From the October 1994 issue of HOME THEATER TECHNOLOGY 
If You Like What You See Here, Don't Miss The Real Thing!
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Product Review

Tower of Power

Face Off!  Five Audio/Video Receivers

Five pillars of audio strength go head to head


What do you get when you add video switching, Dolby Pro Logic 
decoding, and three additional channels of amplification to the tried and true receiver formula of preamp, stereo power amp, and FM/AM tuner? An A/V receiver, 
of course. Neatly packing all these building blocks into a single, compact package, A/V receivers simplify the process and reduce the cost of building a great-sounding home theater audio system.

For this Face Off, our illustrious Panel of Editors set up five top-flight A/V receivers in the carefully controlled acoustics of record producer Keith Olsens Goodnight LA recording studio. 

To ensure a level playing field, we carefully adjusted the level of the front, center, and surround channels using a Sound Pressure Level (SPL) meter and the units built-in noise sequencer. After establishing a loud but comfortable playback level (72 dB SPL), we fed a 1 kHz test tone into the first receiver to be tested (the Onkyo) and measured the output voltage with a voltmeter. The overall playback level of each succeding unit was then adjusted to match.

The receivers were connected to the same M&K speakers and Pioneer PRO77 TV used in this months system review. The receiver was the only component changed each time; the rest of the system was left untouched. The primary source component was a Pioneer CLD-703 laserdisc player.

Each receiver was evaluated using the same assortment of laserdiscs and CDs. Each session began with WOW!, Lucasfilms laserdisc tribute to the films of George Lucas. All of the panelists have seen this special-effects extravaganza enough times and on enough systems to make it a de-facto reference. The opening sequence of The Abyss Special 
Edition (Fox Video 1988-85, THX) tests any systems steering, dynamic range, and dialog intelligibility with massive sound 
effects and varied dialog over background noise.
Speaking of varied dialog (sorry), you cant get much better than Robin Williams outrageous vocal gymnastics in the Transformation sequence from Mrs. Doubtfire (Fox Video 8588-85, THX). 
The final video clip was Dark End of the Street from The 
Commitments (Fox Video 1906-80). The song and the dinner scene that immediately follows the song is a great test of a systems musicality and dialog intelligibility.
Since most people listen to music as well as movies, we also tested each unit in its stereo bypass mode. With orchestral timbres ranging from delicate woodwinds to strings to a huge bass drum, Aaron Coplands El saln Mxico gave each receiver plenty of opportunities to strut its musical stuff. The beautifully recorded performance we used features the Detroit Symphony Orchestra 
conducted by Antal Dorati (London 430 705-2).
In a different vein, Peter Gabriels Kiss That Frog from US (Real World GEFD24473) demonstrated whether the unit could get down and boogie to a gritty, driving beat. With simple vocals and acoustic piano, the title track from Joni Mitchells classic album Court and Spark (Asylum E2 1001) provided more subtlebut no less importantchallenges.
For the final selection, we re-engaged the Pro Logic mode for a delightful Dolby-encoded music CD, Richard Baker and the Score Group (Kore Group 9402, call [800] 241-4115 to order). Track 3, Cats Pajamas, features sparkling washes of sound that swirl from the front to the rear. Its a superb demonstration of the musical possibilities of surround sound.
Our testing criteria included evaluation of each units setup (connectors, input labeling, Dolby calibration, manual, etc.) operation (switching, ergonomics, display, and remote), and audio performance (both on Dolby-encoded soundtracks and stereo music recordings). We listened for 
dialog intelligibility, wide dynamic range, good Dolby steering, well-balanced frequency response, and low noise, among others.
On the following pages, youll find each units individual review (in alphabetical order), followed by a conclusion page that summarizes the results. Heres what we 
discovered

This Face Off evaluation was performed by a panel of editors including:
Lawrence E. Ullman, Editor
Dennis P. Barker, Sr. Technical Editor
Scott Wilkinson, Sr. Contributing Editor
Also taking part was our intern, Tony Montgomery, who learned more about audio in two days than any sane person should.

Denon AVR-3000	$1,300
Denon America 
222 New Rd. Parsippany, NJ 07054
(201) 575-7810  fax (201) 808-1608

A powerful amp and wealth of features 
are weighed down by uncertain ergonomics and restrained sound.

