Power for the Digital Revolution.

HK 3480

STEREO RECEIVER OWNERS MANUAL
SPEAKER 1 SPEAKER 2 VMAx AUTO TUNED STEREO PRESET PHONO FM AM CD VID 1 VID 2 VID 3 TAPE M.

HK 3480 STEREO RECEIVER

Introduction Safety Information Unpacking Front-Panel Controls Front-Panel Information Display Rear-Panel Connections Remote Control Functions Installation and Connections Operation Basic Operation Source Selection Tuner Operation Tape Recording Memory Backup Processor Reset Using the Remote Control Troubleshooting Guide Technical Specifications
See trademark acknowledgements on page 18.
Typographical Conventions In order to help you use this manual with the remote control, front-panel controls and rear-panel connections, certain conventions have been used. EXAMPLE (bold type) indicates a specific remote control or front-panel button, or rear-panel connection jack EXAMPLE (OCR type) indicates a message that is visible on the front-panel information display 1 (number in a square) indicates a specific front-panel control (letter in a circle) indicates a button or indicator on the remote (number in a circle) indicates a rear-panel connection A (letter in a square) indicates an indicator in the front-panel information display

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION
Thank You for Choosing Harman Kardon With the purchase of the Harman Kardon HK 3480, you are about to begin many years of listening enjoyment. The HK 3480 has been custom-designed to provide all the excitement and power of rock, jazz and popular music, and every nuance of classical selections. With composite video switching, the HK 3480 is more versatile than any stereo receiver ever offered by Harman Kardon. Connect a television, VCR, DVD player or video-game console to any of the three rearpanel inputs or to the front-panel input for high-quality stereo playback of video sources in any room where additional home theater speakers are not available. While sophisticated systems are hard at work within the HK 3480 to make all of this happen, hookup and operation are simple. Color-keyed connections and a comprehensive remote control make the HK 3480 easy to use. To obtain maximum enjoyment from your new receiver, we urge you to take a few minutes to read through this manual. This will ensure that connections to speakers, source playback units and other external devices are made properly. In addition, a few minutes spent learning the functions of the various controls will enable you to take advantage of all the power the HK 3480 is able to deliver. If you have any questions about this product, its installation or operation, please contact your dealer, your best local source of information. Description and Features Harman Kardons HK 3480 is among the worlds few stereo receivers to offer VMAx. VMAx is a proprietary signal-processing technique that creates an open, spacious sound field when only two loudspeakers are available. VMAx circuitry is able to decode the ambience of a concert hall or theater from a stereo recording. The HK 3480 is a full-featured stereo receiver, with seven audio inputs, four video inputs and an FM stereo/FM/AM tuner with capabilities that provide for the utmost flexibility. A high-quality phono input is available so that you may continue to enjoy your existing record collection as well as the latest CD recordings. The HK 3480s powerful amplifier uses traditional Harman Kardon high-current design philosophies to meet the wide dynamic range of any program selection. Harman Kardon invented the high-fidelity receiver fifty years ago. With state-of-the-art features and timehonored circuit designs, the HK 3480 is one of the finest receivers ever offered by Harman Kardon. Harman Kardon-designed high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth amplifier Four video inputs and a recording output Front-panel audio/video inputs VMAx processing mode exclusive to Harman Kardon receivers Phono input section Speaker 1/speaker 2 outputs for high-quality sound in two locations Pre-out/main-in jacks for use with external amplifiers, equalizers or speaker processors Subwoofer output

For Canadian model This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. For models having a power cord with a polarized plug: CAUTION: To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot, fully insert. Modle pour les Canadien Cet appareil numrique de la classe B est conforme la norme NMB-003 du Canada. Sur les modles dont la fiche est polarisee: ATTENTION: Pour viter les chocs lectriques, introduire la lame la plus large de la fiche dans la borne correspondante de la prise et pousser jusquau fond.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: To prevent electric shock, do not use this (polarized) plug with an extension cord, receptacle or other outlet unless the blades can be fully inserted to prevent blade exposure.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the products enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. 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 appliance.

