Harmon Kardon announces the Bridge iPod dock along with surround receivers

More treats from the Apple Expo: Harman Kardon announced a new line of iPod-compatible home theater receivers (the AVR 140, AVR 240, AVR 340, and AVR 740) that range in channel configuration from 6.1 to 7.2 and in price from $700 to $3700. The flagship AVR 740 features some typical high-end features such as video upconverting, dual-HDMI inputs, a Faroudja DCDi processor and universal remote with LCD display. Not typical of other products in this category, however, is the paltry 85 watts per channel that the 740 manages to push in 7.2 mode (for comparative purposes, the Denon AVR-4806 will rock 130 watts per channel for about $100 less than the HK). What the 740 lacks in power, though, it makes up for with its iPod-friendly demeanor. Using Harman Kardon's minimalist, curvy new iPod dock, the Bridge, listeners can control their 3G and newer 'Pods from the HK remote and actually view menu items and track info on either their TV screen or the receiver's display. The Bridge, which will retail for $100, and the new receivers should be available in time for the holiday shopping season.

[markus @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

wattage doesn't mean anything! have you ever heard a 50 watt tube amp?

[Chrisman @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Umm...that's 85 continous sustained watts...NOT 'peak' like other receivers.

[ChrisH @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Yes, but the HK is also missing nice features like iLink/Firewire, which have become standard on receivers in that price range. The Denon also sports an additional HDMI and DVI input, so you can handle 4 digital signals, which will become more important in a year or two. The HK does have a better remote, but it really seems to be lacking overall for the price.

[Cdub @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

HKs have a much higher amperage rating than almost all of their competitors. More amperage equals higher current to your speakers.

[JK @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

That's because "amperage" is a word that ignorant fools use for "current." "Amps" are the unit current is measured in.

I'm not going to force everyone to start calling "voltage" "potential." That battle has already been lost. But please, you sound like some retarded electrician.

[Cdub @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

K, Thanks douche.

[Cdub @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

K, Thanks douche.

[Cdub @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

BTW, http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&rls=GGLG%2CGGLG%3A2005-23%2CGGLG%3Aen&q=define%3A+amperage

[JK @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Yes I know that many people use that stupid word already. But aside from the fact that many people use that stupid word to mean "current," your original statement was a tautology. Like saying "more chickens means a higher number of hens and roosters." No shit, Sherlock.

[JK @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

BTW, http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&rls=GGLG%2CGGLG%3A2005-23%2CGGLG%3Aen&q=define%3A+tautology

[Cdub @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

BTW, http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGLG,GGLG:2005-23,GGLG:en&q=define%3A+asshat

[JK @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

What did you "call me out" on? I acknowledged in my first sentence that "amperage" is commonly used to mean "current." I was just calling you, and others, a moron for doing so. You've yet to disagree with me, much less "call me out."

[JK (the other one, or for ease, Jamie) @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Cdub, when you've been proved wrong shut up and go home. I have A-Level physics and JK's right, amperage is a completely different thing, although quibbling over calling something P.D. or voltage is getting just a mite pedantic =P.

[JK @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Well technically, other-JK, I was saying that amperage and current ARE the same thing, but that amperage is what it's called by ignorant people who don't know anything about electronics, but like to talk about them.

Cdub, if you feel better thinking my degree is a 2 year from ITT, then go ahead.

Now while you're at it Cdub, can you explain why more current output capability is a good thing? Since I didn't make it past year 2, I never learned that.

[JK @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

(hint: it IS a good thing, but I bet your explanation is incoherent)

[JK @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Good one.... got anything to say about electronics, or is "amperage is a dumb way to say current" the extent of your teachings?

[Lando @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Must be the extent of his teachings. Anway, JK you did start off by being a bit of an asshat.

[cdub @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

In the case of audio amplifiers An amplifier that can deliver more current is capable of operating with lower speaker impedances. Remember that the rated impedance of a speaker is the nominal value and the impedance will be different at different frequencies. All speakers do this, but some drop to very low impedances of only a couple ohms or less. If the amp cannot supply the current necessary it will result in distortion or maybe even cause the amplifier to shut down. Is that good enough?

[The Cheap One @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Basically Cdub should apologize to "JK" for being a little girl and using the "Improper" term, even though it's quite acceptable. "JK" should also apologize for being such a royal asshat about the situation instead of being friendly and saying "the proper term is "Current" not "Amperage" ". Now back to the product, since i'm pretty lacking on funds and $3,700 is enough for a pretty good Car System I'd personally just buy a whole new system for my car (Where I listen to music most often) and any generic FM Transmitter so that I can jam to my iTunes on pretty much any system that has an AM/FM reciever. Sure there aren't as many kick ass features, but it gets the job done, and in the end that's all I ever wanted.