Customer Reviews

Harman Kardon AVR-254 7x50W 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver with HDMI 1.3a Repeater

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(12)

 

 

I spent several months researching my new receiver for my home theater. I spent countless hours hanging out on the avsforum, read everything I could about receivers. I was looking for a receiver that would have the following features:

- at least 2 HDMI inputs
- great sound quality for music as well as movies
- HD audio codecs (Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA) support
- would cost $650 MSRP or less

The choice is clear:
- Onkyo 606 or 705
- Yamaha 663
- Sony 820 or 920
- HK 254
- Pioneer 1018
- Denon 1909 or 988

I didn't even try the Onkyos, because I was afraid of the overheating problems and the humming noise reported on many units. Plus, they are downright ugly. The Yamaha had only 2 HDMI, and did not pass BTB/WTW, the Sonys are notorious for having the worst sound quality (unless you tap into the really high end models) across the board, so I didn't consider those either.

I was then left with the HK, Pioneer and Denon receivers.

I first bought the HK 254. All the users on avsforum swore by the HK sound. Well, they were right. The sound is nothing short of outstanding. The GUI is light-years ahead of the competition too. And finally, it is by far the slickest looking receiver of all.

Now, on the negative. HK is notorious for releasing products that haven't been thoroughly tested, and that don't work properly until the firmware update is released, and even at that point, it doesn't always work right. Well, they got that right too...

1 - the fan noise on 2 different units was unbearably loud, and not only was it loud, it wasn't a constant noise: it was pulsating. Crappy quality control from HK, can't afford more than $2 on a decent fan!
2 - if you connect your PS3 to the HK receiver using HDMI audio out + Linear PCM (the only way to take advantage of the HD audio codecs), here's what happens: you get sound drop outs that last for several minutes in many bluray movies (There Will Be Blood is a good example). Also, in GTA IV, you cannot hear the dialogs from the person you talk to on your cell phone. When I say "you cannot hear the dialogs", I mean: there is NO sound at all, it's not that the volume is low.
3 - the surround sound never "locks" on the one you want, it always reverts to Logic 7 eventually, and even if you can sometimes get it back by cycling through the surround sounds, it doesn't always work and it is a major hassle.
4 - it can't pass HDMI video with video processing turned OFF (it's always on!), and it won't pass BTB/WTW either.

I don't want to go into the details of all these bugs, but they completely kill all the enjoyment you could get from the unit. I exchanged my first unit, thinking I got a lemon, but the 2nd unit showed exactly the same problems, all of them. I finally returned the unit, disgusted with HK's quality control.

I then tried the Pioneer 1018, the Denon 1909 and the Denon 988. All 3 of them performed flawlessly, without a single hickup.

The Pioneer worked great but sounded a little weak, lacked punch and attack compared to the HK. It also had a very annoying bright blue LED that you can't turn off, and the worst remote I've ever seen.

The Denon 1909 and 988 were very similar, the 988 having a very slight edge in terms of SQ for music, but lacked the extra HDMI input and didn't have the Audyssey Dynamic EQ and Volume features. The 1909 was the only receiver I tried that could maintain the surround field perfect at any time and any given volume.

I ended up keeping the 1909, because of its great sound quality and of its superb handling of surround field, thanks to the Audyssey Dynamic EQ and Volume. Oh, and did I mention that it just works? ;)

After my disastrous experience with the HK, I wouldn't touch that receiver with a 10ft pole. If you consider this unit, wait until HK comes up with a firmware update, and make sure that it actually fixed all the problems. For more info about these problems, visit the avsforum dot com forum, and search for "Official Harman/Kardon AVR x54: Problems and Solutions Thread".

This is the best receiver in its price range, period. For a mid-level receiver, this unit has features often found in higher-end models. Out of the box, setup was a snap. Directions are clear and easy to flow. The included microphone for the EZ setup made calibrating this unit a breeze. The sound is phenomenal. Crisp highs and deep lows. Plenty of power for the user looking to bring their speakers to life. The High Definition on-screen interface makes adjusting the AVRs features simple, and users hooking up multiple components (DVD, Bluray, Cable) will rejoice at the levels of customization. With support for all the newest lossless audio encoding, this model is sure to please well into the future.

I've had my receiver for about 4 months now.

