FS: Harmon Kardon 7.1 AVR254 - $499.99

[Blitzo]

3-Day web deal only. Oct. 19-21.

Has 3-HDMI inputs. Audio and video processing (converts analog video to 1080p).

Is this a good buy? Any opinions from the audio savvy RFD'ers?

Apparrently any issues with this receiver have all been fixed with the latest firmware.

Link to the receiver on FS:

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10100640&catid=10551&CMP=EMC-email_special_promo2

[IntrepidRT]

I was looking at this one too. I have a set of Klipsch RF series speakers and I want a receiver with amazing audio quality to go with them. Is this the one to get?

Question..........50W x 7 does not seem like much? Most are 100W x 7 aren't they?

[Blitzo]

I was looking at this one too. I have a set of Klipsch RF series speakers and I want a receiver with amazing audio quality to go with them. Is this the one to get?

Question..........50W x 7 does not seem like much? Most are 100W x 7 aren't they?

I read into this on another site. HK typically uses RMS wattage for their specs (the proper way to spec power). Most other manufacturers use MAXIMUM wattage in their specs. You can equate this receiver to 100+ maximum wattage per channel. In fact some have said that its capable of much higher.

[IntrepidRT]

I read into this on another site. HK typically uses RMS wattage for their specs (the proper way to spec power). Most other manufacturers use MAXIMUM wattage in their specs. You can equate this receiver to 100+ maximum wattage per channel. In fact some have said that its capable of much higher.
I feel like a dummy........I just assumed that most manufacturers rate the RMS wattage of their receivers (apples to apples). Now I WANT to buy a HK product because at least HK doesn't lie to their customers about power output.

[gordholio99]

Don't ever go by stated power when considering an A/V receiver. Not only are there are a number of divergent, convoluted methods for rating power, but "mass-market" manufacturers constantly fudge the numbers. You really have to do your research on this, including test-driving each of the models you're interested in. This isnt always possible, of course, with today's electronics superstores. Nonetheless, from what I understand, HK is usually more on the level about their stated watts than most of the mass-market receiver manufacturers.

Having said all that, I too have a pair of Klipsh RFs. They're highly efficient speakers, so you don't necessarily need a monster-power receiver to drive them. If you have a powered subwoofer, even better. It will really help fill in the bottom end without sapping juice from the receiver.

[SomeGuyGG]

Harmon Kardon also uses the power rating of each channel, when all 7.1 are in use.

Other companies tend to rate each channel used separately, which ends up being a higher number.

In short: Do not worry about the low power rating.

[darklord700]

I was looking at this one too. I have a set of Klipsch RF series speakers and I want a receiver with amazing audio quality to go with them. Is this the one to get?

Question..........50W x 7 does not seem like much? Most are 100W x 7 aren't they?

These numbers are mostly garbage but at least 50W per channel isn't too far from reality. Most sub $1K receivers quoting 100W per channel couldn't deliver more than 30W when all 7 channels are powered.

[meall]

Power rating is often displayed as what you will get if using stereo only system on most AV. I was reading about another deal (The Onkyo TX-SR607 at 599$) posted lately, and this one is rated at 90W. But an article in Sound and Vision Mag show that at 1 channel, it can output 123W, 2 channels 101 W, but at seven channel it is capable of only 60W. So 50 W does not look that bad... And if your using it mostly as 5.1, you may gain a bit of power from the non used speakers.

The Onkyo have the advantage of more HDMI ports available. 6 (1 front), but its video upconversion is limited to 1080i. It also supports the PLIIz, which I'm not sure can be of used based on the review I read.

Not sure if the HK kit is better in anyway. Also been told to look at Denon, but again, not sure to compare it to which model! A/V receiver is a complex world... :!:

[hades]

Bought this a week ago when it was also on sale for 500$ (during their 18hour sale). Still waiting for it to arrive. After much research, went with this. The reviews were great, although some people had problems with the sound dropping out, etc.

3 HDMI inputs only. But considering that I'm ONLY hooking up a PS3, what do I care if it's 3 or 6?

hades

[meall]

After much research, went with this.

With what? Any of the reviews you can provide links to?



3 HDMI inputs only. But considering that I'm ONLY hooking up a PS3, what do I care if it's 3 or 6?

For now, yes, but one must consider that in the future most devices will connect to HDMI. I already have 3 devices that could use HDMI: Apple TV, DVD player, and HD STB for cable.