A. Two buttons are used to select input sources; one steps through the audio sources and the other through video.
B. Two remotes are provided. The comprehensive remote has direct surround mode selection and macros.

Big and bold, the AVR-3000 is Denons top-of-the-line A/V receiver. Pumping 110 watts into each of the three front speakers and 35 watts into each rear speaker, it has one of the most powerful amplifiers in this test.
Setup was somewhat more difficult than with some of the other units. Theres no onscreen display, and the center and surround levels adjust in coarse increments, making it difficult to match levels. In addition, we couldnt initially figure out how to set the delay time, and finally had to resort to the poorly organized and translated manual.
The front-panel controls are difficult to read in a darkened room. The display is very bright and readable, but it indicates the surround mode instead of the input source as a default, which is less useful information.
However, the feature that we found most irksome is the method used to select inputs. Two buttons are used: one cycles through audio-only sources and the other through video sources. Needless to say, we much prefer direct source access.
The AVR-3000 comes with two remotes. The comprehensive learning remote includes macro capabilities, and can also select any surround mode directly. The simplified remote includes volume up/down buttons that are larger than the rest, and helpful color-coded regions.
The Denon sounded less bright than the Onkyo on audio-for-video; it seemed more laid back. Dialog intelligibility was fine during The Abyss, but it seemed somewhat veiled during the dinner scene from The Commitments. Music reproduction also seemed a bit muffled, lacking presence and punch. The dynamic range was not as wide as it should be, and the frequency response was similarly restrained, with less punchy lows and less clear highs. On the plus side, Pro Logic steering was excellent, and the unit exhibited less self-noise than any other unit in the test.
On the Copland CD, the upper midrange was a bit lacking, which reduced overall presence. One member of the panel thought the bass was excellent on the Copland and Gabriel; another thought it was a bit restrained overall. However, we didnt have to turn the volume down as we did with the Onkyo to achieve a comfortable listening level. Once again, none of the DSP acoustic-environment simulations was considered acceptable for music. However, the steering was exceptional on the Richard Baker 
surround-sound CD. The tuner had a very high output level, and seemed somewhat noisier than most. In addition, there was considerable leakage from the tuner when an unconnected input was selected.
When it was introduced almost three years ago, the AVR-3000 was cutting edge. Today, the competition has passed it by.

Ratings:  (1 to 5 - with 5 being highest score)

Ease of Set-up:  2.5
Features:  4
Sound Quality: 2.5
Ease of Use:  3
Value:  2


Harman Kardon AVR30	$1,149
Harman Consumer Group 
80 Crossways Park West
Woodbury, NY 11797 (800) 422-8027

This distinctively designed A/V receiver proves that different can be better.

A. Input and record sources are selected from a divided row of curved buttons.
B. Spring clips put in an unwelcome appearance on the back panel.
C. Two remotes are provided; one is a universal Home Theater Controller.

Distinctive in terms of its industrial and electronic design, the Harman Kardon AVR30 is the iconoclast of this group.
Pumping only 50 watts into the three front speakers and 20 watts into each rear speaker, the AVR30 is the least powerful unit in this test. This is more than offset, however, by the amps high-current discrete design, a construction method generally reserved for expensive, high-end components.
The AVR30 has more inputs than any other unit in this test, but it lacks S-video capabilities. It is also the only unit with a stereo subwoofer output; a mono option would be nice. We would also prefer binding posts to the spring connectors used for the center and surround channels.
The front panel is by far the most visually distinctive in this group. Sources are selected from a divided row of curved buttons; the upper section selects a source to listen to, while the lower selects a source to record from. Its quite ingenious. Each button has an associated LED, which is a good thingaside from tuner frequency and a tiny surround-mode indicator, the fluorescent display gives precious little information.
Although simple, the onscreen display does help in the set-up and calibration process. The noise sequencer can be stopped at any channel, a nice touch.  Amazingly, theres no center-channel level adjustment on the remote; it must be set from the front panel, away from the listening position. This is a glaring oversight.
Two remotes are provided. One is a full-function dedicated unit; the other is a simplified, preprogrammed universal remote.
The AVR30 produced a tremendously powerful sound. When the torpedo tubes burst open in the opening scene of The Abyss, one of the panel members exclaimed, I really felt that! Dialog intelligibility, dynamic range, Dolby steering, and music reproduction were all very good to excellent, and there was a good sense of surround envelopment. Bass was clean, strong, and very big; we ended up turning the subwoofer level down a bit. On the down side, there was appreciable noise from the surround speakers when no signal was present, even in Audio Direct mode.
The AVR30 turned in a very musical rendition of the Copland. On Peter Gabriels Kiss That Frog, however, some of the panel members thought the presentation was a bit harsh. Another summed up by saying, It rocks, but its very aggressive. On Court and Spark, Joni Mitchells voice and piano were very up front. Richard Bakers Dolby-encoded CD sounded superb in Pro Logic, with excellent steering and tonal balance. Finally, a quick listen to the FM tuner showed it to be solid and clean.
Other than the lack of a center-channel level adjustment on the remote, the AVR30s faults are minor. With its bold ergonomic design, numerous inputs, and excellent sound, the Harman Kardon AVR30 proves that different can be better.

