Boss 612UA MP3-Compatible Digital Media AM/FM Receiver Review
Harman Kardon AVR 635 7.1 Channel Surround Sound Audio/Video Receiver Review
 Take a closer look at the AVR 635's connections. You can also view the unit's front panel and remote control in detail. |
Surround sound features include Dolby Virtual Speaker, Dolby Headphone processing, and Dolby Pro Logic IIx processing (which provides an expansive, full-range 7.1-channel program from any stereo or 5.1-channel source). The receiver handles all other popular formats (including Dolby Digital EX and Dolby Digital 5.1), all standard DTS modes (including 6.1 DTS-ES Discrete, DTS-ES Matrix, DTS Neo:6, Cinema 6.1/5.1, and Music 6.1/5.1), and even the latest DTS 96/24 high-resolution audio technology. In addition, the AVR 635 provides HDCD (High-Definition Compatible Digital) processing to deliver the best possible CD playback quality from HDCD-encoded discs.
You also get Harman's proprietary Logic 7 audio for enhanced multichannel reproduction from both matrix-encoded and 2-channel recordings. The latest implementation of Logic 7 provides improved post-processing for the rear surround channels.
The receiver's many audio and video connections include three wide-bandwidth, assignable HDTV-compatible component-video inputs. The AVR 635 also features multiroom/multisource operation with independent, simultaneous playback of two program sources, assignable back surround amplifier channels, A-BUS connectivity, and a Zone II remote. The A-BUS Ready system simplifies multiroom connectivity without external amplifiers. It uses a standard Cat5/Ethernet cable to connect the receiver's rear panel in one room to a Harman Kardon AB 1 A-BUS-compatible amplifier/control module in a separate room.
Along with its extensive video connectivity, the receiver offers a array of digital and analog audio connections, including multiple coaxial and optical digital audio inputs and outputs. It sports both analog and digital front-panel inputs, 6-/8-channel direct audio inputs, and 7.1-channel preamp outputs to accommodate a DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, SACD, or universal player.
The AVR 635 is also among the first receivers to include EzSet/EQ, which provides automated system calibration and room equalization, which greatly simplifies installation as it improves system performance by tailoring the output of the receiver to your speakers, compensating for the effects of room acoustics.
The receiver's quadruple-crossover bass-management system lets you choose from six different crossover frequencies for the front L/R, center, surround L/R, and surround back L/R speakers. Most receivers and DVD players have far more limited crossover filtering or none at all. Moreover, you can set different speaker-size configurations for different AVR 635 input sources according to your needs.
You get a high-quality FM/AM tuner with 30 station presets and a Listener Preference System that lets you specify a surround mode according to the program source. You can also set speaker-channel levels for each program source and DSP format (for example, the subwoofer level can be set differently for multichannel movie viewing and 2-channel CD music listening).
What's in the Box
Receiver, remote control, remote batteries, an EzSet/EQ microphone, FM wire/AM loop antennas, warranty information, and user's manual.
The number of channels is only one factor of many when considering home-theater surround performance. Harman Kardon AVR635 focuses on sound quality with the most fidelity throughout the listening spectrum for superior realism and a pleasurable experience. AVR635 combines the sonic power of a high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth amplifier with the computer power of Texas Instruments' most advanced audio DSP to deliver unparalleled performance. With exclusive, integrated EzSet/EQ functionality, speaker, output and delay settings are automated for optimal equalization to your room acoustics. Add video conversion circuits that output all video sources via component connections with on screen graphics, a digitally-tuned AM/FM radio (that's optionally upgradeable to digital radio), and, of course, the ability to play through up to 7 speakers plus a subwoofer, this is a receiver that's worth owning. A/V Inputs - 4 rear, 1 front S-Video Inputs - 4 rear, 1 front Analog and digital Inputs outputs - A/V Inputs - 5 ; S-Video Inputs - 5 ; Audio Inputs - 4 ; Digital Inputs (Coax/Optical) Rear panel - 2/2, Front panel - 1/1 ; Digital Outputs (Coax/Optical) Rear panel - 2/2, Front panel - 1/0 ; Direct Audio Inputs - 6-/8-Channel Up to 30 AM/FM tuning presets 2 AC outlets built-in (rear) Speaker Terminals - Color-coded binding post Unit Weight - 41 lbs Connector for external AM/FM antenna option Harman Kardon USA 2-Year Limited Warranty
Pioneer AVH-P4400BH 2-DIN Multimedia DVD Receiver with 7" Widescreen Touch Panel Display, Built-In Bluetooth, and HD Radio™ Tuner Review
Pioneer AVH-P1400DVD Multimedia DVD Receiver Review
Pioneer AVHP8400 / AVH-P8400BH / AVH-P8400BH In-Dash 2-DIN DVD Receiver with 7.0 LCD Review
Sony CDXGT360MP Car Stereo CD Receiver Review
Pioneer Elite Vsx-53 Av Network Receiver - 7.1 Channel 3d Review
Phase Linear UV10 Flip Out MultiMedia Receiver with 7-Inch Touch Screen (Black) Review
JVC KD-R300 30K Color-Illumination Single-DIN CD Receiver with Remote Control and J-Bus Expandability Review
 A great way to kick off a new system. Click to enlarge. |
 Front panel auxiliary input for external audio devices. |
 Includes full-featured wireless remote. Click to enlarge. |
Variable-Color Illumination
Variable-Color Illumination lets you get just the look you want, or match your vehicle's interior lighting, offering 30 preset color choices--or customize your own from over 30,000 variations.