SAFETY INFORMATION

Important Safety Information
Verify Line Voltage Before Use Your HK 3480 has been designed for use with 120volt AC current. Connection to a line voltage other than that for which it is intended can create a safety and fire hazard, and may damage the unit. If you have any questions about the voltage requirements for your specific model, or about the line voltage in your area, contact your selling dealer before plugging the unit into a wall outlet. Do Not Use Extension Cords To avoid safety hazards, use only the power cord attached to your unit. We do not recommend that extension cords be used with this product. As with all electrical devices, do not run power cords under rugs or carpets or place heavy objects on them. Damaged power cords should be replaced immediately with cords meeting factory specifications. Handle the AC Power Cord Gently When disconnecting the power cord from an AC outlet, always pull the plug, never pull the cord. If you do not intend to use the unit for any considerable length of time, disconnect the plug from the AC outlet. Do Not Open the Cabinet There are no user-serviceable components inside this product. Opening the cabinet may present a shock hazard, and any modification to the product will void your guarantee. If water or any metal object such as a paper clip, wire or staple accidentally falls inside the unit, disconnect it from the AC power source immediately, and consult an authorized service station. CATV or Antenna Grounding If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to this product, be certain that it is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and static charges. Section 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA No. 70-1984, provides information with respect to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes and requirements of the grounding electrode. NOTE TO CATV SYSTEM INSTALLER: This reminder is provided to call the CATV (Cable TV) system installers attention to article 820-40 of the NEC that provides guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building, as close to the point of cable entry as possible. Installation Location To ensure proper operation, and to avoid the potential for safety hazards, place the unit on a firm and level surface. When placing the unit on a shelf, be certain that the shelf and any mounting hardware can support the weight of the product. Make certain that proper space is provided both above and below the unit for ventilation. If this product will be installed in a cabinet or other enclosed area, make certain that there is sufficient air movement within the cabinet. Under some circumstances a fan may be required. Do not place the unit directly on a carpeted surface. Avoid installation in extremely hot or cold locations, or an area that is exposed to direct sunlight or heating equipment. Avoid moist or humid locations. Do not obstruct the ventilation slots on the top of the unit, or place objects directly over them. Due to the weight of the HK 3480 and the heat generated by the amplifiers, there is the remote possibility that the rubber padding on the bottom of the units feet may leave markings on certain wood or veneer materials. Use caution when placing the unit on soft woods or other materials that may be damaged by heat or heavy objects. Cleaning When the unit gets dirty, wipe it with a clean, soft, dry cloth. If necessary, wipe it with a soft cloth dampened with mild soapy water, then a fresh cloth with clean water. Wipe dry immediately with a dry cloth. NEVER use benzene, aerosol cleaners, thinner, alcohol or any other volatile cleaning agent. Do not use abrasive cleaners, as they may damage the finish of metal parts. Avoid spraying insecticide near the unit. Moving the Unit Before moving the unit, be certain to disconnect any interconnection cords with other components, and make certain that you disconnect the unit from the AC outlet. Important Information for the User NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class-B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. The limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radiofrequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communication. However, there is no guarantee that harmful interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. NOTE: Changes or modifications may cause this unit to fail to comply with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and may void the users authority to operate the equipment.

cate that the input source is being monitored when the HK 3480 is connected to a three-head tape deck or another unit with off-head playback. See page 15 for more information on monitoring tape recordings. 9 Tuning Button: Press the left side of the button to tune lower-frequency stations and the right side of the button to tune higher-frequency stations. When a station with a strong signal is tuned, the Tuned Indicator I will light. A brief (1/2-second) press of the button will manually tune to the next frequency increment, while pressing and holding the button for a longer period will automatically tune to the next station with a signal strong enough for acceptable reception. ) CD Input Selector: Press this button to listen to the output of a CD player connected to the CD Audio Inputs.
! Video 1 Input Selector: Press this button to listen to and/or view the output of a device connected to the Video 1 Inputs. @ Preset Scan: Press this button to automatically scan through the stations that have been programmed in the HK 3480s memory. The tuner will play five seconds of each station before moving to the next preset station. To stop the scan when the desired station is heard, press the button again. If no preset stations have been programmed into the HK 3480s memory, the message 0 PRESET will flash in the Main Information Display B when this button is pressed. (See page 15 for more information on the tuner memory system.) # Video 2 Input Selector: Press this button to listen to and/or view the output of a device connected to the Video 2 Inputs. $ Video 3 Input Selector: Press this button to listen to and/or view the output of a device connected to the Video 3 Inputs on either the front or rear panel. If devices are connected to both the frontand rear-panel Video 3 Inputs , then the device connected to the rear-panel Video 3 Inputs will be selected first, as indicated by the dot to the left of the Video 3 Input Indicator D being steadily lit. To select the device connected to the front-panel Video 3 Inputs , press the Video 3 Input Selector $ again so that the dot to the left of the Video 3 Input Indicator D flashes. Each subsequent press of the Video 3 Input Selector $ will toggle between the front and rear Video 3 Inputs . % Preset Selector: Press this button to step up or down through the list of stations that has been entered into the preset memory. If no preset stations have been programmed into the HK 3480s memory, the message 0 PRESET will flash in the Main Information Display B when this button is pressed. (See page 15 for more information on tuner programming.) ^ VMAx Selector: Press this button to engage VMAx processing of a stereo input. The VMAx Mode Indicator A will light, and you will notice a wider, more spacious sound field. In order to obtain maximum benefit, you should be seated midway between the two loudspeakers, and the same distance from the speakers as the speakers are from each other. The speakers must be placed facing parallel and evenly with each other so that their baffles are in the same plane. Press the button again to return to Stereo mode. & FM/AM Selector: Press this button to select the tuner as the input to the receiver. Press the left side of this button to select the FM frequency band, or the right side to select the AM frequency band. * Sleep Button: Press this button to place the unit in the Sleep mode. Each press of the button selects the amount of time that will remain before the unit automatically goes into the Standby mode, as indicated by the Sleep Timer C, in the following order:

