Video Asylum

Posted by KingGeorge on January 17, 2005 at 19:56:04

In Reply to: Audiophile seeks processor advice posted by JB on January 15, 2005 at 07:48:18:

I consider my stereo system and music tastes audiophile. many would disagree. Never the less, back in the early 90's I purchased one of the 1st Dolby Pro systems for video. 3-4 years back, I was ready to try the newer decoders via a midpriced receiver route. Every piece of hardware that I brought home sucked...horrible sound! I tried almsot every popular brand.

Disheartened, I simply hooked up my old dolby system, and was once again very pleased.

Well, about a year ago, I bought a huge hdtv - Hitachi Ultravision. Reluctanty, about a month back I decided to buy a Harman Kardon AVR235. I pre out from the 235 to amps for my fronts and sub. The 235 handles the surrounds and rears.

Long/short: The system is fabulous. If you are like me,e.g., mainly a stereo audiophile, but desiring a less than perfect/pricey home theater, try the 235. not only does it do a more that satisfactory job, it has so many features and capabilities to play with that it is worth its price for that alone! Perhaps in the years that have pased since I last tried out dsp's and decoders, all similarly priced systems from the various makers are as good. I know that the 235 is certainly worht a try given my above comments. I must confess that I liked it initially for its asthetics alone, then after looking at a few specs decided to try it. ---can be had for around 360 - 499.

note this: I am using diffrerent pairs for each location, plus a non-matching sub and center. gotta b fun. 235 allows easy xover settings, db and distance adjustments for each...e.g., all 8 speakers. and more.