Introduction, Description and Features

Introduction

Thank you for choosing Harman Kardon! With the purchase of a Harman Kardon

AVR 5550 you are about to begin many years of listening enjoyment. Designed to provide all the excitement and detail of movie soundtracks and every nuance of musical selections, the

AVR 5550 is truly a multichannel receiver for the new millennium. In addition to the traditional

5.1digital decoding modes such as Dolby Digital and DTS, it offers the latest advancements in surround technology such as Dolby Pro Logic II, the full suite of DTS-ES 6.1 modes, DTS Neo:6 and the latest 7.1 channel versions of Harman's own Logic 7 technology.

The AVR 5550 has been engineered so that it is easy to take advantage of all the power of its digital technology. On-screen menus, fully color coded connection jacks and terminals and our exclusive EzSet™ remote make installation fast and simple. However, to obtain the maximum enjoyment from your new receiver, we urge you to read this manual. A few minutes spent learn- ing the functions of the various controls will enable you to take advantage of all the power the AVR 5550 is able to deliver.

If you have any questions about this product, its installation or its operation, please contact your retailer or custom installer. They are your best local sources of information.

Description and Features

The AVR 5550 is among the most versatile and multifeatured A/V receivers available, incorporat- ing a wide range of listening options. In addition to Dolby Digital and DTS decoding for digital sources, a broad choice of surround modes for Matrix surround-encoded or Stereo recordings are available for use with sources such as CD, VCR, TV broadcasts and the AVR 5550’s own FM/AM tuner. Along with Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS Neo:6, Dolby 3 Stereo, 5 Channel or 7 Channel Stereo and Hall and Theater modes, the AVR 5550 offers Harman International’s exclusive Logic 7 process in both

5.1and 7.1 versions to create a wider, more enveloping field environment and more defined fly-overs and pans. Another Harman Kardon exclusive is VMAx, which uses proprietary pro- cessing to create an open, spacious sound field even when only two front speakers are available. Finally, the AVR 5550 is among the very few A/V receivers that offer decoding of MP3 data, so that you may listen to the latest music selections directly from compatible computers or playback devices with the power and fidelity you expect from Harman Kardon.

The AVR 5550 is also featuring HDCD® decoding to provide the most realistic playback of CDs when a digital connection is used, even with a normal non-HDCD-compatible CD or DVD player.

In addition to providing a wide range of listening options, the AVR 5550 is easy to configure so that it provides the best results with your speak- ers and specific listening-room environment. On- screen menus make it simple to enter settings for speaker configurations and bass manage- ment, and the EzSet remote measures a system’s sound levels and automatically calibrates them for perfectly balanced sound field presentation.

For the ultimate in flexibility, the AVR 5550 features connections for five video devices, all with both composite and S-Video inputs. Two additional audio inputs are available, and a total of six digital inputs and three outputs make the AVR 5550 capable of handling all the latest digital audio sources.

For compatibility with the latest HDTV video sources and progressive scan DVD players, the AVR 5550 also features wide-bandwidth, low-crosstalk component video switching.

Coax and optical digital outputs are available for direct connection to digital recorders, and both the front panel analog audio/video and coaxial digital jacks may be switched to outputs for use with portable recorders – a Harman Kardon exclusive. Two video recording outputs, preamp- out and and a color-coded eight-channel input make the AVR 5550 virtually future-proof, with everything needed to accommodate tomorrow’s new formats right on board.

The AVR 5550’s flexibility and power extend beyond your main home theater or listening room. The AVR 5550 includes a sophisticated multizone control system that allows you to select one source for use in the main room and a different one (Audio only) in a second room. Complete control over volume is possible with a separate infrared control link. To make it easy to operate the AVR 5550 from a remote room, a separate “Zone II” remote is included. Additional multiroom options include the option to assign two of the AVR 5550’s output channels to the multiroom system and the ability to link the AVR 5550 to innovative A-BUS®keypads for multiroom operation without the need for external amplifiers.

The AVR 5550’s powerful amplifier uses traditional Harman Kardon high-current design technologies to meet the wide dynamic range of any program selection.

Harman Kardon invented the high-fidelity receiver more than forty-seven years ago. With state-of-the-art circuitry and time-honored circuit

designs, the AVR 5550 is the perfect combination of the latest in digital audio technology, a quiet yet powerful analog amplifier in an elegant, easy-to-use package.

■Dolby* Digital, Dolby Digital EX and Dolby Pro Logic* II Decoding, and the full suite of DTS® modes, including DTS-ES®6.1 Discrete & Matrix and Neo:6®

■Seven channels of high-current amplifi- cation with two channels assignable to either surround back or multiroom applications

■Harman Kardon’s exclusive Logic 7® processing, available for the first time with both 7.1 and 5.1 processing in

a variety of modes and two modes of VMAx®

■MP3 decoding for use with compatible computers and digital audio players

■ TM remote automatically sets output levels for optimum performance

■High-bandwidth, HDTV-compatible component video switching

■Front panel analog A/V inputs, switch- able to outputs

■Front panel digital inputs with coax digital output capability for easy con- nection to portable digital devices and the latest video game consoles

■Multiple digital inputs and outputs

■On-screen menu and display system

■Extensive multiroom options, including a standard Zone II remote, assignable amplifier channels and A-BUS Ready® capability for listening to a separate source in a remote zone

■6-Channel/8-Channel Direct Input and Preamp Outputs for Easy Expansion and Use with Future Audio Formats

■Extensive bass management options, including three separate crossover groupings and full digital bass manage- ment on the 6/8-channel direct inputs for use with DVD-Audio or SACD players

■Main Backlit Remote with Internal Codes and Learning Capability

■HDCD Decoding for Superb CD Playback

, HDCD®, High Definition Compatible Digital® and Pacific Microsonics™ are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Pacific Microsonics, Inc., in the United States and/or other countries. HDCD System manufactured under license from Pacific Microsonics, Inc.

INTRODUCTION 3

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.

Harman-Kardon AVR 5550 owner manual Introduction, Description and Features

Models: AVR 5550