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/pro...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?