AVR 5550 Audio/Video Receiver OWNER’S MANUAL AVR 5550 LOGIC 7 VMAx ready ® Power for the Digital Revolution™
Table of Contents 3 4 4 5 7 8 11 14 15 15 15 16 18 19 19 20 20 20 20 21 21 24 25 25 25 26 26 27 29 29 31 31 31 32 32 33 33 33 33 33 33 34 34 34 35 35 35 36 36 37 37 37 37 38 38 38 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 41 42 42 42 42 43 43 Introduction Safety Information Unpacking Front Panel Controls Front Panel Information Display Rear Panel Connections Main Remote Control Functions Zone II Remote Control Functions Installation and Connections Audio Connections Video Connections SCART A/V Connections System and Power Conn
Introduction Thank you for choosing Harman Kardon! With the purchase of a Harman Kardon AVR 5550 you are about to begin many years of listening enjoyment. Designed to provide all the excitement and detail of movie soundtracks and every nuance of musical selections, the AVR 5550 is truly a multichannel receiver for the new millennium. In addition to the traditional 5.
Safety Information Important Safety Information Verify Line Voltage Before Use Your AVR 5550 has been designed for use with 220-240-Volt AC current. Connection to a line voltage other than that for which it is intended can create a safety and fire hazard and may damage the unit. If you have any questions about the voltage requirements for your specific model, or about the line voltage in your area, contact your dealer before plugging the unit into a wall outlet.
Front Panel Controls ˘ ˜ ı ¯ ˆ Û & Ú Ù AVR 5550 LOGIC 7 VMAx ready 8 3 1 2 4 ) 5 6 9 7 @ * % !$ # ^ Ó ( Ô Ò 1 Main Power Switch 2 System Power Control 3 Power Indicator 4 Headphone Jack 5 Surround Mode Group Selector 6 Speaker Selector 7 ‹ Button 8 Tone Mode 9 Surround Mode Selector ) Tuning Selector ! Tuner Band Selector @ Set Button # Preset Station Selector $ › Button % Input Source Selector ^ RDS Selector & Delay Adjust Selector * Digital Optical 3 Input ( Input/Output Statu
Front Panel Controls 9 Surround Mode Selector: Press this button to cycle through the individual surround modes available after the Surround Mode Group Selector 5 was pressed (see item 5 above). Note that depending on the type of input, some modes are not always available. (See page 32 for more information about surround modes). ) Tuning Selector: Press the left side of the button to tune lower frequency stations and the right side of the button to tune higher frequency stations.
Front Panel Information Display L K J I H G F A E B C A B C D E F Upper Display Line Lower Display Line OSD Indicator Multi Indicator Speaker/Channel Input Indicator Preset Indicator A Upper Display Line: Depending on the unit's status, a variety of messages will appear here. In normal operation, the current input source name will appear on this line. B Lower Display Line: Depending on the unit's status, a variety of messages will appear here.
Rear Panel Connections ( ' % # $ & ! * " ) AVR 5550 AC OUTLETS ~230V/50Hz UNSWITCHED / 100W MAX 230 V/50Hz SWITCHED / 50W MAX " # ' * AM Antenna FM Antenna Tape Inputs Tape Outputs Subwoofer Output DVD Audio Inputs CD Inputs Multiroom Outputs A-BUS Connector 8-Channel Direct Inputs Digital Audio Outputs Video Monitor Outputs DVD Video Inputs Front Speaker Outputs NOTE: To assist in making the correct connections for mul
Rear Panel Connections S-Video source selected by the receiver’s video switcher. DVD Video Inputs: Connect these jacks to the composite or S-Video output jacks on a DVD player or other video source. Front Speaker Outputs: Connect these outputs to the matching + or – terminals on your left and right speakers.
Rear Panel Connections tan and black SBR terminals to the red and black terminals on the right remote zone speaker. RS-232 Port: This jack is used to enable the AVR 5550 to be controlled by an external computer or programmable remote system that uses RS-232 commands. Due to the complexity of RS232 connections, we recommend that they be made by a trained and qualified custom installer. See page 18 for more information on the RS232 control port.
Main Remote Control Functions 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q ! " # $ % & ' ( ) * + , - Power Off Button IR Transmitter Window Program/SPL Indicator Power On Button Input Selectors AVR Selector AM/FM Tuner Select 6-Channel/8-Channel Direct Input Test Button Sleep Button Surround Mode Selector Night Mode Channel Select Button ⁄ / ¤ Buttons ‹ Button Set Button Digital Select Numeric Keys Tuner Mode Direct Button Tuning Up/Down OSD Button Dolby Mode Select Button DTS Digital Mode S
Main Remote Control Functions IMPORTANT NOTE: The AVR 5550’s remote may be programmed to control up to seven devices, including the AVR 5550. Before using the remote, it is important to remember to press the Input Selector button 4 that corresponds to the unit you wish to operate. In addition, the AVR 5550’s remote is shipped from the factory to operate the AVR 5550 and most Harman Kardon CD or DVD players and cassette decks.