I have read a bunch of reviews on this receiver and I hear nothing but complaints on the PS3 issue and the "Loud" fan. Just to begin with, I haven't updated my firmware yet, and will do as soon as I get a USB to Serial connector...which is the one thing I dislike. Though, I figure if you can figure out how to hook it up, you'll know enough not to mess it up. So I can't complain too much. Almost a smart move.

The fan is loud if you turn everything off in the room, including the PS3 which makes more noise than the receiver. I can only hear it when I stick my head next to receiver after a long session of listening to audio at a high volume. I do have it lowest to the ground with no heat underneath it which helps keep it cool. Maybe I got lucky, but I think more people just write reviews only when they have a bad experience. My experience has been nothing but amazing.

The whole issue with the volume dropping during blu ray movies, I haven't seen an extensive amount of movies, maybe in the teens, but out of all of them not 1 problem occurred.

I've had compliments from all my friends on the receiver. Girls come over and say it looks "pretty." Guys come over and are in awe by the on screen menu and sound. Yes, I've had issues where it defaults back to Logic 7, but it doesn't occur often. I know there's a reason it does it, and I'm still trying to figure out the exact reason. I'm sure it's the device hooked up to it that's changing and the receiver going to logic 7 because the input changed. It's not like every morning it defaults back.

Overall I've been nothing but happy with this receiver. In fact, after I bought the receiver I noticed all the PS3 and fan things going on. So I called up HK customer service just to ask them what was going on and if I should hold off on a blu ray play for now. The person on customer support was very nice and told me the truth. "Engineers have recreated the problems in the lab and are working on a firmware update." And really, the problem was found and worked on quickly. It's not like it took years for the update. That's good support!

Definitely happy I bought the HK254.

Pros: excellent sound for both movies and music; very powerful considering the wattage rating; full array of surround sound options to improve various audio experiences; convenience of HDMI hub; upconversion of lower quality signals

Cons: updating the firmware was a pain... but entirely worth it -- this receiver has been nothing but pleasure ever since the update
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I purchased the AVR-254 a few weeks ago along with a center channel speaker. I'm running two Athena bookshelf speakers, an 8" Athena sub, and an Athena center channel from this receiver. I was going to use the pre-outs to make my old Harmon Kardon stereo receiver an amplifier for the bookshelf speakers. It turned out there was no need. Just using the AVR-254 I ran my system at half volume and could hardly stand it. Consider here, however, that Athena makes pretty efficient speakers.

I live in an apartment and don't have a place to set up the full 7.1 array, so I'm going with 3.1 for the time being. I've found in watching movies that the AVR-254 can convincingly emulate a surround experience using the 3.1 set-up. You might have to play with the speaker settings on the AVR-254 (I've got mine set for 5.1 and that seems to work).

I've also found that letting the receiver choose the best surround setting almost always produces the best effect. Unlike another post I read on Amazon, I've had no problem with the receiver switching to Logic 7. It chooses this setting for TV and some DVD's, but on some movies I've decided I like another setting better and the AVR-254 accepts my choice.

Of course all audio settings are not available for all source signals, but I'm happy with what is available. There are settings for movies, music, and games (PS3 never looked OR SOUNDED so fantastic!). I've played regular DVD's, HDDVD's, BluRay, and CD's. So far, everything has worked without a flaw.

A note on the con: The firmware update is important. If you purchase this receiver, be sure you have the cable to update your receiver right away. You'll need a nine-pin serial cable with MALE PARTS to plug into the AVR-254 which has FEMALE PARTS. Most likely your laptop -- or whatever you plug your AVR-254 into will need a nine-pin to USB cable (USB for the computer). My guess is that I've had no problems with this receiver because the first thing I did was update the firmware. I had to do it twice; I probably made a misstep the first time. It is a fairly complicated process so READ THE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.

All in all I'm perfectly happy with this purchase. I'm sold on Harmon Kardon sound, and, as always, Amazon shipping is great (gotta love that "Super Saver" option!).

Addition 6/25/09: I read some other reviews that discuss problems with the HK AVR 254 interfacing with cable boxes. I'm having some trouble with that as well. Every time I switch from a HD to SD channel - and vice versa - I have to power off and power back on the cable box or I get sound but no picture. Otherwise, no problems... and I added rear channel speakers which the HK AVR 254 is feeding nicely. I still love this receiver.

