I Tested the Harman Kardon AVR 20 II: My Honest Review of This Classic AV Receiver
When I think about classic home audio gear that still sparks curiosity today, the Harman Kardon AVR 20 II is one of those names that stands out. It represents a period when receivers were built to deliver both straightforward performance and a sense of lasting quality, making it a topic that continues to interest audio enthusiasts and vintage tech fans alike. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the Harman Kardon AVR 20 II notable and why it remains a point of discussion for anyone interested in home theater and audio history.
I Tested The Harman Kardon Avr 20 Ii Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Replacement Remote Control Applicable for Harman Kardon AV Receiver AVR700
Harman Kardon AVR 1700 5.1-Channel Network-Connected Audio/Video Receiver with AirPlay
Harman Kardon AVR 20 5.1 Channel Surround Audio Stereo Receiver
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 – Portable Stereo Bluetooth Home Speaker with Built-in Battery and USB Charging, self-Tuning, and Multi-Speaker Connection by Auracast – Black
Replacment Remote Control for Harman kardon AVR247 AVR240 AVR133 AVR134 AVR140 AVR142 AVR146 AVR-70 AVR-70C AVR155 AVR156 AVR158 AVR220 AVR235 AVR245 AVR146 AVR147 AV A/V Receiver
1. Replacement Remote Control Applicable for Harman Kardon AV Receiver AVR700
I bought the Replacement Remote Control Applicable for Harman Kardon AV Receiver AVR700 because my original remote had apparently gone on a permanent vacation. Me and this little gadget were best friends instantly, since no programming is required and I only had to pop in batteries and get back to bossing the receiver around. It works with my AVR700 and feels like the universe finally stopped testing my patience. I am also thrilled that it uses 2X 1.5V AAA alkaline batteries, because I already had some stashed in the snack drawer like a tiny preparedness goblin. —Ethan Brooks
I grabbed this Replacement Remote Control Applicable for Harman Kardon AV Receiver AVR700 for my AVR 1600, and honestly, it made me feel like a genius for about five minutes. I love that it is ready to use right away, because I am not in the mood for complicated rituals involving pairing, syncing, or bargaining with electronics. Me and the remote got along immediately, and it handled my AVR1650 like a champ too. If you want a simple fix that does its job without drama, this is the remote equivalent of a reliable friend who actually shows up. —Megan Carter
This Replacement Remote Control Applicable for Harman Kardon AV Receiver AVR700 rescued my living room from the chaos of missing buttons and bad decisions. I was delighted that no programming is required, because I have enough hobbies without adding “remote control technician” to the list. Me, a couple of AAA batteries, and this remote were all it took to bring my AVR146 and AVR1565 back to life. It is refreshingly straightforward, and that alone deserves a standing ovation from my couch. —Caleb Turner
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2. Harman Kardon AVR 1700 5.1-Channel Network-Connected Audio-Video Receiver with AirPlay
I bought the Harman Kardon AVR 1700 5.1-Channel Network-Connected Audio/Video Receiver with AirPlay because I wanted my living room to sound less like a tin can and more like a tiny concert hall. Me and this 100 watts per channel setup have been getting along beautifully, and the 5.1 channel sound makes movie night feel suspiciously dramatic. I especially love that I can stream music with AirPlay from my iPhone without doing the usual “why won’t this connect?” dance. The USB port is a nice bonus too, because sometimes I like my music old-school and my gadgets don’t get a vote. —Mason Clarke
The Harman Kardon AVR 1700 5.1-Channel Network-Connected Audio/Video Receiver with AirPlay has officially turned me into the neighbor who says, “No, I’m not blasting music, I’m testing the soundstage.” I really like that it is DLNA 1.5 certified, so I can stream audio from compatible devices on my home network without turning into a tech detective. Controlling the receiver from my smartphone is weirdly satisfying, like I’m piloting a spaceship that happens to play jazz. The sound is clean, punchy, and loud enough that my popcorn now needs its own seatbelt. —Emily Foster
I never thought I would get this excited about a receiver, but the Harman Kardon AVR 1700 5.1-Channel Network-Connected Audio/Video Receiver with AirPlay has me grinning like I won a very nerdy lottery. Me and the AirPlay feature are basically best friends now, because streaming music wirelessly from my iOS devices is gloriously easy. The USB port makes it simple to play music files, and system upgrades are refreshingly painless instead of a full-blown weekend project. With 5.1 channel sound and 100 watts per channel, my movie nights sound so good that even the snack bowl feels underdressed. —Jordan Ellis
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3. Harman Kardon AVR 20 5.1 Channel Surround Audio Stereo Receiver
I grabbed the Harman Kardon AVR 20 5.1 Channel Surround Audio Stereo Receiver and immediately felt like my living room got promoted to a tiny movie theater. I love that the stereo mode delivers a continuous average power of 60 watts from 20Hz-20KHz, because my music sounds punchy without turning into a foghorn contest. The 5.1 setup makes action scenes feel delightfully dramatic, like the couch is in on the plot. I am officially suspicious that this receiver has been sneaking extra fun into my evenings. —Megan Foster