Main Remote Control Functions K Tuning Up/Down: When the tuner is in use, these buttons will tune up or down through the selected frequency band. If the Tuner Mode button I has been pressed or the Band button @ on the front panel was held pressed so that the AUTO indicator J is illuminated, pressing either of the buttons will cause the tuner to seek the next station with acceptable signal strength for quality reception.
Zone II Remote Control Functions POWER A MUTE K OFF AVR VID1 VID2 AM//FM VID3 VID4 DVD CD TAPE DN TUNING UP DN PRESET UP The Zone II remote may be used in either the same room where the AVR 5550 is located, or it may be used in a separate room with an optional infrared sensor that is connected to the AVR 5550’s Multi IR input jack . B C D E F G å Power Off: When used in the room where the AVR 5550 is located, press this button to place the unit in Standby.
Installation and Connections After unpacking the unit, and placing it on a solid surface capable of supporting its weight, you will need to make the connections to your audio and video equipment. Audio Equipment Connections We recommend that you use high-quality interconnect cables when making connections to source equipment and recorders to preserve the integrity of the signals.
Installation and Connections 7. If another component video device is available, connect it to the Video 2 Component Video Input jacks . The audio connections for this device should be made to either the Video 2 Input jacks or any of the Coaxial or Optical Digital Input jacks !$. 8. If the component video inputs are used, connect the Component Video Output to the component video inputs of your TV, projector or display device. 9.
Installation and Connections Black Black Figure 1: SCART/Cinch-Adapter for playback; signal flow: SCART → Cinch Yellow Yellow Red Red Black Black Red Red Blue 1 Blue Yellow Yellow Figure 2: SCART/Cinch-Adapter for record and playback; signal flow: SCART ↔ Cinch Green 1 Green White White Black Black Figure 3: Cinch/SCART-Adapter for playback; signal flow: Cinch → SCART Yellow Yellow Red Red Rot Red Figure 4: SCART/S-Video Adapter for playback; signal flow: SCART → Cinch Schwarz Black S-Video InIn S
Installation and Connections System and Power Connections The AVR 5550 is designed for flexible use with multiroom systems, external control components and power amplifiers. Main Room Remote Control Extension If the receiver is placed behind a solid or smoked glass cabinet door, the obstruction may prevent the remote sensor from receiving commands. In this event, the remote sensor of any Harman Kardon or other compatible device, not covered by the door, or an optional remote sensor may be used.
Installation and Connections No matter which type or brand of speakers is used, the same model or brand of speaker should be used for the front-left, center and front-right speakers. This creates a seamless front soundstage and eliminates the possibility of distracting sonic disturbances that occur when a sound moves across mismatched front-channel speakers. Speaker Placement The placement of speakers in a multichannel home-theater system can have a noticeable impact on the quality of sound reproduced.
System Configuration Once the speakers have been placed in the room and connected, the remaining steps are to program the system configuration memories. With the AVR 5550 two kind of memories are used, those associated individually with the input selected, e.g. surround modes, and others working globally for all inputs selected like speaker output levels, crossover frequencies or delay times used by the surround sound processor.
System Configuration To make this process as quick and as easy as possible, we suggest that you use the full-OSD system with the on-screen menus, and step through each input. Input Setup The first step in configuring the AVR is to select an input, i.e. to associate an analog or digital input with each input source in use, e.g. CD or DVD.
System Configuration * M L C S S S B B S P E A K E R O E E U U U A A D F N R R B S C E T T R R W S K / R I E R O U N B A O O F M G T O S E T U P : G H T : : D : C K : E R : R : M A S T S L S S S S G E I A M M M U L R Z R A A A B O * E G L L L ( B M X- O V E R E L L L L F E ) A L E N U Figure 3 The first line of the SPEAKER SETUP menu (Figure 3) allows you to switch the menu to change either the underlying speaker size setting or the exact crossover point used for that speaker group if set to "S
System Configuration decoding modes are available and the surround back amplifier channels will not be used. When this is the case for your system you may wish to take advantage of the availability of this amplifier channel pair for use in powering a second set of speakers that have their source selected by the AVR 5550’s multiroom control system. See page 39 for more information. When SMALL is selected the system will adjust so that the full complement of 6.1/7.
System Configuration When the Set button @ F has been pressed and the system is ready for a change to the front speaker setting, the on-screen display and Main Information Display ˜ will read FRONT LARGE or FRONT SMALL depending on the current setting. Press the ‹/› buttons 7 $ on the front panel or the ⁄/¤ buttons D on the remote until the desired setting is shown, using the instructions for “large” or “small” shown earlier, then press the Set button @F.
