AVR 1550 Audio/Video Receiver

OWNER’S MANUAL

Power for the Digital Revolution™

Table of Contents

3 Introduction
4 Safety Information
4 Unpacking
5 Front Panel Controls
7 Front Panel Information Display
8 Rear Panel Connections
9 Remote Control Functions Declaration of Conformity
11 Installation and Connections
11 Audio Equipment Connections
11 Video Equipment Connections
12 SCART A/V Connections
13 Speaker Selection and Placement
14 System Configuration
14 First Turn On We, Harman Consumer International
14 Settings to be Made 2, route de Tours
With Each Input Used 72500 Château-du-Loir,
14 Input Setup FRANCE
14 Speaker Setup
14 Surround Setup
declare in own responsibility, that the product described
16 Making Settings independent of
selected Input in this owner’s manual is in compliance with technical
16 Delay Settings standards:
17 Night Mode Settings
17 Output Level Adjustment
EN 55013/6.1990
19 Operation
19 Basic Operation EN 55020/12.1994
19 Source Selection
EN 60065:1993
19 Controls and Use of Headphones
20 Surround Mode Chart EN 61000-3-2/4.1995
21 Surround Mode Selection
21 Digital Audio Playback
22 Selecting a Digital Source
22 Digital Status Indicators
22 Night Mode
23 Tape Recording Carsten Olesen
23 Output Level Trim Adjustment Harman Kardon Europe A/S
23 Display Brigthness 09/02
23 Memory Backup
24 Tuner Operation
24 RDS Operation
26 Function List
27 Troubleshooting Guide
27 Processor Reset
28 Technical Specifications

Typographical Conventions
In order to help you use this manual with the remote control, front-panel controls and rear-panel
connections, certain conventions have been used.
EXAMPLE – (bold type) indicates a specific remote control or front-panel button, or rear-panel
connection jack
EXAMPLE – (OCR type) indicates a message that is visible on the front-panel information display
1 – (number in a square) indicates a specific front-panel control
 – (number in a circle) indicates a rear-panel connection
0 – (number in an oval) indicates a button or indicator on the remote
A – (letter in a square) indicates an indicator in the front-panel display

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction

Thank you for choosing Harman Kardon! In addition to providing a wide range of listening The AVR 1550’s powerful amplifier uses
With the purchase of a Harman Kardon options, the AVR 1550 is easy to configure so traditional Harman Kardon high-current design
AVR 1550 you are about to begin many years of that it provides the best results with your technologies to meet the wide dynamic range of
listening enjoyment. The AVR 1550 has been speakers and specific listening-room any program selection.
custom designed to provide all the excitement environment.
Harman Kardon invented the high-fidelity receiv-
and detail of movie sound tracks and every
For the ultimate in flexibility, the AVR 1550 er more than forty-seven years ago. With state-
nuance of musical selections. With onboard
features connections for three video devices, of-the-art circuitry and time-honored circuit
Dolby* Digital and DTS† decoding, the AVR 1550
partially with both composite and S-Video designs, the AVR 1550 is one of the finest
delivers six discrete channels of audio that take
inputs. receivers ever offered by Harman Kardon within
advantage of the digital sound tracks from the
Two additional audio inputs are available, and a its price range.
latest DVD and LD releases and Digital Television
total of two digital inputs make the AVR 1550
broadcasts. ■ Onboard Dolby Digital and DTS
capable of handling all the latest digital audio
Decoding Using Crystal® Chip
To obtain the maximum enjoyment from your sources. A coax digital output is available for
Technology
new receiver, we urge you to take the time to direct connection to digital recorders.
read through this manual. This will ensure that ■ Dolby Laboratory's latest ProLogic II
connections to speakers, source playback units decoding technology
and other external devices are made properly. In ■ Multiple Digital Inputs and Outputs
addition, a few minutes spent learning the func-
tions of the various controls will enable you to ■ Front-Panel Inputs for Easy Connection
take advantage of all the power the AVR 1550 to Portable Devices and the Latest
is able to deliver. Video Game Consoles

If you have any questions about this product, its

installation or its operation, please contact your
dealer. He is your best local source of informa-
tion.
Description and Features
The AVR 1550 is among the most versatile and
multi-featured A/V receivers available, incorpo-
rating a wide range of listening options. In addi-
tion to Dolby Digital and DTS decoding for digi-
tal sources, a broad choice of analog surround
modes are available for use with sources such
as CD, VCR, TV broadcasts and the AVR’s own
FM/AM tuner.

INTRODUCTION 3
Safety Information

Important Safety Information Installation Location Unpacking

■ To assure proper operation and to avoid the
Verify Line Voltage Before Use potential for safety hazards, place the unit on The carton and shipping materials used to
Your AVR 1550 has been designed for use with a firm and level surface. When placing the protect your new receiver during shipment were
220-240-Volt AC current. Connection to a line unit on a shelf, be certain that the shelf and specially designed to cushion it from shock and
voltage other than that for which it is intended any mounting hardware can support the vibration. We suggest that you save the carton
can create a safety and fire hazard and may weight of the product. and packing materials for use in shipping if you
damage the unit. move, or should the unit ever need repair.
■ Make certain that proper space is provided
If you have any questions about the voltage both above and below the unit for ventilation. To minimize the size of the carton in storage,
requirements for your specific model, or about If this product will be installed in a cabinet or you may wish to flatten it. This is done by
the line voltage in your area, contact your dealer other enclosed area, make certain that there carefully slitting the tape seams on the bottom
before plugging the unit into a wall outlet. is sufficient air movement within the cabinet. and collapsing the carton. Other cardboard
Under some circumstances a fan may be inserts may be stored in the same manner.
Do Not Use Extension Cords
required. Packing materials that cannot be collapsed
To avoid safety hazards, use only the power cord
should be saved along with the carton in a
attached to your unit. We do not recommend ■ Do not place the unit directly on a carpeted plastic bag.
that extension cords be used with this product. surface.
As with all electrical devices, do not run power If you do not wish to save the packaging
■ Avoid installation in extremely hot or cold
cords under rugs or carpets or place heavy materials, please note that the carton and other
locations, or an area that is exposed to direct
objects on them. Damaged power cords should sections of the shipping protection are
sunlight or heating equipment.
be replaced immediately by an authorized recyclable. Please respect the environment and
service depot with a cord meeting factory ■ Avoid moist or humid locations. discard those materials at a local recycling
specifications. ■ Do not obstruct the ventilation slots on the center.
Handle the AC Power Cord Gently top of the unit, or place objects directly over
When disconnecting the power cord from an AC them.
outlet, always pull the plug, never pull the cord. Cleaning
If you do not intend to use the unit for any con- When the unit gets dirty, wipe it with a clean,
siderable length of time, disconnect the plug soft, dry cloth. If necessary, wipe it with a soft
from the AC outlet. cloth dampened with mild soapy water, then a
fresh cloth with clean water. Wipe dry
Do Not Open the Cabinet immediately with a dry cloth. NEVER use
There are no user-serviceable components inside benzene, aerosol cleaners, thinner, alcohol or any
this product. Opening the cabinet may present a other volatile cleaning agent. Do not use
shock hazard, and any modification to the abrasive cleaners, as they may damage the finish
product will void your guarantee. If water or any of metal parts. Avoid spraying insecticide near
metal object such as a paper clip, wire or a the unit.
staple accidentally falls inside the unit,
disconnect it from the AC power source Moving the Unit
immediately, and consult an authorized service Before moving the unit, be certain to disconnect
station. any interconnection cords with other
components, and make certain that you
disconnect the unit from the AC outlet.

4 SAFETY INFORMATION
Front Panel Controls

^$# * Ô Ó &

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ) ! @ %

1 Main Power Switch 9 Tuner Band Selector & Selector Buttons

2 System Power Control ) Preset Stations Selector * Main Information Display
3 Power Indicator ! Input Source Selector ( Volume Control
4 Headphone Jack @ RDS Select Button Ó Set Button
5 Remote Sensor Window # Channel Select Button Ô Digital Input Selector
6 Tone Mode $ Speaker Select Button  Delay
7 Surround Mode Selector % Video 3 input jacks
8 Tuning ^ Test Tone Selector

1 Main Power Switch: Press this button to 2 System Power Control: When the Main 5 Remote Sensor Window: The sensor
apply power to the AVR 1550. When the switch Power Switch 1 is “ON,” press this button to behind this window receives infrared signals
is pressed in, the unit is placed in a Standby turn on the AVR 1550; press it again to turn the from the remote control. Aim the remote at this
mode, as indicated by the orange LED 3 sur- unit off (to Standby). Note that the Power area and do not block or cover it unless an
rounding the System Power Control 2. This Indicator surrounding the switch 3 will turn external remote sensor is installed.
button MUST be pressed in to operate the unit. green when the unit is on.
6 Tone Mode: Pressing this button activates
To turn the unit off completely and prevent the
3 Power Indicator: This LED will be illumi- the menu for setting the Bass and Treble
use of the remote control, this switch should be
nated in orange when the unit is in the Standby controls.
pressed until it pops out from the front panel
mode to signal that the unit is ready to be
so that the word “OFF” may be read at the top
turned on. When the unit is in operation, the
of the switch.
indicator will turn green.
NOTE: This switch is normally left in the “ON”
4 Headphone Jack: This jack may be used to
position.
listen to the AVR 1550’s output through a pair
of headphones. Be certain that the headphones
have a standard 6.3 mm stereo phone plug.
Note that the speakers will automatically be
turned off when the headphones are connected.

FRONT PANEL CONTROLS 5

Front Panel Controls

7 Surround Mode Selector: Press this but- # Channel Select Button: Press this button ( Volume Control: Turn this knob clockwise
ton to change the surround mode by scrolling to begin the process of trimming the channel to increase the volume, counterclockwise to
through the list of available modes. Note that output levels using an external audio source. decrease the volume. If the AVR is muted,
Dolby Digital and DTS modes can be selected (For more information on output level trim adjusting volume control will automatically
only when a digital input is used (See page 20 adjustment, see page 23.) release the unit from the silenced condition.
for more information about surround modes.)
$ Speaker Select Button: Press this button Ó Set Button: When making choices during
8 Tuning Selector: Press the left side of the to begin the process of selecting the speaker the setup and configuration process, press this
button to tune lower frequency stations and the positions that are used in your listening room. button to enter the desired setting as shown in
right side of the button to tune higher frequency (See page 14 for more information on setup and the Main Information Display * into the
stations. When a station with a strong signal is configuration.) AVR 1550’s memory. The set button may also be
reached, the TUNED indicator L will illuminate used to change the display brightness.
% Video 3 Input Jacks: These audio/video
in the Main Information Display * (See page 23.)
jacks may be used for temporary connection to
(see page 24 for more information on tuning
video games or portable audio/video products Ô Digital Input Selector: When playing a
stations).
such as camcorders and portable audio players. source that has a digital output, press this
9 Tuner Band Selector: Pressing this button button to select between the Optical  and
^ Test Tone Selector: Press this button to
will automatically switch the AVR to the Tuner Coaxial  Digital inputs. (See pages
begin the process of adjusting the channel out-
mode. Pressing it again will switch between the 21-22 for more information on digital audio.)
put levels using the internal test tone as a refer-
AM and FM frequency bands, holding it pressed
ence. (For more information on output level  Delay: Press this button to begin the
for some seconds will switch between stereo
adjustment, see page 17.) sequence of steps required to enter delay time
and mono receiving and between automatic and
settings. (See page 16 for more information on
manual tuning mode (See page 24 for more & Selector Buttons: When you are establish-
delay times.)
information on the tuner). ing the AVR 1550’s configuration settings, use
these buttons to select from the choices available,
) Preset Stations Selector: Press this but-
as shown in the Main Information Display *.
ton to scroll up or down through the list of sta-
tions that have been entered into the preset * Main Information Display: This display
memory. (See page 24 for more information on delivers messages and status indications to help
tuner programming.) you operate the receiver. (See pages 7–8 for a
complete explanation of the Information
! Input Source Selector: Press this button
Display.)
to change the input by scrolling through the list
of input sources.
@ RDS Select Button: Press this button to dis-
play the various messages that are part of the
RDS data system of the AVR 1550’s tuner. (See
page 24 for more information on RDS).

