Harman HK 990 User Manual

HK 990  
Integrated amplifier  
Owner’s Manual  
HK 990  
Safety Instructions  
Important Safety Instructions  
1. read these instructions.  
2. Keep these instructions.  
3. heed all warnings.  
4. follow all instructions.  
5. do not use this apparatus near water.  
6. clean only with a dry cloth.  
7. do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.  
8. do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.  
9. do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. a polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. a grounding-type  
plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. the wide blade or the third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet,  
consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.  
10. protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles and the point where they exit from the apparatus.  
11. only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.  
12. use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table specified by the manufacturer or sold with the apparatus.  
When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.  
13. unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.  
14. refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug  
is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, or the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally  
or has been dropped.  
15. do not expose this apparatus to dripping or splashing and ensure that no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, are placed on the apparatus.  
16. to completely disconnect this apparatus from the ac mains, disconnect the power supply cord plug from the ac receptacle.  
17. the mains plug of the power supply cord shall remain readily operable.  
18. do not expose batteries to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like.  
CAUTION  
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK  
DO NOT OPEN  
the lIghtnIng flash WIth an arroWhead symbol, WIthIn an eQuIlateral  
trIangle, Is Intended to alert the user to the presence of unInsulated  
“dangerous Voltage” WIthIn the product’s enclosure that may be of  
suffIcIent magnItude to constItute a rIsK of electrIc shocK to persons.  
WarnIng: to reduce the rIsK of fIre or electrIc shocK, do not eXpose thIs  
apparatus to raIn or moIsture.  
the eXclamatIon poInt WIthIn an eQuIlateral trIangle Is Intended to  
alert the user to the presence of Important operatIng and maIntenance  
(serVIcIng) InstructIons In the lIterature accompanyIng the product.  
see marKIng on bacK of product.  
this product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by u.s. patents and other intellectual property rights. use of this copyright protection technology must be  
authorized by rovi corporation, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by rovi corporation. reverse engineering or disassembly is  
prohibited.  
In order to use the hrs-link feature in this product, use only the cable provided by the manufacturer to connect this product to another product. this cable uses ferrite sleeves to  
suppress radiated interference. use of any cable not supplied by the manufacturer may void the users authority to operate the equipment.  
3
HK 990  
Introduction  
Congratulations on your choice of the harman Kardon® hK 990 Integrated amplifier.  
Accessory List  
In order to obtain the best performance from this integrated amplifier, please be sure to  
read this owners manual and use your integrated amplifier only in accordance with its  
instructions.  
owners manual  
remote control + 4 aaa batteries  
ezset microphone  
power cord  
In terms of raw power, the hK 990 is the most muscular amplifier ever to carry the  
harman Kardon name, more than capable of driving the most demanding loudspeaker  
loads without breaking a sweat. but the hK 990’s awesome power is nothing if not highly  
rened, extending beyond watts and amps. With a choice of discrete optical or coaxial  
inputs or an analog-only signal path, as well as fourth-generation real-time linear  
smoothing (rls IV), 2.2-channel ezset/eQroom optimization, dual subwoofer outputs  
and an audiophile-quality phono preamp section, the hK 990 offers a combination of  
features you will nd irresistible. others, of course, may simply hunger for all that power.  
We understand completely.  
the special features of this unit include:  
high-current capability to provide the instantaneous current necessary to drive and  
control nearly any loudspeaker system precisely  
ultrawide-bandwidth amplifier design for improved transient accuracy and phase  
linearity  
low negative feedback for further improved dynamic accuracy  
use of discrete electronic circuitry to provide the highest performance level  
dual-path technology for pure analog or pure digital audio processing within the same  
product  
ezset/eQ room optimization for quick and accurate system setup, optimized for two  
channels and two subwoofers  
symmetric (balanced) Xlr analog inputs for lower noise levels and higher signal-to-  
noise performance  
rls IV digital-to-analog conversion technology, with dual conversion using two stereo  
ad1955 high-grade dacs in dual mono conguration  
hrs link for harman Kardon cd players to lock themselves to the external clock of  
the amplifier for a jitter-free connection, similar to having cd playback inside the  
amplifier  
dual differential input stages with their own high-voltage supply, resulting in high gain  
and low noise as well as high channel separation  
cascoded predriver stage to reduce high-frequency distortion, allowing crystal-clear  
high frequencies, free from any harsh sound  
thermaltracking mechanism usingthermaltrakoutput stage transistors that include  
internal temperature sensors to bias the current of the output stage in real time  
sophisticated electronic-protection circuitry to guard the amplifier from short-circuit  
or from damaged speakers and wires, without impairing sound quality, by using  
current limiting or output relays  
dc servo to ensure that the dc level of the amplifier output will stay within a specified  
limit at any condition  
multiple protection circuits to switch the amplifier off in case overcurrent, overvoltage,  
overtemperature or dc protection is detected  
dual toroidal transformers and up to 15,000μf of supply ltering per channel for high  
channel separation and tight bass control, even with low-impedance loads  
dual-line dot-matrix display  
record out available in both digital and analog domains (two analog outputs and one  
coaxial digital output)  
a/b speaker switching  
Ir remote extension jacks for control of the amplifier when placed in a cabinet  
harman Kardon system remote for control of compatible harman Kardon cd players  
and tuners  
4
HK 990  
Controls and Functions  
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1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
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!
1
Power indicator: this led will illuminate in amber when the unit is in the standby  
With both speaker 1 and speaker 2 selectors in the off position, output is supplied only  
to headphones. When using the automatic loudspeaker setup and calibration system  
(ezset/eQ), plug the microphone in here.  
mode to signal that the unit is ready to be turned on. When the unit is in operation, the  
indicator will turn white.  