[kevbo]

Had one of these quite a while ago. It had a persistent light hiss through all speakers when on surround, which was driving me crazy. Returned two, then went with an Onkyo 605 instead, which has been great. Newer firmware or hardware revisions may have fixed it, I don't know.

[Blitzo]

I really only need 1 HDMI in. I am using my HTPC for bluray, downloaded videos and games. Not to mention streaming MP3 over the net. I think over the next few years we will need fewer devices, not more.

[hades]

With what? Any of the reviews you can provide links to?


I know you can do it! Believe in yourself! Open up Google and put in the model number followed by 'review'.

But yes, I have the AVR254 being shipped. SHould be here tomorrow or Tuesday.



For now, yes, but one must consider that in the future most devices will connect to HDMI. I already have 3 devices that could use HDMI: Apple TV, DVD player, and HD STB for cable.

The most things I have ever hooked up as inputs to any receiver was 3. For the forseeable future I need 1. If you need more, great, buy something else.

hades

[Blitzo]

But yes, I have the AVR254 being shipped. SHould be here tomorrow or Tuesday.

hades

When you had a chance to try it out please let us know if you like it and if you have any issues with it. :)

[verby]

I think Visions has 354 for only $50 more.
I would go onkyo 6xx... just my 2c

ps
isn't HK replacing them with a new 09/10 model?

[Blitzo]

The 354 at visions is $798. Thats $300 more. And their 254 is $50 more.

I heard the onkyo doesn't upconvert via component, unless you buy a $1000 model.

[Fr0sty]

I can't comment on the 254 but I've had a 140 for a cpl of years now - and its the best amp I've owned (had a Sony, Yamaha and JVC mid-range amps).

despite the low ratings, it hasn't shorted me on power and seperates the channels quite nicely - if the 254 is a step up then I highly recommend it.

[verby]

last flyer from visions 'truck load sale' page 6
AVR 354 - $548 (save $250)
Onkyo 607B - $678
re: onkyo - did not hear about not converting via componete, but has 6 hdmi inputs (1 front)


The 354 at visions is $798. Thats $300 more. And their 254 is $50 more.

I heard the onkyo doesn't upconvert via component, unless you buy a $1000 model.

[sphinxx]

harmon kardon also uses the power rating of each channel, when all 7.1 are in use.

Other companies tend to rate each channel used separately, which ends up being a higher number.

In short: Do not worry about the low power rating.

+1

[mlc2000]

Wierd....FS says no upconverter chip but Cnet says it has Faroudja DCDi Cinema video processing, with upconversion to 1080p

Anyways, what does it matter? Don't all DVD / BD players have upconverting?

[number8888]

Make sure you update the firmware for the AVR254 as there were lots of initial issues espeically when using it with the PS3 (sound cutting off and stuff). Not sure what version these unit comes with.

3 HDMI inputs is adequate for most, but say if you have HD cable box, PS3, and Xbox360 all hooked up you would be running out of space soon (though I guess you can switch to component when that happens).

[blah]

I think Visions has 354 for only $50 more.
I would go onkyo 6xx... just my 2c

ps
isn't HK replacing them with a new 09/10 model?

I believe that the 254 and 354 are being replaced with new models. But, the new models don't seem to add much if anything from what I can tell.

If you can get a 354 for only $50 more it might be worth it over the 254, since it includes an ipod dock, powered Zone 2 and more power.

I've had the 354 for a couple of weeks now and I'm very happy with it. I find that the upconverting noticeably improves SD picture quality, sound quality is also very good. I haven't had any of the issues some have been reporting (mostly issues for PS3 owners, which are apparently fixed with newer firmware). The only complaint (although not really an issue for me right now) is the relatively few HDMI ports compared to similar AVRs, but I'm hoping that I can add an HDMI switcher if necessary without creating any handshake problems.

[mflat]

last flyer from visions 'truck load sale' page 6
AVR 354 - $548 (save $250)
Onkyo 607B - $678
re: onkyo - did not hear about not converting via componete, but has 6 hdmi inputs (1 front)

Not sure what flyer you're referring to, but the Visions flyer for the GVRD region shows the AVR254 at $548, not the AVR354...

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/687/picture1yms.png

[m2teach]

On visions website the 354:

Reg. Price: $1,099.99
Sale Price: $798.00
Total Savings: $301.99
Sale Ends: 2009-10-21

[Blitzo]

I ordered the AVR254 from FS. I think its a good deal for what this receiver can do.