6 FRONT PANEL CONTROLS

Front Panel Information Display

A Bitstream Indicators H Dolby 3 Stereo Indicator O Auto Indicator

B Optical Source Indicators I RDS Indicator P Speaker/Channel Input Indicators
C DTS Mode Indicator J DSP Mode Indicator Q Preset Number/Sleep Timer
D Dolby Digital Indicator K Traffic Program Indicator R Preset Indicator
E Coaxial Digital Input Indicators L Tuned Indicator S Sleep Indicator
F Dolby Pro Logic II Indicator M Main Information Display T Memory Indicator
G Analog Input Indicator N Night Mode Indicator U Stereo Indicator

A Bitstream™ Indicators: When the input is a J DSP Mode Indicator: This indicator lights Q Preset Number/Sleep Timer: When the
digital source, one of these indicators will light to when any of the surround modes created by tuner is in use, these numbers indicate the spe-
display the specific type of signal in use. Digital Signal Processing, or DSP are in use. cific preset memory location in use. (See page 24
These modes include Hall 1, Hall 2, Theater and for more information on preset stations.) When
B Optical Source Indicators: These indica-
5 Channel Stereo. the Sleep function is in use, these numbers show
tors light to show when a Optical Digital Input
how many minutes remain before the unit goes
has been selected. K Traffic Program Indicator: This indicator
into the Standby mode.
illuminates if the RDS station tuned sometimes
C DTS Mode Indicator: This indicator illumi-
transmits traffic information (see page 24 for R Preset Indicator: This indicator lights when
nates when the DTS mode is selected.
more information on RDS). the tuner is in use to show that the Preset
D Dolby Digital Indicator: This indicator Number/Sleep Timer Q is showing the sta-
L Tuned Indicator: This indicator illuminates
illuminates when Dolby Digital mode is selected. tion’s preset memory number. (See page 24 for
when a station is being received with sufficient sig-
more information on tuner presets.)
E Coaxial Digital Input Indicators: These nal strength to provide acceptable listening quality.
indicators light to show when a Coaxial Digital S Sleep Indicator: This indicator lights when
M Main Information Display: This display
Input has been selected. the Sleep function is in use. The numbers in the
shows messages relating to the status, input
Preset/Sleep Number Indicators will show the
F Dolby Pro Logic II Indicator: This indica- source, surround mode, tuner, volume level or
minutes remaining before the AVR 1550 goes
tor lights when the Dolby Pro Logic II mode has other aspects of unit’s operation.
into the Standby mode. (See page 19 for more
been selected.
N Night Mode Indicator: This indicator information on the Sleep function.)
G Analog Input Indicator: This indicator lights lights when the AVR 1550 is in the Night mode,
T Memory Indicator: This indicator flashes
when an analog input source has been selected. which preserves the dynamic range of digital
when entering presets and other information
program material at low volume levels.
H Dolby 3 Stereo Indicator: This indicator into the tuner’s memory.
lights when the Dolby 3 Stereo Mode has been O Auto Indicator: This indicator illuminates
U Stereo Indicator: This indicator illuminates
selected. Only S T (Stereo) will light when when the tuner’s Auto mode is in use.
when an FM station is being tuned in stereo.
"Surround Off" has been selected. Then all
P Speaker/Channel Input Indicators: These
Surround Modes are turned off and the unit will
indicators are multipurpose, indicating either the
play in pure stereo mode.
speaker type selected for each channel or the
I RDS Indicator: This indicator illuminates incoming data-signal configuration. The left, cen-
when the station tuned is transmitting RDS data. ter, right, right surround and left surround speaker
indicators are composed of three boxes, while the
subwoofer is a single box. When the letters flash,
the digital input has been interrupted. (See page
18 and 27 for more information on the Channel
Indicators).

FRONT PANEL INFORMATION DISPLAY 7

Rear Panel Connections

ª a ¶ ¢ ¤ ‡

‚ ¡ • £ · b
fl ⁄ ™ ° ∞ § fi › ‹

 Tape Inputs  CD Inputs  TV Audio Inputs

 Tape Outputs  Coaxial Digital Audio Outputs  Optical Digital Inputs
 Video 1 Audio Inputs  Coaxial Digital Inputs  AC Power Cord
 AM Antenna Subwoofer Output  DVD Video Inputs
 Video 1 Audio Outputs  Video Monitor Outputs  Video 1 Video Outputs
Video 2 Audio Inputs  Front/Center Speaker Outputs  Video 1 Video Inputs

FM Antenna  Surround Speaker Outputs  Video 2 Video Inputs

 Tape Inputs: Connect these jacks to the  Coaxial Digital Inputs: Connect the coax the red (+) terminals on the AVR 1550 to the
PLAY/OUT jacks of an audio recorder. digital output from a DVD player. Do not connect red (+) terminals on the speakers and the black
the RF digital output of an LD player to these (–) terminals on the AVR 1550 to the black (–)
 Tape Outputs: Connect these jacks to the
jacks. terminals on the speakers. See page 11 for more
RECORD/INPUT jacks of an audio recorder.
information on speaker polarity.
Subwoofer Output: Connect this jack to
 Video 1 Audio Inputs: Connect these jacks
the line-level input of a powered subwoofer. If  TV Audio Inputs: Connect these jacks to
to the PLAY/OUT audio jacks on a VCR or other
an external subwoofer amplifier is used, connect the Audio Out jacks on a TV or other video
video source.
this jack to the subwoofer amplifier input. source.
 AM Antenna: Connect the AM loop antenna
 Video Monitor Outputs: Connect these  Optical Digital Inputs: Connect the opti-
supplied with the receiver to these terminals. If an
jacks to the composite and/or S-Video input of a cal digital output from a DVD player, HDTV
external AM antenna is used, make connections to
TV monitor or video projector to view the output receiver, LD player, MD player or CD player to
the AM and GND terminals in accordance with
of any video source selected by the receiver’s these jacks. The signal may be either a Dolby
the instructions supplied with the antenna.
video switcher. Digital signal, a DTS signal or a standard PCM
 Video 1 Audio Outputs: Connect these digital source.
 Front/Center Speaker Outputs: Connect
jacks to the RECORD/INPUT audio jacks on
these outputs to the matching + or – terminals  AC Power Cord: Connect the AC plug to an
a VCR or any other Audio recorder.
on your front/center speakers. When making unswitched AC wall output.
Video 2 Audio Inputs: Connect these jacks speaker connections, always make certain to
 DVD Video Inputs: Connect these jacks to
to the PLAY/OUT audio jacks on a VCR or other maintain correct polarity by connecting the red
the composite or S-Video output jacks on a DVD
video source. (+) terminals on the AVR 1550 to the red (+)
player or other video source.
terminals on the speaker and the black (–) ter-

FM Antenna: Connect the supplied indoor or

minals on the AVR 1550 to the black (–) termi-  Video 1 Video Outputs: Connect these
an optional external FM antenna to this terminal.
nals on the speakers. (See page 11 for more jacks to the RECORD/INPUT composite or
 CD Inputs: Connect these jacks to the ana- information on speaker polarity.) S-Video jack on a VCR.
log output of a compact disc player or CD
 Surround Speaker Outputs: Connect  Video 1 Video Inputs: Connect these jacks
changer.
these outputs to the matching + or – terminals to the PLAY/OUT composite or S-Video jacks on
 CoaxialDigital Audio Outputs: Connect on your left and right surround speakers. When a VCR or other video source.
this jack to the matching digital input connector making speaker connections always make cer-
 Video 2 Video Inputs: Connect these jacks
on a digital recorder such as a CD-R or MiniDisc tain to maintain correct polarity by connecting
to the PLAY/OUT composite jacks on a second
recorder.
VCR or other video source.

8 REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS

Remote Control Functions

0 Power On Button b
1 IR Transmitter Window
2 Mute
3 Power Off Button
4 Input Selectors
5 AVR Selector
6 AM/FM Tuner Select a d
7 Test Button
8 Sleep Button f
9 Surround Mode Selector e
A Night Mode
B Channel Select Button
C ⁄ / ¤ Buttons
D ‹ Button g
E Enter Button
F Digital Select/Direct Button v
G Numeric Keys
H Tuner Mode
I Volume Up/Down t y
J Tuning Up/Down
K Speaker Select r
L Transport Controls
M › Button ` s
N RDS Select Button u
O Preset Up/Down
P Clear Button m o
Q Memory Button
 Delay n w

l
NOTE: The function names shown here are each j 
button’s feature when used with the AVR. Most p
buttons have additional functions when used 7
with other Harman Kardon devices.
See page 26 for a list of these functions. k
q
8

x c
z

AVR 1550
IMPORTANT NOTE: The AVR 1550’s remote is
shipped from the factory to operate the
AVR 1550 and most Harman Kardon CD or DVD
players and cassette decks.
Before using the remote, it is important to
remember to press the Input Selector button 0 Power On Button: Press this button to 3 Power Off Button: Press this button to
4 that corresponds to the unit you wish to turn on the power. place the AVR 1550 in the Standby mode.
operate.
1 IR Transmitter Window: Point this 4 Input Selectors: Pressing one of these
It is also important to remember that many of window towards the AVR 1550 when pressing buttons will perform three actions at the same
the buttons on the remote take on different buttons on the remote to make certain that time. First, if the AVR is not turned on, this will
functions, depending on the product selected infrared commands are properly received. power up the unit. Next, it will select the source
using the Input Selectors. The descriptions shown on the button as the input to the AVR.
shown here primarily detail the functions of the 2 Mute: Press this button to momentarily
Finally, it will change the remote control so that
remote when it is used to operate the silence the AVR 1550 or TV set being controlled,
it controls the compatible Harman Kardon prod-
AVR 1550. (See page 26 for information about depending on which device has been selected.
uct selected. After pressing one of these buttons
alternate functions for the remote’s buttons.) you must press the AVR Selector button 5

REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS 9

Remote Control Functions

again to operate the AVR’s functions with the C ⁄/¤ Buttons: These are multi-purpose K Speaker Select: Press this button to
remote. buttons. They will be used most frequently to select begin the process of configuring the
a surround mode. These buttons are also used to AVR 1550’s Bass Management System for use
5 AVR Selector: Pressing this button will
increase or decrease output levels when config- with the type of speakers used in your system.
switch the remote so that it will operate the AVR’s
uring the unit, to select speaker configuration or Once the button has been pressed, use the
functions. If the AVR is in the Standby mode, it will ⁄/¤ buttons C to select the channel you
to select the digital inputs. They are also used to
also turn the AVR on.
enter delay time settings after the Delay button wish to set up. Press the Enter button E and
6 AM/FM Tuner Select: Press this button to  has been pressed. then select the speaker type (see page 14 for
select the AVR’s tuner as the listening choice. more information.)
D ‹ Button: This button does not have a
Pressing this button when the tuner is in use will
function with the AVR 1550. When a DVD player L Transport Buttons: These buttons do not
select between the AM and FM bands.
or TV is selected, it may be used to navigate the have any functions for the AVR, but they may be
7 Test Tone: Press this button to begin the menus of those devices. used for the forward/reverse play operation of a
sequence used to calibrate the AVR 1550’s output wide variety of compatible Harman Kardon CD
E Enter Button: This button is used to enter
levels. (See page 17 for more information on or DVD players, and audio or video- cassette
settings into the AVR 1550’s memory. It is also
calibrating the AVR 1550.) recorders.
used in the setup procedures for delay time,
8 Sleep Button: Press this button to place speaker configuration and channel output level M › Button: This button does not have a
the unit in the Sleep mode. After the time shown adjustment. function with the AVR 1550. When a compatible
in the display, the AVR 1550 will automatically Harman Kardon DVD player or TV is selected, it
F Digital Select/Direct: Press this button to
go into the Standby mode. Each press of the may be used to navigate the menus of those
assign one of the digital inputs   to a
button changes the time until turn-off in the fol- devices.
source. (See page 22 for more information on
lowing order:
using digital inputs). N RDS Select Button: Press this button to
90 80 70 60 50
min min min min min In Tuner-mode, press this button when the tuner display the various messages that are part of the
40 30 20 10 is in use to start the sequence for direct entry of RDS data system of the AVR 1550’s tuner.
OFF
min min min min a station’s frequency. After pressing the button (See page 24 for more information on RDS).
simply press the proper Numeric Keys G to
Hold the button pressed for two seconds to turn O Preset Up/Down: When the tuner is in use,
select a station (See page 24 for more informa-
off the Sleep mode setting. press these buttons to scroll through the stations
tion on the tuner).
Note that this button is also used to change programmed into the AVR 1550’s memory.
channels on your TV, VCR and SAT receiver when G Numeric Keys: These buttons serve as a
P Clear Button: Press this button to clear
selected. ten-button numeric keypad to enter tuner preset
incorrect entries when using the remote to
positions. They are also used to select channel
9 Surround Mode Selector: Press this directly enter a radio station’s frequency.
numbers when TV, VCR or Sat receiver has
button to begin the process of changing
been selected on the remote, or to select track Q Memory Button: Press this button to enter
the surround mode. After the button has
numbers on a compatible Harman Kardon CD, a radio station into the AVR 1550’s preset
been pressed, use the ⁄/¤ buttons C to
DVD or LD player. memory. After pressing the button the MEMORY
select the desired surround mode (See page 21
indicator T will flash; you then have five sec-
for more information). H Tuner Mode: Press this button when the
onds to enter a preset memory location using
tuner is in use to select between automatic tun-
A Night Mode: Press this button to activate the Numeric Keys G. (See page 23 for more
ing and manual tuning. When the button is
the Night mode. This mode is available only with information.)
pressed so that the AUTO indicator O goes
Dolby Digital encoded digital sources, and it out, pressing the Tuning buttons J8 will  Delay/Prev Ch.: Press this button to begin
preserves dialog (center channel) intelligibilty at move the frequency up or down in single-step the process for setting the delay times used by
low volume levels (See page 22 for more increments. When the FM band is in use and the the AVR 1550 when processing surround sound.
information). AUTO indicator O is on, pressing this button After pressing this button, the delay times are
B Channel Select Button: This button is will change to monaural reception making even entered by pressing the Enter button E and
used to start the process of setting the AVR 1550’s week stations audible. (See page 24 for more then using the ⁄/¤ buttons C to change the
output levels with an external source. Once this information.) setting. Press the Enter button again to com-
button is pressed, use the ⁄/¤ buttons C to plete the process. (See page 16 for more infor-
I Volume Up/Down: Press these buttons to
select the channel being adjusted, then press the mation.)
raise or lower the system volume.
Enter button E, followed by the ⁄/¤ buttons
again, to change the level setting. (See page 23 for J Tuning Up/Down: When the tuner is in use,
more information.) these buttons will tune up or down through the
selected frequency band. If the Tuner Mode but-
ton H has been pressed or the Band button
@ on the front panel was held pressed so that
the AUTO indicator O is illuminated, pressing
either of the buttons will cause the tuner to seek
the next station with acceptable signal strength
for quality reception. When the AUTO indicator
O is NOT illuminated, pressing these buttons will
tune stations in single-step increments.
(See page 24 for more information.)

