UGH! Receiver keeps shutting off! - Blu-ray Forum

Preeminent · 04-18-2010, 02:36 AM

I can't even express how frustrated I am with this HK Receiver!
I bought an Harmon Kardon AVR-254 refurb off of their Ebay store about two months ago. Got everything set up. 5.1 Polk surround speakers and LG BD270 Bluray player. HDMI for hookup. Worked great for a few weeks, then all of a sudden it started to shutoff while watching blurays. The time it takes to happen varies from 5 to 20 minutes. I checked to make sure the latest firmware was on the machine and it was. Got HK to take it back and they sent another one. Replacement is hooked up and IT HAPPENED AGAIN during the first movie we tried to watch! I just don't get it! Not happening while watching cable, just while watching movies. It just shuts off and goes into standby. Does anyone have any ideas on what could be causing this?! I'm wondering if it's the bluray player, since it's not happening while watching cable.

Nick4Blu_81 · 04-18-2010, 02:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Preeminent

I can't even express how frustrated I am with this HK Receiver!
I bought an Harmon Kardon AVR-254 refurb off of their Ebay store about two months ago. Got everything set up. 5.1 Polk surround speakers and LG BD270 Bluray player. HDMI for hookup. Worked great for a few weeks, then all of a sudden it started to shutoff while watching blurays. The time it takes to happen varies from 5 to 20 minutes. I checked to make sure the latest firmware was on the machine and it was. Got HK to take it back and they sent another one. Replacement is hooked up and IT HAPPENED AGAIN during the first movie we tried to watch! I just don't get it! Not happening while watching cable, just while watching movies. It just shuts off and goes into standby. Does anyone have any ideas on what could be causing this?! I'm wondering if it's the bluray player, since it's not happening while watching cable.

Have you tried swapping HDMI inputs on the back of the receiver? Tried Swapping cables? I would say it was the refurb, but you got a replacement refurb. IDK.

Nick4Blu_81 · 04-18-2010, 02:53 AM

I just read the reviews for this model and its completely littered with bugs. Your not the only one having problems with this unit.

Preeminent · 04-18-2010, 03:13 AM

Thanks for the reply! Yeah, I really wish I didn't jump so quick to get this stupid thing! I am seeing all these problems with it now. I am so mad!
I see you're a fellow oregonian! Hows newport? I'm in Portland.

Nick4Blu_81 · 04-18-2010, 03:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Preeminent

Thanks for the reply! Yeah, I really wish I didn't jump so quick to get this stupid thing! I am seeing all these problems with it now. I am so mad!
I see you're a fellow oregonian! Hows newport? I'm in Portland.

Its a great place to visit, lol. Would rather be in Portland.

crackinhedz · 04-18-2010, 04:54 AM

normally when the receiver shuts off for no apparent reason, its usually a speaker wire touching something it shouldn't.

I would re-connect all speakers, at both receiver and speaker ends. Just to make sure nothing is loose or touching. (even if you don't think its the problem, its a free trouble shoot could save you time and money)

If that does not solve your issue, then it very may well just be the receiver itself is defective.

Preeminent · 04-18-2010, 09:25 AM

Thanks crackinhedz! I will try this tomorrow!

darkknightboston · 04-18-2010, 01:02 PM

Crackhead is right. This happened to me once. It took a large volume scene and it would kick out. Little did I know that there was one tiny wire touching one of the other inputs. Since then never had an issue. If it is software, I would return it.

jomari · 04-18-2010, 02:04 PM

from the sound of your previous postings, it can also be the speakers resistance might be too much for the AVR to handle.

what are the speakers connected to it?