2
System power control: press this button to turn on the hK 990; press it again to  
@
Volume control: turn to raise or lower output volume.  
turn the unit off (to standby). entering standby also saves all setup parameters.  
#
Remote Sensor Window: the sensor behind this window receives infrared signals  
3
Speaker 1/2 selectors: press to select speaker pair 1 or 2, or both, or neither  
from the remote control. aim the remote at this area and do not block or cover it unless  
an external remote sensor is installed.  
(headphone output only).  
4
Record Out selector: first press shows the record source presently selected in  
$
Enter button: press to select a parameter for adjustment and to conrm.  
the display. pressing on the source selector 5 within a few seconds after pressing 4  
changes the record source. exit this function by pressing 6 again, or wait for a few  
seconds until exit takes place automatically.  
%
Main Information Display: this display delivers messages and status indications  
to help you operate the amplifier.  
5
Input Source selector: select input source for listening by pressing one of the  
source buttons repeatedly to scroll through all the inputs either forwards or backwards,  
until the display shows the desired source.  
6
Input Setup button: press this button to enter/exit the Input setup mode. here you  
can select the physical connection for each source (analog/digital, etc.) as well as gain,  
bass/treble, etc. refer to the setup section of this manual.  
7
Speaker Setup selector: press this button to enter the speaker setup menu, where  
you can switch subwoofers on and off, select crossover frequency, run automatic speaker  
setup (ezset/eQ), etc. refer to “setup Instructionson page 12 in this manual.  
8
in a menu.  
Up/Down Arrow buttons: press to scroll through various options for adjustment  
9
Left/Right Arrow buttons: press to increase/decrease a parameter or to select  
between parameters after selecting a menu for adjustment with the up/down arrow  
buttons.  
)
Level Settings button: press to enter/exit the balance left/right adjustment for the  
speakers as well as subwoofer level.  
!
Headphone Jack/Setup Microphone input: plug in headphones if desired.  
5
HK 990  
Connections  
 
 
 
0 right speaker output, system 2.  
I processor analog inputs. these inputs go directly to the power amplifier section of  
the hK 990, bypassing the Volume and tone control. here you can connect the front  
channel pre out l+r signals from an external surround processor, to benet from  
the superior power of the hK 990 and control volume from the processor. NOTE: only  
use the processor input with a device that has its own volume control!  
1 right speaker output, system 1.  
2 rs-232 connector for possible future pc update, plus update switch.  
3 Input jacks for one or two subwoofer signals from external surround processor.  
J cd analog-input jacks. you can select either this input or the balanced input (D) as  
analog input in the cd Input setup mode.  
4 output jacks for two subwoofers.  
5 digital coaxial output jack for digital recording. also permits digital recording of  
K phono input for record player with moving magnet (high output and high impedance)  
or high-output moving coil cartridge.  
analog sources.  
6 preamplifier output jacks.  
L phono input for record player with moving coil (low output and low impedance)  
7 analog output jacks for tape recording.  
8 analog output jacks for cd-recorder analog recording.  
cartridge.  
M If your record player has a separate ground wire, attach it here to avoid hum noise.  
9 auxiliary input jacks, suitable for analog signals from video games, video recorders,  
N connect the trigger input (if available) on one or two subwoofers to these trigger on/  
off output jacks. When you switch on the hK 990, it sends a trigger signal, which  
switches on the subwoofer. When you switch off the hK 990, the subwoofer also  
switches off.  
etc.  
A tV input jacks for analog-sound input from your tV.  
B tape input jacks for analog tape replay.  
O hrs (high-resolution synchronization) input. use the included hrs cable to connect  
the hd 990 cd player (or other similarly equipped player) for optimum sound  
quality.  
P optical digital inputs (toslInK). connect any digital device with optical digital  
output to one of these inputs. push the optical jack through the hinged door that  
covers the input until it clicks into place.  
C cdr input jacks for cd-recorder analog replay.  
D balanced analog inputs (Xlr) for use with all signal sources that output balanced  
signals. available via the cd Input function only, as an alternative to the unbalanced  
rca jacks (input J). pin conguration for the Xlr Inputs: pin 1 is ground, pin 2 is  
plus/hot, pin 3 is minus/cold.  
E left speaker output, system 2.  
F left speaker output, system 1.  
G ac power-cord connection.  
H tuner analog-input jacks.  
Q coaxial digital inputs. connect any digital device with coaxial digital output to one  
of these inputs. usually, coaxial digital transmission is preferred to optical, given a  
choice.  
R remote In. to control your hK 990 with an external infrared remote sensor, connect  
the wire from the remote sensor here.  
S remote out. connect other harman Kardon devices (you may also experiment with  
other brands) that you wish to control with the hK 990 remote control to this output.  
6
HK 990  
Connections  
Connecting Other Components  
1. make sure your amplifier and other components are turned off.  
2. connect each components output/play jacks to the corresponding input jacks on the  
back of your amplifier and, if available, the components input/record jacks to the  
output jacks of the hK 990. use the white, black or gray plugs to connect left-channel  
jacks; use the red plugs for right-channel jacks.  
Wired Remote Control  
to control your amplifier with an external infrared remote sensor,connect the wire from the  
remote sensor to the remote In jack on the back panel.or,if another stereo component has  
a built-in infrared remote sensor and a remote out jack, it may be possible to connect this  
jack to the remote In jack of your amplifier. all harman Kardon products with remote In  
and remote out jacks are compatible with one another, except for the citation 22, 24  
and 25.  
other manufacturersremote sensors and components may not be compatible, but it will  
not hurt to experiment. a second wire may be used to connect your amplifiers remote  
out jack to the remote input of another stereo component. continue this process to  
include additional components (if compatible).  