10 REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS

Installation and Connections

After unpacking the unit, and placing it on a solid We also recommend that the length of cable
surface capable of supporting its weight, you will used to connect speaker pairs be identical. For
need to make the connections to your audio and example, use the same length piece of cable to
video equipment. connect the front-left and front-right or sur-
round-left and surround-right speakers, even if
Audio Equipment Connections the speakers have a different distance from the
AVR 1550.
We recommend that you use high-quality inter- 6. Connect the supplied FM antenna to the FM
connect cables when making connections to (75 ohm) connection
. The FM antenna may 8. Connections to a subwoofer are normally
source equipment and recorders to preserve the be an external roof antenna, an inside powered made via a line level audio connection from the
integrity of the signals. or wire lead antenna or a connection from a Subwoofer Output to the line-level input
cable system. Note that if the antenna or con- of a subwoofer with a built-in amplifier. When a
When making connections to audio source
nection uses 300-ohm twin-lead cable, you must passive subwoofer is used, the connection first
equipment or speakers it is always a good prac-
use a 300-ohm-to-75-ohm adapter to make the goes to a power amplifier, which will be con-
tice to unplug the unit from the AC wall outlet.
connection. nected to one or more subwoofer speakers. If
This prevents any possibility of accidentally send-
you are using a powered subwoofer that does
ing audio or transient signals to the speakers 7. Connect the front, center and surround speak-
not have line-level input connections, follow the
that may damage them. er outputs  to the respective speakers.
instructions furnished with the speaker for con-
Important Note : In order to clearly identify all To assure that all the audio signals are carried to nection information.
connectors and simplify nstallation, as per the your speakers without loss of clarity or resolu-
Note: Speaker sets with two front satellites and
new EIA/CEA-863 standard, all connections are tion, we suggest that you use high-quality
a passive subwoofer must be connected to the
colour coded as follows: speaker cable. Many brands of cable are avail-
front speaker outputs  only rather than to the
For Speakers and Audio In/Outputs: White (Left, able and the choice of cable may be influenced
Subwoofer Output .
speakers front) and Red (Right, speakers front). by the distance between your speakers and the
For Speakers: Green (Center), Blue (Left receiver, the type of speakers you use, personal Video Equipment Connections
Surround) and Grey (Right Surround). preferences and other factors. Your dealer or
For Audio Output: Purple (Subwoofer). installer is a valuable resource to consult in Video equipment is connected in the same man-
For Composite Video In/Outputs: Yellow. selecting the proper cable. ner as audio components. Again, the use of high-
For Digital Audio In/Outputs: Orange. quality interconnect cables is recommended to
Regardless of the brand of cable selected, we
preserve signal quality. To ensure best video per-
1. Connect the analog output of a CD player to recommend that you use a cable constructed of
formance S-Video sources should be connected
the CD inputs . fine, multistrand copper with an area greater
to the AVR 1550 only with their S-Video In/
than 2 mm2.
NOTE: When the CD player has both fixed and Outputs, not with their composite video connec-
variable audio outputs it is best to use the fixed Cable with an area of 1.5 mm2 may be used for tors too.
output unless you find that the input to the short runs of less than 4 m. We do not recom-
mend that you use cables with an area less than 1. Connect a VCR’s audio and video Play/Out
receiver is so low that the sound is noisy, or so
1mm2 due to the power loss and degradation in jacks to the Video 1 or Video 2 In jacks
high that the signal is distorted.
performance that will occur.    on the rear panel. The Audio and
2. Connect the analog Play/Out jacks of a cas- Video Record/In jacks on the VCR should be con-
sette deck, MD, CD-R or other audio recorder to Cables that are run inside walls should have the nected to the Video 1 jacks   on the
the Tape Input jacks . Connect the analog appropriate markings to indicate listing with UL, AVR 1550.
Record/In jacks on the recorder to the Tape CSA or other appropriate testing agency stan-
dards. Questions about running cables inside 2. Connect the analog audio and video outputs
Output jacks  on the AVR 1550.
walls should be referred to your installer or a of a satellite receiver, cable TV converter or tele-
3. Connect the digital output of any digital licensed electrical contractor who is familiar with vision set or any other video source to the
device to the appropriate input connections on the applicable local building codes in your area. Video 2  (if not in use) or Video 3 %
the AVR 1550 rear panel. Note that the jacks.
Optical and Coaxial digital inputs  may When connecting wires to the speakers, be cer-
tain to observe proper polarity. Remember to 3. Connect the video outputs of a DVD or laser
be used with a Dolby Digital or DTS source or
connect the “negative” or “black” wire to the disc player to the DVD jacks .
the output of a conventional CD, MD or LD
player’s PCM (S/P-DIF) output. same terminal on both the receiver and the 4. Connect the Video Monitor Out  jacks on
speaker. Similarly, the “positive” or “red” wire the receiver to the composite and S-Video input
4. Connect the Coaxial Digital Outputs  on should be connected to the same terminals on of your television monitor or video projector.
the rear panel of the AVR to the matching digital the AVR 1550 and speaker.
input connections on a CD-R or MiniDisc recorder. Video Connection Note:
NOTE: While most speaker manufacturers
• S-Video or Composite video signals may only
5. Assemble the AM Loop Antenna supplied with adhere to an industry convention of using black
be viewed in their native formats and will not
the unit as shown below. Connect it to the AM terminals for negative and red ones for positive,
be converted to the other format.
and GND screw terminals . some manufacturers may vary from this configu-
ration. To assure proper phase and optimal per-
formance, 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 pro-
ceeding, or consult the speaker’s manufacturer.

INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS 11

Installation and Connections

SCART A/V Connections Black

Black

For the connections described above your video Figure 1: Yellow

Yellow
SCART/Cinch-Adapter for
device needs RCA (cinch) connectors or/and Red
Red
playback;
S-Video connectors for all Audio and Video signal flow:
signals: Any normal video device (Not SVHS or SCART → Cinch
High 8) for only playback needs 3 RCA jacks,
Black
Black
VCRs for record and playback even 6 RCA jacks.
Red
Red
Any S-Video device (SVHS, High 8) needs 2 RCA
(Audio) and 1 S-Video jack (Video), if it’s a play- Blue 1
Blue
back unit, or 4 RCA (Audio In/Out) and 2 S-Video Yellow
Yellow
Figure 2:
(Video In/Out) jacks, if it´s a recording VCR. Green 1
Green
SCART/Cinch-Adapter for
Many european video devices are equipped with record and playback; White
White
RCA (Cinch) or S-Video jacks only partially, not signal flow:
with all audio and video in/outputs needed as SCART ↔ Cinch
described above, but with a so called Scart or Black
Black
Euro-AV connector (almost rectangular jack with Figure 3: Yellow
Yellow
21 pins, see drawings on this page). Cinch/SCART-Adapter for Red
playback; Red
In that case the following Scart to Cinch adapters signal flow:
or cables are needed: Cinch → SCART
• Units for playback, such as satellite receivers, Rot
Red
camcorders, DVD or LD players, need an adapter Figure 4: Schwarz
Black
from Scart to 3 RCA plugs, see fig. 1 (normal SCART/S-Video Adapter
video devices) or from Scart to 2 RCA+1 S- for playback;
S-Video
S-Video InIn
Video plugs, see fig. 4 (S-Video devices). signal flow:
SCART → Cinch
• HiFi VCRs need an adapter from Scart to 6 RCA
plugs, see fig. 2 (normal video), or from Scart to Black
Schwarz

4 Audio+2S-Video jacks, see fig. 5 (S-Video Red

Rot
VCR). Read carefully the instruction attached to Blue
Blau1
the adapter to find which of the six plugs is Gelb
Yellow
Figure 5:
used for the record signal to the VCR (connect SCART/S-Video Adapter
with the AVR´s Out jacks) and for the playback for record and playback; S-Video InIn
S-Video
signal from the VCR (connect with the AVR´s In signal flow: S-Video Out
S-Video Out
jacks). Do not misconnect Audio and Video sig- SCART ↔ Cinch
nals. Don´t hesitate to consult your dealer, if you Rot
Red
are uncertain.
Figure 6: Schwarz
Black
• If you use only normal video devices the TV SCART/S-Video Adapter
monitor needs an adapter from 3 RCA plugs to for playback; S-Video Out
S-Video Out
Scart (fig. 3) only. If also S-Video devices are signal flow:
Cinch → SCART
used an adapter from 2 RCA+1S-Video plugs to 1
Also other colours possible, e.g. brown and grey.
Scart is needed additionally (fig. 6), connected
to the SCART input on your TV that is provided
for S-Video.
Note that only the video plugs (the "yellow" tions as shown in the diagrams above and in the Important Note for the Use of
cinch plug in fig. 3 and the S-Video plug in fig. 6) instruction attached to the adapter. If uncertain, SCART-Cinch Adapters:
must be connected to the TV Monitor Output don’t hesitate to consult your dealer. When video sources are connected to the TV
, and the volume on the TV must be reduced to directly with a SCART cable, specific control sig-
Important Notes for S-Video connections: nals apart from Audio/Video signals will be fed
minimum.
1. Only the S-Video In/Out of S-Video devices to the TV. These specific signals are: With all
Important Note for Adapter Cables: must be connected to the AVR, NOT both, nor- video sources, the signal for automatic input
If the cinch connectors of the adapter you’ll use mal video and S-Video In/Outputs (except the TV, selection that switches the TV automatically to
are labeled, connect the Audio and Video ”In” see item 2). the appropriate input as soon as the video
plugs with the corresponding Audio and Video source is started. And with DVD players, the sig-
2. Like most common AV units the AVR 1550
”In” jacks on the AVR 1550 (and with a VCR con- nals automatically turning the TV to 4:3/16:9
does not convert the Video signal to S-Video or
nect the ”Out” plugs to the ”Out” jacks on the format (with 16:9 TVs or 4:3 TVs with 16:9
vice versa. Thus both connections must be made
AVR). Note that with some adapter types it may capability) and turning the RGB video decoder of
from the AVR 1550 to the TV if both, Video and
be just turned around: If no signal is audible/ visi- the TV on or off, depending on the DVD player´s
S-Video sources, are used, and the appropriate
ble when the VCR is playing connect the “Out” setting. With any adapter cable, these control
input on the TV must be selected.
plugs to the ”In” jacks on the AVR and turned signals will be lost and the appropriate setting
around. If the adapter plugs are not labeled in of the TV must be made manually.
that way, pay attention to the signal flow direc-

12 INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS

Installation and Connections

Speaker Selection Depending on the specifics of your room Center Front Speaker
acoustics and the type of speakers in use, you
No matter which type or brand of speakers is may find that imaging is improved by moving the No more than
used, the same model or brand of speaker front-left and front-right speakers slightly 60cm
should be used at least for the front-left, center forward of the center-channel speaker. If
and front-right speakers. This creates a seamless possible, adjust all front loudspeakers so that
front soundstage and eliminates the possibility they are aimed at ear height when you are
of distracting sonic disturbances that occur when seated in the listening position. Left Front Right Front
a sound moves across mismatched front-channel Speaker Speaker
speakers. Using these guidelines, you’ll find that it takes
some experimentation to find the correct A) Front Channel Speaker Installation with
Speaker Placement location for the front speakers in your particular Direct-View TV Sets or Rear-Screen Projectors
installation. Don’t be afraid to move things
The placement of speakers in a multichannel
around until the system sounds correct. Optimize
home-theater system can have a noticeable TV or Projection Screen
your speakers so that audio transitions across
impact on the quality of sound reproduced.
the front of the room sound smooth.
Depending on the type of center-channel Left Front
Center Front
Right Front
Surround speakers should be placed on the side Speaker
Speaker
Speaker
speaker in use and your viewing device, place
walls of the room, at or slightly behind the
the center speaker either directly above or below
listening position. The center of the speaker
your TV, or in the center behind a perforated
should face you.
front-projection screen.
If side-wall mounting is not practical, the
Once the center-channel speaker is installed,
speakers may be placed on a rear wall, behind
position the left-front and right-front speakers so
the listening position. The speakers should be no
that they are as far away from one another as
more than two meters behind the rear of the
the center-channel speaker is from the preferred
seating area.
listening position. Ideally, the front-channel
speakers should be placed so that their tweeters Subwoofers produce largely nondirectional

when rear-mounted
speakers are used
No more than 2m
are no more than 60cm above or below the sound, so they may be placed almost anywhere
tweeter in the center-channel speaker. in a room. Actual placement should be based on
room size and shape and the type of subwoofer
They should also be at least 0.5 meter from your
used. One method of finding the optimal
TV set unless the speakers are magnetically Optional Rear-Wall Mounting
location for a subwoofer is to begin by placing it
shielded to avoid colourings on the TV screen.
in the front of the room, about 15cm from a
Note that most speakers are not shielded, even B) The distance between the left and right
wall, or near the front corner of the room.
with complete surround sets only the Center speakers should be equal to the distance from
Another method is to temporarily place the
speaker may be. the seating position to the viewing screen.
subwoofer in the spot where you will normally
sit, and then walk around the room until you You may also experiment with placing the left
find a spot where the subwoofer sounds best. and right speakers slightly forward of the center
Place the subwoofer in that spot. You should speaker.
also follow the instructions of the subwoofer’s
manufacturer, or you may wish to experiment
with the best location for a subwoofer in your
listening room.

INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS 13

System Configuration

Once the speakers have been placed in the Settings to be Made With Each Input Setup
room and connected, the remaining steps are to Input Used The first step in configuring the AVR 1550 is to
program the system configuration memories. select an input. This may be done by pressing
With the AVR 1550 two kind of memories are The AVR 1550 features an advanced memory the front panel Input Source Selector !
used, those associated individually with the system that enables you to establish different until the desired input’s name appears momen-
input selected, e.g. surround modes, and others settings for the speaker configuration, digital tarily in the Main Information Display M.
working independently from any input selected input and surround mode for each input source. The input may also be selected by pressing
like speaker output levels, or delay times used This flexibility enables you to custom tailor the the appropriate Input Selector on the
by the surround sound processor. way in which you listen to each source and have remote control 46.
the AVR 1550 memorize them. This means, for
First Turn On example, that you may associate different sur- The second step is to associate one of the digital
round modes and analog or digital inputs with inputs with the selected input source (if this is
You are now ready to power up the AVR 1550 to different sources, or set different speaker config- needed, otherwise the selected analog input will
begin these final adjustments. urations with the resultant changes to the bass remain). Press the Digital Input Select button
management system or the use of the Center ÔF on the front panel or the remote. Within
1. Plug the Power Cable  into an un-
speaker. Once these settings are made, they will five seconds, make your input selection using the
switched AC outlet.
automatically be recalled whenever you select Selector buttons on the front panel & or the
2. Press the Main Power Switch 1 in until it an input. ⁄/¤ buttons C on the remote until the

latches and the word “OFF” on the top of the desired digital or analog input is shown in the
switch disappears inside the front panel. Note The default settings for the AVR 1550, as it is Main Information Display M. Then press the
that the Power Indicator 3 will turn orange, shipped from the factory, have all inputs set for Enter button E to enter the new digital input
indicating that the unit is in the Standby mode. an analog source (except for the DVD input, assignment.
which has the Coaxial Digital Input 1  as
3. Remove the protective plastic film from the the default), with stereo as the surround mode, After the setting has been made with one input,
front-panel lens. If left in place, the film may the front left and right speakers set to “large” repeat as described above with all inputs in use.
affect the performance of your remote control. (with surround modes other speakers to The digital input associated with the input
4. Install the three supplied AAA batteries in the ”small”), and a subwoofer connected. Before selected can also be changed at any time later
remote as shown. Be certain to follow the (+) using the unit, you will probably want to change and the AVR 1550´s memory system will keep
and (–) polarity indicators that are on the these settings for most inputs so that they are the settings until they are changed again.
bottom of the battery compartment. properly configured to reflect the use of digital Speaker Setup
or analog inputs, the type of speakers installed This setup tells the AVR 1550 which type of
and the surround mode associated with the speakers are in use. This is important as it
input. Remember, since the AVR 1550’s memory adjusts the settings that determine which
system keeps the settings for each input sepa- speakers receive low frequency (bass) informa-
rate from the other inputs, you will need to make tion and whether a Center speaker should be
these adjustments for each input used. However, used or not, separately for each input used.
once they are made, further adjustment is only For each of these settings use the L A R G E
required when system components are changed. setting if the speakers for a particular position
5. Turn the AVR 1550 on either by pressing the To make this process as quick and as easy as are traditional full-range loudspeakers that are
System Power Control 2 or the Input possible, we suggest that with each of these set- capable of reproducing sounds below 100Hz.
Source Selector ! on the front panel, or via tings to be made you step through each input. Use the S M A L L setting for smaller,
the remote by pressing the AVR Selector 5 Once you have completed the settings for the frequency-limited satellite speakers that do not
or any of the Input Selectors 46 on the first input, many settings may be duplicated for reproduce sounds below 100Hz. Note that
remote. The Power Indicator 3 will turn green the remaining inputs. when “small” front (left and right) speakers are
to confirm that the unit is on, and the Main used, a subwoofer is required to reproduce low
Information Display * will also light up. The items that follow will describe the individual frequency sounds. If you are in doubt as to
settings required for each input. which category describes your speakers, consult
the specifications in the speakers’ owner’s
manual, or ask your dealer. Remember that each
speaker setup that differs from the default
settings (see above) must be made individually
for each input in use.
It is best to select the Dolby Pro Logic II Movie
mode for speaker setup. Then with the currently
selected input all speaker settings will be copied
to other surround modes too (as far as possible)
and need not be repeated with any other mode.

14 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION
System Configuration

With the AVR 1550 turned on, follow these When SMALL is selected, low frequency cen- 9. When you have completed your selection for
steps to configure the speakers: ter channel sounds will be sent to the Fronts, if the surround channel, press the Enter button
they are set for LARGE and Sub is turned off. E on the remote control, or the Set button on
1. Put the AVR 1550 in the Dolby Pro Logic II
When Sub is on, low frequency center channel the front Ó, and then press the ⁄/¤ buttons
Movie mode by pressing the Surround Mode
sounds will be sent to the subwoofer only. C on the remote or the Selector buttons &
Selector button 7 on the front or 9 and
on the front panel to change the display to
then the ⁄/¤ buttons C on the remote, until When LARGE is selected, a full-range output
S-W SPKR.
DOLBY PRO LOGIC I I MOVIE will be sent to the center speaker output, and
appears in the Main Information Display M with analog and digital surround modes (except 10. Press the Enter button E on the remote
and the PRO LOGIC II indicator F lights. with the Pro Logic II Music mode) NO center control, or the Set button on the front Ó, and
channel signal will be sent to the subwoofer out- then press the ⁄/¤ buttons C on the remote
2. Press the Speaker button K $ on the
put. or the Selector buttons & on the front panel
remote or front panel. The words FNT
to select the option that best describes your
SPKR will appear in the Main Information When NONE is selected, no signal will be sent
Subwoofer system.
Display M. to the center channel output. The receiver will
operate in a “phantom” center channel mode The choices available for the subwoofer position
3. Press the Enter button E on the remote
and center channel information will be sent to will depend on the settings for the other speak-
control, or the Set button on the front Ó.
the left and right front channel outputs and its ers, particularly the front left/right positions.
4. Press the ⁄/¤ buttons C on the remote or bass will be sent to the subwoofer output too as
If the front left/right speakers are set to
the Selector buttons & on the front panel long as SUB L/R+LFE is selected in the SUB-
SMALL, the subwoofer will automatically be
until either F-LARGE or F-SMALL WOOFER line in this menu (see below). This
set to S U B, which is the “on” position.
appears, matching the type of speakers you have mode is needed if no Center speaker is used.
at the left-front and right-front positions, as If the front left/right speakers are set to
7. When you have completed your selection for
described by the definitions shown in preceding LARGE, three options are available:
the center channel, press the Enter button E
section.
on the remote control, or the Set button on the • If no subwoofer is connected to the AVR 1550,
When SMALL is selected, low frequency front front Ó, and then press the ⁄/¤ buttons C press the arrow buttons C & so that
channel sounds will be sent only to the subwoofer on the remote or the Selector buttons & on N O N E appears in the display. When this
output. Note that if you choose this option and the front panel to change the display to option is selected, all bass information will be
there is no subwoofer connected, you will not SUR SPKR. routed to the front left/right “main” speakers.
hear any low frequency sounds from the front
8. Press the Enter button E on the remote • If a subwoofer is connected to the AVR 1550,
channels. This setting is not available with stereo
control, or the Set button on the front Ó you have the option to have the front left/right
mode to ensure purest sound by bypassing the
again, and then use the ⁄/¤ buttons C on the “main” speakers reproduce bass frequencies at
crossovers of the DSP´s.
remote or the Selector buttons & on the front all times, and have the subwoofer operate only
When LARGE is selected, a full-range output panel to select the option that best describes when the AVR 1550 is being used with a digital
will be sent to the front left and front right out- your system based on the Surround speaker source that contains a dedicated Low Frequency
puts. Depending on the subwoofer configuration definitions shown in preceding section. Effects, or LFE soundtrack. This allows you to use
(see below), the front left and right bass informa- both your main and subwoofer speakers to take
When SMALL is selected, with all digital sur-
tion may also be directed to a subwoofer. advantage of the special bass created for certain
round modes low frequency surround channel
movies. To select that option press the arrow
Important Note: When a speaker set with two sounds will be sent to the Fronts, when Sub is
buttons C & so that S U B (LFE) appears
front satellites and a passive subwoofer is used, turned off, or to the subwoofer output when Sub
in the display.
connected to the front speaker outputs , is on. With the analog surround modes the rear
the fronts must be set for LARGE. bass feed depends on the mode selected and • If a subwoofer is connected and you wish to
the setting of the sub and front speakers. use it for bass reproduction in conjunction with
5. When you have completed your selection for
the main front left/right speakers, regardless of
the front channels, press the Enter button E When LARGE is selected, a full-range output
the type of program source or surround mode
on the remote control, or the Set button on the will be sent to the surround channel outputs
you are listening to, press the arrow buttons
front Ó, and then press the ⁄/¤ buttons C (with all analog and digital surround modes),
C & so that L/R+LFE appears in the
on the remote or the Selector buttons & on and, except with Hall and Theater modes, NO
display. When this option is selected, a “com-
the front panel to change the display to surround channel bass will be sent to the sub-
plete” feed will be sent to the front left/right
CEN SPKR. woofer output.
“main” speakers, and the subwoofer will receive
6. Press the Enter button E on the remote When NONE is selected, surround sound the front left and right bass frequencies under
control, or the Set button on the front Ó information will be split between the front-left the crossover frequency 80 Hz, additionally to
again, and use the ⁄/¤ buttons C on the and front-right outputs. Note that for optimal the LFE soundtrack (see above).
remote, or the Selector buttons & on the performance when no surround speakers are in
11. When all speaker selections have been made
front panel, to select the option that best use, the Dolby 3 Stereo mode should be used
for the input selected, Press the Enter button
describes your system based on the Center instead of Dolby Pro Logic.
E on the remote control, or the Set button on
speaker definitions shown in preceding section.
the front Ó twice or simply wait for three
seconds until the display returns to the normal
mode.