REAR-PANEL CONNECTIONS

U.S. Patent Nos. 4,893,342, 4,910,779, 4,975,954, 5,034,983, 5,136,651, and 5,333,200 Cooper Bauck Transaural Stereo.
NOTE: To make it easier to follow the instructions that refer to this illustration, a larger copy may be downloaded from the Product Support section for this product at www.harmankardon.com. Phono Ground Phono Inputs CD Audio Inputs Tape Monitor Play/In Tape Monitor Record/Out Video 1 Audio/Video Play/In Video 1 Audio/Video Record/Out Video 2 Audio/Video Inputs Video 3 Audio/Video Inputs Preamp Out Main In Subwoofer Out Speaker 1 Terminals Speaker 2 Terminals Accessory Outlets Power Cable Remote IR Out Remote IR In Video Monitor Output a AM Antenna b FM Antenna
Phono Ground: Connect the ground wire from a turntable to this terminal to reduce system hum. Phono Inputs: Connect the outputs of your turntable or tonearm to these jacks. Only Moving Magnet (MM)-type cartridges may be used. CD Audio Inputs: Connect these jacks to the output of a compact disc player or CD changer. Tape Monitor Play/In: Connect these jacks to the Play/Out jacks of an audio recorder. Tape Monitor Record/Out: Connect these jacks to the Rec/In jacks of an audio recorder. NOTE: When these jacks are connected to a threehead recorder or another device with off-head playback, it will be possible to monitor the source being recorded.
Video 1 Audio/Video Play/In: Connect these jacks to the PLAY/OUT jacks of an audio or video device, such as a VCR or DVD player. In order to view the video signal of a video device connected to this input, remember to connect the Video Monitor Output to the video input of your TV or video display. Video 1 Audio/Video Record/Out: Connect these jacks to the Rec/In jacks of an audio or video recorder. Video 2 Audio/Video Inputs: Connect these jacks to the PLAY/OUT jacks of an audio or video device, such as a VCR or DVD player. In order to view the video signal of a video device connected to this input, remember to connect the Video Monitor Output to the video input of your TV or video display.
Video 3 Audio/Video Inputs: Connect these jacks to the PLAY/OUT jacks of an audio or video device, such as a VCR or DVD player. In order to view the video signal of a video device connected to this input, remember to connect the Video Monitor Output to the video input of your TV or video display. Preamp Out: These jacks provide an output for the left and right channels to an optional external amplifier. In normal operation, unless an external power amplifier is used, the jumper pins should remain connected between these jacks and the Main In Jacks. Main In: These jacks are the input to the HK 3480s power amplifier. Unless an external power amplifier is used, the jumper pins should remain connected between these jacks and the Preamp Out Jacks.

Subwoofer Out: Connect these jacks to the line-level inputs of a powered subwoofer. If an external subwoofer amplifier is used, connect these jacks to the subwoofer amplifier inputs. When a single, mono subwoofer is used, or if the subwoofer or its amplifier has only a single line-level input jack, make the connection to the bottom jack on the HK 3480. Speaker 1 Terminals: Connect these terminals to the appropriate terminals on your speakers. Speaker 2 Terminals: Connect these terminals to the appropriate terminals on your speakers. Accessory Outlets: These outlets may be used to power low-current-draw devices such as CD players or cassette decks. The power to these outlets remains on as long as the receiver itself is on. When the receiver is placed in the Standby mode, power to these outlets is removed. NOTE: The power consumption of the devices plugged into these outlets should not exceed 100 watts. Power Cable: Connect the AC plug to a nonswitched AC wall output. Remote IR Out: This connection permits the IR sensor in the receiver to serve other remote-controlled devices. Connect this jack to the IR In jack on Harman Kardon (or other compatible) equipment. Remote IR In: If the HK 3480s front-panel IR sensor is blocked due to cabinet doors or other obstructions, an external IR sensor may be used. Connect the output of the sensor to this jack. Video Monitor Output: Connect this jack to the composite video input of your TV or video display device. Doing so will enable you to view the video signal of a properly connected video source device, when that source input is selected. When an audioonly source is selected, the Video Monitor Output will not transmit a video signal. a AM Antenna: Connect the AM loop antenna supplied with the receiver to these terminals. If an external AM antenna is used, make connections to the AM and GND terminals in accordance with the instructions supplied with the antenna. b FM Antenna: Connect an indoor or external FM antenna to this terminal.

REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS

Main Power On Main Power Off Source Selectors Preset Up/Down Transport Controls Disc Skip Sleep Button Dimmer Button Tuning Direct Button Numeric Keys Auto Preset Secondary Control Cover Clear Button Memory Button Master Volume Preset Scan Button Mute Button FM Mode Button VMAx Selector Enter Button Tuning Up/Down Speaker 1 Selector Speaker 2 Selector Transmitter Window
NOTES: The function names shown here are each buttons feature when used with the HK 3480. Most buttons have additional functions when used with other devices. See page 16 for a list of these functions. To make it easier to follow the instructions that refer to this illustration, a larger copy may be downloaded from the Product Support section for this product at www.harmankardon.com.
Main Power On: When the HK 3480 is in the Standby mode, as indicated by the Power Indicator 2 glowing amber, press this button to turn the HK 3480 on. Main Power Off: When the HK 3480 is turned on, press this button to place it in the Standby mode. In this condition, the unit is still connected to AC Power. Source Selectors: Press these buttons to select an input source for the HK 3480. NOTE: The first press of the Video 3 Source Selector will select the device connected to the rear-panel Video 3 Audio/Video Inputs. Press the Video 3 Source Selector again until the dot to the left of the Video 3 Input Indicator D flashes to select the device connected to the front-panel Video 3 Audio/Video Inputs. Each additional press of the Video 3 Source Selector will toggle between the front- and rear-panel Video 3 Audio/Video Inputs. Preset Up/Down: When the tuner is in use, these buttons scroll through the stations that have been programmed into the HK 3480s memory. These buttons also control the track Skip Up/Down on compatible Harman Kardon compact disc players/changers. Transport Controls: These buttons are used to control the Play, Stop, Pause and Record functions on compatible Harman Kardon CD/DVD players/changers and CD recorders. Disc Skip: These buttons do not have any functions when controlling the HK 3480, but they operate the Disc Skip functions of compatible Harman Kardon CD/DVD changers. Sleep Button: Press this button to place the unit in the Sleep mode. Each press of the button selects the amount of time that will remain before the unit will automatically go into the Standby mode, as shown in the Sleep Timer C, in the following order:

return to normal brightness after the unit is turned off, then on again. Tuning: Press these buttons to tune up or down through a selected frequency band. A brief (12-second) press of the button will manually tune to the next frequency increment, while pressing and holding the button for a longer period will automatically tune to the next station with a signal strong enough for acceptable reception. Direct Button: Press this button to select a radio station by entering its frequency using the Numeric Keys K. (See page 14 for more information.) Numeric Keys: These buttons serve as a 10button numeric keypad to enter tuner preset positions or to tune stations directly. Auto Preset: When the tuner and FM band have been selected, this button may be used to automatically program the tuner presets for all active stations. To start the auto preset scan, press and hold the button. Note that the Memory G and Preset F indicators will flash. After a few seconds, the tuner will start to look for active stations, as shown by increasing frequency numbers in the Main Information Display B. Release the button and note that the tuner will briefly stop at each active station and add a preset number to the memory. If the FM tuner finds fewer than 30 FM stations with acceptable signal strength, the Auto Preset tuning will scan two more cycles or until the remaining vacant preset memory spaces have been filled with those found in the first scan. The scan will stop when all 30 preset memory spaces have been filled or when three scans through the band have been completed. Secondary Control Cover: This sliding cover normally is in the up position so that it hides the secondary controls. To access these controls, place your thumb on the small recessed area at the top center of the control, and gently press the cover down and toward you. Clear Button: This button is used to clear preset memory information for the HK 3480s tuner. (See page 15 for more information on tuner presets.) Memory Button: Press this button to open a memory position that stores a preset location for the HK 3480s tuner. (See page 15 for more information on tuner presets.) Master Volume: Press these buttons to raise or lower the HK 3480s volume. Preset Scan Button: Press this button to automatically scan through the list of stations that are programmed into the HK 3480s tuner memory. When the button is pressed, each preset station will play
for five seconds before the next station is selected. Press the button again when the desired station is heard, to stop the preset scan. Mute Button: Press this button to momentarily silence the HK 3480. FM Mode Button: Press this button when the tuner is in use in the FM band to switch to monaural reception if the station is weak and noisy. (See page 14 for more information.) VMAx Selector: Press this button to engage VMAx processing of a stereo input. The VMAx Mode Indicator A will light, and you will notice a wider, more spacious sound field. In order to obtain maximum benefit, you should be seated midway between the two loudspeakers, and the same distance from the speakers as the speakers are from each other. The speakers must be placed facing parallel and evenly with each other so that their baffles are in the same plane. Press the button again to return to Stereo mode. Enter Button: This button has no function on the HK 3480, but may be used as the Enter key for a compatible Harman Kardon DVD Player or as the Random Play button for a compatible CD Player. See page 16 for more information on using the remote to control other devices. Tuning Up/Down: When the tuner is in use, these buttons will tune up or down through the selected frequency band. A brief (12-second) press of the button will manually tune to the next frequency increment, while pressing and holding the button for a longer period will automatically tune to the next station with a signal strong enough for acceptable reception. These buttons will also control Fast Forward and Fast Reverse (or Rewind) for compatible Harman Kardon compact disc players/ changers. Speaker 1 Selector: Press this button to turn the speakers connected to the Speaker 1 Output Terminals on or off. Speaker 2 Selector: Press this button to turn the speakers connected to the Speaker 2 Output Terminals on or off. Transmitter Window: Point this area of the remote toward the receiver when using the remote.