Connecting Speakers  
3. for best performance, use high-quality speaker cables. however, ordinary copper wire  
can be used if the gauge meets the following requirements:  
Wire length  
min. diameter  
1/32" (1mm)  
3/64" (1.25mm)  
1/16" (1.6mm)  
5/64–3/32" (2–2.5mm)  
up to 8.2 feet (up to 2.5 meters)  
up to 13.1 feet (up to 4 meters)  
up to 19.7 feet (up to 6 meters)  
above 19.7 feet (above 6 meters)  
4. avoid rolling excess wire with or near signal interconnects.  
IMPORTANT: When connecting two pairs of speakers, determine the impedance of each  
pair by looking on the back of the speakers or in your owners manual, or by contacting  
your dealer or manufacturer.  
You can listen to two pairs of speakers at the same time ONLY if the impedance of  
EACH speaker is NOT LESS THAN 8 ohms.  
WARNING: do not play sets of speakers simultaneously except as recommended above.  
amplifier may overheat.  
AC Power  
plug the cord into a 120V ac wall outlet. the power indicator will light up to indicate  
power on.to disconnect the power input completely, the main plug must be disconnected  
from the mains.  
7
HK 990  
Remote Control  
Independent Remote Control  
System Off  
Button  
Device On/Off  
Buttons  
the system remote of the hK 990 can control the amplifier, compatible tuners, cd players  
and cd recorders. the remote In jack of units without an integrated Ir receiver must  
be connected to the amplifiers remote control output jack so that the system remote  
control can operate them.  
Important notes:  
System On  
Buttons  
to remote-control a tuner, cd recorder or cd player, the appropriate input (“tuner,”  
“cdr” or “cd”) must have been selected with the source buttons of the remote  
control (selecting on the front panel is not sufcient).  
note that dVd players cannot be controlled by the remote.  
Time Button  
Operating Conditions  
Mode Button  
Display Button  
the control unit operates effectively within a distance of 23 feet (7 meters) and an angle  
of 30° from the amplifier. using the control near uorescent lights may shorten this  
range, as will any dust or dirt that accumulates on the front of the remote control or  
the remote-sensor area of the amplifier. also, avoid blocking the line of sight between  
amplifier and remote.  
Info/RDS Button  
Numeric  
Buttons  
(0–9)  
Band Button  
FM Mode Button  
Auto Button  
Install the four supplied aaa batteries in the remote as shown. be certain to follow the (+)  
and (–) polarity indicators that are on the top of the battery compartment.  
Mem Button  
Clear Button  
Prog Button  
Check Button  
Speaker Setup  
Button  
Input Setup  
Button  
Arrow  
Buttons  
When you replace weak batteries, replace all at the same time. When the remote is to be  
unused for an extended period, remove the batteries to prevent damage from corrosion.  
EQ Preset  
Button  
Level Settings  
Button  
Enter Button  
Instructions for Users on Removal and Disposal  
of Used Batteries. Specification of Included  
Battery Types.  
+
Scroll /–  
+
Volume /–  
Buttons  
Buttons  
these symbols shown on the product, the packaging or in  
the manual or separate information sheet mean that the product itself, as well as the  
batteries included or built into the product, should never be thrown away with general  
household waste. take them to applicable collection points, where proper treatment,  
recycling and recovery takes place, in accordance with national or local legislation, or  
european directives 2002/96/ec and 2006/66/ec.  
Pause Button  
Mute Button  
Select Button  
correct handling of the product and batteries to be disposed helps save resources and  
prevents possible negative effects on the environment or human health.  
<<  
>>  
Button  
Button  
Stop Button  
Play Button  
the batteries included with your equipment may be alkaline, carbon zinc/manganese  
or lithium (button cells) type. all types should be disposed of according to the above  
instructions.  
<<  
>>  
| Button  
|
Button  
Repeat Button  
to remove the batteries from your equipment or remote control, reverse the procedure  
described in the owners manual for inserting batteries.  
+10/–10  
Buttons  
Open/Close  
Button  
for products with a built-in battery that lasts for the lifetime of the product, removal  
may not be possible for the user. In this case, recycling or recovery centers handle the  
dismantling of the product and the removal of the battery. If, for any reason, it becomes  
necessary to replace such a battery, this procedure must be performed by authorized  
service centers.  
+
Folder /–  
Buttons  
Random  
Button  
Repeat A/B  
Button  
8
HK 990  
Remote Control  
Select: When listening to a tuner, press this button to alternate between auto tune,  
manual tune or preset tune.  
HK 990 Remote Control Functions  
Device On/Off: press these two buttons to switch on and off a (harman Kardon) device  
selected with the mode button or selected by pressing its system on source button (in  
both cases, the system on device button lights up).  
Pause: When playing a cd, press this button to pause the disc momentarily. press again  
to resume play.  
Mute: press this button to silence the hK 990 momentarily. “muted” flashes in the front-  
panel display. press again to re-activate sound output.  
System Off: press to switch off the entire system (the hK 990 and other harman Kardon  
products that have a remote sensor or are connected to the remote jacks on the hK 990  
back panel).  
and  
(Search buttons): press one of these buttons to search fast forward or  
››  
‹‹  
backward on a cd or tape.you can hear intermittent sounds from the cd while searching.  