Ease of Set-up:  2.5
Features:  4
Sound Quality: 4
Ease of Use:  3.5
Value:  3.5


Nakamichi AV-1	$1,200
Nakamichi America
955 Francisco St., Torrance, CA 90502
(310) 538-8150 fax (310) 324-7614

With warm, smooth sound and a nice variety of features, the AV-1 turns in a good home-theater performance.

A. The front panel is well-organized, with an effective display.
B. Spring terminals rear their ugly head on the otherwise well-equipped back panel.
C. Although logically laid out, the remote has small, dimly labelled buttons.

Nakamichi, well known for their high-quality cassette decks, has entered the A/V receiver market in a big way with the AV-1. Rated at 100 watts/channel for the front right and left, 50 watts for the center, and 30 watts/channel for the rear, this receiver was the only one in the test that fails to provide equal power to all three front channels.
All video inputs include composite and S-video jacks, which is nice, but this is the only unit without a front panel A/V input. Once again, wed prefer binding posts to the cheesy spring clips provided for the center and surround speakers.
The front-panel controls are well-organized and understandable, although some of the labels are difficult to read. The display indicates the input source in large letters along with the tuner frequency, which is better than displaying the frequency alone. There is no on-screen display. Dubbing from any source to any destination is very easy. In addition, this is the only unit in our test with an input-balance control on the front panel.
The learning remote includes a 10-key pad and direct access to all sources and surround modes, which is great. However, although theyre organized into reasonable groups, the buttons are small and many are black on a black background. Unfortunately, the manual is confusing in its layout and text, and the explanations are condensed and unclear.
During the movie clips, we found the audio performance to be quite good. At least one member of the panel rated it on a par with the Onkyo. For the most part, dialog intelligibility was excellent, although the complex dialog in the dinner scene after Dark End of the Street from The Commitments sounded a bit muddy compared to the other units in the test. Music reproduction, frequency response, and steering were all good to excellent. 
Listening to CDs, the AV-1 performed very well, producing a warm, smooth sound overall. Instrumental timbres were clear and distinct on the Copland; the strings sounded particularly warm and rich. Overall bass response was good, as well. The bass drum in the Copland was firm and plenty loud, but not boomy. For some reason, however, the bass-heavy rhythmic bed on Peter Gabriels Kiss That Frog sounded a bit compressed and not as big as the other units. In fact, one member of the panel thought the unit sounded like it was pushing the limit of its dynamic range. 
On the other hand, we all liked the fact that the lead vocals on Kiss That Frog and Joni Mitchells Court and Spark were more up-front than the other units. On the Richard Bakers surround-sound CD, the surround effect was not as pronounced as it was from the other units. The tuner sounded better than most of the units in the test, and there was no leakage from the tuner when an unconnected input was selected. As usual, none of the acoustic-environment DSP modes was considered acceptable for music.
All in all, the Nakamichi AV-1 is a good value. Its a solid performer, and provides good sound and a nice variety of features.

Ease of Set-up:  3
Features:  3
Sound Quality: 3.5
Ease of Use:  3.5
Value:  3

Onkyo TX-SV717PRO	$970      HOT TICKET!!!!
Onkyo USA
200 Williams Drive, Ramsey, NJ 07446
(201) 825-7950 fax (201) 825-8150

Superb performance at a reasonable price makes this receiver a hot ticket.


