|
I returned the product and Harman Kardon replaced it with a refurbished AVR347. This is my second Harman Kardon AVR 347. I was disappointed that it was not a new receiver since I had it for less than 6 months. The first brand new receiver stopped passing the video signal of my surround sound set up within 6 months. I had originally hooked up the system using component video cables since I did not have an HD television and was watching SD television. I sent an email to Harman Kardon to that effect, they chose not to respond to me. I now have my surround sound connected via HDMI cables and so far the refurbish AVR347 is working well.
The worst part is, to adjust the sound, I have to switch back to my TVs component source to see the on screen display. I hate it. I bought an HDMI capable receiver for the point of eliminating wires while maintaining my high def sound and picture. You can buy an extra Ipod attachment, which I did. Thats a pretty noticeable difference on my 65" 1080p television. I cant even adjust the bass or channel levels without having to go through a whole ordeal. That is a major pain when I happen to flip to a bassy channel or cheesy action movie.It also makes a load popping noise when you pause a Bluray or DVD.
There are a few things about this receiver that really irritate me. I love the way the Harman Kardon receivers look. All I will say it that it doesn't adjust them correctly at all. This receiver is a real pain in the rear. It comes with a microphone that you can plug, set in the middle of the room and it will automatically adjust your levels and distance settings. You can kind of use the remote to control you Ipod, but it doesn't work very good and the song title displays on screen (not the receiver display) for like 5 seconds before it disappears. Now I have to plug my HDMI devices (PS3, Computer, and Cable Box) directly into the TV and still run my optical cable to the receiver for sound. On screen only.
That means I have to use the TV remote to switch between devices, as well. First, the HDMI situation. That can be deceiving, though. Just get 3.5 to RCA adapter and an AC adapter.If you didn't understand the technical aspects of this review, then you don't need something this complicated. Unless having a nice little charging stand for your Ipod is important, don't bother.
That wouldn't be so bad if this info displayed on the front of the receiver, but it doesn't. While it is doing this, it makes a popping noise really loud through the speakers every few seconds. Then, when you restart the movie, you have to switch your surround mode back to 7.1. The transparent front that looks black when powered off and the blue lighted button really make my theater system look sweet. If you have HD, I would look for something HDMI friendly.
Pioneer, Sony, and Yamaha make pretty decent products for the price and are much easier to use. It was with this receiver. If you want something high end, like Harmon Kardon, I would tell you go with Onkyo, Denon, or comparable. The features are a train wreck.
If you run the HDMI through the receiver, you can only use 720p. You would be much happier. Apparently the optical cable quits sending the surround sound signal when you pause it, so the receiver searches for a signal code. You have to switch it every time you start a DVD or Bluray, too, since it doesn't remember your preferences.
They do look hideous compared to the HK, but are so much more user friendly. But its pretty.
Set up of the receiver was not overly difficult but I found out that wiring it yourself is the way to go; my friend is notoriously bad at wiring inputs correctly so I had video and no sound. Luckily I don't need the optical anymore with the new Comcast Cisco PVR; audio and video over HDMI. I purchased the receiver open box from Fry's here in Houston and was lucky enough to get the remote and about $200 off of the retail price when purchased in July 2008. This gives me no video issues and I have two cables on the back of my TV :). One item I would like to see would be a second subwoofer output for 7.2 should you choose to go that route but that is just nitpicking really.All in all I can't be happier and I will add that the 7x55W raiting has to be conservative because I can nearly deafen guests if I turn it up to +3 or higher when listening to music (and it is crystal clear). Once I got that sorted the next day everything has been smooth sailing.All of these issues with HDMI connectivity and picture issues I don't seem to have; though I did the firmware update right after I purchased the receiver. The optical connections I have work fine though the cables I have from monoprice (not sure if they are a contributor to the problem or not) don't stay in well.
I plan on getting a Blu Ray player that will do the decoding and then the speakers will do the lossles audio but having it on the receiver seems like something that should be there for the price compared the Onkyo 605.Audio quality is excellent and when running the two Primus towers alone in 2 channel stereo it was shockingingly accurate and rich. First impression: excellent build quality and I was the envy of all my friends who are HK fanatics. Also, I am kind of dissapointed that, considering when it was released, there was no support for Dolbly True HD and HD Master Audio. I have HDMI 1 in use and component 2 and they output over HDMI out to my Samsung LN-T4669 1080P. I have never tried the TV speakers being that I have a full Inifinity Primus 5.1 system less the Polk 10" sub so I can't say if audio transmits to the TV over HDMI or not.On to things I don't like. I don't run it as such anymore and the 5.1 is different but equally rich and powerful (two noise complaints to boot). If you can get a good deal on one now I say go for it but if you want the latest technology, audio decoding and more HD flexibility the AVR 354 and/or some of the newer Onkyo's are the ones for you (705/6 & 805/6).
Harman Kardon is the brand for best audio sound at an affordable price. I highly recommend it.
When I connect the PS3 or the HD-DVD player directly to the tv, the dots disappear.Secondly, the sound is frustrating. I had also upgraded my speakers recently, and figured this would be a nice match for my new 5.1 system. Furthermore, it has a habit of resetting this mode at intervals.Setup is/was frustrating as well. What a HUGE let-down.First, when the hdmi connections go through the receiver, these little white and red specks appear on the picture.
A lot of times you will think you've saved your settings, exit the OSD, and find that they've reverted to whatever the receiver thinks they should be.There are a lot of different "modes" that you can set up. It is most noticeable in very dark areas of the picture, but it's annoying. It occurs only when using the hdmi inputs, and only when this receiver is in the middle. I got this received because I had a PS3 and a HD-DVD player, but only one HDMI input on my television. For example, some modes will not activate unless there is a video signal coming in.All in all, I wish I had not bought this product. setup to finally hear dialogue clearly.
It requires it to be connected to a tv to use the on-screen display. I had heard people saying that they used the EZ-Tuner feature of the receiver and everything was perfect, but as stated above that hasn't worked quite so well for me.
If I had known HD-DVD would tank, I would have held on to my old receiver (a 5-yr old Panasonic) instead. What a let-down.
CD, DVD, Video 1/2/3, etc. For some reason, it puts the level on the center speaker very low and it is difficult to hear dialogue.
I can use a button to cycle through sound-modes, but it requires me to go to a 3-speaker (yay for 5.1). Each can be configured to some extent, but there are also limitations.
I have had nothing but disappointment from this one.
|
