Harman Kardon AVR 254

[zoso0928]

Does anyone have this receiver? If so what did you set each speaker levelat in the menu? and did you set the speaker distance setting?

TIA

[ZIPPO]

https://forum.blu-ray.com/member.php?u=62723
https://www.blu-ray.com/community/ga...&folderid=1645

[kefrank]

Originally Posted by zoso0928

Does anyone have this receiver? If so what did you set each speaker levelat in the menu? and did you set the speaker distance setting?

Just a tip - those settings are entirely dependent on your speaker/seating placement and room acoustics, so getting settings from other people is pretty much useless.

[Kratos3]

Originally Posted by kefrank

just a tip - those settings are entirely dependent on your speaker/seating placement and room acoustics, so getting settings from other people is pretty much useless.

+1

[Pycroft]

I own the HK AVR354...one step up from the 254. I use the calibration mic to set those settings, but FYI, I usually end up raising my center channel volume.

James

[Preeminent]

Yes, I use the cal. mic as well. Did you get one with yours? Also, how is yours performing? Having any problems with it? Mine keeps shutting off and I can't figure out why! I even sent my last one back to HK and the replacement is doing it too. I'm so mad!

[5seconds]

I have the 254, and it has given me nothing but trouble. Check out the 254 & 354 'problem' thread on avsforums, it's pretty long.

Mine is in the shop for the second time, and It has been sent back to H/K. I have heard that the 254s are now being replaced with new 2600s, so I'm hoping for one of those, and I can finally be rid of the 254.

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by 5seconds

I have the 254, and it has given me nothing but trouble. Check out the 254 & 354 'problem' thread on avsforums, it's pretty long.

Mine is in the shop for the second time, and It has been sent back to H/K. I have heard that the 254s are now being replaced with new 2600s, so I'm hoping for one of those, and I can finally be rid of the 254.

Would you mind posting your problems here? What kind of problems do you have? Mine has been pretty stable since the firmware upgrade.

I've read trough the entire Thread on the AVS forum and most problems were occuring before the firmware upgrade.

[5seconds]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

Would you mind posting your problems here? What kind of problems do you have? Mine has been pretty stable since the firmware upgrade.

I've read trough the entire Thread on the AVS forum and most problems were occuring before the firmware upgrade.

The HDMI never worked, right out of the box. I couldn't connect my PS3, it would work until I turned my PS3 on. I just used optical for a while because it sounded great. (I have an H/K 135, and I totally love it)

When I finally wanted to get HD sound, I was determined to get the HDMI working, and it just refused. I took it in for service, and they confirmed the HDMI was bad, but for some reason they upgraded the firmware and returned it to me. When I plugged it all in, not only was the HDMI problem not fixed, but there was no sound on all channels. Not even the test tone. I love my other H/K, but this one always seemed flakey, and I didn't want to have an HD capable amp not be able to do HD!

The HDMI issue seems to be somewhat common, though the firmware did seem to resolve the issue for some, not all. (plus little things like dropping the connection after too short of a time, so that things like the clicks on the PS3 were totally inconsistant etc. minor annoyances, but for the price, it seemed like a few too many) There just seems to be too many issues with the HDMI. I will be glad of a 2600 if I get one.

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by 5seconds

The HDMI never worked, right out of the box. I couldn't connect my PS3, it would work until I turned my PS3 on. I just used optical for a while because it sounded great. (I have an H/K 135, and I totally love it)

When I finally wanted to get HD sound, I was determined to get the HDMI working, and it just refused. I took it in for service, and they confirmed the HDMI was bad, but for some reason they upgraded the firmware and returned it to me. When I plugged it all in, not only was the HDMI problem not fixed, but there was no sound on all channels. Not even the test tone. I love my other H/K, but this one always seemed flakey, and I didn't want to have an HD capable amp not be able to do HD!

The HDMI issue seems to be somewhat common, though the firmware did seem to resolve the issue for some, not all. (plus little things like dropping the connection after too short of a time, so that things like the clicks on the PS3 were totally inconsistant etc. minor annoyances, but for the price, it seemed like a few too many) There just seems to be too many issues with the HDMI. I will be glad of a 2600 if I get one.

So they they did the upgrade for ya. I hear bad things on the 2600 also so I would do some research before jumping on it unless they decide to replace your unit for this one, plus if you are looking to connect it to an external amp it will not be possible as it does not have Preouts.

I had a 240 before which was great and was able to get HD sound using multichannel analog inputs but obviously this is not an option for you since you have a PS3. I really like Marantz other than HK they really do sound great a packup alot of power and rating are accurate.

[5seconds]

What kind of bad things have you heard about the 2600? I wouldn't get one unless H/K replaces my 254 with one, which I heard they were doing. It is too bad about the pre-outs being gone.

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by 5seconds

What kind of bad things have you heard about the 2600? I wouldn't get one unless H/K replaces my 254 with one, which I heard they were doing. It is too bad about the pre-outs being gone.

Well apparently some people were still having some issues with HDMI but doesn't have any? can't really be worse then the issues you are facing with the 254.

Anyhow most reviewers rate it higher and better than the 254 (mostly because of DSP and Picture problems over HDMI on the 254), So it looks promising for you.

I wish you all the best with the new receiver if it happens, to bad you had to go trough hell with the 254 but they actually do sound great and you have been faithfull to the brand since you loved your 135 so much.

[Kratos3]

I've also had issues with my 254. The very same issues as have been stated above. I just installed the latest firmware in hopes of fixing the audio dropout issues, but to no avail. Just too many problems.

I previously owned a non-HDMI Marantz and would have no problem going back, save for the price. I think Denon, Marantz, or Yamaha will be the way for me next time. It's tempting to get a 3D-ready model, but I'm not going to let that dictate my decision.

[5seconds]

When I didn't bother with the HDMI, It was a great receiver. Both of my H/Ks sound amazing, even with less-than-ideal speakers at times. If I had a blu-ray player with 8 channel outputs, I would keep in in an instant. Still, I have heard better things about the 2600, so that would suit me fine.

[NY Yankees 23 2]

I got my 254 from the H/K store on ebay back in January. I haven't had any problems at all and the new firmware was already installed. My only problem with the unit is using the HDMI display settings. they suck ! Just set it to pass through and voila. All the lossless sound you could ask for.