System On: this group of nine buttons switches on the hK 990 as well as the (harman  
Kardon) device labeled on the button (“amp,” “cd,” “tuner,” “cdr,” “tape”) that you  
press. It also switches the remotes frequencies to control the device indicated on the  
active button and selects this device to be input to the hK 990. please note that while  
to a number of remote functions are switched to control the device selected, some of  
the amplifiers main functions always remain active, such as Volume. please refer to the  
“remote function liston page 10 for information on which functions can be remote  
controlled for each type of device and which buttons always control the hK 990.  
normal playback resumes when you release the button.  
and  
(Skip buttons): press one of these buttons to move to the next track or to  
››|  
|‹‹  
the previous track on a cd or tape. repeatedly pressing one of the buttons skips more  
tracks. on a cd, pressing skip forward while playing the last track skips to track 1, and  
pressing skip back while playing track 1 skips to the last track.  
Stop: press to stop play of a cd or tape.  
Play: press to start playback of a cd or tape. If the cd drawer is open, the drawer closes  
and play begins. pressing the play button again pauses play momentarily, same as the  
pause button.  
Mode: press to scroll through the nine system on buttons, each button lighting up in  
turn. this feature allows you to control the device you select without changing the input  
of the hK 990. note that a number of remote functions are always active for the hK 990  
no matter which device you select with the mode button. refer to the “remote function  
liston page 10.  
+10 and –10: When playing a cd, press the +10 button to skip 10 tracks forward and  
the –10 button to skip 10 tracks backward from the track you are playing. another press  
skips 10 more tracks. If there are fewer than 10 tracks to the end or start of the cd, the  
last or rst track is played.  
Info/RDS: press to select information for a cd player, such as cd-text if available on the  
cd. selects rds function for a tuner.  
Folder + and Folder – : When the system is playing a cd with mp3 files, press these  
buttons to move to the next or the previous folder with mp3 material.  
Time: press to select time information for a cd player or a cd recorder.  
Display: press to switch the display brightness of the hK 990 and other hK units in steps  
Repeat: When playing a cd, pressing this button once repeats the current track, shown  
as “rep 1” in the cd players display. pressing once more repeats the entire cd, shown  
as “rep all” in the cd players display. third press exits repeat play.  
of “fullbrightness, “reducedbrightness and “display off.”  
Numeric Buttons (0–9): press to enter track numbers on cd or cdr units or to enter  
preset numbers/frequency digits on a tuner. you may begin play of a cd with the numeric  
buttons by entering the digits of the track directly. press “5” to initiate play from track 5,  
“1” immediately followed by “4” to initiate play from track 14, “2” immediately followed  
by “7” to initiate play from track 27, etc.  
Repeat A-B: When playing a cd, press once to establish a starting point (shown as “rep  
a” in the cd players display) and a second time to establish an end point (shown as “rep  
a-b” in the cd players display).the audio between these two points is repeated as a loop  
until you press the button a third time, returning to normal play.  
Band: press to switch between frequency bands on a tuner.  
Open/Close: press to open the cd drawer when it is closed and to close it when it is  
open. the drawer may also be closed by pressing “play.”  
FM Mode: press to switch between stereo and mono on a tuner.  
Random: When playing a cd, press this button to play all tracks in random order.  
Auto: press to switch between automatic and manual tuning on a tuner.  
Mem: press to memorize a radio station in the preset memory of a tuner.  
Clear: press to clear the memory of a cd/cdr or clear a preset from tuner station list.  
Check: press to check the order of tracks programmed into a cd players memory.  
Prog: press to begin the process of programming a cd player to play the tracks of a disc  
in a specific order.  
Speaker Setup: press to enter the hK 990 speaker setup functions. see “speaker  
setupon page 12 for explanation of the process.  
Input Setup: press to enter the hK 990 Input setup functions. see “Input setupon page  
11 for explanation of the process.  
Arrow Buttons  
(
): press to navigate within the menus of the hK 990.  
ꢀ  
EQ Preset: press to enter the hK 990 equalizer preset functions. see “eQ preseton  
page 13 for explanation of the eQ presets.  
Level Settings: press to enter the hK 990 level setting functions. see “level settings”  
on page 13 for explanation of the level-setting process.  
Enter: press to conrm a selection within an hK 990 setup procedure or to switch  
between selections. see under each setup process for further explanations.  
Scroll  
: When listening to a tuner, press + to tune to higher-frequency stations  
+/  
-
and to tune to lower-frequency stations. also see the owners manual for your harman  
Kardon tuner.  
Volume  
: press to adjust the hK 990 volume up or down.  