First I bought a Yamaha from Best Buy - DOA. Then I got a Sony because thats what they had. Opened the box and found out it was used. Took it back and go a refund. Bought the AVR-254. What great product. I read the manual from cover to cover and was ready to do every thing it suggested but decided to see what it would do by just hooking it up to my Bose speaker system and listen. I bought it for a home theater. From the moment I turned it on it found all of my other equipment and played it properly. I am using the HDMI input and output so everything is controlled, at least somewhat through the receiver, which took a little getting used to. The sound is unbeatable. My two year old granddaughter, with whom I have watched Alvin and the Chipmunks with at least 30 times, was really taken by the sound separation and was looking from speaker to speaker. The sound is crisp and solid. Can you tell I love it? Only a few things I think could have been done a little better. I am a computer guy so I am always picky when it comes to technology connectivity. They use a RS232 serial port to port over updates. I bought a USB to serial adapter to go from my laptop to the receiver. I am sure there is a way to go from a thumb drive to the serial port but I used the laptop. The other thing is a me-ism - The speaker wire hookups are the kind that you have to unscrew, place the wire into a hole and then tighten the screw again. On this receiver they are really close together so they are a bit frustrating to hook up. But these are personal opinions and in no way take away from the wonderful performance of the device. BTW there was no fan sound at all - Very quiet. I highly recommend the product.

I am an audio video installer who recently decided to give the Harman/Kardon receivers a try due to the amazing features for the price. Of the two AVR-254 units that I installed, not one has lasted more than two months without needing to be swapped. Here is a description of what happened with each:

1st unit: I was super impressed by the features on this unit on the initial install and thought that I have found an incredible bargain for my customers. Over the next few weeks the picture through HDMI would cut out for 10 seconds at a time. I would say that this is a minor issue, but when you are sitting with a group of friends watching a football game or an intense movie it can be very frustrating. I went back and replaced all of the generic HDMI cables with better and higher bit rate Ethereal's. I also went into the attic and separated the HDMI from all other high and low voltage lines by a few feet. The problem persisted and by this time I was pretty sure that it was the HK as we generally use the same equipment in many of our installs and have never had this problem. I went back and swapped the unit with a Marantz SR5003 and the problems disappeared. It was also easy to tell the difference in sound quality with the Marantz over the HK. I love being able to do comparisons like this that justify the brands that I continuously use.

2nd unit: This unit would not work with the Motorola cable box when the channel was changed from standard definition to high definition. We figured a way around it was to set the cable box to send out 480p on low def and 1080i on high def. Doing this along with turning off the built in scaling fixed the problem. I thought that maybe HK was not too bad and that I would give them another try. Two weeks later I received a call from the customer and learned that nothing in his system was working. Just to be safe I brought another Marantz with me and was very glad that I did. The HDMI switching in the HK had completely failed and would not even send out the on screen display. I swapped if for the Marantz and again everything worked and sounded better.

I have lost a significant amount of time and money because I gave HK a try. Please do not make the same mistake. There are more reliable options out there that will give you better SQ and a better peace of mind. Wish me luck on HK tech support as I try and return two receivers for full credit :(

Let's start out with the good. The HK AVR 254 is gorgeous. It looks fantastic; it sounds exquisite; and it's even a non-issue to get set up and running (the user interface is extremely easy and pleasing to the eye). There are plenty of inputs. It has pre-outs (for sending to a separate, more powerful amplifier). It's also powerful. The humble power ratings don't tell it all, the amp in this thing has something special (as most HK amps do I believe). It could effortlessly drive most speakers to louder-than-needs-to-be levels (a generalization), and they would sound phenomenal doing so.

Now for the bad. The receiver is not bug-proof. Numerous times, it incorrectly assigned "Logic 7 Surround" when it was being fed Dolby Digital information. And for those that haven't experienced it yet, "Logic 7" sounds terrible. Somehow it makes the vocals completely lost, dynamics are totally screwed up, and nothing sounds "right". ProLogic (the original, as I remember) is much better. The only option when this would occur would be to switch to stereo, even though it should have been 5.1 surround.
Another, more important issue, was that converting component video to HDMI looked terrible. Colors were off all over the place (watching the end battle in Harry Potter:OoTP made the fire-dragon-spell-thing look like a neon yellow-green instead of the flame-orange it's supposed to be), and scenes with black were impossible to make out. I tried playing the Xbox 360, Fallout 3, and going into the subway tunnels was impossible, because the blacks were over-emphasized and you couldn't see a thing. I never found a way to correct this.
The last bit of bad news is that the HDMI connections would fairly frequently just "go out". I don't know how else to explain it. The TV would go all snowy, and I'd have to switch to another input on the 254 and then back to the one I wanted to use, and this would correct it.