SYSTEM CONFIGURATION 15
System Configuration

To assist in making these settings, the icons in Surround Setup Making Settings independent of
the Speaker/Channel Input Indicators P Once the speaker setup has been completed, the selected Input
will change as the speaker type is selected at next setup step is to set the surround mode you
each position. When only the inner icon box is lit, wish to use with each input. Since surround After the settings described above have been
the speaker is set for “small.” When the inner box modes are a matter of personal taste, feel free to made for all input sources in your system, the fol-
and the two outer boxes with circles inside them select any mode you wish – you may change it lowing settings, made with any input, will remain
are lit, the speaker is set for “large." When no later. The Surround Mode chart on page 20 may in effect independent of the input selected.
indicator appears at a speaker location, that help you select the mode best suited to the input Delay Settings
position is set for “none” or “no” speaker. source selected. However, to make it easier to Only for the Dolby Digital or Dolby Pro Logic II
establish the initial parameters for the AVR 1550, modes, you will need to adjust the delay time
As an example, in the Figure below, the left front
it is best to select any Dolby Pro Logic II mode for setting. Note that the delay time is not
and right front speakers are set for “large,” the
most analog inputs and Dolby Digital for inputs adjustable for any other modes.
center, left surround and right surround speakers
connected to digital sources. In the case of inputs
are set for small, and a subwoofer is set. Important Note: Once the delay time is set
such as a CD Player, Tape Deck or Tuner, you may
After the speaker setting has been made with wish to set the mode to Stereo, if that is your with any input it will be effective with all other
one input, repeat as described above with all preferred listening mode for standard stereo inputs too. Moreover the surround delay time
inputs you will use. In most cases, the speaker sources, where it is unlikely that surround encod- setting must be made only for either the Dolby
type will be the same and may be quickly entered ed material will be used. Pro Logic II or the Dolby Digital mode. The other
by entering the same data used for the original setting will be set automatically.
To set the surround mode you wish to use with
input. But with some music sources you may Due to the different distances between the lis-
the input selected, press the Surround Mode
prefer to listen to your surround system without tening position for the front channel speakers
Selector button 7 on the front or 9 and the
using a Center speaker, particularily when a small and the surround speakers, the amount of time it
⁄/¤ buttons C on the remote until the
Center is in use with an audio performance not takes for sound to reach your ears from the front
desired surround mode´s name appears in the
matching perfectly with the main front speakers. or surround speakers is different. You may com-
Main Information Display M.
With these sources selected the Center speaker pensate for this difference through the use of the
will then be turned off automatically (enter Note that Dolby Digital and DTS will only appear delay settings to adjust the timing for the specific
NONE for the Center setting), while its signal will as choices when a digital input has been speaker placement and acoustic conditions in
be fed to the left and right Fronts. selected. your listening room or home theater.
The speaker setting mode can also be changed at After the surround mode setting has been made The factory setting (see Surround Mode Chart
any time later, and the AVR 1550´s memory with the current input, repeat the setting with all page 20) is appropriate for most rooms, but
system will keep these settings for the input inputs you will use. The surround mode can also some installations create an uncommon distance
selected, until they are changed again. be changed at any time later, and the AVR 1550´s between the front and surround speakers that
memory system will keep the settings for the may cause the arrival of front channel sounds to
input selected, until they are changed again. become disconnected from surround channel

L C R
sounds.
To resynchronize the front, center and surround
channels, follow these steps:
1. Measure the distance from the listening/

SL LFE SR
viewing position to the front speakers in
meters.
2. Measure the distance from the listening/
viewing position to the surround speakers.
3. Subtract the distance to the surround speakers
from the distance to the front speakers and
multiply the result by 3.
a. When setting the delay time for the Dolby
Digital surround modes, the optimal delay time
is the result of that subtraction. For example, if
the front speakers are 3 m away and the sur-
round speakers are 1 m away, the optimal
delay time is figured as (3–1)x3=6. Thus, in
this example, the delay time for Dolby Digital
should be set at six milliseconds.
b. When setting the delay time for any Dolby Pro
Logic II mode, take the result of the calculation
above and add 15 to obtain the optimal delay
time.
For example, if the front speakers are 3 m
away and the surround speakers are 1 m away,

16 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION
System Configuration

the optimal delay time is figured as 6. Press the ⁄/¤ buttons C on the remote Output Level Adjustment
(3–1) x 3+15=21. Thus, in this example, the once, so that C DELAY appears in the Main Output level adjustment is a key part of the con-
Pro Logic II delay should be set at twenty Information Display M. figuration process for any surround sound prod-
milliseconds. uct. It is particularly important for a Dolby Digital
7. Press the Enter button E on the remote
receiver such as the AVR 1550, as correct outputs
NOTE: The DTS, 5CH Stereo, Hall and Theater control, or the Set button on the front Ó.
will ensure that you hear sound tracks with the
modes use a fixed, nonadjustable delay time.
8. Press the ⁄/¤ buttons C on the remote proper directionality and intensity.
The Dolby Digital Mode also includes a separate until the desired delay time for the center chan-
NOTE: Listeners are often confused about the
setting for the center channel delay mode, since nel appears in the display.
operation of the surround channels. While some
the discrete nature of these signals makes the
9. Press the Enter button E on the remote assume that sound should always be coming
location of the center channel speaker more criti-
control, or the Set button on the front Ó to from each speaker, most of the time there will be
cal. To calculate the delay for the center channel,
enter the setting into the AVR 1550’s memory. little or no sound in the surround channels. This
measure the distance from the preferred listening
is because they are only used when a movie
position in the center of the room to both the You have now completed the delay time settings
director or sound mixer specifically places sound
center channel speaker and either the left or for all surround modes and inputs.
there to create ambiance, a special effect or to
right speaker.
Night Mode Settings continue action from the front of the room to
If the distances are equal, no further adjustment The Night mode is a feature of Dolby Digital that the rear. When the output levels are properly set
is required and the center delay should be left uses special processing to preserve the dynamic it is normal for surround speakers to operate
zero. If the distance to the front speakers is range and full intelligibility of a movie sound only occasionally. Artificially increasing the
greater than the distance to the center speaker, track while reducing the peak level. This prevents volume to the rear speakers may destroy the
you may wish to reposition the speakers by abruptly loud transitions from disturbing others, illusion of an enveloping sound field that
moving the front left and front right speakers without reducing the sonic impact of a digital duplicates the way you hear sound in a movie
closer to the listening position or the center source. Note that the Night mode is only avail- theater or concert hall.
speaker further away from the listening position. able when the Dolby Digital surround mode is
IMPORTANT NOTE: The output level can be
selected.
adjusted for each digital and analog surround
If repositioning of the speakers is not possible,
To adjust the Night mode setting press the Input mode separately. This allows you to compensate
adjust the center delay time, adding one milli-
Source Selector ! on the front or 4 on the for level differences between speakers, that may
second of center channel delay for every 30 cm
remote and select an input that is associated also vary with the surround mode selected, or to
closer to the listening position the center speaker
with a digital input and the Dolby Digital sur- increase or decrease the level of certain speakers
is than the front speakers. For example, if the
round mode. intentionally, depending on the surround mode
front left and front right speakers are each 3 m
selected. Note that adjustments made for any
from the listening position and the center chan- Next press the Night button A on the remote.
surround mode are effective with all inputs
nel speaker is 2.4 m away, the delay is figured as When the button is pressed, the words D-R
associated with that surround mode.
300 cm –240 cm=60 cm, suggesting an optimal (Dynamic Range) followed by the current setting
center delay of 2 milliseconds. (MID, MAX, OFF) will appear in the Main Before beginning the output level adjustment
Information Display M. process, make certain that all speaker connec-
To set the delay time, follow these steps:
Press the ⁄/¤ buttons C within five seconds tions have been properly made. The system
1. To make the delay settings for the Dolby to select the desired setting: volume should be turned down at first.
Digital mode (this will include the Center delay
OFF: When OFF is shown in the display, the To adjust and calibrate the output levels, follow
setting, and the surround delay for the
Night mode will not function. these steps. For accurate calibration, it is a good
Pro Logic II mode will be set automatically), press
idea to make these adjustments while seated in
the Input Source Selector ! on the front or MID: When MID is shown in the display, a
your favorite listening position. As the adjust-
4 on the remote and select any input now that mild compression will be applied.
ment must be made for each surround mode, it is
is associated with a digital input and the Dolby
MA X: When MAX is shown in the display, a best to select any input associated with any
Digital surround mode.
more severe compression algorithm will be Dolby Pro Logic II mode, make the adjustment for
2. Press the Delay button  on the remote applied. that surround mode, then step through all inputs
or front panel. The words S DELAY appear in you´re using (and thus through all surround
When you want to use the Night mode feature, modes associated with the inputs) and repeat
the Main Information Display M.
we recommend that you select the MID setting the adjustment when any surround mode
3. Press the Enter button E on the remote as a starting point and change to the MAX appears that has not yet been adjusted.
control, or the Set button on the front Ó. setting later, if desired.
1. Select any input associated with any
4. Press the ⁄/¤ buttons C on the remote or When any Night mode is selected, the NIGHT Dolby Pro Logic II surround mode by pressing the
the Selector buttons & on the front panel until Mode Indicator N will illuminate. To confirm Input Source Selector ! 4 until the
the desired rear delay time for the Dolby Digital the selection press the Enter button E on the Pro Logic II F in the display light up.
mode, calculated using the formula for Dolby remote control, or the Set button on the front
Digital above (item a.), appears in the display. Ó or wait for some seconds until the display 2. Press the Test Tone button 7^ on the
returns to the normal mode. remote. The words TEST FL will appear in the
5. Press the Enter button E on the remote
Main Information Display M.
control, or the Set button on the front Ó to
enter the setting into the AVR 1550’s memory.

SYSTEM CONFIGURATION 17
System Configuration

3. The test noise will immediately begin to circu- After checking for speaker placement, let the Once the settings outlined on the previous
late in the speakers in a clockwise rotation, test noise circulate again, and listen to see pages have been made, the AVR 1550 is ready
pausing at each position for two seconds. As the which channels sound louder than the others. for operation. While there are some additional
test noise rotates the speaker positions FL, Using the front left speaker as a reference, press settings to be made, these are best done after
CEN, FR, SR, SL (Front Left, Center, Front the ⁄/¤ buttons C on the remote to bring all you have had an opportunity to listen to a vari-
Right, Surround Right, Surround Left) will be speakers to the same volume level. Note that ety of sources and different kinds of program
shown in the Main Information Display M. when one of the ⁄/¤ buttons is pushed, the material. These advanced settings are described
As an added assist, while the test noise is circu- test noise circulation will pause on the channel on page 23 of this manual. In addition, any of
lating, the proper channel position will also be being adjusted to give you time to make the the settings made in the initial configuration of
indicated in the Speaker/Channel Indicators adjustment. When you release the button, the cir- the unit may be changed at any time.
P by a blinking letter within the correct chan- culation will resume after five seconds. As you add new or different sources or speakers,
nel. Turn up the volume now until you can hear or if you wish to change a setting to better
Continue to adjust the individual speakers until reflect your listening taste, simply follow the
the noise clearly.
they all have the same volume. Note that adjust- instructions for changing the settings for that
IMPORTANT NOTE: Because this test noise will ments should be made with the ⁄/¤ buttons parameter as shown above. Note that any set-
have a much lower level than normal music, the C on the remote only, NOT the main volume tings changed at any time, will be stored in
volume must be lowered after the adjustment controls. memory in the AVR 1550, also if it´s turned off
for all channels is made, BEFORE you turn the completely, unless it will be reset (see page 27).
NOTE: The subwoofer output level is not
test tone off. The settings will either depend on the input
adjustable using the test tone. To change the
NOTE: This is a good time to verify that the subwoofer level, follow the steps for Output (Speaker configuration, analog/digital input
speakers have been properly connected. As the Level Trim Adjustment on page 23. selection, surround mode) or on the surround
mode selected (speaker output level), as
test noise circulates, listen to make certain that
When all channels have the same output level, described on previous pages.
the sound comes from the speaker position
turn the Volume (I down to about -40dB, Having completed the setup and configuration
shown in the Main Information Display. If the
otherwise the listening level may be too high as process for your AVR 1550, you are about to
sound from a speaker location does NOT match
soon as the source’s music starts to play. After- experience the finest in music and home theater
the position indicated in the display, turn the
wards press the Test Tone Selector ^7 listening. Enjoy!
AVR 1550 off using the Main Power Switch
button again to turn the test tone off and com-
1 and check the speaker wiring to make cer-
plete the process.
tain that each speaker is connected to the cor-
rect output terminal. IMPORTANT NOTE: The Output level adjust-
ment made will be effective for the surround
mode currently selected, also when other inputs
are selected using the same surround mode. To
adjust the output level with all other surround
modes used, step through all inputs you´re using
by pressing the Source Selector buttons !
on the front panel or the appropriate Input
Selectors 4 on the remote. When the indica-
tor for any surround mode for which the level
adjustment has not yet been made lights in the
Main Information Display M, repeat the
level adjustment described above. This will also
allow you to compensate level differences
between speakers, that may be different with
each surround mode, or to increase or decrease
the level of certain speakers intentionally,
depending on the surround mode selected.