7. Connect an FM antenna to the FM (75-ohm) Connection b. The FM antenna may be an external roof antenna, an inside powered or wire lead antenna or a connection from a cable TV system. If the antenna or connection uses 300-ohm twin-lead cable, you must use an optional 300-ohm-to-75-ohm adapter to make the connection. Note that you will not be able to view any video signal using the FM Antenna Connection b, even if you connect your cable television system to it. Speaker and Output Connections To assure that all the audio signals are carried to your speakers without loss of clarity or resolution, we suggest that you use high-quality speaker cable. Many brands of cable are available, and the choice of cable may be influenced by the distance between your speakers and this receiver, the type of speakers you use, personal preferences and other factors. Your dealer or installer is a valuable resource to consult in selecting the proper cable. Regardless of the brand of cable selected, we recommend that you use a cable constructed of fine, multistrand copper with a gauge of 14 or smaller. Remember that in specifying cable, the lower the number, the thicker the cable. Cable with a gauge of 16 may be used for short runs of less than ten feet. We do not recommend that you use cables with an AWG equivalent of 18 or higher due to the power loss and degradation in performance that will occur. Cables that are run inside walls should have the appropriate markings to indicate listing with UL, CSA or other appropriate testing agency standards. Questions about running cables inside walls should
System and Power Connections The HK 3480 is designed for flexible use with external control components and power amplifiers. These connections are easy to make during an initial installation, or at a later date, should you choose to upgrade your system. Remote Control Extension If the receiver is placed behind a solid or smoked glass cabinet door, the obstruction may prevent the remote sensor from receiving commands. In this event, an optional remote sensor may be used. Connect the output of the remote sensor to the Remote IR In Jack. If other components are also prevented from receiving remote commands, only one sensor is needed. They may use this units sensor or a remote eye by running a connection from the Remote IR Out Jack to the Remote In jack on Harman Kardon or other compatible equipment. External Audio Power Amplifier Connections If desired, an optional, external amplifier may be used in place of the HK 3480s internal power amplifier. To connect an external power amplifier, first remove the jumper pins that connect the Preamp Out and Main In jacks on the rear panel. Keep the jumpers in a safe place should they be needed at a later time. Using high-quality audio interconnect cables, connect the Preamp Out Jacks to the input jacks on your power amplifier. Make certain to match the right output to the right input and the left output to the left input. When an external power amplifier is used, no special adjustments are required. All volume and other control adjustments are made using the standard front-panel or remote controls. If you wish to use external processing equipment, such as an equalizer, you may connect the device to the preamp-out and main-in jacks by removing the jumper pins between the Preamp Out and Main In jacks. Connect the Preamp Out jacks to the inputs of the external device, and the outputs of the device to the Main In jacks. Alternatively, you may connect the external device to the Tape Monitor Loop. Connect the Tape Monitor Record/Out Jacks to the inputs of the external device, and connect the outputs of the device to the Tape Monitor Play/In Jacks. AC Power Connections The Accessory Outlets are switched outlets and receive power as long as the receiver is turned on. Power to these outlets is removed when the unit is in the Standby mode. Speaker Placement For optimal listening enjoyment, and for soundfield reproduction that best re-creates the original recording, it is good practice to place the speakers so that they form a triangle with the speakers at the front of the room, and the preferred listening spot at the third point of the triangle. The distance between each speaker and the listener should be identical. For example, if the speakers are 10 feet from one another, each of the speakers should optimally be placed so that they are also 10 feet from the listener. It is also desirable to place speakers so that their tweeters, or high-frequency drivers are aimed at ear height when you are seated in the listening position.

Left Speaker Right Speaker
To optimize the sound field, or to suit your listening room environment, you may find that some experimentation is required to find the correct location. Ideally, pans from left to right across the front of the room should sound smooth, and instruments should appear to be coming from the proper location to where they would be placed in an orchestra. You may also prefer to toe-in the speakers slightly toward the listening position, as shown in the diagram, for improved imaging. The placement of subwoofers should be done as suggested in the manufacturers instructions. In general, subwoofers often produce best results when they are placed in the corner of a room, along the same wall as the speakers, but optimal placement will vary widely depending on room size, the subwoofer type and the placement of rugs and furniture in a room. It may be helpful to temporarily position the subwoofer in the usual listening position, then walk around the room while program material is playing until the bass reproduction sounds best to your ears. That location is likely to be the optimum position for the subwoofer. Finally, when all connections are complete, plug the power cord into a nonswitched 120-volt AC wall outlet. Youre ready to enjoy the HK 3480!
A good starting point for speaker placement is to make the distance between the two speakers, and the distance between either speaker and the listener, identical.