[verby]

NOW I know whats the problem...
in the flyer it says 354 - see right before (Final Clearance) but when you move the mouse on it, shows 254... typo I guess
PM opportunity for 354? :D

[HiEveryone]

last flyer from visions 'truck load sale' page 6
AVR 354 - $548 (save $250)
Onkyo 607B - $678
re: onkyo - did not hear about not converting via componete, but has 6 hdmi inputs (1 front)

The onkyo 607 upconverts to 1080i for all analog signals.. it's a pain to find it in the manual but it's there... 8 pages or so from the back

Bought mine a few weeks ago and love it.. got it for 578.00 after bargaining from visions.

[verby]

what's the difference between 607 and 707 apart from THX?


The onkyo 607 upconverts to 1080i for all analog signals.. it's a pain to find it in the manual but it's there... 8 pages or so from the back

Bought mine a few weeks ago and love it.. got it for 578.00 after bargaining from visions.

[HiEveryone]

what's the difference between 607 and 707 apart from THX?

THX
10W extra per channel
I also heard that it upconverts to 1080p BUT I'm not sure about that.

I was offered an open box 707 for 700 (if I remember correctly) but decided the xtra money wasn't worth it.

[Blitzo]

NOW I know whats the problem...
in the flyer it says 354 - see right before (Final Clearance) but when you move the mouse on it, shows 254... typo I guess
PM opportunity for 354? :D

Ah, so your boasting was their fault. :D

[chandans]

not sure much about this particular model, try the avs forums

..but i have a HK AVR 7000 from about 10 yrs ago, and things still a beast. Of course no HDMI inputs, didnt really exist back then, but in terms of quality, theyre built tuff. I dont see this thing dying on me anytime soon. (knocks on wood)

[hades]

Got the avr254 yesterday. It worked out of the box no problem (manufactured sept 2008). After some experimenting, I found a few of my videos with DTS sound streamed through my PS3 didn't play. Everything said DTS, but there was no sound. DD5.1 worked fine. I didn't try Blurays yet.

After an hour of looking, I found that the HarmanKardon website lists the firmware update for the 254 under their avr255 product (although an avr254 entry obviously exists). So downloaded the update for avr255, the update program clearly said it is for the avr254. I applied it, took about 30 minutes, but then my sound issues went away. No problems yet. Will keep experimenting.

It's amazing how complex these things are. My last receiver, you put it on an input, it amplified the signal, and put it out to our speakers. This one, you can assign a bunch of modes (such as Game, Movie, SAT, DVD, etc) to any input you want, apply any processing you want, etc...

The sound quality is great. I definitely think it's a lot better than my previous amp.

hades

[Blitzo]

Are there any good speaker system deals around? The Polk 5.1 deal seemed to be good, but people say the sub sux. Are the HT speaker systems good, or should I buy individual floor speakers?

[panny_allroom]

Are there any good speaker system deals around? The Polk 5.1 deal seemed to be good, but people say the sub sux. Are the HT speaker systems good, or should I buy individual floor speakers?

Last Christmas there was this Norwegian set of speakers called Pro audio All-room at Best Buy for $99 web only. I instinctively bit and bought it and after found that these speakers have been known to cost upwards of 500 UK pounds in Europe.. I discovered the speakers were virtually impossible to find in North America.

That for me was the deal of the century.... unfortunately because of the low price I paid for the speakers... I am now morally unable to buy a receiver that costs more than $270 and have yet to test the speakers out :( lol

[beachvb]

FS now shows it for $399, but shows sold out.

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10100640&catid=

Darn, I ordered it on Oct 20 and received it on Oct 28. Think I qualify for the 30 day price protection?


3-Day web deal only. Oct. 19-21.

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[beachvb]

Called the 1-800 number about 5 minutes after I posted this and got a $100 refund because I qualify for the 30 day price protection.

CS rep was very nice and courteous and said he already processed 3 other $100 refunds on the same unit. Guess I lucked out between my order date and shipped date (8 days to process). It saved me $100.

So for those deciding between the AVR 254 and AVR 2600, there is now a $200 price difference between FS and Visions price (assuming now PM).

This assumes FS can get more AVR 254 stock.


FS now shows it for $399, but shows sold out.

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10100640&catid=

Darn, I ordered it on Oct 20 and received it on Oct 28. Think I qualify for the 30 day price protection?

[Blitzo]

Wow, I'm calling right now as well.