OPERATION

Now that you have installed and configured your system components, you are ready to begin enjoying your home theater system.

audio materials, even 0dB may be too high, allowing for damage to equipment.

Turning On the HS 500

When you have plugged in the HS 500, the Power Indicator surrounding the power switch should light up in amber. This indicates that the HS 500 is in Standby mode and is ready to be turned on. See Figure 50.

Figure 50 – Power Indicator and Standby/On Switch

There are several ways in which the HS 500 may be turned on:

a)Press the Standby/On Switch on the top panel. See Figure 50.

b)Press the Open/Close Button on the top panel. See Figure 50.

c)Using the remote, press any one of these buttons: TV, DISC, RADIO, AUX, D-IN, USB 1 or USB 2. See Figure 51.

Figure 52 – Volume Controls

The HS 500 is designed to reproduce audio with a minimum amount of distortion. This clarity may lead you to think that your hearing and the equipment can handle higher volumes. We urge caution with regard to volume levels.

Mute Function

To temporarily mute all speakers and the headphones, press the Mute Button on the remote. See Figure 53. Any recording in progress will not be affected. The MUTE message will appear briefly in the display. To restore normal audio, either press the Mute Button again, or adjust the volume. Turning off the HS 500 will also end muting.

Figure 51 – Source Selectors

NOTE: Any time you press one of the remote’s Source Selectors (i.e., TV, DISC, RADIO, AUX, D-IN, USB 1 or USB 2), the remote will switch modes so that it will transmit the codes programmed to operate that device.

To turn the HS 500 off, press either the Standby/On Switch on the top panel, or press the System OFF Button on the remote. See Figure 51. When the HS 500 is unplugged, any settings you have programmed, including system configuration and preset radio stations, will be preserved for up to four weeks.

Volume Control

The volume may be adjusted either by turning the knob on the front panel (clockwise to increase volume or counterclockwise to decrease volume), or by pressing the Volume Control Buttons on the remote. See Figure 52. The volume is displayed as a negative number of decibels (dB) below the 0dB reference point. Unlike some volume controls on other products, 0dB is the maximum volume for the HS 500. Although it’s physically possible to turn the volume to a higher level, doing so may damage your hearing and your speakers. For certain more dynamic

Figure 53 – Mute Button

Tone Controls

You may boost or cut either the treble or the bass frequencies by up to 6dB.

The tone controls are adjusted using the Audio Setup submenu as described in Step Two of the Initial Setup section.

Press the Setup Menu button on the remote, and use the Navigation Buttons to highlight the Audio Setup menu icon on the left side of the screen (has picture of a gear). Press the Enter Button to view the Audio Setup menu, and use the Navigation Buttons to highlight the Tone Control setting. To adjust the tone controls, the Tone Control setting must be ON. The Bass and Treble controls may then be boost or cut as desired. See Figure 42.

If you wish to remove the tone controls from the circuit for “flat” response without losing bass or treble settings for future use, set the Tone Control to OFF.

NOTE: The HS 500 does not have a conventional balance control. The settings made using the Audio Adjustments submenu as explained in Step Three of the Initial Setup section compensate for any special acoustic characteristics of your room or speakers, and we recommend that you leave the settings as they are after you have completed the configuration process. It is possible to manually adjust the levels of the left and right channels –

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Harman-Kardon HS 500 owner manual Operation, Turning On the HS, Mute Function, Volume Control, Tone Controls
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HS 500 specifications

The Harman-Kardon HS 500 is a captivating all-in-one audio system that merges modern design with exceptional sound performance, making it an ideal choice for audio enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive home entertainment solution. This system effortlessly combines a CD player, a high-quality amplifier, and a digital radio tuner, providing a versatile platform for enjoying various audio formats and sources.

One of the standout features of the HS 500 is its support for high-resolution audio playback. The system accommodates a wide range of audio formats, including MP3, AAC, WAV, and FLAC, ensuring that users can enjoy their favorite music in remarkable clarity and fidelity. Coupled with advanced D/A conversion technology, the HS 500 delivers an impressive dynamic range and minimizes distortion, resulting in an enriched listening experience.

The design of the HS 500 is sleek and modern, characterized by a compact form factor that enables it to fit seamlessly into any home environment. The system's intuitive interface features a large, easy-to-read display and well-placed controls, making navigation a breeze. Harman-Kardon has ensured that both aesthetics and functionality are prioritized, allowing users to engage with their music effortlessly.

Connectivity is another key feature of the HS 500. The system includes multiple inputs such as USB, AUX, and optical digital connections, enabling compatibility with various devices, from smartphones to laptops. Wireless capabilities, including built-in Bluetooth, allow for effortless streaming from compatible devices, giving users the freedom to enjoy their music collection without being tethered by wires.

Additionally, the HS 500 incorporates advanced sound technologies such as Harman's proprietary Digital Signal Processing (DSP) to optimize audio performance. This technology tailors the sound output for different environments, ensuring that rich, balanced sound fills the room, whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening or hosting a lively gathering.

The HS 500 is also equipped with a range of enhancing features, including adjustable EQ settings, multiple listening modes, and a built-in alarm clock, making it a multifaceted device suitable for various audio needs.

Overall, the Harman-Kardon HS 500 stands out as a premium audio system that combines high-quality sound, versatile connectivity, and a stylish design, setting a benchmark for home entertainment devices in its category.
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