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Harman Kardon AVR 7550HD Flagship Receiver Preview

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Harman Kardon AVR 7550HD

Harman Kardon AVR 7550HD

Summary

  • Product Name: AVR 7550HD
  • Manufacturer: Harman Kardon
  • Review Date: January 09, 2009 01:00
  • MSRP: $2,799
  • First Impression: Pretty Cool
  • Buy Now

Executive Overview

PanelHarman Kardon displayed their new AVR 7550HD 7.2-channel audio/video receiver. It features HDMI v1.3a (with Deep Color support) and can pass video signals to 1080p. The receiver employs Faroudja DCDi Cinema digital-video processing utilizing the leading-edge Torino chipset (FLI30436), providing HD upscaling and enhanced 1080p image quality from all video sources.

The receiver is among the first to include Dolby Volume technology, an innovative approach to delivering consistent volume levels across a wide variety of content, channel programming or input sources. It is also the first receiver to utilize the latest-generation Texas Instruments Aureus DA710 audio digital-signal processor in a dual-DSP implementation.

The AVR 7550HD incorporates a newly developed high-definition full-color on-screen menu system that utilizes both pictures and text to guide users in setting up their home theater system.

rearThe receiver offers Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding; a built-in USB port to accommodate a USB memory stick or streaming audio from a computer; an Internet radio tuner; automated room-equalization and system calibration; multiroom audio and video capability with A-BUS connectivity; XM Ready capability; and more. It is supplied with the Harman Kardon docking station for iPod at no extra charge. The Bridge II enables enhanced audio and video playback and remote-control capabilities when a compatible iPod is connected.

This is a new venture for Harman, having formerly topped out at $799 with the AVR 354. Harman hasn't yet proved itself in the high-end receiver line-up, at least not since the introduction of HDMI and video processing, so it will be nice to see how well this new flagship product is received in the marketplace.

The AVR 7550HD will be available in Winter of 2009 for $2,799.

For more information visit www.harman.com.

Buy Now

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.

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Discuss This Article
808htfan posts on November 12, 2010 23:10
M Code, post: 765043
The HK 2600, 3600, 360, 460 and 7550HD ALL use FET switching in the video bypass mode, NO video processing is done and the Torino processor is totally out of the video signal path..

Just my $0.02…

What happens with processing/scaling when the video mode is set to Off rather than bypass?

Thanks!
M Code posts on November 09, 2010 00:30
allargon, post: 749771
My issue with the video processing was quite valid. An owner can't disable the video processing on HK's midrange receivers.

The HK 2600, 3600, 360, 460 and 7550HD ALL use FET switching in the video bypass mode, NO video processing is done and the Torino processor is totally out of the video signal path..

Just my $0.02…
speakerking posts on November 08, 2010 20:37
Hey guys i have a question i have my hands on the denon 4308ci and just got a onkyo 3007 for 759 brand new but ive heard the onkyo has alot of issueslike ive also noticed just turning the unit on it heats up with no speakers hooked up and i was wondering with this much heat do you think the reciever will breakdown prematurely and the heat seems like it strickly comes from the back where all the audio and video boards are located does anyone have opinons what to keep between the two ?
allargon posts on September 10, 2010 09:28
My issue with the video processing was quite valid. An owner can't disable the video processing on HK's midrange receivers.
speakerking posts on September 09, 2010 22:49
Wow i can now get a harman 7550 for 800 or a denon 4308 for 650.00 out the door both are used does anyone have a opinion on whats better ?
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As Associate Editor at Audioholics, Tom promises to the best of his ability to give each review the same amount of attention, consideration, and thoughtfulness as possible and keep his writings free from undue bias and preconceptions. Any indication, either internally or from another, that bias has entered into his review will be immediately investigated. Substantiation of mistakes or bias will be immediately corrected regardless of personal stake, feelings, or ego.

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