CD and MP3/WMA Playback
Enjoy your favorite CDs or burnt CD-R/RWs, or get more bang for your buck with MP3/WMA discs--burn hours of music to one disc and get ID3-TAG support for display of artist and song info.
AM/FM Radio with HS-IVi Tuner
Sometimes you just want to listen to the radio. The KD-R300's AM/FM radio features automatic presetting of strongest signals and 6 presets for each band.
The HS-IVi tuner features higher sensitivity, thanks to three IF bandwidths (wide, middle and narrow). It also includes AM Noise Canceller plus upgraded IF filters that help avoid the distortion caused by interference from adjacent stations.
To get even more from the airwaves, add JVC optional hardware for HD Radio or SAT Radio reception.
Dial in Your Sound
Perfect your sound with a three-band parametric equalizer and Loudness control for low level listening.
Input and Output
A pair of preamp outputs (rear or subwoofer) is provided for adding a little extra power to the KD-R300's onboard 50W x 4 amplifier.
A 3.5mm front panel auxiliary input is also included for use with iPods, MP3 players, or other external audio devices.
Bluetooth Ready
Bluetooth Wireless Technology is available with an optional adapter. A maximum of five compatible mobile phones can be registered for hands-free calling. With voice-recognition mobile phones, you can dial by just saying the name in your phone book. The wireless functions work even if your mobile phone is tucked away in your bag or pocket. You can also stream music from a compatible digital audio player, for listening on your car stereo.
Ready for iPod
You can listen to iPod music with an optional KS-PD100 adapter. The iPod can be controlled from the head unit, and song information is displayed with the same categories and layers as an iPod.
Wireless Remote
A full-featured wireless remote is include for controlling receiver functions.
What's in the Box
JVC KD-R300 Receiver, trim ring, sleeve, remote control, wiring harness, installation hardware, installation manual, instructions
Enjoy music from digital audio players and other external devices by easy connection via the KD-R300's Front AUX Input. The Multi-Color Illumination feature allows selection from over 30,000 customizable faceplate illumination colors. The unit is compatible with MP3 and WMA format, and you can customize the sound to your taste with 3-band parametric iEQ . The MOS-FET power amp and 24-bit Resolution DAC offers an enhanced listening experience. Bluetooth Wireless Technology, iPod, and HD Radio are also available with optional add-on devices.
Denon AVR-1912 7.1 Channel Network Streaming A/V Home Theater Receiver Review
Onkyo TX-8050 Network Stereo Receiver (Black) Review
Onkyo HT-RC160 7.2-Channel A/V Surround Home Theater Receiver Review
Pioneer AVIC-U310BT 4.3-Inch In-Dash Navigation Receiver with CD Player and Bluetooth Review
 A no-nonsense in-dash navigation receiver with CD Player and Bluetooth. Click to enlarge. |
On the Map
The easy-to-operate Pioneer Navigation system has built-in maps that put the world at your fingertips. This includes major points of interest, such as restaurants, ATMs, gas stations, entertainment venues and more. Featuring convenient turn-by-turn voice guidance and detailed maps that display intersections and lane information, your Pioneer Navigation system is ready to go when you are.
AVIC Feeds
The system's database is fully expandable with AVIC feeds, Pioneer's PC application, which lets you create custom trips and your own points of interest.
Voice Control
The Z-Series offers convenient voice-activated navigation, which allows you to simply say an address or find nearby points of interest.
 Full-featured, expandable navigation. |
 Instant access to your contacts and hands-free calling. |
 Direct control of your iPod or iPhone. |
Bridge the Gap
Start Planning your route before you even step into your car with the free AVIC FEEDS app. Now you can seamlessly use your iPhone with your Pioneer navigation receiver. Simply find your destination with the built-in Google Maps interface and transfer it via Bluetooth for easy, turn-by-turn directions.
