Features:
- Dolby Pro Logic decoding
- 70/55 watts per channel (front/rear)
- Harmonic Time Alignment
- Subwoofer line output
- 30 tuner presets
Description:
With the AV3S Dolby Pro Logic Receiver, Nakamichi affirms its longstanding reputation for quality sound, bringing 70 watts of front-channel power and several winning design features to an affordable audio-video (AV) receiver. The clearly laid out AV3S is ready to use in a heartbeat, with all features clearly indicated on both its solid front panel and the supplied remote control (which operates both Nakamichi CD and cassette decks). The Dolby Pro Logic-equipped AV3S pumps an impressive 70 watts per channel (wpc) to the front speakers and 55 wpc to the rear. The system employs Nakamichi's Harmonic Time Alignment technology on each of the four powered channels to minimize distortion. As with all Pro Logic systems, the AV3S derives its surround program from any two-channel audio input, which the receiver independently processes and routes to left, center, right, and surround speakers. It wouldn't be a true AV receiver without a subwoofer output, though, and the inclusion of one on the AV3S nicely augments the Pro Logic surround and standard music playback. Independent level adjustments for the center- and rear-channel outputs and a variable delay time for the surround channels (from 15 to 30 milliseconds in 5-ms increments) help facilitate setup. But the star of this show is the sound quality. The receiver drives large speakers to ear-splitting levels with power to spare, succumbing to neither compression nor distortion. We found the sound clear and well-balanced, inviting longer listening and more volume. However, most of your listening will probably be at reasonable sound levels, and the AV3S excelled here as well. Aided by a bass- and treble-boosting "loudness" switch, the receiver delivered clear and full-bodied low-level sound--an under-appreciated trait of a quality amplifier. The AV3S is perfect for audio enthusiasts who have a growing interest in home theater but want an affordable, full-featured integrated receiver. Pros:
- Good sound
- High power
- Clever features
- Flexible AV routing
Cons:
- Not Dolby Digital-equipped
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