+/-  
9
HK 990  
Remote Function List  
Button name  
HK 990  
CD player  
Tuner  
CDR  
Tape  
on  
TV, Processor, Phono, Aux  
device on (selected device)  
on  
on  
on  
on  
-
device off (selected device)  
off  
off  
off  
off  
off  
-
system off (all devices off)  
off  
off  
off  
off  
off  
off  
amp  
amp select  
amp select  
processor input select  
cd input select  
tuner input select  
phono input select  
tV input select  
tape input select  
aux input select  
cdr input select  
switch between devices  
Info/rds  
amp select  
processor input select  
cd input select  
tuner input select  
phono input select  
tV input select  
tape input select  
aux input select  
cdr input select  
switch between devices  
Info/rds  
amp select  
amp select  
amp select  
processor  
processor input select  
processor input select  
processor input select  
processor input select  
cd  
cd input select  
cd input select  
cd input select  
cd input select  
tuner  
tuner input select  
tuner input select  
tuner input select  
tuner input select  
phono  
phono input select  
phono input select  
phono input select  
phono input select  
tV  
tV input select  
tV input select  
tV input select  
tV input select  
tape  
tape input select  
tape input select  
tape input select  
tape input select  
aux  
aux input select  
aux input select  
aux input select  
aux input select  
cdr  
cdr input select  
cdr input select  
cdr input select  
cdr input select  
mode (no remote signal)  
switch between devices  
switch between devices  
switch between devices  
switch between devices  
Info/rds  
time  
-
-
-
-
-
time  
-
time  
-
-
display  
0–9  
display  
display  
display  
display  
display  
display  
-
track select  
-
preset select  
band  
track select  
-
-
band  
-
-
-
-
fm mode  
auto  
-
-
fm mode  
-
-
-
-
-
auto  
-
-
-
mem  
-
-
mem  
-
-
-
clear  
-
clear  
clear  
clear  
-
-
check  
-
check  
-
check  
-
-
prog  
-
prog  
-
prog  
-
-
speaker setup  
Input setup  
speaker setup  
Input setup  
menu navigation  
speaker setup  
Input setup  
menu navigation  
speaker setup  
Input setup  
menu navigation  
speaker setup  
Input setup  
menu navigation  
speaker setup  
Input setup  
menu navigation  
speaker setup  
Input setup  
menu navigation  
eQ preset  
eQ preset  
eQ preset  
enter  
eQ preset  
eQ preset  
eQ preset  
eQ preset  
enter  
enter  
enter  
enter  
enter  
enter  
level settings  
scroll + (repeating button)  
Vol + (repeating button)  
scroll – (repeating button)  
Vol – (repeating button)  
select  
level settings  
level settings  
-
level settings  
level settings  
level settings  
level settings  
-
scroll +  
-
-
-
Vol +  
Vol +  
Vol +  
Vol +  
Vol +  
Vol +  
-
-
scroll –  
-
-
-
Vol –  
Vol –  
Vol –  
Vol –  
Vol –  
Vol –  
-
-
select  
-
-
-
pause  
-
pause  
-
pause  
mute  
-
-
mute  
mute  
mute  
mute  
mute  
mute  
(repeating button)  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
search back  
search fwd  
skip back  
stop  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
search back  
search fwd  
skip back  
stop  
search back  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
<<  
(repeating button)  
search fwd  
>>  
(repeating button)  
skip back  
|<<  
stop  
>
stop  
play  
play  
play  
(repeating button)  
skip fwd  
+10  
skip fwd  
-
skip fwd  
>>|  
+10 (repeating button)  
folder + (repeating button)  
repeat  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
folder +  
repeat  
open / close  
–10  
-
repeat  
open / close  
-
open / close  
–10 (repeating button)  
folder – (repeating button)  
rep a-b  
folder –  
rep a-b  
random  
-
rep a-b  
random  
random  
This function list shows all functions of the HK 990 and external devices that can be controlled by the HK 990 remote.  
10  
HK 990  
Setup Instructions  
HK 990 – Setup  
Input Type  
here are the factory settings of the hK 990 stereo integrated amplifier:  
each input can be congured to the following connections on the rear panel:  
source listen: cd  
cd  
source record: cd  
unbalanced analog  
balanced analog  
coaxial 1  
processor input: analog unbalanced  
cd input: analog unbalanced  
tuner input: analog unbalanced  
aux input: analog unbalanced  
cdr input: digital coaxial 1  
coaxial 2  
optical 1  
optical 2  
hrs-link  
digital  
tape input: analog unbalanced  
tV input: digital coaxial 2  
tuner  
unbalanced analog  
coaxial 1  
coaxial 2  
optical 1  
optical 2  
phono (turntable) input: analog mm (moving magnet)  
digital  
Speaker 1 & 2 (front panel only)  
When pressing the buttons speaker 1 or speaker 2, you will rst see the current status  
setting; pressing one more time within five seconds on speaker 1 and/or speaker 2 will  
turn the settings on or off. up to two speaker pairs can be connected and amplified at  
the same time. note the minimum load warning above.  
phono  
moving magnet analog  
moving coil analog  
Source < and > (front panel only)  
tV  
the source buttons can be used in two ways:  
unbalanced analog  
coaxial 1  
directly, giving access to the playback source, switched with immediate effect.  
coaxial 2  
optical 1  
after having entered the record out mode to select the source to be routed to the  
record path.  
digital  
optical 2  
Record Out (front panel only)  
auX  
When pressing the record out button, you will have access to the selection of the source  
you would like to get directed to the record outputs. scroll through the list of record  
sources – cd, tuner, auX, cdr, tape, tV and phono – with the < and > buttons until  
the desired source appears in the display.  
unbalanced analog  
coaxial 1  
coaxial 2  
optical 1  
digital  
Whether the source is analog or digital, the hK 990 will deliver the record signal in both  
domains simultaneously through both the analog (cdr and tape) and the digital (coaxial)  
outputs. this means that any analog input can be recorded digitally without addition of  
an external analog/digital converter.  
optical 2  
cdr  
unbalanced analog  
coaxial 1  
Input Setup (front panel and remote control)  
coaxial 2  
optical 1  
digital  
each input of the hK 990 can be congured to match the system and your personal taste.  
In the following you can read a description of the Input setup settings in detail, followed  
by the options available for each input. pressing the Input setup button on the front panel  
or the remote control enters and exits the Input setup menu.  
optical 2  
tape  
unbalanced analog  
coaxial 1  
note that the selection and navigation through the setup menus is made using the up,  
down, left and right arrow buttons and the enter button.  
coaxial 2  
optical 1  
digital  
optical 2  
processor  
unbalanced analog  
the physical rear-panel connection that you have associated with each input in the  
Input setup procedure also determines the recording-signal source when you select  
that device in the record out menu.  
