Harman Kardon

[Metalheadisme]

Anyone have the skinny on whether or not HK will be coming out with new receivers this year? I was disappointed to not hear anything at CES and the avr 247 and avr 347 make me go "meh."

[mystiksuicide]

Originally Posted by Metalheadisme

Anyone have the skinny on whether or not HK will be coming out with new receivers this year? I was disappointed to not hear anything at CES and the avr 247 and avr 347 make me go "meh."

They where also rumored to be putting out a a Blu-ray player since last year but no peep since then.

[Robmx]

Originally Posted by Metalheadisme

Anyone have the skinny on whether or not HK will be coming out with new receivers this year? I was disappointed to not hear anything at CES and the avr 247 and avr 347 make me go "meh."

Any reason why the have such low power ratings ? Are they just built so much better that 50W per channel sounds as good 100W ?

[Blu-baton]

Originally Posted by Robmx

Any reason why the have such low power ratings ? Are they just built so much better that 50W per channel sounds as good 100W ?

That's exactly the case. They have high enough current to truly back up the Wattage. Most low end and midrange receivers cheat in that regard and a
55W HK receiver will blow a large number of so-called 100W per channel receiver out of the room. I was lucky enough to test a bunch of receivers in my house and the difference was quite stunning. That being said, the **7 receivers only handle 5.1 PCM through HDMI (not 7.1) and do not decode the advanced codecs (TrueHD and DTS-Ma). But many players do that for you anyway. Still, when they come out with a more full featured receiver, I may actually upgrade my 347.

[camerino]

I have an AVR745, and it puts out 7.1, well actually 7.2 as it has 2 sub outputs. As far as I know all the *45 models have 7.1 audio. There's no True HD on current models, however the Logic 7, developed by Lexicon, if you're familiar with them, is excellent. Down side on current models is 1080i output, and for some reason when I try and bypass a 1080p signal past the processor the picture is scrammbled. Only HDMI 1.1 is another downside but not that big of a deal to me to live with. I saved $2000 over MSRP so I am very pleased with this unit and I am eagerly awaiting news on a new line-up with all the new and up-to-date features.

[alphapyro]

I own an AVR-247 paired up with def tech's PC600 - I gotta say it has impressed me. I wasn't expecting as much as I ended up with. Music/Movies/Games come across a real treat.

Although I'm not plunking down for a full fledged home theater in a large room, I wanted something to deliver the goods for my 20x30 vaulted ceiling living room. This setup does it nicely with volume/bass to spare.

The key was wiring the fronts to the powered sub and then to the receiver, couple that with the LFE and the sound came to life. The first test was the opening scene to 300, with the lightening and story the rumbles were coming through with a nice tight punch, scared the crap out of the youngins in their bedroom - they thought there was a thunderstorm outside.


A++ for my application

[Metalheadisme]

I've been comparing sound on receivers lately, since I'm looking to upgrade.

A long time ago I got the HK CP15 HTIB. It has the HKTS 8 6.1 speakers and HK AVR 135. I was going to get a more expensive HTIB at the time, but I was blown away by the sound quality, specifically with music.

I went to listen to some of the newer receivers like the onkyo, and while I loved the feature set, the sound let me down. It just didn't have the same punch as my old ass avr 135. I loved the Pioneer elites.... just wish I could afford one. Denons sounded good, but again, expensive... The one thing I loved about HK, is that you can find a receiver with great sound while only having the features you need which in turn keeps the price down. Well, as the need for a few features expands... I'm left waiting for an HK receiver to meet them, haha.

I would go after a 247 (I use a ps3, so I don't really need hdmi 1.3), but I've heard a few issues with them including problems with 1080p pass-thru, problems with the LFE channel for PCM, and inability to handle 7.1 pcm (I don't recall if it's that it can't handle 7.1 pcm, or if it is unable to matrix 5.1 pcm to 7.1 pcm).

Anyone have a 247 that can tell me otherwise? I know that the only people who really come onto the internet to discuss them are usually the ones with problems, so it'd be nice to hear the other side of the fence.

That being said, I might still wait for their new line of receivers, hopefully with HDMI 1.3, 1080p upconversion, 7.1 pcm matrixing, and at least 3 HDMI inputs. Although, refurbished 247's from harman audio on ebay are looking mighty tempting, even as a stopgap.

Speaking of ebay, perhaps the biggest surprise in my current setup is the competency of the HKTS 8 6.1 speakers. I have a small living room, but these things sound superb. In anticipation of a 7.1 setup, I ebayed another satellite for them to make it 7.1 ($30 not bad). They aren't the best by a long stretch, but sound great with music and fit into a budget of a graduate student like myself, haha.

COME ON HARMAN KARDON! RELEASE NEW RECEIVERS! YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO!

[Robmx]

Originally Posted by Blu-baton

That's exactly the case. They have high enough current to truly back up the Wattage. Most low end and midrange receivers cheat in that regard and a
55W HK receiver will blow a large number of so-called 100W per channel receiver out of the room. I was lucky enough to test a bunch of receivers in my house and the difference was quite stunning. That being said, the **7 receivers only handle 5.1 PCM through HDMI (not 7.1) and do not decode the advanced codecs (TrueHD and DTS-Ma). But many players do that for you anyway. Still, when they come out with a more full featured receiver, I may actually upgrade my 347.