18 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION
Operation

Basic Operation The sleep time will be displayed in the Preset Controls and Use of Headphones
Number/Sleep Timer Indicator Q and it will
Once you have completed the setup and configu- count down until the time has elapsed. • Adjust the volume to a comfortable level using
ration of the AVR 1550, it is simple to operate the front panel Volume Control ( or remote
and enjoy. The following instructions should be When the programmed sleep time has elapsed, Volume Up/Down I buttons.
followed for you to maximize your enjoyment of the unit will automatically turn off (to Standby
mode). Note that the front panel display will dim • To temporarily silence all speaker outputs
your new receiver:
to one half brightness when the Sleep function press the Mute button 2. This will interrupt
Turning the AVR 1550 On or Off is programmed. To cancel the Sleep function, the output to all speakers and the headphone
• When using the AVR 1550 for the first time, you press and hold the Sleep Button 8 until the jack, but it will not affect any recording or dub-
must press the Main Power Switch 1 on the information display returns to normal brightness bing that may be in progress. Press the Mute
front panel to turn the unit on. This places the unit and the Sleep indicator numbers return to "0" in button 2 again to return to normal operation.
in a Standby mode, as indicated by the orange the Main Information Display M. • To set the output of the AVR 1550 so that the
color of the Power Indicator 3. Once the unit
output is “flat,” with the Tone controls de-acti-
is in Standby, you may begin a listening session by Source Selection vated, press the Tone Mode button 6 button
pressing the System Power Control 2 or the
• To select a source, press any of the once or twice so that the words T o n e O u t
Source button ! on the front panel or the AVR
Source Selector buttons on the remote appear momentarily in the Main Information
Selector 5. Note that the Power Indicator
456. Display M. To return the tone controls to an
3 will turn green. This will turn the unit on and
active condition, press the Tone Mode 6 but-
return it to the input source that was last used. NOTE: After pressing one of the Input Selector ton once or twice so that the words T o n e
The unit may also be turned on from Standby by buttons 4 you must press the AVR Selector I n momentarily appear in the Main
pressing any of the Source Selector buttons on 5 to have the remote control the AVR functions. Information Display M.
the remote 456.
• The input source may also be changed by Once T o n e I n is shown in the Display,
NOTE: After pressing one of the Input Selector pressing the front-panel Input Source press the Set Button Ó on the front panel to
buttons 4 to turn the unit on, press the AVR Selector button !. Each press of the button select the Bass Control. Adjustments can be
Selector 5 to have the remote control the AVR will move the input selection through the list of made with the Selector Buttons & on the
functions. available inputs. front panel. Pressing the Set button again
selects the Treble Control. Make your adjust-
To turn the unit off at the end of a listening ses- • As the input is changed, the AVR 1550 will ments with the Selector Buttons &.
sion, simply press the System Power Control automatically switch to the digital input (if
2 on the front panel or the Power Off selected), surround mode and speaker configura- • For private listening, plug the 6.3 mm stereo
Button 3 on the remote. tion that were entered during the configuration phone plug from a pair of stereo headphones
To switch off both the AVR 1550 and compatible process for that source. into the front panel Headphone Jack 4. Note
Harman Kardon DVD or CD Player, first press the that when the headphone’s plug is connected,
Input Selector button 4 and after press • The front-panel Video 3 Inputs % may be the word HEADPHONE will scroll once
the Power Off Button 3. After that press used to connect a device such as a video game across the Main Information Display M and
the AVR Selector Button 5, followed by the or camcorder to your home entertainment all speakers will be silenced. When the head-
Power Off Button 3. system on a temporary basis. phone plug is removed, the audio feed to the
• As the input source is changed, the new input speakers will be restored.
When the remote is used to turn the unit “off” it
is actually placing the system in a Standby mode, name will appear in the Main Information
as indicated by the orange color of the Power Display M.
Indicator 3. • When a pure audio source (Tuner, CD, Tape) is
When you will be away from home for an selected, the last video input used remains rout-
extended period of time it is always a good idea ed to the Video 1 Outputs  (except from its
to completely turn the unit off with the front own Video 1/2 source) and Video Monitor
panel Main Power Switch 1. Output . This permits simultaneous viewing
and listening to different sources.
NOTE: All preset memories may be lost if the
unit is left turned off with the Main Power • When a Video source is selected, its audio sig-
Switch 1 for more than two weeks. nal will be fed to the speakers and the video sig-
nal for that input will be routed to the appropriate
Using the Sleep Timer Monitor Output jack  and will be viewable on
• To program the AVR 1550 for automatic turn- a TV monitor connected to the AVR 1550.
off, press the Sleep Button 8 on the remote.
Each press of the button will increase the time
before shut down in the following sequence:
90 80 70 60 50
min min min min min
40 30 20 10 OFF
min min min min

OPERATION 19
Operation

Surround Mode Chart

MODE FEATURES DELAY TIME RANGE

DOLBY DIGITAL Available only with digital input sources encoded with Dolby Digital data. It provides Center: 0 ms – 5 ms
up to five separate main audio channels and a special dedicated Low Frequency Effects Initial Setting – 0 ms
channel. Surround: 0 ms – 15 ms
Initial Setting – 0 ms

DTS Available only with digital input sources encoded with DTS data. Available on special Delay time not adjustable
DVD, LD and audio-only discs, DTS provides up to five separate main audio channels and
a special dedicated low frequency channel.

DOLBY PRO LOGIC II Dolby Pro Logic II is the latest version of Dolby Laboratory's benchmark surround technology that Movie and Emulation:
creates or decodes full range, discrete left, center, right, right surround and left surround channels 10 ms - 25 ms,
from either matrix surround encoded programs and conventional stereo sources. The Dolby Initial Setting - 10 ms,
ProLogic II Movie mode is optimized for movie soundtracks that are recorded with matrix Music:
surround, by creating true rear left, center and right signals. The ProLogic II Music mode 0 ms - 15 ms,
should be used with musical selections, that are recorded with matrix surround or with normal Initial Setting - 0 ms
stereo mode, creating discrete rear left and right signals. The ProLogic II Emulation mode creates
compelling five-channel surround from conventional stereo recordings.

DOLBY 3 STEREO Uses the information contained in a surround encoded or two channel stereo program to No surround channels
create center channel information. In addition, the information that is normally sent to the
rear channel surround speakers is carefully mixed in with the front left and front right
channels for increased realism. Use this mode when you have a center channel speaker
but no surround speakers.

THEATER The THEATER mode creates a sound field that resembles the acoustic feeling Delay time not adjustable
of a standard live performance theater, with stereo and even pure mono sources.

HALL 1 The two Hall modes create sound fields that resemble a small (HALL 1) or Delay time not adjustable
HALL 2 medium sized (HALL 2) concert hall, with stereo and even pure mono sources.

5-Channel Stereo This mode takes advantage of multiple speakers to place a stereo signal at both the front and No delay is available for
back of a room. Ideal for playing music in situations such as a party, it places the same signal this mode
at the front-left and surround-left, and at the front-right and surround-right speakers. The center
channel is fed a summed mono mix of the in-phase material of the left and right channels.

SURROUND This mode turns off all surround processing and presents the pure left and right No surround channels
OFF (STEREO) channel presentation of two channel stereo programs.

20 OPERATION
Operation

Surround Mode Selection Surround modes are selected using either the Dolby Digital
front panel controls or the remote. To select a Dolby Digital (originally known as AC-3®) is
One of the most important features of the surround mode from the front panel, press the a standard part of DVD, and is available on
AVR 1550 is its ability to reproduce a full Surround Mode Selector 7 to scroll through specially encoded LD discs and satellite broad-
multichannel surround sound field from digital the list of available modes. To select a surround casts and it is a part of the new high-definition
sources, analog matrix surround encoded mode using the remote, press the Surround television (HDTV) system.
programs and standard stereo or even mono Mode Selector9, and then press the ⁄ / ¤
programs. In all, a total of eleven listening Note that an optional, external RF demodulator
buttons C to change the mode. As you press
modes are available on the AVR 1550. is required to use the AVR 1550 to listen to the
the buttons, the Surround mode name will
Selection of a surround mode is based on person- Dolby Digital sound tracks available on laser
appear in the Main Information Display M,
al taste, as well as the type of program source discs. Connect the RF output of the LD player to
and an individual mode indicator will also light
material being used. For example, motion pic- the demodulator and then connect the digital
up C D F H J. Regard that any time a
tures, CD’s or TV programs bearing the logo of output of the demodulator to the Optical or
surround mode is changed it remains associated
one of the major surround encoding processes, Coaxial inputs   of the AVR 1550.
with the input just selected until another choice
such as Dolby Surround should be played in either No demodulator is required for use with DVD
is made.
the Dolby Pro Logic II Movie (with movies) or players or DTS-encoded laser discs.
Music (with music) surround mode. NOTE: The name of each Surround Mode will
scroll through the Main Information Display DTS
When no rear speakers are in use, the Dolby 3 M while the modes are being selected. To avoid DTS is another digital audio system that is capa-
Stereo mode should be selected with all exiting from the surround mode selection ble of delivering 5.1 audio. Although both DTS
surround recordings. process, be certain to push the ⁄ / ¤ buttons and Dolby Digital are digital, they use different
Note that when Dolby Digital 2.0 signals (e.g. C while a mode name is still visible. methods of encoding the signals, and thus they
"D.D. 2.0" tracks from DVD), that are encoded require different decoding circuits to convert the
Note that the Dolby Digital or DTS modes may
with Dolby Pro Logic information, are received digital signals back to analog.
only be selected when a digital input is in use. In
via any digital input, the Dolby Pro Logic II addition, when a digital source is present, the DTS-encoded sound tracks are available on
Movie mode will be selected automatically (in AVR 1550 will automatically select and switch to select DVD and LD discs, as well as on special
addition to the Dolby Digital mode) and will the correct mode (Dolby Digital or DTS), regard- audio-only DTS CDs. You may use any LD, DVD
decode a full range 5.1 channel surround sound less of the mode that has been previously select- or CD player equipped with a digital output to
even from those recordings (see also "Dolby ed. For more information on selecting digital play DTS-encoded special audio-only CDs with
Digital" on page 22). sources, see the following section of this manual. the AVR 1550, but DTS-LDs can be played on LD
To create wide, enveloping sound field players and DTS-DVDs on DVD players only. All
To listen to a program in traditional two channel
environments and defined pans and flyovers that is required is to connect the player’s output
stereo, using the front left and front right speak-
with all analog stereo recordings select the to either the Optical or Coaxial input on the
ers only (plus the subwoofer if installed and con-
Dolby Pro Logic II Music or Emulation mode. rear panel   .
figured), follow the instructions shown above for
NOTE: Once a program has been encoded with using the remote until SURR O F F appears
matrix surround information, it retains the sur- in the Main Information Display M.
round information as long as the program is
broadcast in stereo. Thus, movies with surround Digital Audio Playback
sound may be decoded via any of the analog
surround modes such as Dolby Pro Logic II, Digital audio is a major advancement over older
when they are broadcast via conventional TV analog matrix surround systems. It delivers five
stations, cable, pay TV and satellite transmission. discrete channels: left front, center, right front,
In addition, a growing number of made-for-tele- left surround and right surround. Each channel
vision programs, sports broadcasts, radio dramas reproduces full frequency range (20Hz to 20kHz)
and music CDs are also recorded in surround and offers dramatically improved dynamic range
sound. You may view a list of these programs at and significant improvements to signal-to-noise
the Dolby Laboratories Web site at ratios. In addition, digital systems have the
www.dolby.com. capability to deliver an additional channel that is
specifically devoted to low frequency informa-
Even when a program is not listed as carrying tion. This is the “.1” channel referred to when
intentional surround information, you may find you see these systems descibed as “5.1”.
that the Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby 3 Stereo The bass channel is separate from the other
modes often deliver enveloping surround channels, but since it is intentionally bandwidth
presentations through the use of the natural limited, sound designers have given it that
surround information present in all stereo unique designation.
recordings.
However, for stereo programs without any
surround information the Theater, Hall and 5CH
Stereo modes should be tried (effective particu-
larly with old ”extreme” stereo recordings) and
for mono programs, we suggest that you try the
Theater or Hall modes.