11  
HK 990  
Setup Instructions  
Audio Mode  
Speaker Setup  
the hK 990 can handle analog as well as digital signals. It can process any input in the  
digital domain to equalize the signal and tailor the sound to the loudspeakers and room  
acoustics, once either the ezset/eQ or the manual bass management has been set up  
(see below).  
When pressing the speaker setup button, a menu opens to offer a choice between  
manual mode or ezset/eQ setup. below is a description of both options.  
Manual Mode  
you choose the method and the processing according to your preference within the Input  
If you know your system and your room well and simply want to manage the low-  
frequency response of your system without correcting the frequency response of  
subwoofers and main speakers, select the manual mode. this is a basic bass manager  
setup.  
setup menu.  
the five audio modes are as follows:  
1. Direct Path: selection of the direct path is an analog-input-only option. It bypasses  
all digital processing (adc, dsp and dac) to reduce the signal path to an absolute  
minimum, consisting of volume control only. If you select an input to be associated  
with a digital source, the direct path setting is not available, being an analog-only  
option.  
once manual mode has been selected, follow the steps below:  
1. “Subwoofer 1 On/Off”: select “on” if a subwoofer is connected to the sub 1  
output.  
2. “Subwoofer 2 On/Off”: select “on” if a subwoofer is connected to the sub 2  
2. DSP Path: selecting the dsp path opens access to the tone-control circuits. In this  
mode, the analog signals are routed to the a/d converter, digital sound processor and  
d/a converter path prior to volume adjustment.  
output.  
3. “Crossover Frequency”: If either sub1 or sub2 is on, you can select the crossover  
frequency, where the main speakerslower frequency limit and the subwoofers  
upper frequency limit is placed. the setting goes from 40 to 200hz in 10hz steps.  
3. EQ1 LF (low-frequency correction): this mode should be selected once the  
ezset/eQ setup has been carried out (see below). If selected before the ezset/eQ  
setup, it will simply provide the same result as the dsp path, being a at response  
with access to the tone controls. the eQ1 lf mode is the rst preset available after  
the ezset/eQ calibration has been carried out. this preset processes the subwoofer  
channels only, correcting the acoustics of the room in the low-frequency range while  
keeping the response curve of the main speakers unchanged.  
4. Save and Exit: to save the steps 1 to 3, press enter after each step.  
EzSet/EQ Mode  
If you want to benet from the hK 990’s advanced, automatic frequency correction and  
setup system, select ezset/eQ mode. the process is described in detail below.  
4. EQ2 LF+MF (low- and mid-frequency correction): this mode should be selected  
once the ezset/eQ setup has been carried out (see below). If selected before the  
ezset/eQ setup, it will simply provide the same result as the dsp path, being a at  
response with access to tone controls. the eQ2 lf + mf mode is the second preset  
available after the ezset/eQ calibration has been carried out. this preset is active for  
the low- and mid-frequency responses of both the main speakers and the subwoofers  
when it calibrates the system to the room. as a result, both the subwoofer and main  
speaker response curves are modified to accommodate the system response to the  
room. the response curve of the main speakers is corrected up to 1khz and kept  
unaffected above this frequency, leaving the rest of the audio spectrum unaffected.  
Setup Process  
the setup process consists of the following steps:  
1. “Subwoofer 1 On/Off”: select “on” if a subwoofer is connected to the sub 1  
output.  
2. “Subwoofer 2 On/Off”: select “on” if a subwoofer is connected to the sub 2  
output.  
3. “Crossover Frequency Automatic/Manual” (only if at least one subwoofer is  
connected to the HK 990): select whether you want to set a crossover frequency  
of your choice manually or let the hK 990’s algorithm measure your main speaker  
limitations automatically.  
5. EQ3 LF + MF + HF (low-, mid- and high-frequency correction): this mode should  
be selected once the ezset/eQ setup has been carried out (see below). If selected  
before the ezset/eQ setup, it will simply provide the same result as the dsp path,  
being a at response with access to tone controls.the eQ3 lf + mf + hf mode is the  
third preset available after the ezset/eQ calibration has been carried out. this preset  
optimizes not only the main speaker and subwoofer responses to accommodate the  
room acoustics, but also corrects the high-frequency response of the speaker at the  
listening position by correcting off-axis response.  
Manual Mode:  
“crossover frequency”: select which crossover frequency you want for the  
system, between 40 and 200hz in 10hz steps. When the frequency is adjusted,  
you will be asked to follow the same steps as below in the automatic mode.  
Automatic Mode:  
please observe that all the five audio modes described above can be selected  
a) “connect mic and place it at listening position”: following this message,  
connect the supplied measuring microphone to the front-panel jack shared  
with headphones. place it in your listening position, at the correct height, then  
press enter. In order to read the complete message on the display, press the >  
arrow button on the remote.  
independently for all inputs.  
Gain  
the level of different sources may vary. to avoid annoying level changes when switching  
between inputs, gain adjustment from –6db to +6db is an option for each Input. the  
processor input has a different range (–24db to +6db), to accommodate the output  
levels of most processors.  
b) the systemgenerates two loud, brief frequency sweeps through the speakers.  
Ifyou are notcomfortable with loud noise, use ear plugs orhavesomeone else  
performthecalibration. the volume of the sweeps is pre-determined. you can  
control this level by simply adjusting the volume with the Volume button on the  
front panel or with the Volume buttons on the remote control. please note that  
if you set the volume too low, the calibration does not function, and setting it  
too loud may damage your loudspeakers. after calibration is performed, the  
volume reverts to the level that you used previously.  
Bass and Treble  
bass and treble adjustment is accessible only when the audio mode is not direct (i.e., is  
set to dsp, eQ 1, eQ 2 or eQ 3). When in this mode, you can adjust the bass and treble  
from –10 to +10db below 100hz and above 10khz.  