Preeminent · 04-18-2010, 09:42 PM

jomari,
What do you mean exactly? I have the Polk RM700 5.1 surround series.
I have my center and surrounds connected directly to the receiver.
Then I have the fronts connected to the SUB and then the SUB to receiver.
-------------------------
Oh, sorry just read your question wrong. Yeah, a long time ago I was going to use some older speakers with weird ohm ratings, but I decided to go with new POLKs, so I don't think it's the problem.

and Darkknight, yes that sounds just like my problem. I am going to have to make some time today and disconnect it all and then make sure everything gets reconnected perfect. I'm not using any kind of banana plugs or anything, just bare wire, so I'm really hoping this is the problem.

crackinhedz · 04-18-2010, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Preeminent

Then I have the fronts connected to the SUB and then the SUB to receiver.

there is your problem right there. All speakers should go directly through the receiver!
Use "option #1" from the user guide pg.9!

Nick4Blu_81 · 04-18-2010, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

there is your problem right there. All speakers should go directly through the receiver!
Use "option #1" from the user guide pg.9!

And it all comes together!

Pycroft · 04-18-2010, 11:13 PM

Hello...

I own a 354 and love it. If it is just randomly shutting off, I would first check the speaker wires. I had a similar issue when my wires were accidentally touching. Do you have them connected with banana plugs, or just with wires? I had them together with just the wires, but had too much sticking out. They would randomly touch and short out the receiver, causing it to shut off to protect itself. If that is not the issue, I have no idea, but I'm sure someone else with more experience will chime in.

James

jomari · 04-19-2010, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Preeminent

jomari,
What do you mean exactly? I have the Polk RM700 5.1 surround series.
I have my center and surrounds connected directly to the receiver.
Then I have the fronts connected to the SUB and then the SUB to receiver.
-------------------------
Oh, sorry just read your question wrong. Yeah, a long time ago I was going to use some older speakers with weird ohm ratings, but I decided to go with new POLKs, so I don't think it's the problem.

and Darkknight, yes that sounds just like my problem. I am going to have to make some time today and disconnect it all and then make sure everything gets reconnected perfect. I'm not using any kind of banana plugs or anything, just bare wire, so I'm really hoping this is the problem.

i think it might be the resistance that might cause the problem. crackinhedz pretty much hit it on the head.

Not that there should be any problem with the fronts connected to the sub, it still can work, with

AVR - fronts set at large
- subwoofer set at NO
- Surrounds and center at small
- speaker wire connecting fronts go to subwoofer in the SPEAKER LEVEL INPUT...

Front Speakers - connected to subwoofer via SPEAKER LEVEL OUTPUT,

this bypasses the crossover settings for the AVR and lets the sub do the work for you. BUT resistance may come in to play due to the subs specs. Thus crackinhedz preference (and i concur) to use the AVR to set that with ALL speakers connected via the AVR, and the Subwoofer utilizing the RCA connection for SUB OUT.

Quote:

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

there is your problem right there. All speakers should go directly through the receiver!
Use "option #1" from the user guide pg.9!

Great find by the way crackinhedz.

Even if there was the speaker wire challenges as the cause of the problem like pycroft mentioned, id consider rewiring the set up using the suggested COA suggested above in the manual (all speakers connected to AVR, sub using sub out) , to utilize the subs amp for the LFE signal, and more flexibility for the AVR to reproduce better midrange and higher frequencies for the remaining speakers.

Best of luck. (im off for the next three days, so will try to go online later...

Preeminent · 04-22-2010, 04:14 AM

Whoa! Sorry guys! I have been crazy busy and didn't get back to check this. This is why I love this forum. Always someone willing to help out! Unfortunately I have to head to work in a few, but I will check this out and hopefully get this fixed! I am pretty happy that I, at least have two things to try. Yes, I am just using bare wire and thought I have them pretty well cleaned up and not touching, but that doesn't mean it still can't be the problem. I will have to look into the banana plugs because I bought some Monster plugs(yes, I know, but Fryes supposedly only had those the night i was there)and honestly couldn't figure it out. They would not fit into my receiver. I know it sounds stupid, but I think they weren't what I needed. I will check monoprice.
Then as far as using option 1 in my manual. hmmmm I was confused on it and that's why i went with option 2. Like I said, tomorrow(hopefully) I will look at the manual and see what I need to do to use option 1 and get back on here. THANK YOU SO MUCH GUYS!