OPERATION

Basic Operation
Once you have completed the setup and configuration of your new receiver, it is simple to operate and enjoy. The following instructions will provide the steps needed to enjoy the HK 3480: Install the two supplied AAA batteries in the remote as shown. Be certain to observe the (+) and () polarity indicators shown in the bottom of the battery compartment. your TV or video display, you will be able to enjoy video programs from a broadcast, cable or satellite television system; a VCR or hard-disk video recorder; a DVD player; or any other video device with analog line-level audio outputs and a composite video output. NOTE: Although the HK 3480 is an audio/video receiver, it is not a surround sound receiver. Audio will be played in two-channel stereo or monaural, depending on how the program material is encoded, and you will not be able to hear any additional channels that may be encoded in your source materials. The HK 3480 offers the versatile VMAx mode, described below, which enables you to hear a simulated surround sound presentation. However, VMAx processing uses different algorithms than conventional surround decoders to derive the phantom center and surround speakers, and the presentation will differ from what you may hear when listening to equipment using other surround processors. You will not be able to make any digital audio connections through the HK 3480. The HK 3480 is designed to provide video entertainment in a small system application that includes devices such as a TV, VCR or DVD player located in a bedroom, office or spare room, or as part of a multiroom system when used with a multiroom controller. During a listening session you may wish to adjust the Bass , Treble and Balance controls to suit your listening tastes. Adjust the volume to a comfortable level using the front-panel Volume Control or remote Master Volume Up/Down buttons. The volume level is displayed as a negative number of decibels (dB) in the Main Information Display B. The volume level is relative to a maximum volume level that has been assigned the value of 0dB. It is important that you make sure never to exceed this maximum volume level (0dB) at any time, in order to avoid possible damage to your loudspeakers due to clipping, a type of distortion that is not audible to the human ear until it is severe enough to permanently damage most loudspeakers. It is also possible, depending upon the program material, for clipping to occur at volumes below the maximum volume level. To temporarily silence all speaker outputs, press the Mute Button 4. This will cut the output to all speakers, but it will not affect any recording or dubbing that may be in progress. When the system is muted, the Mute Indicator K will flash in the Information Display and MUTE will flash in the Main Information Display B. Press the Mute Button 4 again to return to normal operation. For private listening, plug the 1/4" stereo phone plug from a pair of stereo headphones into the front-panel Headphone Jack 3. One or two separate sets of speakers may be connected to the HK 3480. To listen to one of the speaker sets, press the Speaker Selectors 57 corresponding to the desired speakers. The active speakers will be indicated by the Speaker Indicators L. Both speakers may be turned off for private headphone listening. To program the HK 3480 for automatic turnoff, press the Sleep Button *. Each press of the button will increase the time before shutdown, displayed by the Sleep Timer C, in the following sequence:

The sleep time will be displayed in the Information Display and it will count down until the time has elapsed. When the programmed time has elapsed, the unit will automatically turn off. The Information Display will dim to one-half brightness when the Sleep function is programmed. To cancel the Sleep function, press the Sleep Button * until the Sleep Timer C numbers disappear and the Information Display shows the current source. Pressing any control button while the Sleep control is activated will momentarily return the Information Display to full brightness for increased legibility without interrupting the Sleep function. To take advantage of Harman Kardons exclusive VMAx mode, Press the VMAx Button ^. When the VMAx circuits are engaged, patented processing algorithms are used to create a three-dimensional sound space with the illusion of phantom speakers at the center and surround positions. This spacious sound will simulate a surround sound presentation without the need to add additional speakers. To return to standard stereo listening, press the VMAx Button ^ again and the VMAx Mode Indicator A will go out.
You may begin a listening session by pressing the System Power Control 1 on the front panel or the Main Power On Button on the remote. The Power Indicator 2 will turn red, then blue. This will turn the unit on and return it to the input source that was last used. The unit may also be turned on from Standby by pressing any of the Source Selector buttons on the front panel 68)!#$ or remote. To turn the unit off at the end of a listening session, simply press the System Power Control 1 on the front panel or the Main Power Off Button on the remote. This places the unit in the Standby mode, and the Power Indicator 2 will turn amber to remind you that the unit is ready for operation when a power command is received from the remote. When the remote is used to turn the unit off it is actually placing the system in a Standby mode, as indicated by the amber color of the Power Indicator 2. To dim the brightness of the Information Display , press the Dimmer Button. The first press will dim the lights to half normal. The Power Indicator 2 will remain lit, but the light inside the Volume Control will go out. A second press will turn the display completely off, but the Power Indicator 2 will remain lit to remind you that the unit is on. Press the Dimmer Button again to restore the display to normal brightness.

