Gadgetory

if you're like minimalist looks and a compelling mix of features the Harman Kardon AVR 1610 s offers an intriguing package taking a leaf out of Apple's book this is the S update of the existing AVR 1610 and it mostly adds new features it now offers Spotify connect for streaming music from your phone and in addition there's also support for 4k with five HDMI 2.0 ports this is a 5.1 receiver with 85 watts of power per channel and it decodes most things except for Dolby Atmos with it comes bluetooth and network streaming in addition to a dedicated control app however usability isn't quite up to the level of competitors with the first issue being a terrible remote the buttons are cramped and it's missing a dedicated Bluetooth button also the user interface is really old and ugly while the Harman Kardon surround sound and music performance is quite fine its competitor the Yamaha rxv 479 still does both better the Harman Kardon AVR 1610 s is available now for 399 dollars this is ty Pendlebury for cnet.com