Preeminent · 04-24-2010, 05:16 AM

Ok! Back with more questions! Geez I'm an idiot! So I went an bought a standard RCA cable before really looking at the rear of the receiver. My sub has a spot for both L and R in but the receiver only has one spot for SUB Out. So that was a waste. So I am needing a Male to 2-Male RCA cable then right? Which I'm doubting that I can just go grab locally.

crackinhedz · 04-24-2010, 05:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Preeminent

Ok! Back with more questions! Geez I'm an idiot! So I went an bought a standard RCA cable before really looking at the rear of the receiver. My sub has a spot for both L and R in but the receiver only has one spot for SUB Out. So that was a waste. So I am needing a Male to 2-Male RCA cable then right? Which I'm doubting that I can just go grab locally.

connect it to the "L" (left) or the "R" (right) on your sub, does not have to be both.

as it reads on pg.9:

Quote:

Shows splitter connection for subwoofer. Splitter is an optional accessory. If not using a splitter, connect single cable to L or R Line In only.

crackinhedz · 04-24-2010, 05:32 AM

some people like to use an RCA Y splitter, it can add overall dB to your output...but honestly, I wouldn't bother.

But...Y splitters are cheap!

Preeminent · 04-24-2010, 08:33 AM

Thank you sir! You're the man! So far so good! Just used my normal test disc(Transformers) and threw in some Hangover, played a little wii, which now sounds great. The true test will come tomorrow when I upgrade my Blu player's firmware and watch Avatar. Crossing my fingers. I do have one other question though. You guys have any idea why I'm not able to get full surround sound out of my cable? I'm only getting the fronts,center, and sub. I have a motorola box from comcast and have HD channels.

04-18-2010, 11:13 PM	#13
Pycroft Member Member since:Feb 2009 Trading Score:7	... Hello... I own a 354 and love it. If it is just randomly shutting off, I would first check the speaker wires. I had a similar issue when my wires were accidentally touching. Do you have them connected with banana plugs, or just with wires? I had them together with just the wires, but had too much sticking out. They would randomly touch and short out the receiver, causing it to shut off to protect itself. If that is not the issue, I have no idea, but I'm sure someone else with more experience will chime in. James

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04-18-2010, 02:36 AM	#1
Preeminent Member Member since:Jun 2009	UGH! Receiver keeps shutting off! I can't even express how frustrated I am with this HK Receiver! I bought an Harmon Kardon AVR-254 refurb off of their Ebay store about two months ago. Got everything set up. 5.1 Polk surround speakers and LG BD270 Bluray player. HDMI for hookup. Worked great for a few weeks, then all of a sudden it started to shutoff while watching blurays. The time it takes to happen varies from 5 to 20 minutes. I checked to make sure the latest firmware was on the machine and it was. Got HK to take it back and they sent another one. Replacement is hooked up and IT HAPPENED AGAIN during the first movie we tried to watch! I just don't get it! Not happening while watching cable, just while watching movies. It just shuts off and goes into standby. Does anyone have any ideas on what could be causing this?! I'm wondering if it's the bluray player, since it's not happening while watching cable.

04-18-2010, 02:53 AM	#3
Nick4Blu_81 Special Member Member since:Sep 2008 Location:Salem, Oregon Blu-ray collection:585 Blu-ray reviews:1 Trading Score:15	I just read the reviews for this model and its completely littered with bugs. Your not the only one having problems with this unit.

04-18-2010, 03:13 AM	#4
Preeminent Member Member since:Jun 2009	Thanks for the reply! Yeah, I really wish I didn't jump so quick to get this stupid thing! I am seeing all these problems with it now. I am so mad! I see you're a fellow oregonian! Hows newport? I'm in Portland.

