Question 1

How to resolve a sound imbalance issue between my speakers on the HARMAN KARDON AVR 132 receiver?

Accepted Answer

A sound imbalance between the speakers of the HARMAN KARDON AVR 132 may be due to a poor connection, reversed polarity, or a calibration issue with the levels. Here’s how to systematically diagnose and correct this problem.

Start by checking the physical connections. Ensure that all speaker cables are properly connected to the corresponding outputs (Front L, Front R, Center, Surround L, Surround R) without any loose contacts. Also check the polarity: the red or marked (+) wire of the cable should be connected to the positive terminal (red) of the receiver and the speaker, while the black or marked (-) wire should be connected to the black (negative) terminal. Incorrect polarity results in a loss of stereo effect and sound imbalance. If you accidentally reverse the polarity of a speaker, it will be out of phase with the others and create a dip in the sound.

Perform an inversion test. Swap the connections of the two listening speakers on the opposite outputs of the receiver (for example, swap the Front L and Front R outputs). If the imbalance follows the speaker during the swap, the problem lies with the speaker itself or its cable. If the problem remains on the same output of the receiver, the AVR 132 requires recalibration of its output levels.

Use the test-tone function of the AVR 132 to precisely calibrate the levels. Start by positioning yourself at your usual listening spot. Set the receiver volume to -5 dB (visible on the main display). Press the Test Tone button on the remote: you will see "TEST-T FL DDB" appear on the display. The test tone will automatically circulate through your speakers in rotation (FL, C, FR, SR, SL), stopping for two seconds at each position. Gradually increase the volume until you can clearly hear the test tone. Using the up/down arrow buttons (▲/▼) on the remote, adjust each channel so that all speakers have exactly the same sound level, using the front-left speaker as a reference. The AVR 132 will make these adjustments for each surround mode separately, so you will need to repeat the process if you change listening modes. Once all levels are balanced, lower the volume to about -40 dB before pressing Test Tone to stop the test.

Adjust the trim levels if necessary. For finer adjustments without using the test-tone, you can use the Output Level Trim Adjustment function. First, select the desired surround mode (Dolby Pro Logic or stereo), then press the Channel Select button on the remote. The display will sequentially show "FRONT L LEVEL", "CENTER LEVEL", etc. Press Set, then use the arrow buttons to increase or decrease the level of each channel. This method is particularly useful for adjusting the subwoofer level. Changes made here are automatically synchronized with the test-tone settings and are retained in memory even when the receiver is turned off.

Check the speaker configuration. Access the setup and ensure that each speaker (front-left, front-right, center, surround) is configured according to its actual size ("Large" if it is a full-range speaker, "Small" if it is a small speaker). Incorrect size configuration can affect signal processing and create imbalances. Distance settings, although present on some devices, generally only affect timing delays, not directly the perceived volume.

Consider the different surround modes. Important: the AVR 132 allows for separate calibration of output levels for each surround mode (Dolby Pro Logic II, stereo, etc.). An imbalance that appears in one mode may be absent in another. If the problem only concerns a specific mode, repeat the calibration for that specific mode.

If after all these adjustments the problem persists, consult the manufacturer's customer service to check if there is a defect in the audio output concerned of the receiver.

Question 2

How to connect a subwoofer to the HARMAN KARDON AVR 5500 audio-video receiver?

Accepted Answer

To connect a subwoofer to your HARMAN KARDON AVR 5500 audio-video receiver, follow these simple steps:

1. Locate the subwoofer output

At the back of your AVR 5500, find the output dedicated to the subwoofer, usually labeled "SUB OUT" or "LFE". This output is designed to send the low-frequency signal to the subwoofer.

2. Connect the RCA cable

Use a mono RCA cable (often provided with the subwoofer):

Plug one end of the cable into the SUB OUT output of the receiver.
Connect the other end to the LFE or Line In input of the subwoofer.

3. Power the subwoofer

Make sure the subwoofer is plugged into an electrical outlet and turned on.

4. Configure the receiver

In the audio settings of the HARMAN KARDON AVR 5500, enable the subwoofer output if necessary. Adjust the volume level and crossover frequency for optimal integration with your main speakers.

