B&K AVR 317 Home Theater Receiver/AVR (Upgraded)

[dorokusai]

B&K AVR 317 (http://www.bkcomp.com) - 7.1 Home Theater Receiver - Black - 9/10 - *SOLD* to Reeltrouble1

If you've wondered if there is an AVR out there that is worth every penny and capable of driving just about any lineup of loudspeakers....this is it. I bought this from Club Polk's friendly neighborhood HT installer, Mantis(Dan) in 2003.

The original unit was an AVR307(MSRP $3498 - 2003) and after a few months I sent it to B&K to be upgraded to the AVR317(+$475). This makes it internally identical to the later series replacement, AVR507 Series I. The only physical differences between the two units is one set of component inputs and an input selector knob. The AVR307 had some quirky issues in its original form and the factory upgrade not only fixes them but brings it to yet another level of high performance. This upgrade is no longer available from the factory or elsewhere.

The amplifier section uses a Class A pre-driver to push an A/B Mosfet output stage. The sound is warm and vibrant without any harshness at all....a very smooth piece of gear. This is the kind of gear that changes your perspective and something you can truly have fun with again.

The unit was powering a full Polk Audio LSi loudspeaker setup.

Here's some specifications:

Power: 150 WPC x 7 @ 8 ohms/ 185 WPC x 7 @ 4ohms
Size: 7" H x 17" W x 15 1/2" D
Weight: 58 Pounds

Motorola DigitalDNA processor
THX Ultra Certified
Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital RF, Dolby Digital Surround EX, Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DVD-Audio
AM/FM Stereo Tuner
Headphone Output
Room Equalization
Video Inputs: Composite (7), S-video (7), Component (2)
Video Outputs: Composite (5), S-video (5), Component (1)
Audio Inputs: Stereo (7)
Digital Inputs: Coaxial (6), Optical (5)
Six-channel Analog Input
Eight-channel Surround Output
Adjustable Subwoofer Crossover (Frequency and Slope)
On-Screen Menu
RS-232 Control
Gold-plated Connectors
IR Inputs/Outputs
Two-zone Operation

This is an all business AVR with zero issues running 4ohm loads. At this level the line between using seperate amplifier/ processor combinations vs a one stop shop AVR is almost a moot point. This unit eats Sony, Yamaha and Denon for breakfast. It might not have every bell and whistle that the other companies offer but it does give you all the absolute essentials, with some extra spice.

All the connections have been treated with CAIG Pro-Gold and it will be packed to withstand a nuclear blast.

Secret's Review - 2002 (http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_9_2/b&k-avr-307-receiver-5-2002.html)

Home Theater Magazine Review - 2001 (http://www.hometheatermag.com/news/10163/index.html)

Audio Video Revolution Review - 2002 (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-av-receivers/av-receivers/b-k-avr307-receiver.html)

AVR317 User Manual (http://www.bkcomp.com/fileadmin/content/content_products/manuals/Upgrade/AVR_315_317_UM.pdf)

Includes: Original packaging, remote control, user manual, warranty card, cutsheet, product catalog and Signal Cable power cord.

DETS006713RVAK&B

[mantis]

man she is back on the block again. god she is fantastic. She was missed when she went, I'm glad you took very good care of her all these years. She looks as nice as when I gave here to you.
What really cool is if you have a Blu ray with 6 channel out, you can still decode all the new audio formats right in the player. This receiver is seperates in one chassis. it's the ultimate receiver.
I wish I had room for her, I would buy her back. She is that good.

Good luck with the sale,

[dorokusai]

Thanks Dan :) It's been such a rock solid piece for me it's tough to let it go. I just want to change up the HT a little....get something fresh.

[Barefoot]

yup that is one fine piece of gear. good luck with the sale. cool dog.

[gwh]

This unit eats Sony, Yamaha and Denon for breakfast.

Will it eat an Outlaw 950 pre/pro with a Sonance 5150 amp (200 per@4)?