Good to know, going to have to check them out as well during my shopping for a high end receiver !

[camerino]

Originally Posted by Robmx

Good to know, going to have to check them out as well during my shopping for a high end receiver !

Smart man!! Excellent line to choose from, however I would wait and see if they have a new line coming out. Something which can handle 1080p.

[Blu-baton]

Originally Posted by camerino

Smart man!! Excellent line to choose from, however I would wait and see if they have a new line coming out. Something which can handle 1080p.

I should add then that my 347 handles 1080p as an HDMI passthrough. It upconverts the rest to 720p

[alphapyro]

regarding the AVR-247 - I purchased mine January 11th 2008

I've read the issues with the 1080p passthrough, but that seems to only effect people looking for the 24hz 1080p

my TV is 1080i so it's not the same but I don't experience any artifacts on passthrough, ever.

The only issue is the LFE 10dB boost - and to be perfectly honest most folks don't even know it until they start looking for it (besides a firmware fix is coming to correct it) - I only notice it after switching between music/movie, you have to crank a bit on the volume or add your own boost in the OSD (which you can up to 10dB) - a VERY minor annoyance all things considered. The sound quality is spectacular.

I can't comment on the 7.1 issue since I use 5.1 other than it will accept 7.1 pcm from my PS3 and play it (Warhawk is a perfect example it will only play 7.1pcm since there's no 5.1 option for surround).


It's a good receiver, I think when the firmware comes out it'll do better. I tried replicating setups for folks that get sparkles, but I just don't get them on mine... I've read elsewhere to just send them in for exchange if you happen to get a bum unit


I do hear that they are not well RF shielded, but I have cable so I don't have any problems, and it doesn't mean a thing but I hear radio just fine.


Overall mine works a treat - no complaints whatsoever on video/audio quality. My only gripe is the fact that sometimes I have to goto the OSD and adjust the Bass to +10dB, again - all things considered this is negligible and would not deter me from buying another one if needed

[Imakida]

There is a full thread about the AVR 247 here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=868358

[Metalheadisme]

Originally Posted by alphapyro

regarding the AVR-247 - I purchased mine January 11th 2008

I've read the issues with the 1080p passthrough, but that seems to only effect people looking for the 24hz 1080p

my TV is 1080i so it's not the same but I don't experience any artifacts on passthrough, ever.

The only issue is the LFE 10dB boost - and to be perfectly honest most folks don't even know it until they start looking for it (besides a firmware fix is coming to correct it) - I only notice it after switching between music/movie, you have to crank a bit on the volume or add your own boost in the OSD (which you can up to 10dB) - a VERY minor annoyance all things considered. The sound quality is spectacular.

I can't comment on the 7.1 issue since I use 5.1 other than it will accept 7.1 pcm from my PS3 and play it (Warhawk is a perfect example it will only play 7.1pcm since there's no 5.1 option for surround).


It's a good receiver, I think when the firmware comes out it'll do better. I tried replicating setups for folks that get sparkles, but I just don't get them on mine... I've read elsewhere to just send them in for exchange if you happen to get a bum unit


I do hear that they are not well RF shielded, but I have cable so I don't have any problems, and it doesn't mean a thing but I hear radio just fine.


Overall mine works a treat - no complaints whatsoever on video/audio quality. My only gripe is the fact that sometimes I have to goto the OSD and adjust the Bass to +10dB, again - all things considered this is negligible and would not deter me from buying another one if needed

To be honest, the LFE boost and 1080p/24p issues are what's scaring me away for now, as well as mention of handling only 5.1 pcm.

If I could get confirmation that a unit I get would have the LFE boost and could handle 7.1 pcm, I would go after it I think, as I don't even have a 1080p/24p set (though I would like a receiver I get to be somewhat future-proof).

I think I'll just have to wait and see about their new receivers.... I just wish they would say something about any new receivers though! The wait is killing me.

[johnnierocco]

I have a really old HK receiver. Its an AVR30. Yes you read it right.

That being said. No other receiver I have seen touches HK's at double the price. They have a very natural and warm tone for music and movies. I keep my bass all the way down and treble dead center and all my music sounds incredible. I listen to everything from Jazz to Top 40 and Metal. HK's are nice. WAY back when I bought this baby, I tried everything. The only thing that compared was a 2 channel stereo amp from Rotel. Rotel is VERY NICE and very expensive. Did it sound better than my HK, yes it did, but very little. Not enough to justify the price difference back then of nearly $1500 to me. Not even close.

Thats my experience on HK stuff. Im in the market right now for a receiver and Im so torn. Im loyal to HK, but everyone seems to recommend Pioneer Elite, Dennon, and Onkyo, and while they are great Im sure, they all sound bright and un-natural to me. Maybe its me.

Hope this helps.