04-18-2010, 04:54 AM	#6
crackinhedz Super Moderator Member since:Feb 2007 Home Theater Gallery:10 Blu-ray reviews:8 Trading Score:19	normally when the receiver shuts off for no apparent reason, its usually a speaker wire touching something it shouldn't. I would re-connect all speakers, at both receiver and speaker ends. Just to make sure nothing is loose or touching. (even if you don't think its the problem, its a free trouble shoot could save you time and money) If that does not solve your issue, then it very may well just be the receiver itself is defective.

04-18-2010, 09:25 AM	#7
Preeminent Member Member since:Jun 2009	Thanks crackinhedz! I will try this tomorrow!

04-18-2010, 01:02 PM	#8
darkknightboston Junior Member Member since:Jul 2008 Location:Boston Home Theater Gallery:11	Crackhead is right. This happened to me once. It took a large volume scene and it would kick out. Little did I know that there was one tiny wire touching one of the other inputs. Since then never had an issue. If it is software, I would return it.

04-18-2010, 02:04 PM	#9
jomari Moderator Top contributor Member since:Nov 2007 Home Theater Gallery:18 Blu-ray reviews: 2 Trading Score:2	from the sound of your previous postings, it can also be the speakers resistance might be too much for the AVR to handle. what are the speakers connected to it?

04-18-2010, 09:42 PM	#10
Preeminent Member Member since:Jun 2009	jomari, What do you mean exactly? I have the Polk RM700 5.1 surround series. I have my center and surrounds connected directly to the receiver. Then I have the fronts connected to the SUB and then the SUB to receiver. ------------------------- Oh, sorry just read your question wrong. Yeah, a long time ago I was going to use some older speakers with weird ohm ratings, but I decided to go with new POLKs, so I don't think it's the problem. and Darkknight, yes that sounds just like my problem. I am going to have to make some time today and disconnect it all and then make sure everything gets reconnected perfect. I'm not using any kind of banana plugs or anything, just bare wire, so I'm really hoping this is the problem.

04-22-2010, 04:14 AM	#15
Preeminent Member Member since:Jun 2009	Whoa! Sorry guys! I have been crazy busy and didn't get back to check this. This is why I love this forum. Always someone willing to help out! Unfortunately I have to head to work in a few, but I will check this out and hopefully get this fixed! I am pretty happy that I, at least have two things to try. Yes, I am just using bare wire and thought I have them pretty well cleaned up and not touching, but that doesn't mean it still can't be the problem. I will have to look into the banana plugs because I bought some Monster plugs(yes, I know, but Fryes supposedly only had those the night i was there)and honestly couldn't figure it out. They would not fit into my receiver. I know it sounds stupid, but I think they weren't what I needed. I will check monoprice. Then as far as using option 1 in my manual. hmmmm I was confused on it and that's why i went with option 2. Like I said, tomorrow(hopefully) I will look at the manual and see what I need to do to use option 1 and get back on here. THANK YOU SO MUCH GUYS!

04-24-2010, 05:16 AM	#16
Preeminent Member Member since:Jun 2009	Ok! Back with more questions! Geez I'm an idiot! So I went an bought a standard RCA cable before really looking at the rear of the receiver. My sub has a spot for both L and R in but the receiver only has one spot for SUB Out. So that was a waste. So I am needing a Male to 2-Male RCA cable then right? Which I'm doubting that I can just go grab locally.

04-24-2010, 05:32 AM	#18
crackinhedz Super Moderator Member since:Feb 2007 Home Theater Gallery:10 Blu-ray reviews:8 Trading Score:19	some people like to use an RCA Y splitter, it can add overall dB to your output...but honestly, I wouldn't bother. But...Y splitters are cheap!

04-24-2010, 08:33 AM	#19
Preeminent Member Member since:Jun 2009	Thank you sir! You're the man! So far so good! Just used my normal test disc(Transformers) and threw in some Hangover, played a little wii, which now sounds great. The true test will come tomorrow when I upgrade my Blu player's firmware and watch Avatar. Crossing my fingers. I do have one other question though. You guys have any idea why I'm not able to get full surround sound out of my cable? I'm only getting the fronts,center, and sub. I have a motorola box from comcast and have HD channels.

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