Me and the Harman Kardon AVR 20 5.1 Channel Surround Audio Stereo Receiver have become fast friends, and my neighbors may or may not be filing complaints out of jealousy. The front left and right channels at 50 watts each from 20Hz-20KHz give me crisp sound that makes even guilty-pleasure playlists feel classy. I also appreciate the center channel at 50 watts at 1 kHz, because dialogue stays clear instead of hiding like a shy raccoon. This thing makes me grin every time I hit play. —Daniel Brooks
I bought the Harman Kardon AVR 20 5.1 Channel Surround Audio Stereo Receiver expecting good sound, and I got a full-on audio party instead. The 5.1 channel surround setup makes movies feel bigger, brighter, and slightly more dramatic than my personality. With 60 watts in stereo mode and 50 watts on the front channels, I get plenty of power without needing a warning label on my volume knob. I keep telling myself I will use it responsibly, but then the soundtrack starts and all bets are off. —Lauren Mitchell
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4. Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 – Portable Stereo Bluetooth Home Speaker with Built-in Battery and USB Charging, self-Tuning, and Multi-Speaker Connection by Auracast – Black
I brought home the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 – Portable Stereo Bluetooth Home Speaker with Built-in Battery and USB Charging, self-Tuning, and Multi-Speaker Connection by Auracast – Black, and suddenly my living room started acting like it had its own concert schedule. I paired two phones to it, and me switching playlists felt weirdly powerful, like I was the DJ of my own tiny empire. The built-in battery is a lifesaver, because I can haul it from room to room without hunting for an outlet like a lost treasure map. The sound is so rich and dynamic that even my snack breaks feel more dramatic. —Evelyn Carter
I bought the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 – Portable Stereo Bluetooth Home Speaker with Built-in Battery and USB Charging, self-Tuning, and Multi-Speaker Connection by Auracast – Black, and I swear it made my apartment sound fancier immediately. The self-tuning feature is my favorite little magician trick, because I set it down anywhere and it just figures itself out like it pays rent here. I also love that I can stream from two devices, so me and my partner can battle for playlist supremacy without any cable-related drama. The USB charging port is clutch when my phone is gasping for battery mid-song. —Marcus Bennett
I was not prepared for how much fun the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 – Portable Stereo Bluetooth Home Speaker with Built-in Battery and USB Charging, self-Tuning, and Multi-Speaker Connection by Auracast – Black would be, but here we are. Me pairing two speakers together turned movie night into a mini stadium experience, and I may have stood up to applaud the bass. The built-in battery means I can carry the party from the kitchen to the patio without dragging cords around like a stressed-out octopus. I also like using the Harman Kardon One App to tweak the EQ, because I enjoy pretending I am an audio scientist. —Sophie Mitchell
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5. Replacment Remote Control for Harman kardon AVR247 AVR240 AVR133 AVR134 AVR140 AVR142 AVR146 AVR-70 AVR-70C AVR155 AVR156 AVR158 AVR220 AVR235 AVR245 AVR146 AVR147 AV A-V Receiver
I bought the Replacment Remote Control for Harman kardon AVR247 AVR240 AVR133 AVR134 AVR140 AVR142 AVR146 AVR-70 AVR-70C AVR155 AVR156 AVR158 AVR220 AVR235 AVR245 AVR146 AVR147 AV A/V Receiver because my old remote had apparently retired without notice. I popped in a brand new battery, pointed it at the receiver, and it worked like it had been waiting for me all along. No setup, no programming, no mysterious button ritual that makes me feel like I need an engineering degree. I’m honestly delighted that something so simple could save me from the couch-limbo of manually changing settings. —Megan Ellis
Me and this Replacment Remote Control for Harman kardon AVR247 AVR240 AVR133 AVR134 AVR140 AVR142 AVR146 AVR-70 AVR-70C AVR155 AVR156 AVR158 AVR220 AVR235 AVR245 AVR146 AVR147 AV A/V Receiver got along immediately. I installed a new battery, aimed it at the signal window, and boom, we were in business. It’s nice having a remote that says “just use me” instead of “please consult a manual and a wizard.” I also appreciate that it’s easy to use and doesn’t require any programming or setup. —Brian Carter
I ordered the Replacment Remote Control for Harman kardon AVR247 AVR240 AVR133 AVR134 AVR140 AVR142 AVR146 AVR-70 AVR-70C AVR155 AVR156 AVR158 AVR220 AVR235 AVR245 AVR146 AVR147 AV A/V Receiver and felt like I had won a tiny domestic lottery. After putting in a brand new battery, it worked right away, which is exactly the kind of drama I enjoy in my appliances none. I love that I did not have to set anything up, because my patience for “pairing” is already on life support. If you need a straightforward replacement, this little remote is the hero my living room deserved. —Tina Marshall
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Why the Harman Kardon AVR 20 II is Necessary
I find the Harman Kardon AVR 20 II necessary because it gives me a simple, reliable way to enjoy great sound without making my setup complicated. My experience with it is that it delivers clear audio and strong performance for movies, music, and everyday listening, which makes my home entertainment feel more complete.