HMMM.... Bi-amp the lsi's with the B&K on the highs(front three) & the Sonance on the lows.

Will processing through the B&K smoke the outlaw.

Talk to me.

Counting pennies,



G

[dorokusai]

I believe it's a superior product. It would sound much better and the bi-amping idea gets your LSi's into the next level for sure. In regards to processing they're very similar in what formats are supported but the B&K setup and flexibility is more extensive. The build quality is top notch.

You'll already be familiar with the remote control since they are almost exactly the same. The GUI interface for the B&K could be a little easier to use, perhaps one drawback so you'll have to become intimate with the user manual. There's just so much you can tweak thru the room equalization and OSD.

[dorokusai]

I'll throw in a Signal Cable power cable depending on what length you need....

[dorokusai]

I posted a pic of the guts....nice 3 by 5.5 wide toroid underneath the front PCB....flanked by 4 large caps.

[JimBRICK]

DAMN IT DORO, I come in for a peak and look what you have up. How does this compare sound wise to the NAD you sold me?

[dorokusai]

What model was that Jim...T743? Either way it's more hardcore than the NAD.

[JimBRICK]

yeah its a t753 and I love it compared to the marantz, yamaha, denon, HK and pioneer ive owned. It's been about 3 years since I bought it from you and It's pretty hard for me to let go. I just bought a .357 mag a few days ago so I think I'm out but you never know money pops outta places unexpectantly :)

[dorokusai]

No problem, nice piece :) I'm very pleased to hear it's still doing well and you're happy. There's nothing like a satisfied customer...especially when they just bought a new .357 Magnum.

[JimBRICK]

Hahahha

[concealer404]

I wish i didn't have to buy a TV, i would be all over this. Would match my preamp very nicely. ;)

Good luck with sale!

[dorokusai]

Thanks Concealer. The Reference series is uber nice.

[mantis]

I don't know why I keep coming in here to look, the price of 700.00 is stupid cheap for such a fine receiver. High end on the cheap is a under statement. 4 ohm load support.. Ok I'm leaving now.

[dorokusai]

If you want even more amplification....this is a matching amplifier.

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=89412

[shawn474]

If I had 700 dollars lying around, I would have been to your house, puchased it and have it hooked up in time to watch the woeful Redskins today. If this is still around in the next couple weeks, I might just have to liquidate my present gear to fund this purchase. Tempting for sure.....Hope all is well.

Shawn

[dorokusai]

At least when you saw them lose again, it would sound GLORIOUS. All is well and when I stop being lazy, I'll take you up on the steak and football offer :)

[dorokusai]

Including shipping....at 60 lbs, that's saves you a few bucks. Also, an upgraded Signal Cable power cord is included. Easily an extra hundred in savings :)

[wallstreet]

Very nice. Mine has the silver faceplate though. I've never popped open the lid on mine. I can see why mine gets warm on the sides! Sound and vision ran an article on this back in the day. What you've neglected to mention is how customizable this amp is. Per S&V, "...B&K's most powerful feature is its equalization options, all of which can be incorporated into presets. The simplest EQ option is bass and treble controls, but unlike typical controls, here you can select their active frequencies - from 20 to 300 Hz for bass and from 2 to 16 Khz for treble. There are two preset EQ curves (Loudness and Theater), and the EQ-adjust onscreen menu page also lets you set the LFE channel's output level. ...Room EQ lets you create a digital notch filter, centered anywhere from 20 to 300 HZ, with attenuation ranging from -18 to 0 dB in .5 dB steps and widths from one-tenth to one-third octave"

(This is really useful for taming those room bass problems)

"Combining Room EQ with the B&K's flexible crossover and tone controls, you can probably achieve smoother and better integrated bass sound in your room than you've ever heard before"

I can personally attest to that statement. I have a nice bass hump in my room at 60 Hz that I was able to successfully smooth out with the notch filter. However my 317 is staying put for the near future. Good luck on the sale.

