Harman Kardon AVR2600 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver - Product Review

In addition to the standard Surround Sound processing modes, Harman Kardon offers its own Logic 7 surround decoding system. Logic 7 operates in a similar fashion to Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS Neo:6, in that it is intended to bring out a 5.1, 6.1, or 7.1 channel sound field from incoming two channel material. However, I found that Logic 7 also added a little more body to the result than the straight Dolby Prologic II or DTS Neo:6 offerings, in addition to adding the surround effect.

Zone 2 Operation

The AVR2600 has the ability to operate a 2nd Zone. Running the receiver in the 5.1 channel mode for the main room and two channels in a second room, and using the provided second zone control options, I was easily able to run two separate systems. However, no video signals and only analog audio sources can be sent to Zone 2.

I was able to access DVD and Blu-ray audio in the main 5.1 channel setup and easily access any analog audio source, such as FM radio, CDs, or iPod in the two channel setup in another room using the AVR2600 as the main control for both sources. Also, I could run the same music source in both rooms simultaneously, one using the 5.1 channel configuration and second using the 2 channel configuration.

However, the 2nd Zone feature can only be accessed by re-assigning the Surround Back Channels to the 2nd Zone. In other words, if you choose to take advantage of the 2nd Zone feature on the AVR2600, you limit your main room to a 5.1 channel speaker setup. Unlike many home theater receivers in this price class, no is no separate Zone 2 preamp output option on the AVR2600.

Cooling Fan

The AVR2600 also features a rear mounted cooling fan, which helps to maintain a relatively cool running temperature, even after extended use. However, it is always advisable to have ample space for air circulation on the sides, top, and rear of the unit.

Video Performance

The AVR2600 passed 1080p, 1080i, and 720p high definition video signals from Blu-ray Disc sources without introducing additional artifacts.

Also, using the HQV Benchmark DVD, I found that the internal scaler of the AVR2600 does a very good job with video noise reduction, detail, and an average job with jaggie elimination.

However, testing also revealed that the AVR2600 did not do as well in eliminating moire patterns, and displayed some instability in frame cadence detection. In addition, although detail was very good, there was some added video noise.

For a closer look at he video performance of the Harman Kardon AVR2600, check out my Video Performance Tests.

In addition, the AVR2600 offers custom video setting options that allow further tweaking of video performance, including deinterlacing on/off, black level, and crosscolor suppression in addition to traditional brightness, contrast, and color saturation settings.

These added setting options are usually not available in home theater receivers that provide video processing in this price range. The benefit of having these controls in the receiver is that they are independent of your TVs picture settings so that you can maintain separate video settings for sources connected directly to your TV from the ones connected through the AVR2600.

Note: 3D pass-through was not tested, as a 3D-enabled TV and 3D Blu-ray Disc Player were not available for this review.

What I Liked About The AVR2600

1. Excellent sound quality in both stereo and surround modes.

2. Amplifier power ratings based on All-Channels Driven model.

3. Good video processing and upscaling. Custom video settings can be used to tweak video performance.

4. Large rear mounted fan maintains cool running temperature.

5. Provides analog-to-HDMI video conversion and up to 1080p scaling.

6. 3D-compatible.

7. Uncluttered front panel.

8. Large, but easy-to-use remote control.

9. Visually appealing onscreen user interface.

10. Excellent user manual and full color connections guide.

What I Didn't Like About the AVR2600

1. No Multi-Channel preamp outputs - No Line output option for Zone 2.

2. No Bi-Amp speaker connection function.

3. NO front mounted HDMI input

4. No S-Video inputs or outputs. This is not a deal-breaker these days as most new home theater receivers are eliminating this connection option.

5. No dedicated phono-turntable input. If you need to connect a phono turntable you need to add an external phono preamp or use a turntable with a built-in preamp.

6. iPod/iPhone connectivity requires external, optional, docking station.

Final Take

The AVR2600 offers very good audio performance and more than enough power a medium-sized room.

The audio from audio-only CDs, DVD-Audio Discs, SACDs, and Blu-ray disc soundtracks, was clean and distinct, making the AVR2600 more than suitable for both extensive music listening and home theater use.

The AVR2600 also showed good stability during very dynamic audio tracks and delivered a sustained output over long periods of time without eliciting listening fatigue.

I also found the analog to HDMI video conversion and upscaling functions to be good for a home theater receiver although some improvement would be desirable in smoothing out jaggies a little, as well as better moire pattern elimination and frame cadence detection.

In terms of the number of features, Harman Kardon receivers may seem a little higher-priced in comparison with many of its competitors. However, where Harman Kardon excels is in delivering great sound quality via sturdy and powerful amplifiers, which is the core of a good home theater receiver.

While the AVR2600 is missing a few desirable features, such as preamp outputs, Bi-amping capability, and a dedicated phono input, is does offer solid audio performance, coupled with video processing and 3D compatibility. As a result, the AVR2600 is definitely worth consideration.

To dig into the Harman Kardon AVR2600 a little deeper, also check out my Photo Profile and Video Performance Tests

Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.