A Cleverly Designed System Workhorse with a secret: an extended life
Written: Nov 25 '02
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Pros: Powerful, Clean Sound, Attractive and Thoughtful Design, Main amp inputs, Thorough manual, Learning remote
Cons: Video is switched natively...does not upconvert to S-Video.
The Bottom Line: A receiver and separate multi-channel amp in one package which can deliver great sound for many years to come. For those interested in running 5.1 systems this is it.
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| astrol's Full Review: harman/kardon AVR 510 5.1 Channels Receiver |
First, some perspective:
The H/K 510 receiver dates to the late '00-late '01 model run and has since been superceded by the 520 and the just introduced 525. As an older model, it clearly suffers somewhat of a deficiency in terms of features. When compared to the newer models, the 510 is strictly limited to 5.1 both in terms of decoding and amplification. This then is a receiver (and thus a receiver review) for those content with an HT system no greater than 5.1 and needing digital decoding no greater than DD and DTS.
Personally I have no use for anything more than a 5.1 system as I lack the space and room logistics to utilize more speakers at present. While it is always nice to be able to keep up with the latest features, making a wise, solid choice in audio and then attempting to maximize it's sonic potential is of greater importance to me.
And so early in the year, I embarked on a revamping of my audio systems. Among other things, this involved replacing many existing pieces with upgraded ones and included switching out the receiver. After a good bit of research, I settled on the H/K 510 to power the main system. The unit was sourced from a Ubid auction for a steal and it came from the H/K warehouse as a remanufacture with the original 2 year warranty arriving in excellent condition. (A personal note: I have bought many refurbished or remanufactured audio pieces and have yet to be disappointed (knock on wood)). Examination of the unit showed it to be scratch/flaw free and ready for hook-up.
I take note that some reviewers have found the 510 to be complex to set-up. I have not found this but as always, it does pay to acquaint oneself with the manual before jumping in with both feet. I expect the over-eagerness of some new owners may account for some of these negative perceptions. (I suspect we've all been there at one time or another). In terms of system setup, I found the spacing for the speaker binding posts to be somewhat cramped for my fingers but the rest of the rear panel was problem free and quite thoughtfully laid out.
There are ample digital inputs (2 coax, 2 opt) and outputs (1 coax, 1 opt) at the rear and the front fascia features another set of digital connections (1 coax, 1 opt) of which the coax can be configured as either an Input or Output through the OSD. A full set of Video connections (Video 4) can be found in the same location and is also configurable as an Input or Output. This is an extremely useful feature for recording in either the analog or digital realm. Count it as one of many small touches H/K seems to put into their products.
The front facade is clean and attractive and the display itself is quite informative. I know some have found it objectionable and complain about the many various LED's of differing color. It is true that only the central portion of the display is defeatable, again through the OSD, leaving the rows of side indicators for sound mode on the left and input device on the right still lit. But the brightness level is quite low and the ease with which one can determine exactly what the receiver is doing when not using the OSD more than compensates.
One note of caution here: the 510 does not upconvert any video signal and only passes video natively which means that all video connections types must match. As in most receivers of this dating there is certainly no component OSD pass through either...S-Video or Composite is required. I consider this a nuisance but a fairly standard and expected one until the receiver price point reaches considerably higher. Actual video pass through is quite decent and I have found no degradation of the signal I can verify. Also, as the component bandwidth is a relatively low 15MHz, most will want to run DVD video directly from the source to the set.
But enough about video...what about the audio?
Well, in true H/K style the sound quality of the 510 is excellent. I regard this company's approach to sound with a high level of appreciation. While far from being an audiophile, my personal desire for quality 2 channel sound is of great importance to me nonetheless.
H/K has a wonderfully 'warm' sound with solid Bass delivery. Both the Mids and Highs are accurate and detailed. If there is any area of weakness in sound quality it would be in the delivery of the higher treble range. Some have described it as 'laid back' and I would not disagree. It's not that there is anything missing...just that the presentation is more fine and subdued. Because of this, I think it is safe to say that this receiver could never be described as 'bright'. Thankfully, I have yet to hear any form of music through this receiver which led to ear fatigue, no matter how long the listening session. All in all, this is an extremely 'musical' product with more than a touch of refined audio charm.
In HT the 510 acquits itself with equal aplomb. Steering accuracy and definition are excellent in any sound mode. The power ratings of H/K are always conservative and there is ample juice here to run even very demanding speaker setups. My 4 towers and center are 6 Ohm, 88dB and 125W and the 510 makes every speaker sing. Even at higher levels (-15 and up) the 510 does not stutter and I have encountered no power or sound artifacts (clipping) of any kind. Which brings me to what I feel may well be the single best and overlooked feature of the 510: the Main Ins. Because the 510 is equipped with both 5.1 channel pre-outs and Main-ins, the power can be de-coupled from the pre-amp. This allows the receiver to be used as a 1-5 channel amp in the future. Of course, to be used for such a purpose, one must actually like the sound this receiver's amps help produce in the first place. Many receiver manufacturers stopped providing this feature, mainly due to the increasing multi-channel growth and the consequent affect upon product quality. I applaud H/K for having the confidence in it's product to provide this little perk: it effectively gives the 510 another life cycle when it's usefulness as a pre-amp is long gone. How can you go wrong? A high quality receiver hiding a separate 5 channel amp in the same package. This was and still remains for me a classic no-brainer. I couldn't be happier.
Postscript: I now use the 510 as a pre/pro with a Parasound 855 amp. Both pieces are similarly rated in power but the sweet, detailed sound of the 510 is now even better. Effectively having two 5 channel amps at my disposal has allowed for speaker bi-amping across the frontstage. The effect upon both 2 channel and DVD-A has been too gratifying for words...something only the ears can appreciate.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 389
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Epinions.com ID:
astrol
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Reviews written: 5
Trusted by: 1 member
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