When the sweeps have been done, you may get an error message “mic or  
speaker not detected” in the display. In this case, check the connection to  
the microphone and/or increase the volume slightly; then press enter again.  
If no error is found, the system will bring you to step 3. If you still get an error  
message, you must switch off the amplifier to exit the calibration menu.  
12  
HK 990  
Setup Instructions  
c) once the sweeps are performed without error, the display will show “filter  
design, please wait…” during this process, the lter parameters are computed  
and written into the dsp flash memory. When this is done, the system goes to  
step 4.  
Near Field  
the next sweeps measured in front of each speaker (steps 4 and 5) serve to correct the  
on-axis response of the main speakers. by applying sweeps to each speaker, a correction  
curve above 1khz is generated for each speaker. the curves are stored after step 7.  
d) “place mic at 60cm in front of the left speakerappears in the display. position  
the microphone as prompted (60cm is about two feet), preferably at normal  
listening height (you may use a photo tripod; there is a threaded hole at the  
bottom of the microphone for this purpose). then press enter. a new sweep will  
be generated. If it is unsuccessful, you will be asked to check the distance or  
the volume of the system with this message in the display: “Wrong distance or  
level, please check and press enter.” If successful, you will go to step 5.  
BassQ  
If at least one subwoofer is connected, the nal steps of the ezset/eQ process adjust  
the low-frequency response of the system, taking into consideration the acoustics of the  
room. the system can correct up to two subwoofers in its processing loop. using two  
subwoofers offers the advantage of a more linear low-frequency characteristic, limiting  
the node effects usually found in this frequency range.  
the curves are stored after step 7.  
e) “place mic at 60cm in front of the right speakerappears in the display. again,  
position the microphone as prompted (60cm or two feet), then press enter. a  
new sweep will be generated. If it is unsuccessful, you will be asked to check  
the distance or the volume of the system with this message in the display:  
“Wrong distance or level, please check and press enter.” If successful, you will  
go to step 6 if at least one subwoofer is connected, or to step 7 in a pure 2.0  
system.  
EQ Preset  
the hK 990 provides direct access to the three sets of lters via the remote control  
through the eQ preset button. use this button to toggle between these three modes:  
1. bassQ (eQ1 lf)  
2. bassQ + far field (eQ2 lf + mf)  
3. bassQ + far field + near field (eQ3 lf + mf + hf)  
f) there are two possibilities at this stage,depending on the number of subwoofers  
selected in step 1 of the setup process:  
It will also toggle through the direct and dsp paths, thus allowing five possible settings.  
note that the eQ preset button is in fact a shortcut button for the audio mode function of  
the Input setup described above.  
One Subwoofer: the display shows this message: “place mic at listening  
position, press enter.” after you do it, two sweeps are generated. If  
successful, you will jump to step 7. If not, the following message is shown:  
“sub not connected or incorrect level, please check and press enter.” check  
the connection and/or adjust the subwoofer level and press enter again.  
When successful, you will go to step 7.  
the ezset/eQ measurements are stored in a ash memory and are not lost even if the  
amplifier is disconnected from the ac mains.  
Two Subwoofers: the display shows this message: “place mic at 1st  
listening position, press enter.” place the microphone 90cm (about three  
feet) to the left of your listening position. after pressing enter, four sweeps  
are generated.then you will be asked to “place mic at 2nd listening position,  
press enter.” now place the microphone 90cm to the right of your listening  
position. after pressing enter, two sweeps are generated. If successful you  
will jump to step 7. If not, the following message is shown: “sub 1 or 2  
not connected or incorrect level, please check and press enter.” check the  
connections and/or adjust the subwoofer levels and press enter again. When  
successful, you will go to step 7.  
Level Settings  
the level settings menu permits adjusting the levels of the different activated speakers  
and subwoofer(s) of the system. depending on what was adjusted during the speaker  
setup process, sub1 and/or sub2 may or may not be activated.  
the level settings menu adjustments are:  
1. to adjust the balance between left and right speakers up to 12db for each side.  
2. to adjust the subwoofer 1 level between + and – 6db (when on).  
3. to adjust the subwoofer 2 level between + and – 6db (when on).  
g) the setup procedure is now complete, and the display shows this message:  
“eQ setup completed, unplug microphone, press enter to save eQ setup.” press  
enter as prompted. the display shows: “saving system equalization.”  
now the hK 990 goes back to the previous playback mode, and you can test the results  
of the setup process by going through the various options, pressing the eQ preset button  
repeatedly (see below).  
EzSet/EQ Description  
during the automatic ezset/eQ process, several frequency sweeps were made. here is a  
brief explanation of their use.  
Far Field  
the rst sweeps that occur during step 2 are used to calibrate the speaker system (adjust  
relative levels and delay, and determine the crossover frequency if “manual crossover  
frequency” was not selected earlier).also, the low-frequency response of the speakers is  
equalized by applying a correction curve (with a range of 20hz to 1khz). this is the curve  
that is stored during the “filter designphase.  
13  
HK 990  
Operating Instructions  
Listening to Your CD Player, Tape Deck, Tuner or  
Other Source  
1. press the power switch 2 to turn on the amplifier. the power indicator lights white  
and the protection circuitry checks for short circuits or other problems for a few  
seconds before sound output.  
2. press “speaker 1” to hear loudspeakers connected to the rear speaker 1 terminals.  
press “speaker 2” to hear loudspeakers connected to the rear speaker 2 terminals.  
press both to hear both speaker pairs at once. to listen to headphones only, press to  
turn off any active speaker pair.  
