|
|
 |
 |
[Click To Enlarge]
Email A Friend - Gift Reminder |
Harman Kardon AVR-354 7x75W 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver
Availability:
6-10 days
Price:
$978.99*
|
| Part No: | B0016BGRXG |
| Manufacturer: | Harman Kardon |
| MFG Part: | AVR 354 |
| Customer Rating: | 4.0 / 5.0 |
|
|
- Home theater receiver includes the Bridge II docking station for iPod playback, control, and charging
- HDMI 1.3a with Deep Color and Faroudja DCDi Cinema video processing with upscaling to 1080p
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio (IHF-A): 100 dB
- Includes full suite of Dolby surround decoding, including Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus
- XM Tuner Ready
The AVR 354 includes a full complement of Dolby and DTS decoding technologies, HDMI repeater capability, Faroudja DCDi Cinema processing, EzSet/EQ equalization and multiroom capability. It connects to a universe of digital and analog sources, as well as to external amps. And with The Bridge II docking station (included), it will even play, control and charge your iPod. To ensure that everything works together seamlessly, the AVR 354 features a full-color graphical user interface and an eight-device programmable remote. Harman Kardon founder Dr. Sidney Harman has always believed technology should serve users, not intimidate them. The AVR 354 is a perfect case in point.
| Phenomenal! | 2010-01-15 | 5 / 5 |
| I bought this unit late in 2008, and I have been thoroughly enjoying it ever since. The many connections allow you to hook up almost anything you could think of, and via almost any method. The sound through my very mis-matched 5.0 speakers is pretty good. Using the built-in speaker setup is easy.
Firmware updates available from Harman Kardon. I think that's one of the really good features. The new firmware, particularly the video firmware, lets this unit stay up-to-date.
The great choice in inputs was one of the selling points for me. The unit will handle up to 1080p via HDMI or 1080i via Component. Six HD inputs (3 HDMI, 3 Component) makes this a great central piece in a Home Theater.
I'm only recently using the Bridge II connection for one of my iPods. The on-screen interface is slow, but it'll get you where you want to go. And just the fact that switching to the Bridge automatically starts the iPod playing, and switching from the Bridge pauses it, is great. And song info scrolls across the front panel on the unit, so you can see it even if the TV is off.
My only issues are relatively minor.
First, there are about 14 different inputs possible, but you can only assign them to six possible functions, without having to go back into the menus to switch to another set of inputs.
Second, an electronic device built in the 21st century shouldn't have had an RS-232 connection for firmware updates! If that weren't bad enough, you have to fiddle with two small, recessed switches on the back of the unit - right next to the serial connection - while updating the firmware. Newer units (2009) have USB for this function.
In total, nice unit for a great price! |
| Not what I hoped | 2009-09-24 | 3 / 5 |
| I had high expectations and was very happy when I received the unit. I also bought the matched set of speakers HKT 18 and the two additional ones for 7.1.
Two problems: I do not play them loud, I like the volume low to average but I still have to turn up the dial to at least 55-65% on the scale in an average size room..even if watching a movie with only talking.
The second problem is I had to return the unit to HK for problems after 4 months. (at a cost of $21 shipping to me) They replaced it with a "reconditioned" unit and now after 10 months the sub-woofer has failed...or is it the reconditioned AV unit...after talking to HK I was took to take it to a service center two hours from here.
|
| Pefect for price range | 2009-08-11 | 5 / 5 |
| | I spent many hours reviewing receivers and went with the Harman Kardon AVR-354 because Harman Kardon's quality is exceptional, and this model had everything I needed. Yes, you can spend less money, but I have had two Harman Kardon receivers over forty years and have been very pleased with the output. |
| Recommended but with some caveats | 2009-07-05 | 4 / 5 |
| For the price that you can get the AVR354, it offers significantly more bang for the buck than other receivers in the price range. You get support for all of the latest sound formats (except Dolby Pro Logic IIz), Great sound (very high quality and 75W is a very conservative rating), excellent video processing (upsampling to 1080p and overlays/OSDs even on high def outputs, which is rare in this price range), and included iPod dock.
The only caveats I would mention are a comparatively low number of HDMI inputs at 3, the inability to simply pass through video (everything is upscaled), and quirky firmware. The last issue is something that is supposedly getting fixed soon. Most of the "quirky firmware" issues have to do with HDMI compatibility. I've personally experienced losing all audio from my HD tivo and video corruption when moving from one resolution to another (switching inputs then back fixes it), but others have experienced numerous audio problems with the PS3 and compatibility issues using HDMI->DVI converters. According to HK tech support (as of 07/09), there is a firmware update coming within a few weeks that will remedy the majority of outstanding HDMI issues.
I'm very happy with the receiver, but my recommendation would be to wait for the next firmware before making a purchase on this receiver. Though the AVR354 usually operates very well, the HDMI bugs can be annoying. Wait until the new version of the firmware hits (current is 95.1.1 in the U.S.), then check online message boards to see if the big issues have been corrected. I rate this receiver a four based on an average. If the next firmware does not fix the HDMI issues, it should be a three, but if the new firmware does fix the issues, it's a five. |
| Harman Kardon Receiver | 2009-06-11 | 4 / 5 |
| Excellent features. Great sound. Great price.
Drawback is the auto audio surround setup not working properly |
* Current Price/Avail/Qty displayed on website may be delayed by up to 24 hours. Items added to cart and into the checkout process will reflect current price and status of product. |
|
 |
|
)