[dkg999]

This is a real man's AVR! Not some wimpy "oh my, maybe it will run my LSi's if I'm careful and don't turn it up too loud" type of bought it at the dudes with the blue shirts store HTR. I've got the 507s2 and the amount of customization is just nuts and is a challenge for those of us with ADD! Don't like that mid-bass bump in your LSi9's? 15 min with the manual and the remote and presto it's gone!

Great piece of gear, great price, great seller.

Who needs a stink'in HDMI connection anyway!

[dorokusai]

Doug - Thanks for the words or wisdom fellow B&K owner. I'm not sure how many folks use the AVR as a switcher anyways but I imagine it can be a factor. I just run the digital audio in and don't sweat it. This has uber inputs.

Hey folks, If you want to work out payment arrangements or deal on something...let's talk. Seriously, I'm in no hurry and will either lay it up on Audiogon or box it up for next year as the new stuff is already here.

[cnh]

Well that's a great AVR...

And it's also about time you upgraded...Mark. You've been threatening to since the CC days!

Good luck with the sale and drop us some pics of the new system when its up and runninng.

cnh

[dorokusai]

If it wasn't clear...this does have a remote control. This was asked via PM so I figured I'd let you know :) I did forget to list it in the "included" area. Sorry.

[reeltrouble1]

r u kidding.........this thing is awesome 1/6 th the cost........talk about a Polkie taking care of a Polkie.....

mine.

RT1

[dorokusai]

I love Polkies....and Ted & Steve even more :)

[reeltrouble1]

wanna bet the DVD rock vids in the RTT are going to sound better with this than the Oinker????

I will have some fun........I run my HDMI vid direct to the Pioneer Elite and will just use the DVD player to decode the sound a while longer.......works for me boys just going to hook it to the 7270 amp for shits and giggles.

RT1

[dorokusai]

It will crush the Onkyo.

[dkg999]

I want to be Ted when I grow up :D

[reeltrouble1]

It will crush the Onkyo.

Crush it.......I expect it to jump up and down on it pulverizing into the earth till only the EPA can arrive in their white suits to find a trace...........frankly with Rabbit Hole Rig getting most of my love the RTT has not seen music in quite a while, excepting a few nice DVD concerts I own.

Doug........who you kidding, your a big boy..............spend a little, hell, the earth worms that will one day be crawling through your eyeball sockets don't really care how much you had or left before you take the big dirt nap.

RT1

[Dawgfish]

I want to be Ted when I grow up :D

Me too! Hey Ted being an EPA contractor and all, I may have to come check that thing out after it pulverizes the Onkyo LOL! I'll help out with the cleanup and then you can demenstrate the awesome B&K in the RTT! Oh yeah, I better check out he two channel rig again just to see if everything is ok there too ;-) BTW, I'm moving into a house soon on St. Simons. I will no longer be living in a condo with adjoining walls and pesky neighbors. I have room to set up a seperate two channel rig with the SDA-1Cs. I am loving those. When I get everything setup, you're going to have to come over and check everything out. I can't wait!

[MKZ]

I want Callie.

[reeltrouble1]

Gotcha Dawg...., hope you make it to the fest as well. BDT's Quad rig is awesome and their will be some nice surprises.

RT1

[Dawgfish]

Gotcha Dawg...., hope you make it to the fest as well. BDT's Quad rig is awesome and their will be some nice surprises.

RT1

It's looking more and more like I'm going to be able to make that. I really hope so! I would love to meet a lot of the other folks from the board and check out the awesome quad rig, among other cool stuff. Hope life is treeting you well! It sounds like it is with the new toys and all. I can't wait to here that Eagles concert DVD through the B&K reciever. I've got a pretty good selection of concert DVDs if you ever want to borrow any. It's mostly classic rock, blues, and jazz. Just let me know.