Tuner Operation

The HK 3480s tuner is capable of tuning AM, FM and FM Stereo broadcast stations. Stations may be tuned manually, or they may be stored as favorite station presets and recalled from a 30-position memory. Station Selection 1. Press the FM/AM Selector & to select the tuner as an input. 2. Press these buttons again at any time to switch between AM and FM. 3. To select stations, press the Tuning Button 9 to advance one frequency increment at a time, or press and hold it, and the tuner will search for the next highestor lowest-frequency station that has an acceptable

Source Selection

To select a source at any time, press any of the Source Selector buttons on the remote or front panel 68)!#$. When a video source is selected, if you have connected a video device to the video input jack for that source, and if you have connected the Video Monitor Output to the composite video input of
signal. To tune to the next station, press and hold the button again. When the Tuned Indicator I lights, the station is properly tuned and should be heard with clarity. 4. Stations may also be tuned directly by pressing the Direct Button , and then pressing the Numeric Keys that correspond to the stations frequency. The desired station will automatically be tuned. NOTE: When the FM reception of a station is weak, audio quality will be increased by switching to Mono mode by pressing the FM Mode Button ( until the Stereo Indicator H goes out. Preset Tuning Up to 30 stations may be stored in the HK 3480s memory for easy recall using the front-panel controls or the remote. To enter a station into the memory, first tune the station using the steps outlined above. Then: 1. Press the Memory Button on the remote. The Memory G and Preset F Indicators will light and flash in the Information Display. 2. Within five seconds, press the Numeric Keys corresponding to the location where you wish to store this stations frequency. The preset number will appear in the Preset Number C display. 3. Repeat the process after tuning any additional stations to be preset. Auto Preset Preset stations may also be programmed automatically for the FM band. To automatically enter each station that may be tuned with acceptable quality into the HK 3480s preset memories, first select the FM band. Next, press and briefly hold the Auto Preset Button until the Memory G and Preset F Indicators begin to flash, and the station frequency indication begins to increase. Release the button and the tuner will search the entire FM band, and stop briefly at each station that has acceptable signal strength. The HK 3480 will automatically assign a preset number to each station, and then search for the next station. The automatic scan process will stop when all 30 preset memory locations have been filled or the entire FM band has been scanned three times. NOTE: Using the automatic tuning mode in areas with more than 30 FM stations will completely fill the preset memories, and overwrite any previously memorized presets for either AM or FM stations. TIP: The automatic scan process may enter stations that you do not wish to retain in the memory, or it may enter a station on more than one frequency if the signal is too strong. These unwanted stations may be removed from the memory using the Preset Clear function outlined below. Recalling Preset Stations To manually select a station previously entered in the preset memory, press the Numeric Keys that correspond to the desired stations preset memory location. To manually tune through the list of stored preset stations one by one, press the Preset / Buttons % on the front panel or remote. To automatically scan through the stations entered in the preset memory, press the Preset Scan Button @. The tuner will run through the list of preset stations in the Preset Number C display, stopping for five seconds at each one. Press the button again to stop the scan at your desired station. Clearing Preset Stations Unwanted preset stations may be erased from the units memory to make it easier to tune only those stations you want. To remove a preset station from the HK 3480s tuner memory, first tune to the station using the Preset Scan Button @ , or by entering the preset number directly, using the Numeric Keys. When the preset station to be removed has been tuned, first press the Memory Button. The Memory G and PRESET F Indicators in the Information Display will flash, and the actual preset number will disappear from the Preset Number C display. Next, press the Clear Button within five seconds. The preset station will be removed from the memory, and the action will be confirmed by the brief appearance of the word CLEAR and the preset number location in the Information Display. That memory location will now be empty, and you may program a different station to that location, or leave it empty. are hearing the signal the HK 3480 is receiving from the device connected to the Tape Monitor Inputs. Press the T-Mon Input Selector 8 again to hear the original input source rather than the recording. When you have selected the device connected to the Tape Monitor Inputs , if it is a three-head tape deck in recording mode, you will hear the recording as it is being made. However, if the device connected to the Tape Monitor Inputs is not capable of monitoring a recording, you will not hear anything. If that device is being used as a source rather than for recording, the HK 3480 will play the source signal, and any other source input that appears in the display will not be active. IMPORTANT NOTE: Please make certain that you are aware of the copyright restrictions on any material you copy.

page is programmed as a factory default to operate Harman Kardon CD Recorders. The CD page defaults to Harman Kardon CD player or changer control codes. Please refer to the table below for specific information on the default functions of the remote keys for each device.
MAIN POWER ON MAIN POWER OFF SPEAKERS 1 SPEAKERS 2 PHONO TAPE/CDR VID 1 VID 2 VID 3 CD AM FM PRESET DWN I<< PRESET UP >>I TUNING DWN << TUNING UP >> REC/PAUSE STOP ENTER PLAY DISC SKIP UP DISC SKIP DOWN FM MODE VMAx P. SCAN MUTE SLEEP DIMMER TUNING UP TUNING DOWN MASTER VOL. UP DIRECT AUTO PRESET MEMORY CLEAR 9 0
MASTER VOL. DOWN Volume Down

