Customer Reviews

Harman Kardon AVR 340 7.1-Channel A/V Receiver, Silver

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The AVR 340 proved to be as impressive as the reviews I had read about it. I compared it to the Yahama 6900 series and Bose Lifestyle 18. The power rating of 65W/ch was comparable to the 140W/ch of the Yhamaha. Set up was easy however I got better results setting up the speaker output manually as opposed to using the systems built in EZ-setup feature. The i pod docking station station is a definite plus. It give you instant access to your ipod using the receiver remote. The song list and menu are displayed on the receiver. The sales transaction with Amazon went off effortlessly and the shipment was prompt

Okay, I like this amp.

I recently had a Panasonic surround receiver die, and I decided it was time to get a big boy amp, something built to last longer than a couple of years.

So, first of all, the setup.

I hate to say this, but no surround amp is at all easy to set up. All those speakers require a lot of wires, and all the hookups have to be done.

The 340 was no worse than anything else I've done. The microphone for setting-up the volumes and equalization seems to have done a rather nice job, though I see where I can make some practical tweaks based on some of the things I watch or listen to. (I have a tad too much bass at times, probably compensation for the slab floor I'm on.) Regardless, the initial auto-setup did a respectable job, and got me spitting close to where I want to be.

The remote is as complicated an affair as any other, and I have to do some more reading to use it fully. It works, and controls my tv as well so far, though I can't seem to control the dvd player yet.

The on screen display is great, except that every time the digital audio stream is interrupted, say, between programs, it flashes on again. This is REALLY annoying at times, and I'm sure there's a way to work around it, I just haven't done it yet.

Sound quality is excellent, no complaints there.

Video quality is superb as well, I feel like the video quality to my boring old standard television is actually improved.

There is PLENTY of power to drive my speakers, I certainly don't have to worry about that. Harman Kardon is wonderful about giving conservative power ratings to their amps, meaning that you get a LOT of power, even though it's rated far less powerful than other amps.

I really like the power switches - I hate having anything on standby, and the fact that I can not only go to standby but truly shut off all power as well is really welcome.

The implementation of the different audio processors sounds great, they don't bring too much attention to themselves, but simply keep the sound natural, yet expanded. For instance, when using a stereo source but profcessing into 5.1, the changes are not outrageous, but rather natural instead. It's very impressive. Of course, 5.1 and 6.1 sources sound fantastic.

The front connections may be switched to either output or input. Nice touch.

My major con is the lack of a turntable input. Sure, I can get a preamp and set up that way, but I like having it built in. Oh well.

Nice stuff. Highly recommended.

Let me begin by saying I have owned several A/V and Stereo receivers over the years. I'm a retired electronic tech and appreciate good quality electronics. What you may call a moderate priced audiophile.

I usually go for the Yamaha's or Denon's for quality build, sound and price. This is my first HK and I must say it outperforms both. The sound is a much more full richer sound (more tube like for those who are old enough to remember) and does not strain at higher volume levels. Do some searching and you can find great deals on these HK's.

First off as a matter of taste these units are IMO the best looking of all the A/V receivers. I never did like that all black or all white look.
These are very heavy and well built high current amps which means they will run hotter then what you may be use to( simply more current more heat). The wattage specs are very consverative and don't be surprised if this blows your 100 watt speaker at full volume. Specs don't tell the story here but let your ears decide and there be no doubt.

Yes it is somewhat complicated to figure out everything this unit will do and manual set up will take awhile(few hours). Yes the manual could be more user friendly I actually had to read it(normally skip that). The auto EZEQ does a very good job and though not perfect will get you in the ball park to fine tune to taste. If you want an easy set up go with the Pioneers. Yes I have on of those too and must say there MACC does a much better job for those who want a one button solution. IMO they have the most accurate auto set up. However in my case ASAP there be another HK setting in it's place. The sound is just that much better.

I have mine in 7.1 format and movies are unreal. On Pearl harbor the battle scenes you were there. Planes over head, shell casings falling at your feet, guns firing left and right yep this is the real thing. True 3D sound not just left and right and a feel of some depth but real depth up down left right 2 feet 6 feet etc... Yamaha has always been well respected with some very good units for movies but these are better IMO.

Music is where these babies really shine. They can make a cheap speaker sound like a $400 speaker. Crisp highs solid mid range and bass response that meets or exceeds others at this price point. You'll hear instruments in the music you never noticed before.

Logic 7 is about as good as 2 channel stereo gets and creates a solid front stage while creating a realistic surround field.