OPERATION 21
Operation

PCM Audio Playback the digital signal is Dolby Digital, DTS or PCM. that the PCM signal format can be selected on
PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) is the non- com- Note that a digital input (e.g. coaxial) remains the DVD player with any audio track, even with
pressed digital audio system used for compact associated with any analog input (e.g. DVD) as Dolby Digital tracks (but not with Dolby Digital
discs, Non-Dolby Digital/DTS Laserdiscs and soon as it is selected, thus the digital input need decoding). So, if selected, even ”2.0” D.D. audio
some special PCM encoded DVDs. The digital cir- not be re-selected each time the appropriate tracks can be played with all surround modes.
cuits in the AVR 1550 are capable of high quality input choice (e.g. DVD) is made.
In addition to the Bitstream Indicators, the
digital-to-analog decoding, and they may be con-
nected directly to the digital audio output of your Digital Status Indicators AVR 1550 features a set of unique channel input
indicators that tell you how many channels of
CD/DVD or LD player (LD only for PCM or DTS When a digital source is playing, the AVR 1550 digital information are being received and if the
programs, for Dolby Digital laser discs an RF senses the type of bitstream data that is present. digital signal is interrupted.
adapter is needed, see ”Dolby Digital” above). Using this information, the correct surround
mode will automatically be selected. For exam- These indicators are the L/C/R/SL/SR/LFE letters
Connections may be made to either the Optical
ple, DTS bitstreams will cause the unit to switch that are inside the center boxes of the
or Coaxial inputs   on the rear panel.
to DTS decoding, and Dolby Digital bitstreams Speaker/Channel Input Indicators P in the
To listen to a PCM digital source, first select the will enable Dolby Digital decoding. When the unit front panel Main Information Display *.
input for the desired source (e.g., CD) to feed its senses PCM data, from CDs and LDs and some When a standard analog stereo or matrix
video signal (if any) to the TV monitor and to music DVDs or certain tracks on normal DVDs, it surround signal is in use, only the “L” and “R”
provide its analog audio signal for recording. will allow the appropriate surround mode to be indicators will light, as analog signals have only
Next press the Digital Select button Ô F selected manually. Since the range of available left and right channels, respectively, even
and then use the ⁄ / ¤ buttons C on the surround modes depends on the type of digital surround recordings, carry surround information
remote, or the Selector buttons & on the front data that is present, the AVR 1550 uses a variety on the left and right channels only.
panel, until the desired choice appears in the of indicators to let you know what type of signal Digital signals, however, may have one to six
Main Information Display M, then press the is present. This will help you to understand the separate channels, depending on the program
Enter button E on the remote control, or the choice of modes and the input channels recorded material, the method of transmission and the
Set button on the front Ó to confirm the on the disc. way in which it was encoded. When a digital
choice. When a digital source is playing, a Bitstream signal is playing, the letters in these indicators
When a PCM source is playing, the PCM indica- Indicator A will light to show which type of will light in response to the specific signal being
tor A will light. During PCM playback you may signal is playing: received. It is important to note that although
select any surround mode as described on pages : When the DOLBY D indicator lights, a Dolby Digital, for example, is referred to as a
20 and 21 except Dolby Digital or DTS. Dolby Digital bitstream is being received. “5.1” system, not all Dolby Digital DVD or audio
Depending on the audio track selected on the tracks selected on DVD or other Dolby Digital
Selecting a Digital Source source player and number of channels on the programs are encoded for 5.1. Thus, it is some-
disc, different surround modes are possible. Note times normal for a DVD with a Dolby Digital
To utilize either digital mode you must have
that only one channel without subwoofer, called soundtrack to trigger e.g. only the “L” and “R”
properly connected a digital source to the
”1.0” audio, or all five channels with subwoofer indicators.
AVR 1550. Connect the digital outputs from
DVD players, HDTV receivers, satellite systems or (”5.1” audio) or all steps between can be
recorded on digitally surround encoded audio Night Mode
CD players to the Optical or Coaxial inputs on
the rear panel   . tracks (see NOTE below). With all those tracks, A special feature of Dolby Digital is the Night
except ”2.0” audio, only the Dolby Digital mode mode, which enables Dolby Digital input sources
When playing a digital source such as DVD, first
is available. When the Dolby Digital signal is only to be played back with full digital intelligibilty
select its input using the remote or front panel
two channel (”2.0”) these two channels (l and r) while reducing the maximum peak level and lift-
controls as outlined in this manual in order to
often contain Pro Logic surround informations. ing the low levels by 1/4 to 1/3. This prevents
feed its video signal (if any) to the TV monitor
With those tracks the AVR 1550 automatically abruptly loud transitions from disturbing others
and to provide its analog audio signal for
switches to the Dolby Pro Logic II Movie mode without reducing the impact of the digital
recording. When the digital input appropriate
(in addition to the Dolby Digital mode). When source. The Night mode is available only when
with the DVD player is not selected automatical-
the D.D. 2.0 signal contains no Pro Logic infor- Dolby Digital mode is selected.
ly (due to the input settings made earlier during
mation, the pure Dolby Digital mode will be
the system configuration, see page 14), select The Night mode may be engaged when a Dolby
selected automatically, but you may also select
the digital source by pressing the Digital Input Digital DVD is playing by pressing the Night
any Pro Logic II mode (only Music or Emulation
Selector button F Ô and then using the Button A on the remote. Next, press the ⁄/¤
should be used then).
⁄/¤ buttons C on the remote or the buttons C to select either the middle range or
Selector buttons & on the front panel to D T S: When the DTS indicator lights, a DTS full compression versions of the Night mode. To
choose any of the OPTICAL or bitstream is being received. When the unit senses turn the Night mode off, press the ⁄/¤ buttons
COAXIAL inputs, as they appear in the this type of data, only the DTS mode may be C until the message in the lower third of
Main Information Display M and Display used. the video display and the Main Information
Indicators BE. When the digital source is Display M reads D-R OFF.
P C M: When the PCM indicator lights, a standard
playing, the AVR 1550 will automatically detect When the Night mode is active, the Night
Pulse Code Modulation, or PCM, signal is being
whether it is a multichannel Dolby Digital, DTS Mode Indicator O will also illuminate.
received. This is the type of digital audio used by
source or a conventional PCM signal, which is
conventional compact disc and laser disc record-
the standard output from CD players.
ings. When a PCM bitstream is present, all modes
A Bitstream Indicator A will light in the
except Dolby Digital and DTS are available. Note
Main Information Display * to confirm that

22 OPERATION
Operation

IMPORTANT NOTES ON DIGITAL PCM or vice versa, but optical digital input signals Press the Enter button E on the remote
PLAYBACK: are converted to coaxial signals). In additon, the control, or the Set button on the front Ó when
1. When the digital playback source is stopped, digital recorder must be compatible with the out- the name of the desired channel appears in the
or in a pause, fast forward or chapter search put signal. For example, the PCM digital output Main Information Display M and on-screen
mode, the digital audio data will momentarily from a CD player may be recorded on a CD-R or display, and follow the instructions shown above
stop, and the channel position letters inside the MiniDisc, but Dolby Digital or DTS signals may to adjust the level.
Speaker/Channel Indicators P will flash. not.
Repeat the procedure as needed until all
This is normal and does not indicate a problem
Output Level Trim Adjustment channels requiring adjustment have been set.
with either the AVR 1550 or the source machine.
When all adjustments have been made press the
The AVR 1550 will return to digital playback as
Normal output level adjustment for the Enter button E on the remote control, or the
soon as the data is available and when the
AVR 1550 is established using the test tone, as Set button on the front Ó twice, the AVR 1550
machine is in a standard play mode.
outlined on pages 17 and 18. In some cases, will return to normal operation.
2. Although the AVR 1550 will decode virtually all however, it may be desirable to adjust the out-
DVD movies, CDs and HDTV sources, it is possible put levels using program material such as a test NOTE: The output levels may be separately
that some future digital sources may not be com- disc, or a selection you are familiar with. trimmed for each digital and analog surround
patible with the AVR 1550. Additionally, the output level for the subwoofer mode. If you wish to have different trim levels for a
and those for the Stereo mode can only be specific mode, select that mode and then follow
3. Note that not all digitally encoded programs
adjusted using this procedure. the instructions in the steps shown above.
and not all audio tracks on a DVD contain full
5.1-channel audio. Consult the program guide Changing the levels by the trim adjustment as
To adjust the output levels using program mate-
that accompanies the DVD or laser disc to deter- described above will automatically change the
rial, first select the surround mode for which you
mine which type of audio has been recorded on level settings shown during the Output Level
want to trim the speakers (see NOTE below) by
the disc. The AVR 1550 will automatically sense Adjustment (see page 17) correspondingly (and
selecting the appropriate input, associated with
the type of digital surround encoding used, indi- vice versa) and will remain in the AVR 1550´s
the desired surround mode, start your program
cate it in the Bitstream Indicators A and memory system, even when the unit is turned
material source and set the reference volume for
Channel Input Indicators P and adjust to off. With Stereo mode the adjustment procedure
the front left and front right channels using the
accommodate it. described above is the only way to trim the out-
Volume Control (I.
4. When a Dolby Digital or DTS source is playing, put level.
you normally may not be able to select some of Once the reference level has been set, press the
the analog surround modes such as Dolby Pro Channel Select button B# and note that Display Brightness
Logic II, Dolby 3 Stereo, Hall, Theater or 5CH FL LEVEL will appear in the Main
The AVR 1550’s front panel Main Information
Stereo, except with special audio tracks Information Display M for five seconds. To
Display * is set at a default brightness level
(see indication ”Dolby Digital” on previous change the level, first press the Enter button
that is sufficient for viewing in a normally lit
page) or data format selected (see ”PCM” on E on the remote control, or the Set button on
room. However, in some home theater installa-
previous page). the front Ó, and then use the Selector but-
tions, you may wish to occasionally lower the
tons & or the ⁄/¤ buttons C to raise or
5. When a Dolby Digital or DTS source is playing, brightness of the display, or turn it off completely.
lower the level. DO NOT use the volume control,
it is not possible to make an analog recording
as this will alter the reference setting. The display brightness may be changed by
using the Tape  or Video 1  record out-
pressing and holding the Set button Ó on the
puts, if the source is connected to any digital Once the change has been made, press the
front for three seconds until the message in the
input of the AVR 1550 only. Enter button E on the remote control, or the
Main Information Display M reads V F D
Set button on the front Ó and then press the
F U L L. Within five seconds, press the front
Tape Recording Selector buttons & or the ⁄/¤ buttons C
panel ‹ / › buttons & until the desired bright-
to select the next output channel location that
In normal operation, the audio or video source ness display level is shown. At that point, press
you wish to adjust. To adjust the subwoofer
selected for listening through the AVR 1550 is the Set button Ó again to enter the setting.
level, press the Selector buttons & or the
sent to the record outputs. This means that any
⁄/¤ buttons C until SW LEVEL appears
program you are watching or listening to may be Memory Backup
in the Main Information Display M (only
recorded simply by placing machines connected
available if the subwoofer was selected during This product is equipped with a memory backup
to the outputs for Tape Outputs  or Video
the speaker configuration, see page 14). system that preserves tuner presets and system
1 Outputs   in the record mode.
configuration information if the unit is turned off
When a digital audio recorder is connected to completely, accidentally unplugged or subjected
the Coaxial Digital Audio Outputs , you to a power outage. This memory will last for
are able to record the digital signal using a approximately two weeks, after which time all
CD-R, MiniDisc or other digital recording system. information must be reentered.
Note that all digital signals will be passed
through to the coaxial digital output, no matter
which kind of digital input was selected.
NOTES:
• The digital outputs are active only when a digi-
tal signal is present, and they do not convert an
analog input to a digital signal, or change the for-
mat of the digital signal (e.g. Dolby Digital to

OPERATION 23
Operation

Tuner Operation holding the Band Selector 9 on the front RDS Operation
panel pressed for 3 seconds until the
The AVR 1550’s tuner is capable of tuning AM, STEREO indicator U goes out. The AVR 1550 is equipped with RDS (Radio Data
FM and FM Stereo broadcast stations and System), which brings a wide range of informa-
receiving RDS data. Stations may be tuned Preset Tuning tion to FM radio. Now in use in many countries,
manually, or they may be stored as favorite Using the remote, up to 30 stations may be RDS is a system for transmitting station call
station presets and recalled from a 30 position stored in the AVR 1550’s memory for easy recall signs or network information, a description of
memory. using the front panel controls or the remote. station program type, text messages about the
station or specifics of a musical selection, and
Station Selection To enter a station into the memory, first tune the
the correct time.
1. Press the AM/FM Tuner Select button 6 station using the steps outlined above. Then:
on the remote to select the tuner as an input. RDS Tuning
1. Press the Memory button Q on the
The tuner may be selected from the front When an FM station is tuned in and it contains
remote. Note that MEMORY indicator T will
panel by either pressing the Input Source RDS data, the RDS Indicator I will illuminate
illuminate and flash in the Main Information
Selector ! until the tuner is active or by and the AVR 1550 will automatically display the
Display *.
pressing the Tuner Band Selector 9 at any station’s call sign or other program service in the
time. 2. Within five seconds, press the Numeric Keys Main Information Display M.
G corresponding to the location where you
2. Press the AM/FM Tuner Select button 6
wish to store this station’s frequency. Once RDS Display Options
or Tuner Band Selector 9 again to switch
entered, the preset number will appear in the In normal RDS operation the display will indi-
between AM and FM so that the desired frequen-
Preset Number/Sleep Time Display Q. cate the station name, broadcast network or
cy band is selected.
call letters. Pressing the RDS button @N
3. Repeat the process after tuning any additional
3. Press the Tuner Mode button H on the enables you to cycle through the various data
stations to be preset.
remote or hold the Band Selector 9 on the types in the following sequence:
front panel pressed for 3 seconds to select Recalling Preset Stations
manual or automatic tuning. • To manually select a station previously entered • The station’s call letters (with some private sta-
in the preset memory, press the Numeric Keys tions other information too).
When the AUTO indicator O is illuminated in the
G that correspond to the desired station’s • The station’s frequency.
Main Information Display M the tuner will
memory location.
only stop at those stations that have a strong • The Program Type (PTY) as shown in the list
enough signal to be received with acceptable • To manually tune through the list of stored below.
quality. preset stations one by one, press the Preset
Stations Selector buttons ) O on the • A “text” message (Radiotext, RT) containing
When the AUTO indicator O is not illuminated, special information from the broadcast station.
front panel or remote.
the tuner is in a manual mode and will stop at Note that this message may scroll across the dis-
each frequency increment in the selected band. play to permit messages longer than the eight
4. To select stations press any Tuning button 8 positions in the display. Depending on signal
J. When the AUTO indicator O is illumin- quality, it may take up to 30 seconds for the text
ated, press the button to cause the tuner to message to appear; in that time, the word
search for the next highest or lowest frequency TEXT will flash in the Information Display
station that has an acceptable signal or hold the when RT is selected.
button pressed to tune more quickly and release • The current time of day (CT). Note that it may
it to start the auto search. In the Auto mode the take up to two minutes for the time to appear,
tuner will play each station in stereo or mono in that time the word TIME will flash in the
mode, just as the program is transmitted. If the information display when CT is selected.
AUTO indicator O is not illuminated, tap the Please note that the accuracy of the time data is
Tuning button 8 J to advance one frequen- dependent on the radio station, not the
cy increment at a time, or press and hold it to AVR 1550.
locate a specific station. When the TUNED
indicator L illuminates, the station is properly Some RDS stations may not include some of
tuned and should be heard with clarity. these additional features. If the data required
for the selected mode is not being transmitted,
5. Stations may also be tuned directly by press- the Main Information Display M will show
ing the Direct button F, and then pressing a NO TYPE, NO TEXT or NO TIME
the Numeric Keys G that correspond to the message after the individual time out.
station’s frequency. The desired station will auto-
matically be tuned after the latest number is In any FM mode the RDS function requires a
entered. If you press an incorrect button while strong enough signal for proper operation.
entering a direct frequency, press the Clear If you receive a partial message, or the
button P to start over. RDS Indicator I going on and off, try slowly
adjusting the antenna or tune to another
NOTE: When the FM reception of a stereo stronger RDS station.
station is weak, audio quality will be increased
by switching to Mono mode by pressing the
Tuner Mode button H on the remote or