A. The front panel is clean and uncluttered, with logically labelled inputs.
B. S-Video inputs and outputs are conspicuously missing from the rear panel.
C. Although it has no 10-key pad and small buttons, the learning remote is well 
organized. 

The Onkyo TX-SV717PRO A/V receiver provides an out-of-this-world set of features at a surprisingly down-to-earth price. With 85 watts per channel for the front and 30 watts per channel for the rear, the Onkyo packs a potent wallop.
The front panel is clean and uncluttered. The A/V source-select buttons are generically labelled Video-1, Video-2, etc. These labels also appear in large letters in the display, which is a more flexible method than the component-specific labels found on most A/V receivers. The display is big and bright, and it can be dimmed, which is a nice touch.
Setup was a breeze, thanks to an exceptional onscreen display and menu system, which is comprehensive and easy to use. The Dolby test tone can be manually cycled from one speaker to the next, a feature we always appreciate. Theater mode includes a graphic indication of room size (using onscreen diagrams) and more control over the reverb parameters than most receivers offer. 
Even cooler, the Onkyo stores all parameter settings for each surround mode and remembers the mode assigned to each source, which is unique among the units in this test. However, you must cycle through the surround modes to select one; we prefer the ability to directly select any mode.
The learning remote has no 10-key pad, which is a minor bummer. More important, the buttons it does have are small and difficult to identify in the dark. The buttons are reasonably well-organized, however.
We found the sound quality to be a bit bright overall during the video clips. Music reproduction was excellent, with good dynamic range and frequency response. Pro Logic steering and dialog intelligibility were excellent, as well. Overall, we found this unit to be quite engaging; one member of the panel remarked that he felt as if he was there in the sub during The Abyss.
During the CDs, the detail was excellent; we could hear members of the orchestra moving around and turning pages during the 
Copland. We could also distinguish the pitch of the contrabassoon, which speaks well for the receivers clarity and bass response. In addition, the imaging was superb on all cuts. However, we thought that Peter Gabriels vocal on Kiss That Frog sounded a bit congested or closed in. The tuner sounded fine, with no leakage when an unconnected input was selected.
Of the DSP acoustic-environment simulations, only the Theater setting was acceptable for music, although it pulled all vocals to dead center. One panelist thought it sounded pinched, but the rest found it to be rather nice and spacious. The steering on Richard Bakers surround-sound CD was extremely good, with pronounced washes to the surround channel.
Overall, the TX-SV717PRO offers exceptional value. With excellent sound quality, superb user interface, easy operation, and features galore for the lowest list price of the bunch, this A/V receiver shot right to the top of our list, and receives our first-ever Hot Ticket award.

Ease of Set-up:  4.5
Features:  4.5
Sound Quality: 4
Ease of Use:  3.5
Value:  5

Yamaha RX-V1070	$1,299
Yamaha Electronics Corp. 
6660 Orangethorpe Ave., Buena Park, CA 90620
(714) 522-9105  fax (714) 994-2185

An excellent performer in all respects, this great-sounding unit is one of our favorites.

A. Direct source and surround-mode access is available from the front panel.
B. The rear panel is a model of clarity and organization.
C. The learning remote is better than most. Color backgrounds help group and organize buttons.

