Features:
- Dolby Digital decoding
- Multiple audio and video inputs
- 5-channel surround mode
- Subwoofer output
- Preprogrammed remote control
Description:
The AVR35 receiver is aimed primarily at consumers who haven't yet made the transition to digital home theater. Although the unit doesn't offer many bells and whistles, it's flexible enough to adapt to most systems. More importantly, the AVR35 provides excellent sound quality in home theater's most popular audio formats. Configuring the receiver is relatively simple--even for technophobes. You can adjust the output level for each speaker from either the elegant front-panel controls or the full-featured remote. The remote has a logical design and can learn operating codes for non-Harman equipment. The easy-to-understand user's manual discusses each setup feature in detail and even includes suggestions for optimizing the delay times of surround speakers. The user's manual also outlines each of the receiver's seven playback modes. For analog sources, you can choose from among Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby 3 stereo, two-channel stereo, or any one of three digital-signal processing (DSP) modes. The DSP modes enhance non-surround signals by adding reverberation and creating "space" in the sound source. The unit receives digital sources through either coaxial or optical inputs--the front panel indicates which is currently selected--and automatically processes them as either Dolby Digital or PCM data, depending on the nature of the data stream. The AVR35 even includes a Night mode, which enables certain Dolby Digital sources to be played back at full dynamic range while reducing the minimum peak level by up to 33 percent. This helps to control sudden spikes in volume. The sound quality of the AVR35 is stellar, with crisp highs, present mids, and punchy bass. The unit's ultrawide bandwidth ensures full-bodied sound and ruler-flat frequency response. High-instantaneous-current capability allows it to reproduce transients more accurately and with less distortion than conventional receivers. Its transparent sound makes it a perfect match for digital audio, so it's no surprise that the unit is most impressive when processing Dolby Digital sources. Its discrete circuit design optimizes each channel's output and expands the sound field with increased channel separation. Our only criticism of the AVR35 is that it's incapable of interpreting DTS signals. As DTS encoding becomes more widespread, users may find that they're unable to hear many sound sources as they were originally intended. Of course, you can always use the receiver's Pro Logic mode as an alternative to digital surround. Pros:
- Outstanding sound quality
- Ease of use
- Full-featured remote
Cons:
- Unable to process DTS sound sources
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