Price Paid:  $500.00 from Circuit Sh*tty (open

Summary:
I got lucky finding this unit in 1997 while shopping for a television at Circuit City. I happened to be near the home audio section and heard a dismayed customer explaining that he needed to return the H/K because he had a Kenwood C/D player and wanted his audio components to match. Lucky me! Considering that the unit was retailing for nearly $900 at the time I couldn't say no. This unit by far has the richest and fullest sound of any receiver I have owned. It amazes me how other companies list their receivers at much higher power ratings yet they can't lay a finger on the smooth clear power the AVR delivers. Goes to show you that wattage measurements are just not the same from brand to brand. My only complaint with the unit is the awful remote control, but considering that that is all I have as a gripe, I think I did pretty well. I have just upgraded to the AVR525 (had to have the digital) but am looking forward to using this unit in the basement for my second system. Not a bad 1-2 punch!

Strengths:
crystal clear sound throughout

Weaknesses:
remote control

Similar Products Used:
Sony, Pioneer

Price Paid:  $90.00 from ebay

Summary:
I was super happy with this purchase. This unit has tons of power and worked great for movies and music. I recently upgraded to the AVR 7000 to gain Dolby digital.

Strengths:
Power. Sleek looks.

Weaknesses:
Remote wasn't that great but Harman Kardon always has funky remotes. Wouldnt keep me from buying another one. :)

Similar Products Used:
AVR25, AVR40, AVR7000

Price Paid:  $350.00 from Ubid

Summary:
I have used this receiver for over 5 years now. It simply rocks. I bought it as a refurbished product on UBID and I can safely say that it was the sweetest deal I could have had at that time. It is still in great condition and I use it only for stereo sound nowdays. I have it paired with a HK FL 8300 CD player and the sound is crystal clear.

Strengths:
Very good sound and stereo image

Weaknesses:
Too bad it didnt have Dolby Digital or I would never have to upgrade !

Price Paid:  $300.00 from eBay

Summary:
Well, if you are looking for the best the money can buy, I would HIGHLY recommend this unit. Has been the center of my joy since purchasing it in 1999.

Strengths:
Crystal clear highs and sufficient lows. It easily powers a set of vintage Dahlquist AudioPhile speakers as well as all the surrounds and center and all that jazz. I have been nothing but impressed since I purchased this a few years ago. I was skeptical in buying this unit, but will never again buy anything without Harman/Kardon''s tag on it. Has undoubtedly been the best receiver I have ever owned.

Weaknesses:
A weird crackling sound when adjusting the volume. Not too noticable. Remote can be complicated until you get used to it.

Similar Products Used:
Sony

Price Paid:  $450.00 from Circuit City

Summary:
I have had this receiver for over 5 years and consider myself lucky to be one of the few who own it. If you like the true nature of music, I don't mean PL, DD and DTS and all that other crap that says music sounds better when you send it through more resister and filters, I mean if you want nothing to interfer with your music, other than the orginal dynamics that HK has to offer, this is the AMP that you want. The more absolute beautiful sound that you can find in an Amp that only costed $1000 when it first came out. If you find one, buy it!!!! It's well worth it.

My system:
HK AVR70
HK FL8350 (I don't recommend, although sound awsome)
Monster HTS2500 Power Center
NHT 1.5i
Custom Made 22" 35lbs stands
Kimber Kable 4TC
Kimber Kable KCAG

Strengths:
Crystal Clear Sound Stage and Incredible Response and Dynamics

Weaknesses:
Clicking sound when changing volume levels

Similar Products Used:
HK Signature Series Amp and Pre-amp