5. Test the system

Play content with bass to check that the subwoofer is working correctly and that the sound is balanced.

By following these steps, you will be able to fully enjoy your subwoofer with your HARMAN KARDON AVR 5500 receiver.

Question 3

How to reduce the bass level on the subwoofer with the HARMAN KARDON AVR 130 audio-video receiver?

Accepted Answer

To decrease the bass level emitted by your subwoofer connected to the HARMAN KARDON AVR 130 receiver, follow these simple steps:

1. Access the setup menu

Turn on your receiver and use the remote control to open the main menu by pressing the Menu or Setup button.

2. Navigate to audio settings

In the menu, select the section dedicated to audio settings or speaker configuration. This section usually contains options to adjust the subwoofer.

3. Adjust the subwoofer level

Look for the subwoofer level or subwoofer volume option and reduce it to decrease the intensity of the bass.

4. Modify the crossover frequency (if available)

If your receiver allows it, adjust the crossover frequency. A higher frequency reduces the bass range sent to the subwoofer, which can help to soften overly pronounced bass.

5. Test and refine

After each adjustment, listen to different audio content to check if the bass level better matches your preferences. Feel free to adjust multiple times to find the optimal setting.

These adjustments will allow you to customize the bass reproduction according to your environment and tastes.

Question 4

How to perform bi-wiring of the speakers with the HARMAN KARDON HK 980 amplifier?

Accepted Answer

Bi-wiring is a method of connecting speakers that involves using two separate cables for each speaker: one for high frequencies (treble) and another for low frequencies (bass). This technique can improve sound quality by reducing interference and optimizing audio signal management.

Steps to perform bi-wiring with your HARMAN KARDON HK 980 amplifier:

Check the compatibility of your speakers: Ensure that your speakers have bi-wiring terminals, meaning two pairs of separate terminals (one for treble and one for bass).
Prepare the cables: You will need two speaker cables per speaker, one for bass and one for treble.
Remove the jumpers: If your speakers have metal jumpers connecting the terminals, remove them to separate the treble and bass circuits.
Connect the cables to the speakers:
- Plug one cable into the pair of terminals dedicated to bass.
- Plug the other cable into the pair of terminals dedicated to treble.
Connect the cables to the amplifier: Connect the ends of the cables from the bass and treble to the corresponding output of your HK 980 amplifier. Note that this amplifier must have outputs compatible with bi-wiring or an appropriate configuration.
Repeat for the second speaker: Make the same connections for the other speaker.
Check the connections: Ensure that all cables are securely connected and that there are no short circuits present.
Test your system: Turn on the amplifier and listen to check the sound quality and the proper functioning of the bi-wiring.

Bi-wiring can improve clarity and sound separation, but its effectiveness also depends on the quality of your speakers and your listening environment. Feel free to experiment to achieve the best possible sound quality.

Question 5

How to reset the remote control of the Harman Kardon AVR 230 audio/video receiver?

Accepted Answer

To reset the remote control of the Harman Kardon AVR 230 audio/video receiver and restore factory settings, follow this procedure:

Step 1: Press and hold one of the input selection buttons (Input Selector) and the "00" button simultaneously until the Program/SPL indicator starts flashing orange/amber.
Step 2: Press the "3" button three times. The red LED under the input selection button will turn off, and the Program/SPL indicator will stop flashing and turn green.
Step 3: The Program/SPL indicator will remain green during the reset. This process may take several seconds to a few minutes, depending on the number of stored commands to be cleared. Be patient and do not handle the remote control during this phase.
Step 4: When the Program/SPL indicator turns off completely, the reset is complete, and the remote control has returned to its original factory settings.

Important: This procedure will permanently erase all programmed codes, macros, and custom settings (Volume Punch-Through, Channel Control Punch-Through, etc.). After the reset, you will need to reprogram the codes for your external devices if necessary.

If the remote control still does not work after the reset, check that the AAA batteries (three batteries) are correctly installed, respecting the polarity indicated (+ and -) in the battery compartment located at the back of the remote control.

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