So, I unfortunately cannot recommend this product. And that hurts, because it looks and sounds good enough that I really, really wanted to get it to work as it should. But even after the latest firmware, I couldn't. I'm now using an uglier, not-quite-as-good-sounding, and MUCH more frustrating to set-up AVR from a competing company, and I am happier with it.

OMG....the only reason i bought this one is coz it looks extremely slick. when i connected two tower speakers, no audio :( tried almost an hour and later found that i had inserted the mic infront of the receiver. As soon as i took it out, the sound was golden. Just two tower speakers with dolby surround-wide sounds like 7.1. Then i hooked up two more surround speakers and holy god.....it's earth shattering. I watched transformers and just 4 speakers are kickin' the back. I have ordered Polk PRo series woofer to compliment my system.

Guys, please read the manual properly and setup the system correctly. If you can't figure out then take someone's help who know about audio. once you setup everything correctly, this receiver can easily shatter any glass in your house. Just two tower speakers are shaking the walls of my apartment.

* this is a mid level receiver. for $399 you are getting the best and latest audio formats like TrueHD, Dolby DTS:hd MA....dolby true surround. Before buying this, i read a lot of reviews saying the hdmi is broken. I think they have recently fixed most of the problems.

good luck.

I couldn't afford a new HDMI 1.3/DTS-HD Rotel, NAD, B&K, etc, so I started to search deeper for a 7.1 receiver with my sub $400 budget :-( I initially bought a Pioneer 1018 and sounded OK, but returned it promptly (very bright sound). Then, I started to look at the Denon 1909, but, despite all the reviews out there with the quality control of the Harman receivers, I decided to take a gamble on the avr 254.

I'm glad I did!!!

*****Setup*****

After receiving my Harman 254 from Amazon, it was a breeze to setup and I used the ez set calibration feeding the Klipsch RF 5.1 setup. These are very efficient speakers, so that is why I decided on the 254 and not the 354. It has plenty of clean power for these speakers.

******Performance*******

I watched the Dark Knight using HDMI from the Panasonic bd-30 blu ray player into the Harman 254, and the picture quality was beautiful. If you haven't heard the new sound formats from Blu Ray discs, then you're missing out. And, the Harman 254 does a great job decoding them. Don't let the 50 watts rating fool you. It was just as loud as the 100 watts from the Pioneer 1018 and not as bright or tiring. After a 2 hour movie, you don't feel exhausted with this amp. The sound is very warm and laid back. Even my wife noticed the 'softer' sound.

I wouldn't try to push 4 or 6 ohm speakers with these. It is definitely intended for 8 ohm speakers. I really like movies to be heard pretty loud. It drives my wife crazy, but her ears adjust 1/4 way thru the movie :-). So, just for fun, I purchased a used Sherwood Newcastle am 9080 5 channel amp and I'm now using the Harman 254 as a preamp. The Sherwood weighs 72 lbs and the crystal clean neutral sound shakes the house paired with the Harman. So, if you cannot afford a high end preamp with HDMI 1.3 and DTS-HD, then the Harman 254 is also a great preamp choice on a budget.

It's been 4 months since I purchased the 254 - I have not had any problems/issues with video or sound out of the box. I even have my laptop feeding the Harman with S-Video and analog RCA (for sound) to stream Netflix. It looks great upscaled to 720P to the plasma. If you do this setup, please try logic7 instead of 2 channel stereo. It's a big improvement.

Pros - Grrrrrreat Sound and video quality, DTS-HD, upscales all video inputs to 1080p (480i and higher), easy setup and use, best looking receiver in it's class

Cons - so far none

If you're nervous about buying the Harman 254, don't be. You'll not be sorry!!!!!

Simply put, this is a fantastic receiver that was initially released with absolutely horrible firmware which caused a lot of problems. The firmware has since been updated (quite a while ago) and the problems have disappeared. Thus, if this is one of the receivers you're considering, you need not be afraid to buy it. The problems are gone and all that remain are the benefits.