[Metalheadisme]

Originally Posted by johnnierocco

I have a really old HK receiver. Its an AVR30. Yes you read it right.

That being said. No other receiver I have seen touches HK's at double the price. They have a very natural and warm tone for music and movies. I keep my bass all the way down and treble dead center and all my music sounds incredible. I listen to everything from Jazz to Top 40 and Metal. HK's are nice. WAY back when I bought this baby, I tried everything. The only thing that compared was a 2 channel stereo amp from Rotel. Rotel is VERY NICE and very expensive. Did it sound better than my HK, yes it did, but very little. Not enough to justify the price difference back then of nearly $1500 to me. Not even close.

Thats my experience on HK stuff. Im in the market right now for a receiver and Im so torn. Im loyal to HK, but everyone seems to recommend Pioneer Elite, Dennon, and Onkyo, and while they are great Im sure, they all sound bright and un-natural to me. Maybe its me.

Hope this helps.

Definitely not just you... I didn't like the sound of onkyo and I thought the Pioneer lacked some warmth. The Denon sounded good though.

[CasualCat2001]

Originally Posted by Metalheadisme

Anyone have the skinny on whether or not HK will be coming out with new receivers this year? I was disappointed to not hear anything at CES and the avr 247 and avr 347 make me go "meh."

I was waiting for a 447(8)/647(8) for a while and finally gave up and got the 247. I was disappointed too when the only announcements I saw were HTIBs.

I'll probably eventually upgrade if they ever come out. I suspect that the talk of being bought and subsequent cancelation were fairly distracting. Hopefully that has not caused some of their talent to jump ship.

[Metalheadisme]

For those interested, I sent an e-mail to HK and got this reply:

H Jonathan,

Good evening. Unfortunately, the 10 dB boost level for LFE in PCM multi channel is an issue that we are hoping to be addressed going forward. However, there will be a software update released very soon which addresses HDMI issues with 1080p / 24 fps correction.

As for the other features for future products. Unfortunately, at this time it is not known what version HDMI will be available in the newer units as well as the surround mode platforms. Perhaps as we get closer to their release date which is projected for late spring, we will have a better idea of their features sets at that time.

I hope this helps.

Best Regards,

Ed Carter, Jr
Web Support Specialist JBL / INF / HK
250 Crossways Park Dr.
Woodbury, NY 11797

So.... late spring it is!

If you like HK and want to see them put out a full featured product, send an inquiry e-mail like this... I'm sure they are interested in what features their customers want, and people asking about newer features might sway them to make sure they show up in the new models.

Here's a piece of what I sent (part of what he replied to):

Also, I really would prefer to get a more fully featured unit with hdmi 1.3, support for Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD MA, upconversion to 1080p, and the ability to matrix 5.1 pcm into 7.1 pcm. Will Harman Kardon be putting out any receivers with these features this year like the awaited 447,647, and 747? I only ask because I really would like to remain a Harman Kardon customer, and would be willing to wait if this was the case.

[GTsmokeya]

I just wanted to say I have an HK AVR135 and it opened my eyes to their great sounding line up and hope to seriously upgrade soon. Solid sounding.

GTsmokeya

[Metalheadisme]

Originally Posted by GTsmokeya

I just wanted to say I have an HK AVR135 and it opened my eyes to their great sounding line up and hope to seriously upgrade soon. Solid sounding.

GTsmokeya

Tell me about it... When I was shopping for a receiver, I was looking at more expensive sony, onkyo, yamaha, etc. receivers, and I couldn't understand why I could get the AVR 135 with a dvd player and 6.1 surround speakers (the CP 15 HTIB) for the same price as those receivers alone and the AVR 135 sounded BETTER.

Then someone educated me about HK's power ratings, and how HK was bar none the way to go for a mid range to high-mid range receiver for great sound if you didn't mind not having all the latest and greatest features.

I'm still rocking my avr 135 and people are still impressed at how good my setup sounds.

Looks like we're going to be waiting until late spring for the next HK! It's good though, since that means I can save up and maybe upgrade my TV at the same time.

[GTsmokeya]

Originally Posted by Metalheadisme

Tell me about it... When I was shopping for a receiver, I was looking at more expensive sony, onkyo, yamaha, etc. receivers, and I couldn't understand why I could get the AVR 135 with a dvd player and 6.1 surround speakers (the CP 15 HTIB) for the same price as those receivers alone and the AVR 135 sounded BETTER.

Then someone educated me about HK's power ratings, and how HK was bar none the way to go for a mid range to high-mid range receiver for great sound if you didn't mind not having all the latest and greatest features.

I'm still rocking my avr 135 and people are still impressed at how good my setup sounds.

Looks like we're going to be waiting until late spring for the next HK! It's good though, since that means I can save up and maybe upgrade my TV at the same time.

Yea funny enough I bought mine on clearance, and now looking for a new one I dont care about the cost I just want one even if over a $1,000. I even got their up converting dvd player because its components where made by hitachi and it plays my dvd audio disc's. Plus the PQ out of it is great.

GTsmokeya