System Configuration or Cinema modes are available, but the output will be in a full eight-channel sound field. Note that the Logic 7 modes are not available when either Dolby Digital or DTS Digital soundtracks are in use. To re-synchronize the front, center and surround channels at first measure and note the distance from the listening/viewing position to the front, center, surround and surround back (if any) speakers in meters.
System Configuration When the setting has been made, press the ⁄/¤ buttons D so that the › cursor is next to BACK T O SURR SELECT, and press the Set button F to return to the SURROUND SELECT menu. Note that the Night mode may be adjusted directly any time that Dolby Digital surround mode is selected by pressing the Night button B.
System Configuration You may repeat this procedure as many times as necessary to achieve a desired result. In order to prevent possible damage to your hearing or your equipment, we emphasize that you should avoid setting the master volume above 0dB. NOTE: The subwoofer output is not adjusted when the test tone is in use. To adjust the subwoofer output you must use an external source, following the instructions on page 36.
System Configuration When all channels have an equal volume level, the adjustment is complete. Now turn the Volume ) down to about -40dB, otherwise the listening level may be too high as soon as the source’s music starts to play. To exit this menu, press the ⁄/¤ buttons D until the onscreen › cursor is next to the B A C K T O MASTER M E N U line, and then press the Set Button F to return to the MASTER MENU. The output levels may also be adjusted at any time using the remote control and semi-OSD system.
Operation Surround Mode Chart MODE FEATURES DELAY TIME RANGE DOLBY DIGITAL Available only with digital input sources encoded with Dolby Digital data. It provides up to five separate main audio channels and a special dedicated Low Frequency Effects channel. Center: 0 - 30ft / 9m Initial Setting: 12ft / 3.6m Surround: 0 - 30ft / 9m Initial Setting: 10ft / 3m DOLBY DIGITAL EX Available when the receiver is configured for 6.1/7.1 channel operation, Dolby Digital EX is the latest version of Dolby Digital.
Operation Surround Mode Chart MODE FEATURES DELAY TIME RANGE DOLBY 3 STEREO Uses the information contained in a surround-encoded or two-channel stereo program to create center-channel information. In addition, the information that is normally sent to the rear-channel surround speakers is carefully mixed in with the front-left and front-right channels for increased realism. Use this mode when you have a center-channel speaker but no surround speakers.
Operation Basic Operation Once you have completed the setup and configuration of the AVR 5550, it is simple to operate and enjoy. The following instructions should be followed for you to maximize your enjoyment of your new receiver: Turning the AVR 5550 On or Off • When using the AVR 5550 for the first time, you must press the Main Power Switch 1 on the front panel to turn the unit on. This places the unit in a Standby mode, as indicated by the amber color of the Power Indicator 3.
Operation Controls and Use of Headphones Surround Mode Selection • Adjust the volume to a comfortable level using the front panel Volume Control ı or remote Volume Up/Down )î buttons. One of the most important features of the AVR 5550 is its ability to reproduce a full multichannel surround sound field from digital sources, analog matrix surround encoded programs and standard stereo or even mono programs. In all, a total of 23 listening modes are available on the AVR 5550.
Operation When the 6-Channel/8-Channel direct inputs are in use there is no surround processing, as these inputs take the analog output signals from an optional, external DVD-Audio or SACD player, or another source device and carry them straight through to the volume control.
Operation To take advantage of the AVR 5550’s MP3 capabilities, simply connect the digital (SPDIF) output of a computer sound card able to feed the MP3 format to its digital output, or the digital (SPDIF) output of MP3 compatible CD or DVD players or of a portable MP3 player with a digital output to either the rear panel Digital Inputs ! $ or the front panel Digital Inputs *Ó.
Operation These indicators are the L/C/R/LFE/SL/SR/SBL/SBR letters that are inside the center boxes of the Speaker/Channel Input Indicators E in the front panel Main Information Display ˜. When a standard analog stereo or matrix surround signal is in use, only the “L” and “R” indicators will light, as analog signals have only left and right channels.
Operation digital jacks are now an output, instead of in the default setting as an input. Once changed to an output, the setting will remain as long as the AVR 5550 is turned on, unless the setting is changed in the OSD menu system, as described above. Note, however, that once the AVR 5550 is turned off, the setting is cancelled. When the unit is turned on again, the front panel jacks will return to their normal default setting as an input.
Advanced Features The AVR 5550 is equipped with a number of advanced features that add extra flexibility to the unit’s operation. While it is not necessary to use these features to operate the unit, they provide additional options that you may wish to use. Surround Amplifier Channel Assignment The AVR 5550 is equipped with seven full-power amplifier channels to allow for complete 7.1channel operation without the need for additional external amplifiers.