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

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. No lights appear when POWER button is pressed No sound is heard Make sure that the. Unit is plugged into a live outlet Unit has not been muted Correct input function selector button has been pressed Volume is turned up Speakers have been turned on using the Speaker Selectors Headphones are not in use Jumper pins are in place, unless an external amplifier is in use Cables are not defective: check/replace speaker cables Antenna is properly connected Antenna is properly located Antenna is set in the proper direction Antenna is adequate to receive the desired station Unit is away from fluorescent lights, TVs, motors and other electrical appliances Batteries are not weak, and replace them if necessary Room lighting is not overly bright Cassette deck or CD player has not been plugged into the Phono Input (only use the outputs of a turntable or tone arm with the Phono Input ) Turntable has been plugged into the Phono Input , as the other inputs are not compatable with turntable signal levels Video source units video ouput is properly connected, the source is turned on and the correct video input on the HK 3480 has been selected Video Monitor Output is connected to a TV or video display, and that the TV is turned on and the proper input on the TV has been selected
No output from one or more channels Tuner sound has a large amount of interference, or The Stereo display is not illuminated, or Tuner sound distorts and/or volume level is too low
Tuner is intermittent or continuously buzzing or hissing
Remote does not function correctly
Cassette or CD sounds distorted
Turntable sounds distorted

No video image

HK 3480 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Audio Section Stereo Mode Continuous Average Power (FTC) 120 Watts per channel, 20Hz20kHz @ < 0.07% THD, both channels driven into 8 ohms 150 Watts per channel, 20Hz20kHz @ < 0.2% THD, both channels driven into 4 ohms Input Sensitivity/Impedance Linear (High Level) Signal-to-Noise Ratio (IHF-A) Frequency Response @ 1W (+0dB, 3dB) High Instantaneous Current Capability (HCC) Transient Intermodulation Distortion (TIM) Rise Time Slew Rate 200mV/47k ohms 95dB 10Hz 110kHz 45 amps Unmeasurable 16sec 40V/sec FM Tuner Section Frequency Range Usable Sensitivity Signal-to-Noise Ratio Distortion Stereo Separation Selectivity Image Rejection IF Rejection Tuner Output Level AM Tuner Section Frequency Range Signal-to-Noise Ratio Usable Sensitivity Distortion Selectivity Video Section Television System Signal Format Input Level Input Impedance Sync Polarity Output Level Output Impedance Video Frequency Response General Power Requirement Power Consumption Dimension (Max) Width Height Depth Weight 87.5 108MHz IHF 1.12V/13.5dBf Mono/Stereo 73/72dB Mono/Stereo 0.3/0.4% 40dB @ 1kHz 400kHz, 65dB >80dB >100dB 1kHz, 100kHz, Dev 500mV

520 1720kHz >40dB Loop 500V/M 1kHz, 50% Mod 0.8% 10kHz, >25dB
Depth measurement includes knobs, buttons and terminal connections. Height measurement includes feet and chassis. All features and specifications are subject to change without notice. Harman Kardon and Power for the Digital Revolution are registered trademarks of Harman International Industries, Incorporated.
NTSC/PAL/SECAM Composite 1Vp-p 75 ohms, unbalanced Negative 1Vp-p 75 ohms, unbalanced 10Hz 10MHz
AC 120V/60Hz 3W standby, 280W maximum (both channels driven) (Product) 17.4 inches (442mm) 6.6 inches (168mm) 15 inches (382mm) 23.0 lb (10.44kg) (Shipping) 21.5 inches (545mm) 9.9 inches (251mm) 17.9 inches (455mm) 27.3 lb (12.39kg)

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

250 Crossways Park Drive, Woodbury, New York 11797 www.harmankardon.com 2003 Harman International Industries, Incorporated Part No. CQX1A888Z

HK3480WebDiagrams1

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HK 3480 FRONT-PANEL CONTROLS

HK 3480

SPEAKER 1 SPEAKER 2 VMAx AUTO TUNED STEREO PRESET PHONO FM AM CD VID 1 VID 2 VID 3 TAPE M.

) @ $ ! # %

* & (
1 System Power Control 2 Power Indicator 3 Headphone Jack 4 Mute 5 Speaker 1 Selector 6 Phono Input Selector 7 Speaker 2 Selector 8 T-Mon Input Selector 9 Tuning Button
) CD Input Selector ! Video 1 Input Selector @ Preset Scan # Video 2 Input Selector $ Video 3 Input Selector % Preset Selector ^ VMAx Selector & FM/AM Selector * Sleep Button
( FM Mode Selector Bass Control Treble Control Video 3 Audio/Video Input Balance Control Volume Control Information Display Remote Sensor Window