FYI- This unit doesn't have HDMI switching so if that's a big deal you may want to go with the newer AVR 345 which does. My displays have 2 HDMI inputs so no big deal for with universal remote with macros does all the switching for you. If you're still using component it will upgrade to component and pass on the receivers OSD to component.
I feel I must add here component video is just a High Def analog cable which basically means the signal is converted to analog before it's sent out to the display. HDMI however keeps it digital till it gets inside the display then converts it back to analog (you ears eyes are analog can't see or hear digital). In most cases that 6 foot analog cable isn't going to make a lot of difference. I have found with some HD set ups component video picture is actually better then the HDMI. This of course assumes that the signal is already HD before beign sent to the display. HDMI will be a help where the display is doing upconvert duties in the digital domain before going to analog. Try both and use what looks the best on your display.

Yes you can nit pick plastic knobs, (I think last metal knob on a TV was about 1970 something). Yes on the old mechanical tuners they broke but your not turning 14 tuner strips in a circle pushing against spring contacts. I believe these are about the best built mid priced receivers out there and again much superior sound especially with older 2 channel stereo which HK's Logic seven does a very respectable job, much better then the fake sound of PLII. Compare these to the upper end of Denon,Yammy's $1000 plus range and there hold there own and may just sound a bit better. The 100% perfect receiver hasn't been made yet but John Carver is getting close but as a mid priced unit this is about as good as it gets under $1000.

I just got the avr340 and I am loving it. I love the fact that I can be watching a movie and have a different source be playing in our patio for the kids to entertain. The EZ speaker set up option makes configuring your speakers a breeze. The remote can be alittle overwhelming but over all its great.

This was shipped to me in June 2006, since when it has worked flawlessly for an average of more than 8 hours per day.

This receiver replaced a 5.1 unit which was rated at 120 W RMS per channel, and I was rather concerned that the output of this receiver would be barely sufficient. I believe HK rate their receivers' outputs per channel with ALL channels running concurrently and handling a similar load, whereas most other brands are rated with only that one channel running - hence the comparatively low output for HK. I need not have worried - My Bose speakers now sound BETTER, and FAR LOUDER, than they had with the previous receiver.

When I bought this unit, none of the components of my theatre system used HDMI connections - How times have changed. I have overcome these shortcomings, however, by connecting my HDTV DVR, PS3, and Apple TV directly to my 1080p TV, and feeding optical cable to the HK receiver from the TV. I would also have liked easier equalizer (or Bass and Treble) adjustments via the remote, rather than having to switch inputs to view on-screen menus in order to compensate for variable TV audio clarity.

BTW, I had not noticed that the volume control knob was made of plastic - I have rarely (if ever) used it. Universal remotes do the job for most of us, and the Harmony One handles this unit particularly well. (Other universal remotes would not turn it off, and volume control was reversed on some.)

If weight is an indicator of solid construction, then this is one solid piece of equipment, and the blue volume control and the customizable display rank high in terms of "cool".

If I had rated this soon after delivery, it would certainly have warranted 5 stars. Though I shall be looking to address its present-day shortcomings when a replacement eventually becomes necessary, in all other respects I remain as pleased with this item as I was the day it was delivered, and am in no hurry to replace it.

I had the Bose 5.1 all in one system which cost $2000, this one has much much better full (rich) sound quality than Bose!!!

I buy this for only $1000 in Costco.

I tried a $180 audio toslink cable from audioquest (optilink-3), which had improved sound over a $70 monster cable in Best Buy.

this receiver would has alot depth in it's campabitlity if you can spend on opital cable.

I run cable from optical output in my notebook and plays CD quality music, much better quality with different cable.

again Bose is very bad, I had bad experience with Bose include it's PC speaker and headphone.

I bought this model right after it was available in Dec last year. Initially it worded great. But after only two months, all the audio inputs do not work. I have to pay for the shipping for the exchange under the warranty. One more thing I like to point out. AM/FM radio receiption wasn't that great -- due to the relative low sensitivity. Wouldn't recommand it.

I like the receiver but it died after only two months. It randomly shuts down. The kicker is there aren't any service centers in the San Francisco Bay Area (2nd or 3rd largest metropolitan area in the country) and I have to ship this heavy paperweight on my own dime. Also, Harman Kardon has some of the rudest service center/tech support reps I've spoken with. Thought I was buying the best...

The H.K. AVR-340 is Heavy. At first look and feel it seems to be built rather well. Some of the things that I found later that were of poor quality were the instruction book to set it up properly. It was, in my judgement, poorly written. A loy of the set up became "try this and see if it works".
There was a sticker on the front panel that said "Remove after unpacking". Unfortunately this is difficult. I pulled to get it off, but only the top layer of tape came off. I scraped withmy thumb nail for quite a while, but did not have much success. I tried alcohol to remove the sticky residue, which worked, but has left me with a dull section of the plastic.
The volume knob is plastic instead of metal and feels like plastic.In summary, I think that H.K. could have done a better job.