24 OPERATION
Operation

Program Search (PTY) • JAZZ: Jazz Music Remote

An important feature of RDS is its capability of
encoding broadcasts with Program Type (PTY) • COUNTRY: Country Music The AVR 1550 is equipped with a powerful
codes that indicate the type of material being remote control that will control not only the
• NATIONAL: National Music receiver’s functions, but also compatible Harman
broadcast. The following list shows the abbrevia-
tions used to indicate each PTY, along with an Kardon CD and DVD players.
• OLDIES: Oldies Music
explanation of the PTY:
To switch between operating the AVR 1550 and
• FOLK M: Folk Music
• (RDS ONLY) compatible Harman Kardon products, press the
• DOCUMENT: Documentary Programs Input Selectors to select either the AVR 1550
• (TRAFFIC) 5 or a different source 4. Some of the
• TEST: Emergency Test remote control functions will work no matter if
• NEWS: News
the AVR 1550 or compatible Harman Kardon DVD
• ALARM: Emergency Broadcast Information player is selected. (See page 26). Pressing another
• AFFAIRS: Current Affairs
input source than DVD will change the
You may search for a specific Program Type
• INFO: Infomation AVR 1550's input to this source. After that press
(PTY) by following these steps:
the AVR Input Selector button 5 again to
• SPORT: Sports 1. Press the RDS button @N until the cur- be able to control the AVR 1550.
rent PTY is shown in the Main Information
• EDUCATE: Educational
Display M.
• DRAMA: Drama 2. While the PTY is shown, press the Preset
Up/Down button )O or hold them pressed
• CULTURE: Culture
to scroll through the list of available PTY types,
• SCIENCE: Science as shown above.
3. Press any of the Tuning Up/Down buttons
• VARIED: Varied Speech Programs
8J, the tuner begins to scan the FM band
• POPM: Popular Music upwards or downwards for the first station that
has RDS data that matches the desired selec-
• ROCKM: Rock Music tion, and acceptable signal strength for quality
reception.
• M.O.R.M.: Middle-of-the-Road Music
4. The tuner will make up to one complete scan
• LIGHTM: Classical Music of the entire FM band for the next station that
matches the desired PTY type and has accept-
• CLASSICS: Serious Classical Music able reception quality. If no such station is
found, the display will read NONE for some
• OTHERM: Other Music seconds and the tuner will return to the last FM
station in use before the search.
• WEATHER: Weather Information
NOTE: Many stations do not transmit a specific
• FINANCE: Financial Programs PTY. The display will show NONE, when such a
station is selected and PTY is active.
• CHILDREN: Children’s Programs
NOTE: Some stations transmit constant traffic
• SOCIAL A: Social Affairs Programs information. To identify as traffic station, they
transmit a specific traffic code constantly, which
• RELIGION: Religious Broadcasts
causes the TA Indicator K to light in the dis-
• PHONE IN: Phone-In Programs play. These stations can be found by selecting
TRAFFIC, the option in front of NEWS in the list.
• TRAVEL: Travel and Touring The AVR 1550 will find the appropriate station,
even if it is not broadcasting traffic information
• LEISURE: Leisure and Hobby when the search is made.

OPERATION 25
Function List

No. Button Name AVR Function DVD Function

1 Power On Power On Power On
2 Power Off Power Off Power Off
3 AVR AVR Select AVR Select
4 DVD DVD Select DVD Select
1 2 5 CD CD Input Select
6 TAPE Tape Input Select
7 VID 1 Video 1 Select
3 4 5 6 8 VID 2 Video 2 Select
9 VID 3 Video 3 Select
7 8 9 10 10 TV TV Input Select
11 FM/AM Tuner Select
12 Audio Audio Track Select
11 12 13 14 13 Subtitle Subtitle Select
14 On/Off Subtitle On/Off
15 Play Play
15 16 17 18 16 Pause Pause
17 Stop Stop
18 Status Status Select
19 20 21 22
19 Tune Down Tune Down R. Search
20 Tune Up Tune Up F. Search
23 24 25 26 21 Preset Down Preset Down Skip Previous
22 Preset Up Preset Up Skip Next
23 Slow Reverse Slow Reverse
27 28 29 30 24 Slow Forward Slow Forward
25 Step Reverse Step Reverse
31 32 33 34 26 Step Forward Step Forward
27 Repeat Repeat
35 28 Random Random Play
29 Tun-M/Check Tuner Mode Check
36 37 30 Volume Up Volume Up Volume Up
31 Speaker/Menu Speaker Adjust Menu
32 Memory/Prog. Tuner Memory Program
38 33 Enter Set Enter
34 Volume Down Volume Down Volume Down
39 40 41 42 35 ⁄ Move/Adjust Up Up
36 ‹ Move/Adjust Left Left
43 44 45 46 37 › Move/Adjust Right Right
38 ¤ Move/Adjust Down Down
39 Surround Select Surround Select
47 48 49 50 40 Digital Digital Input Select/Direct
41 Channel/Title Channel Trim Title
51 52 53 54 42 Delay Delay Adjust Open/Close
43 1 1 1
55 56 57 58 44 2 2 2
45 3 3 3
46 Test Test Tone
47 4 4 4
48 5 5 5
49 6 6 6
50 Night Night Mode Select
51 7 7 7
AVR 1550 52
53
8
9
8
9
8
9
54 Sleep Sleep
55 RDS RDS Setup Menu
56 0 0 0
57 Clear Clear Clear
58 Mute Mute

26 FUNCTION LIST
Troubleshooting Guide

SYMPTOM CAUSE SOLUTION

Unit does not function when • No AC Power • Make certain AC power cord is plugged
Main Power Switch 1 is pushed into a live outlet
• Check to see if outlet is switch controlled

Display lights, but no sound • Intermittent input connections • Make certain that all input and speaker
or picture connections are secure
• Mute is on • Press Mute button 2
• Volume control is down • Turn up volume control

Sound is heard, but Front-Panel • Display brightness is turned off • Follow the instructions in the Display Brightness section
Display does not light on page 23 so that the display is set to VFD FULL

No sound from any speaker; • Amplifier is in protection mode • Check speaker-wire connections for shorts at receiver
light around Power switch 2 is red due to possible short and speaker ends
• Amplifier is in protection mode • Contact your local Harman Kardon service depot
due to internal problems

No sound from surround or • Incorrect surround mode • Select a mode other than Stereo
center speakers • Incorrect configuration • Check speaker mode
• Stereo or Mono program material • With (analog or digital) Dolby surround modes, the surround
decoder may not create rear-channel
information from non-encoded programs
• Speakers not properly connected • Check speaker-wire connections or use test tone
to verify connections (see page 18)

Unit does not respond to • Weak batteries in remote • Change remote batteries
remote commands • Wrong device selected • Press the AVR selector 5
• Remote sensor 5 is obscured • Make certain front-panel sensor is visible to remote or
connect remote sensor

Intermittent buzzing in tuner • Local interference • Move unit or antenna away from computers, fluorescent lights,
motors or other electrical appliances

Letters flash in the Channel Indicator • Digital audio feed paused • Resume play for DVD
Display P and Digital Audio stops • Check that Digital Signal is fed to the Digital Input selected

Processor Reset To clear the AVR 1550’s entire system memory NOTE: Resetting the processor will erase any
including tuner presets, output level settings, configuration settings you have made for speak-
In the rare case where the unit’s operation or the delay times and speaker configuration data, first ers, output levels, surround modes, digital input
displays seem abnormal, the cause may involve put the unit in Standby by pressing the System assignments as well as the tuner presets. After a
the erratic operation of the system’s memory or Power Control button 2. Next, press the reset the unit will be returned to the factory
microprocessor. Tone Mode 6 and the RDS @ buttons simul- presets, and all settings for these items must be
taneously. reentered.
To correct this problem, first unplug the unit from
the AC wall outlet and wait at least three min- The unit will turn on automatically and display If the system is still operating incorrectly, there
utes. After the pause, reconnect the AC power the RESET message in the Main may have been an electronic discharge or severe
cord and check the unit’s operation. If the system Information Display M. Note that once you AC line interference that has corrupted the
still malfunctions, a system reset may clear the have cleared the memory in this manner, it is nec- memory or microprocessor.
problem. essary to re-establish all system configuration
settings and tuner presets. If these steps do not solve the problem, consult
an authorized Harman Kardon service depot.

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE 27
Technical Specifications

Audio Section FM Tuner Section

Stereo Mode Frequency Range 87.5–108MHz
Continuous Average Power (FTC) Usable Sensitivity IHF 1.3 µV/13.2dBf
50 Watts per channel, 20Hz–20kHz, Signal-to-Noise Ratio Mono/Stereo: 70/65dB (DIN)
@ < 0.07% THD, both channels driven into 8 ohms Distortion Mono/Stereo: 0.15/0.3%
Stereo Separation 35dB @ 1kHz
Five-Channel Surround Modes Selectivity ±300kHz: 65dB
Power Per Individual Channel Image Rejection 80dB
Front L&R channels: IF Rejection 90dB
40 Watts per channel,
@ < 0.07% THD, 20Hz–20kHz into 8 ohms AM Tuner Section
Center channel: Frequency Range 520–1611kHz
40 Watts, @ < 0.07% THD, 20Hz–20kHz into 8 ohms Signal-to-Noise Ratio 45dB
Usable Sensitivity Loop: 500µV
Surround channels:
Distortion 1kHz, 50% Mod: 0.8%
40 Watts per channel,
Selectivity ±9kHz: 30dB
@ < 0.07% THD, 20Hz–20kHz into 8 ohms
Input Sensitivity/Impedance
Video Section
Linear (High Level) 200mV/47kohms
Video Format PAL/NTSC
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (IHF-A) 90dB Input Level/Impedance 1Vp-p/75 ohms
Surround System Adjacent Channel Separation Output Level/Impedance 1Vp-p/75 ohms
Analog Decoding 40dB Video Frequency
(Pro Logic, etc.) Response 10Hz–8MHz (–3dB)
Dolby Digital (AC-3) 55dB
DTS 55dB General
Frequency Response Power Requirement AC 220-240V/50Hz
@ 1W (+0dB, –3dB) 10Hz–65kHz Power Consumption 72W idle, 580W maximum
(2 channels driven)
High Instantaneous
Current Capability (HCC) ±25 Amps Dimensions (Max)
Width 440mm
Transient Intermodulation Height 166mm
Distortion (TIM) Unmeasurable Depth 435mm
Weight 11 kg

Depth measurement includes knobs, buttons and terminal connections.

Height measurement includes feet and chassis.
All features and specifications are subject to change without notice.
Harman Kardon is a registered trademark, and Power for the digital revolution is a
trademark, of Harman International Industries, Inc.

*Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.

“Dolby,” “Pro Logic II”, “AC-3” and the Double-D symbol are
trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. Confidential Unpublished
Works. ©1992–1999 Dolby Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved.
†DTS and DTS Surround are trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc.

††UltraStereo is a trademark of UltraStereo Corp.

Crystal is a registered trademark of Cirrus Logic Corp.

28 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
29
250 Crossways Park Drive, Woodbury, New York 11797
www.harmankardon.com
Harman Consumer International:
2, route de Tours, 72500 Château-du-Loir, France
© 2002 Harman Kardon, Incorporated
Part No.: 55498730