infrared receiver and speakers or an amplifier. The remote room IR receiver (this can be an optional IR receiver or any other remotable Harman Kardon device in the remote room with IR sensor integrated) should be connected to the AVR 5550 via standard coaxial cable. Connect the Remote IR Output of the device or of the optional sensor with the Multiroom IR Input jack on the AVR 5550’s rear panel.
If other Harman Kardon compatible source equipment is part of the main room installation, the Remote IR Output jack on the rear panel should be connected to the IR IN jack on that source device. This will enable the remote room location to control source equipment functions.
NOTE: All remotely controlled components must be linked together in a “daisy chain”. Connect the IR OUT jack of one unit to the IR IN of the next to establish this chain.
Multiroom Audio Connections Depending on your system`s requirement and distance from the AVR 5550 to the remote room, three options are available for audio connection:
Option 1: Use high-quality, shielded audio interconnect phono cable from the AVR 5550’s location to the remote room. In the remote room, connect the interconnect cable to a stereo power amplifier. The amplifier will be connected to the room’s speakers. At the AVR 5550, plug the audio interconnect cables into the Multiroom Output Jacks on the AVR 5550’s rear panel.
Option 2: Place the amplifier that will provide power to the remote location speakers in the same room as the AVR 5550, and connect the Multiroom Output jacks on the rear panel of the AVR to the audio input of the remote room amplifier. Use the appropriate speaker wire to connect the optional power amplifier to the remote speakers. High-quality wire of at least
2.5mm2 is recommended for long multiroom connections.
Option 3: Taking advantage of the AVR 5550’s built-in seven-channel amplifier, it is possible to use two of the amplifier channels to power speakers in the remote room. When using this option you will not be able to use the full
7.1-channel capabilities of the AVR 5550 in the main listening room, but you will be able to add another listening room without additional external power amplifiers. To use the internal amplifiers to power a remote zone, connect the speakers for the remote room location to the
Surround Back/Multiroom Speaker Outputs . Before using the remote room you will need to configure the amplifiers for surround operation by changing a setting in the Advanced Select menu, following the instructions shown on page 37.
NOTE: For all options, you may connect an optional IR sensor (Harman Kardon He 1000) in the remote room to the AVR 5550 via an appro- priate cable. Connect the sensor’s cable to the Multiroom IR Input on the AVR 5550 and use the Zone II remote to control the room vol- ume. Alternatively, you may install an optional volume control between the output of the ampli- fiers and the speakers.
A-BUS Installation Connections
The AVR 5550 is among the very few receivers available today that offers built-in A-BUS Ready® operation. When used with an optional A-BUS keypad or control module, you have all the benefits of remote zone operation without the need for an external power amplifier.
To use the AVR 5550 with an approved A-BUS product, simply connect the keypad or module that is in the remote room to the AVR 5550 using standard “Category 5” wiring that is properly rated for the inwall use specific to the installation. Terminate the wiring at the receiver end to a standard RJ-45 jack in compliance with the instructions furnished with the A-BUS module.
No further installation or adjustment is needed, as the A-BUS connector on the AVR 5550 routes the signals in and out of the keypad to their proper destination for power, signal source and control. The output fed to the A-BUS jack is determined by the AVR 5550’s multiroom system, and the menus may be used as is.
RS-232 Connections
The AVR 5550 includes an RS-232 serial port connection that may be used to control the unit via compatible optional, external keypads or control systems. The physical connection to the AVR 5550 from the control device is a standard D-9 connection, but to assure compatible and proper operation, specific software commands and pin wiring schemes are required. Due to the complexity of RS-232 connections we recommend that they be made only by trained installers familiar with their use. To obtain additional information on the use of the
AVR 5550 with RS-232 control, please contact Harman Kardon’s customer service department or consult our Web site at www.harmankardon.com.
AC Power Connections
This unit is equipped with two accessory AC outlets. They may be used to power accessory devices, but they should not be used with high-current draw equipment such as power amplifiers. The total power draw to the Unswitched Outlet must not exceed 100 watts, that to the Switched Outlet
50 watts.
The Switched outlet will receive power only when the unit is on completely. This is recom- mended for devices that have no power switch or a mechanical power switch that may be left in the “ON” position.
NOTE: Many audio and video products go into a Standby mode when they are used with switched outlets, and cannot be fully turned on using the outlet alone without a remote control command.
The Unswitched outlet will receive power as long as the unit is plugged into a powered AC outlet and the Main Power Switch 1 is on.
The AVR 5550 features a removable power cord that allows wires to be run to a complex instal- lation so that the unit, itself, need not be installed until it is ready for connection. When all connections described above have been made, connect the AC Power cord to the AC Power Cord Jack .
The AVR 5550 draws significantly more current than other household devices such as computers that use removable power cords. For that rea- son, it is important that only the cord supplied with the unit (or a direct replacement of identi- cal capacity) be used.
Once the power cord is connected, you are almost ready to enjoy the AVR 5550’s incredible power and fidelity!
