HARMAN / KARDON ADP 303 Dolby Digital (originally synonymous with Dolby AC-3), is the name for a family of audio compression technologies developed by Dolby Laboratories. It is still the sound standard for almost all modern movies; even if they have soundtracks in a newer and more advanced format, often an extension of 5.1 Dolby Digital, e.g. 6.1 and 7.1. It is very similar to its predecessor, the analogue Dolby Pro-Logic (also 5.1 channels). Although ‘movie sound’ is still popular, most people buy cheap and compact extension kits, characterized by a poor sound quality at best. This means that many audiophiles stay far away from film sound, also called ‘home cinema sound’. For these audio purists, there are acceptable ways to listen to movie sound in the desired high quality however; this involves the use of a processor in combination with amps and speakers of their own choice. These do not interfere with the faithful musical reproduction in which they have often invested heavily and are a worthy alternative for the ‘home cinema kits’. The Harman/Kardon ADP 303 (this copy, with serial nr. MJ 0006-03415) from the year 1997 has the addition 'EX', that probably indicates it is a second version. It is purely an AC-3 processor (color: black), with three digital inputs and six analogue in- and outputs (one for every channel). Furthermore, there are switches that make you choose large or small speakers and an on/off switch for a subwoofer (hifi speakers with sufficient bass reproduction and dynamic range don’t have to be supplemented). The ADP 303 measures 444 mm x 85 mm x 278 mm (W x H x D) and weighs 4.2 kilograms. The gain settings for the different channels have been placed behind a small metal plate with two hexagon socket screws, which prevents accidental changes to the balance between the channels. A test tone makes the coordination of the channels easy. The unit does not come with a remote control. The technical condition of this processor is 100 %, it shows some signs of use however. Stay clear of the cheaper versions of this processor (not ‘made in Japan’ or the Marantz DP 870) you may come across. They may be cheap, but also of lesser quality. The Harman/Kardon ADP 303 can be picked up (no shipping fee) in the Netherlands or will be sent via PostNL or DHL.