Harman Kardon

[Tom 17]

Anyone know the real difference between the HK DPR series (specifically, the DPR 1001) and the AVR receivers (such as the AVR 130)? Why is HK making both lines?

 

[Leprkon]

AVR vs DPR

the DPR line is strictly digital wherever the signal path permits (ie from CD's). the only analog conversion occurs at the wire for speaker output.

from the HK website (harmankardon.com):

With the introduction of the DPR 1001 Digital Path Receiver, Harman Kardon eliminates the need to convert digital signals back to analog between the output of the DSP and the input to the amplifier. This results in increased system efficiency, dramatically less heat and, thanks to the removal of the heat sinks, large transformer and cooling fan, a much smaller chassis that takes up less space

 

[Rip Van Woofer]

The all-digital implementation lepkron describes includes class D digital amps which run cool and allow a smaller case than the AVRs, like the blurb quoted above sez.

Class D amps generally have higher distortion than the usual class B and AB amps we're used to, but if H/Ks published specs are true it won't be even marginally audible in the DPRs. IMHO, Class D amps, whether truly digital or not, might be the wave of the future.

I'd love to see what someone like David Rich of The Audio Critic would make of the H/K circuit design.

There's an Audioholics article on digital/class D amps that's worth looking for and reading for more info.

 

[Tom 17]

Thanks for your input - and the reference to the article here on AH. I am particularly curious since I can get a brand new DPR 1001 for the same price as the soon-to-be-released AVR 235 (both 7.1), but am thinking that since, I am limited for space, the DPR could be a great pick-up.

 

[Mr.T]

Also with the DPR-1001 we all know is an excellent unit for the money, the new AVR-235 has not been proven yet to be just as good or better then the DPR-1001. Check out these reviews:
http://www1.shopping.com/xPR-Harman_Kardon_DPR_1001

Mr.T