3. select desired source for listening by pressing the front-panel source selector (5)  
up or down button repeatedly until the name of the source is shown in the main  
Information display, or by pressing the desired system on button on the remote control.  
please take the time to associate physical input jacks to source names; then press the  
power button to place the amplifier in standby to have it save your preferences.  
4. begin playing the desired source.  
5. adjust the volume control to the desired level.  
With the Input setup, you may adjust bass and treble as well as balance if you have not  
already done this during the setup process.  
With the eQ preset you can select one, two or three stages of equalization, if you did  
already perform the ezset/eQ setup automated adjusting process as described above.  
Making a Recording  
you may record any source to tape or to cdr or to both simultaneously. you may also  
connect a second tape deck to the cdr inputs and outputs to record from tape to tape (in  
either direction).  
to select the desired source for recording (it can be a source different from the one being  
listened to), press the record out button, followed by the source selector up or down  
button on the front panel, repeatedly until the indicator for the name of the source to be  
recorded is shown in the main Information display. all input signals, digital or analog, are  
available for recording in both digital and analog form.this means that if you wish to copy  
a vinyl record to a digital recorder, you simply start vinyl play, select “phonoas record  
source and begin recording on your digital recorder. the built-in analog/digital converters  
transform the analog phono signal to digital form.the reverse is also possible: if you have  
connected a cd player to the hK 990 with a digital cable, its signal is available from the  
analog recording outputs as well as the digital outputs.  
NOTE: the record-output signal is taken directly from the program source and is  
unaffected by the volume, bass, treble or balance controls.  
Important Notes:  
“record sourcecan be selected on the front panel only, not from the remote  
control.  
three-head cassette decks with monitoring function can be connected to tape or cdr  
connectors, too, but their monitoring function cannot be used.  
always turn the hK 990 to standby with the power button before unplugging the  
power cord (or before switching off an external multiplug). this saves your current  
setup in the memory, in addition to safely switching off the power-amplifier section  
of the hK 990.  
14  
HK 990  
Troubleshooting  
Troubleshooting  
this unit is designed for trouble-free operation. most problems users encounter are due to operating errors. so if you have a problem, first check this list for a possible solution. If the  
problem persists, consult your authorized harman Kardon service center.  
If the problem is...  
Make sure that...  
no lights illuminate when power cord is plugged into ac outlet.  
the unit is plugged into a live outlet.  
no sound is heard.  
speaker switches corresponding to the desired speakers are pressed.  
correct source button has been pressed.  
Volume is turned up.  
speaker wires are connected properly.  
hookup wires to source component are connected properly.  
sound is not heard from the speaker system on one side.  
the speaker wires and connection wires are connected correctly.  
the balance setting is at 0.  
When listening to stereo sound, the left and right sounds are reversed.  
the speaker wires are connected correctly.  
the wires between components are connected correctly.  
Intermittent or continuous buzzing or hissing.  
the remote control and front panel controls dont appear to work.  
humming noise when listening to lp.  
the unit is away from fluorescent lights, tV, motors and other electrical  
appliances.  
you try disconnecting the ac line cord from the wall socket, waiting five  
minutes and then reconnecting it.  
ground wire from record player has been connected to ground terminal on  
amplifier.  
cable from record player is away from power cords and speaker cables.  
howl or ringing when listening to lp.  
record player is not too close to speakers.  
record player is on stable surface.  
low sound level when listening to lp.  
cable from record player is connected to the phono jacks.  
the mm Input has not inadvertently been used with an mc phono cartridge.  
lp sound is distorted and too loud.  
the mc Input has not inadvertently been used with an mm or mc high output  
cartridge.  
15  
HK 990  
Specifications  
Specifications  
continuous average power per channel (ftc),  
150 watts @ <0.03% thd (8 ohms)  
20hz – 20khz, both channels driven:  
300 watts @ <0.3% thd (4 ohms)  
dynamic power (1hf, 1khz tone burst):  
220 watts (8 ohms)  
440 watts (4 ohms)  
high instantaneous current capability (hcc):  
power bandwidth @ half-rated output, 8Ω:  
frequency response @ 1W (+0/–3db):  
200 amps  
20hz – 100khz  
5hz – 120khz  
>200  
damping factor (20hz – 20khz):  
signal-to-noise ratio (reference rated power output, a-Wtd):  
100db (tuner/cd)  
75db (phono – mc)  
Input sensitivity/impedance:  
350mV/43k ohms (tuner/cd)  
10mV/47k ohms (phono – mm)  
1mV/100k ohms (phono – mc)  
overload:  
2.8V (tuner/cd)  
85mV (phono – mm)  
8.5mV (phono – mc)  
tone control range, bass @ 100hz/treble @ 10khz:  
power supply:  
10db/ 10db  
ac 120V, 60hz  
1000W  
power consumption:  
standby power consumption:  
dimensions (width x height x depth):  
1W  
17-5/16" x 6-3/8" x 17-1/2"  
(440mm x 160mm x 444mm)  
Weight:  
43.2 lb (19.6kg)  
Depth includes Volume button and loudspeaker terminals.  
16  
harman consumer, Inc.  
8500 balboa boulevard, northridge, ca 91329 usa  
516.255.4545 (usa only)  
made in p.r.c.  
© 2010 harman International Industries, Incorporated. all rights reserved.  
features, specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice.  
harman Kardon is a trademark of harman International Industries, Incorporated,  
registered in the united states and/or other countries. ezset/eQ is a trademark  
of harman International Industries, Incorporated. thermaltrak is a trademark of  
semiconductor components Industries, llc. toslInK is a trademark of toshiba  
corporation.  
part no. 950-0245-001 rev. b  
www.harmankardon.com  

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