I have a Harman/Kardon receiver, so I have to say that I am biased. I like Harman/Kardon, and the AVR 740 looks to be quite a receiver. It includes HDMI switching and upconversion to 720p or 1080i for 480i or 480p sources. Harman/Kardon has always been known for their smooth sounds and for having the power to back it up without fudging the numbers to make them look impressive.

The AVR 740: The Ultimate Audio/Video Receiver

Harman Kardon once again redefines the state of the art in audio/video receiver design with the availability of its flagship 7.2-channel AVR 740 – incorporating a host of the industry’s most advanced features and technologies, including The Bridge-ready iPod connectivity, to set new standards in audio and video performance, multiroom flexibility and ease of use.

Winner of an Innovations 2006 Design and Engineering Award, the AVR 740 features HDMI 1.1 switching, and provides upconverted and enhanced high-definition 780p and 1080i video output from 480i and 480p video sources. Along with extraordinary video quality, the AVR 740 delivers remarkable sonic realism, thanks to Harman Kardon’s EzSet/EQ II feature set, which provides automated system calibration and full-range room equalization, including stereo subwoofer adjustment capability. The AVR 740 features a high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth, discrete-output amplifier section that delivers 7 x 85 watts of power output (into 8 ohms, 20Hz – 20kHz, <0.07% THD, all channels driven; 2 x 100 watts in stereo; and ±60 amps of high-current capability), along with 24-bit/192kHz audio D/A converters and a Texas Instruments™ TI™ DA610 32-bit, 250MHz DSP processor for unsurpassed surround sound performance. The receiver also includes full-process Logic 7 surround-enhancement technology to deliver heightened sonic realism.

The AVR 740 offers an extremely comprehensive complement of additional video and audio connections and convenience features, including a USB port that allows users to listen to compatible streaming audio from their computers, and operate key music playback functions from the receiver’s remote control; multiroom/multisource audio and video operation; XM Satellite Radio-ready capability, and many additional refinements. The AVR 740 is supplied with Harman Kardon’s TC 30 activity-based remote control, an advanced yet easy to use remote that provides complete control of every component in a home entertainment system from a single device.

The Harman Kardon AVR 740 will be available in February 2006 at a suggested retail price of $3,499.

The AVR7400 seems to be replacing the AVR7300. And the new AVR640 is the successor to the AVR630.

eCoustics - HK Announces Shipping Date for its AVR 740 Receiver