The Yamaha RX-V1070 is a superbly designed A/V receiver, providing 110 watts per channel across the front and 30 watts per channel to the rear. Thanks to the clean design of the back panel and an effective on-screen display, set-up was a snap. All video inputs offer composite and S-video jacks.
The front panel is rather busy with buttons, and the button labels are a bit difficult to read. On the plus side, the buttons provide direct access to all input sources and surround modes. 
The display always indicates the tuner frequency in large numbers, even when the source is LD/TV or VCR1. It also displays signal strength, delay time, andin tiny textthe selected surround mode. Tuner frequency is not always the most useful information; it would be better if the display changed according to the input source.
The learning remote is better than many weve seen. Video transport buttons are positioned on an orange background to separate them from audio-only commands. Unfortunately, there is no 10-key pad to call up channels or LD chapters directly. The manual is straightforward, well-organized, and written in clear, concise language. All operations are described in detail, and definitions of Dolby Surround and various DSP modes are provided for neophytes.
During the movie clips, we found dialog intelligibility to be super clear. Pro Logic steering was right on the mark, as well, proving to be exceptional in The Abyss. The dynamic range was superb, and music reproduction was warm and beautiful. The  low end seemed a bit weaker than the other receivers in this test at first; tweaking the volume on the subwoofer took care of it.
Yamaha touts its Dolby Pro Logic Enhanced mode, and we found it to be excellent. It sounds more alive than the receivers standard Pro Logic mode, and it seems to broaden the soundstage somewhat. While it can get in the way of complex dialog, such as the dinner scene after Dark End of the Street from The Commitments, it sounds great on musical material. Overall, we decided we would leave it in Enhanced mode for most movies.
During the audio-only portion of the test, the tuner sounded fine, although there was significant leakage from the tuner when an unconnected input was selected. While playing CDs, we found the bass a bit weak until we turned up the subs volume. All instruments were well-defined, especially the strings in the Copland. Overall, the sound was very 
warm and transparent on all selections with no sense that the receivers dynamic capabilities 
were being taxed. As usual, we thought the acoustic-environment DSP modes were detrimental to the sound.
The RX-V1070 was one of our favorite A/V receivers in this test; in terms of sound quality, we think its the best of the lot. It is easy to set up, and it performs well in all respects. Call this one a winner.

Ease of Set-up:  4
Features:  4
Sound Quality: 4.5
Ease of Use:  4
Value:  4

When all was said and done, the results of our first Face Off came as quite a surprise. The most expensive unit in the test received the lowest total point score (scores are the sum of a units ratings in each of the five categories: Ease of Setup, Features, Sound Quality, Ease of Use, and Value; the maximum possible score is 25), while the least expensive unit received the highest total and emerged as a clear favorite. Heres how they stacked up:

1)  Onkyo TX-SV717PRO ($970)

Here we have the lowest priced unit in the group, and its the clear winner! From setup to features to sound quality to ease of use: Onkyos done themselves proud with the TX-SV717PRO. Although the Yamaha 
has a slight edge in sound quality, the Onkyo costs over $300 less, and has many useful features found on none of the competition. In recognition of its outstanding price/performance ratio, this superb unit receives Home Theater Technologys first-ever Hot Ticket award.

2)  Yamaha RX-V1070 ($1,299)
In terms of sheer sound quality, the RX-V1070 is the clear winner of this Face Off. We loved its Pro Logic performance, outstanding dynamic range, and warm, musical sound. We even liked Yamahas Dolby 
Pro Logic Enhanced mode; in general, we found DSP settings other than Pro Logic did more harm than good on the other units. The Yamaha also distinguished itself with easy setup, good ergonomics, and great features (including that rarest of birds, a good remote).

3)  Harman Kardon AVR30 ($1,149)
Hewing to its own path in terms of industrial and electronic design, the AVR30 has much to recommend it. Although the least powerful unit in the test, its discrete circuit design never bent under pressure, producing a sound that can only be called, well, powerful. It is easy to use and has many great features, including the most inputs of any unit in this test. We do wish one of the two remotes had a center-channel level control, however.

4)  Nakamichi AV-1 ($1,200)
The AV-1 turned in a workman-like performance, never really offending, but never really shining, either. It was fairly easy to use and set up, and we liked its warm sound. Despite its lack of equal power to the center channel, it still managed to provide excellent dialog intelligibility.

5)  Denon AVR-3000 ($1,300)
Although the AVR-3000 has many nice features, a good Pro Logic decoder, and a powerful amp, it fell behind the pack because of its difficult setup, prickly ergonomics, and restrained sound. The lack of direct input-source access was considered especially irksome. State of the art when introduced almost three years ago, the AVR-3000 is getting a little long in the tooth.

 1994 Home Theater Technology Magazine

From the October 1994 issue of HOME THEATER TECHNOLOGY 
If You Like What You See Here, Don't Miss The Real Thing!
Subscribe Today To HOME THEATER TECHNOLOGY Magazine
On Newstands everywhere or 
Call (800) 264-9872 To Subscribe - $23.95 For A Full Year

