The Harman/Kardon AVR-347 is a no-compromise solution for the heart of a home theater, offering high power and high current along with 1080p compatibility and upconversion over HDMI.

When you just cannot compromise on power and audio fidelity, and you must have 1080p compatibility, the Harman/Kardon AVR-347 is one receiver you may want to strongly consider.

With a host of features and slick styling, this receiver will fit right in among the most elegant of home decors. But don't let its good looks deceive you, because this receiver is more than capable of driving most speaker systems made to extremely high levels.

Some of the more impressive items include 7.1 channel digital audio decoding, Logic 7 audio processing for two channel sources, and upconversion over HDMI at up to 720p. (1080p resolution is available as a pass-through.) The EzSet/EQ feature, Dolby Digital and dts DSP modes and XM satellite radio and iPod support (with optional "The Bridge" docking station) make this a well-rounded product suitable for nearly everyone. An RS-232 port is available "for software upgrades", though we doubt this will ever be utilized in the real-world. The HDMI repeater functions alone make this a noteworthy upgrade.

Looking at the amplifier specs reveals the AVR-347 is conservatively rated at 55 watts in seven channels. There's even a "standard" rating of 95 watts, but it just means that the company is tryinig to convey that its receiver can truly push out a lot of juice when called upon.

The AVR-347 is loaded with connectivity options. For those who need HD inputs, there are three component inputs and two Simplay HD-verified HDMI inputs. In addition to the S-video and composite video inputs, the receiver is also equipped with a 6/8-channel analog audio input and 6/8-channel preamp outputs. This is just the thing for power hungry people that may want to add some external amplifiers in the future. A set of stereo preamp outputs can also be used for a second zone--something we truly value in AV receivers.

Like its lesser-priced companion products, the AVR-347 also features Harman/Kardon's EzSet/EQ setup which makes configuring this beast as easy as pie. With a nice on-screen menu and excellent manual, even the most technically challenged of users will have little problem getting up and running quickly. As with every receiver made by Harman/Kardon, the audio quality is top-notch and powerful. Many separates don't sound any better or offer any more power, and most do not have the DSP capabilities of this receiver.

The only thing missing at this price we think is the native decoding of the new HD audio formats, which would have turned the AVR-347 from a good buy into a fantastic buy.

Pros: Awesome power, truly high-end sound quality, upscaling over HDMI with repeater,
Cons: Only two HDMI inputs, no native HD audio decoding

Warranty
2 years