Advanced Features / Multiroom Operation Semi-OSD Settings Full-OSD Time Out Adjustment Multiroom Operation The semi-OSD system places one line messages at the lower third of the video display screen whenever the Volume, Input Source, Surround mode or tuner frequency of any of the configuration settings are changed. The semi-OSD system is helpful in that enables you to have feedback on any control changes or remote commands using the video display when it is difficult to view the front-panel displays.
Multiroom Operation able through the Harman Kardon Web Site at www.harmankardon.com. RS-232 Control The AVR 5550 is rare among A/V receivers in that it provides the capability for full remote control from compatible computers or specialized remote control systems. RS-232 programming requires specialized programming knowledge and for that reason we recommend that it only be done by qualified installers. NOTE: The RS-232 port on this product is for use by authorized service personnel ONLY.
Tuner Operation Basic Tuner Operation The AVR 5550’s tuner is capable of tuning AM, FM and FM Stereo broadcast stations and receiving RDS data. Stations may be tuned manually, or they may be stored as favorite station presets and recalled from a 30 position memory. Station Selection 1. Press the AM/FM Tuner Select button 6 on the remote to select the tuner as an input.
Tuner Operation data is being received. Please note that the accuracy of the time data is dependent on the radio station, not the AVR 5550. • RELIGION: Religious Broadcasts Some RDS stations may not include some of these additional features. If the data required for the selected mode is not being transmitted, the Main Information Display ˜ will show a NO TYPE, NO TEXT or NO TIME message after the individual time out.
Programming the Remote The AVR 5550 is equipped with a powerful remote control that will control not only the receiver’s functions, but also most popular brands of audio and video equipment, including CD players, TV sets, cable boxes, VCRs, satellite receivers and other home-theater equipment. Once the AVR 5550’s remote is programmed with the codes for the products you own, it is possible to eliminate most other remotes and replace them with the convenience of a single backlit universal remote control.
Programming the Remote Code Readout Learning Codes from a Remote When the code has been entered using the Auto Search method, it is always a good idea to find out the exact code so that it may be easily reentered if necessary. You may also read the codes to verify which device has been programmed to a specific Control Selector button. In addition to using codes from the remote’s internal code library, the AVR 5550’s remote is able to “learn” codes from remotes that may not be in the code library.
Programming the Remote on and off once and the Program/SPL Indicator 2 will flash green three times to indicate that the codes have been erased. To erase all codes that have been programmed to all devices in the remote, follow these steps: 1. Press any Input Selector 45 and also the Learn button +. 2. When the red LED under the Input Selector turns red and the Program/SPL Indicator 2 flashes amber, release the buttons. 3. Press and release the same Input Selector 45 again. 4.
Programming the Remote Programmed Device Functions Once the AVR 5550’s remote has been programmed for the codes of other devices, press the appropriate Input Selector 4 to change the remote from control over the AVR 5550 to the additional product. When you press any of these buttons, it will briefly flash in red to indicate that you have changed the device being controlled.
Programming the Remote Channel Control Punch-Through The AVR 5550’s remote may be programmed to operate so that the channel control function, performed with the Sleep 9 and Surround A buttons, for either the TV, cable or satellite receiver used in your system may be used in conjunction with one of the other devices controlled by the remote.
Programming the Remote Resetting the Remote Memory As you add components to your home-theater system, occasionally you may wish to totally reprogram the remote control without the confusion of any commands, macros or ”Punch-Through“ programming that you may have done. To do this, it is possible to reset the remote to the original factory defaults and command codes by following these steps.
Function List 3 2 1 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 21 22 15 19 20 25 23 24 26 28 27 30 31 29 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 62 61 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 48 FUNCTION LIST No.
Function List No. Button Name Tape VCR (VID 1) TV (VID 2) CBL (VID 3) SAT(VID 3) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 Power On Power Off Mute AVR DVD CD Tape VID 1 VID 2 VID 3 VID 4 AM/FM 6/8 Ch.
Troubleshooting Guide SYMPTOM CAUSE SOLUTION Unit does not function when Main Power Switch 1 is pushed • No AC Power • Make certain AC power cord is plugged into a live outlet • Check to see if outlet is switch controlled Display lights, but no sound or picture • Intermittent input connections • Make certain that all input and speaker connections are secure • Press Mute button , • Turn up volume control • Mute is on • Volume control is down Units turns on, but Front-Panel Display does not light •
Technical Specifications Audio Section Stereo Mode Continuous Average Power (FTC) 85 Watts per channel, 20Hz–20kHz, @ < 0.07% THD, both channels driven into 8 ohms 5/7 Channel Surround Modes Power Per Individual Channel Front L&R channels: 70 Watts per channel, @ < 0.07% THD, 20Hz–20kHz into 8 ohms Center channel: 70 Watts, @ < 0.07% THD, 20Hz–20kHz into 8 ohms Surround (L & R Side, L & R Back) channels: 70 Watts per channel, @ < 0.
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