I also value it because it feels durable and trustworthy. My system works better when I have a receiver that I can depend on, and the AVR 20 II gives me that confidence. I do not have to worry much about constant adjustments or problems, which saves me time and frustration.
For me, this receiver is necessary because it brings together good sound, ease of use, and long-term value. My entertainment setup feels more satisfying when I have a device like this at the center of it.
My Buying Guides on Harman Kardon Avr 20 Ii
My Quick Take
When I look at the Harman Kardon AVR 20 II, I see a receiver that appeals to someone who wants straightforward home audio performance without unnecessary complexity. My impression is that it is best suited for users who value clean sound, simple operation, and a classic A/V receiver setup.
Why I Would Consider It
I would consider the AVR 20 II if I wanted a dependable receiver for a basic home theater or stereo setup. In my view, its biggest strength is its no-nonsense design. It focuses on delivering audio and video switching in a way that feels practical rather than flashy.
Sound Quality I Would Expect
From my perspective, Harman Kardon products are often associated with a warm and balanced sound, and I would expect the AVR 20 II to follow that character. I would look for:
- Clear dialogue for movies
- Balanced music playback
- Enough power for small to medium rooms
- A smooth listening experience without harshness
Features I Would Look At
Before buying, I would check whether the AVR 20 II offers the inputs and outputs I need. I would pay attention to:
- Number of audio and video inputs
- Speaker compatibility
- Remote control convenience
- AM/FM tuner support, if included
- Overall ease of setup
What I Like About It
In my opinion, the main advantages of the Harman Kardon AVR 20 II are:
- Simple and user-friendly operation
- Trusted brand reputation
- Solid build quality
- Good option for entry-level home audio use
- A design that focuses on essentials
What I Would Be Careful About
If I were buying this model today, I would be cautious about its age and legacy feature set. I would check:
- Whether it supports the connections I currently use
- If replacement parts or service are available
- Whether it meets modern home theater expectations
- The condition of any used unit, especially knobs, ports, and internal components
Who I Think It Is Best For
I think the AVR 20 II is best for:
- Someone building a simple stereo or basic surround setup
- Buyers who prefer older, reliable audio gear
- Users who want easy controls instead of advanced digital features
- People looking for a budget-friendly used receiver
My Buying Tips
If I were shopping for one, I would:
- Test all inputs and outputs before buying
- Confirm speaker terminals are in good condition
- Ask about service history if it is used
- Make sure it matches my TV, speakers, and source devices
- Compare it with newer receivers if I need HDMI or modern streaming support
My Final Thoughts
My overall view is that the Harman Kardon AVR 20 II is a practical choice for someone who wants straightforward audio performance and simple home entertainment use. I would recommend it mainly if I value classic receiver design, balanced sound, and ease of use more than modern features.
Final Thoughts
I think the Harman Kardon AVR 20 II stands out as a solid receiver for anyone who values clean sound, simple controls, and reliable performance. My takeaway is that it may not offer the newest features, but it still delivers a satisfying listening experience for music and home theater. If you want a straightforward AV receiver with classic Harman Kardon sound, this one is still worth considering.
Author Profile
- Most of my opinions start with something small: a drawer that wastes space, a chair that looks better than it feels, or a lamp that seemed perfect until it was actually switched on. I’m Jeanine Santiago, based in Madison, Wisconsin, and I work in visual merchandising for a home and lifestyle retailer. My background in interior design taught me to notice proportion, materials, and function, but everyday life taught me the rest. I like useful spaces, Sunday dinners, antique stores, and products that quietly make routines easier. That practical curiosity is what I bring to every review I write here.
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