Picture Yourself There
The AVIC FEEDS app also allows you to use the geo-tag data in your photos to be routed directly to places you've visited. The built-in GPS feature of iPhone 3G and 3GS has the ability to embed geo-tag information in the photos you take with its camera. AVIC FEEDS allows you to save destinations by reading these geo-tags. You can also use AVIC FEEDS to create destinations from geo-tagged photos that are sent to your iPhone.
With the optional cable (CD-IU50) connected to your iPod, you will notice how easily you can find songs, artists, or playlists with a few simple taps of your finger. The AVIC-U310BT also features powerful searching tools such as Link Play to help you quickly find the artist, album or genre that you want to hear.
With the X and Z-series receivers, you can also conveniently use voice-activated dialing to call contacts simply by saying a name.
 |
From Disc
Play back CDs and CD-RWs, and burn discs with all your digital media, since the AVIC-U310BT also plays back MP3, WMA, AAC, and WAV files from CD.
From USB Device
If you don't feel like burning CDs just throw the MP3/WMA/AAC/WAV files you want on a USB device and enjoy.
Room to Grow
With 2 sets of pre-outs, MOSFET50 power and a 3-band parametric equalizer, you can build a massive system with massive sound.
Auxiliary Input
You can connect auxiliary audio devices using a stereo mini cable with the included aux in.
What's in the Box
AVIC-U310BT Main Unit, Power Cord, USB Connector, GPS Antenna, Microphone, User's Manual, Installation Manual
PIONEER AVIC-U310BT 4.3" In-Dash Navigation Receiver with CD Player & Bluetooth
Clarion CX501 Double-DIN CD/Bluetooth/USB Receiver Review
Clarion's CX501 is a versatile double-DIN CD receiver with room to grow, offering Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, MP3/WMA playback, USB connectivity with iPod direct control, a 3.5mm auxiliary input, and a 50W x 4 MOSFET amplifier to crank out the tunes. Ready to grow? The CX501 offers six channels of preamp outputs for system expansion, and the ability to add SIRIUS or HD radio.
The CX501's built-in wireless Bluetooth interface supports HSP/HFP for hands-free operation and PBAP for phonebook download. You can easily communicate with the outside world by listening to phone calls through the car's audio system and talking through the embedded microphone. And with A2DP/AVRCP support, you can enjoy music streamed from your mobile phone.
Enjoy your favorite CDs or CD-R/RW discs, or burn CD-R/RWs full of MP3/WMA digital audio files for hours of playback on a single disc.
Not feeling like waiting for a disc to burn? Throw a bunch of tunes on a USB thumb drive and play back directly, using the front-panel USB input.
For your other MP3 players, or pretty much anything with a headphone output, a convenient front-panel 3.5mm auxiliary input is provided.
Enjoy the familiar operational feel of your iPod and iPhone, with album/artist/song/playlist on-screen display and more. The simple control mode enables system operation using just the iPod/iPhone controls, including ABC search. For audio playback, just use a standard 30-pin to USB cable, like that provided with your iPod / iPhone. As an added bonus, iTunes Tagging via the HD Radio makes it easy to purchase the songs you like.
The old-school, large volume control knob, combined with the ergonomically symmetrical design of the unit, helps to provide equally comfortable operation from the driver side or passenger side.
728-variable color illumination and buttons allow matching to instrument panel or by personal preference.
In addition to providing three preset equalization patterns--bass boost, impact, and excite--Clarion's Beat EQ allows you freedom to customize the level and range of the bass, midrange and treble portions of each pattern. Easily adjust the sound to your liking, depending on the genre of music and your preferences.
CX501 has a MOS-FET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor) power amplifier capable of delivering 50W x 4 of high quality sound with superior linearity and less distortion than conventional power amps even with the volume cranked up.
If that 50W x 4 isn't enough for you, worry not--the CZ401 is ready for system expansion in a big way, offering six-channels of 4V preamp outputs. Built-in high- and low-pass filters let you dial in the output for your particular application/vehicle.
The CX501 also supports direct connection with an optional Sirius Satellite Radio tuner. The SCC1 Sirius Connect Vehicle Tuner plugs into the back of CX501 with no adapters necessary. Enjoy high quality genre-specific programming from music and talk, to news and traffic, via direct satellite feed to your car. Similarly, you can expand your radio options by adding a Clarion HD Radio receiver.
Clarion CX501 Receiver, Remote Control With Battery, Trim Ring, Mounting Bracket, Case for Detachable Front Panel, Wiring Harness, Installation Hardware, Documentation
