Customer Reviews

Harman Kardon AVR 347 Home Theater Receiver with iPod Control and HDMI connectivity

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

My shiny new Harman Kardon AVR 347 Home Theater Receiver with iPod Control and HDMI connectivity is a fine upgrade from a HK AVR 55 that has served me well for the last 8 years. The 347 has the modern video features that are necessary to support HD viewing and sounds wonderful. A couple of more HDMI inputs would have been nice. My only complaints are that it is a bit complex to set up and that it is apparently not possible to force it to select certain surround modes as it switches modes depending on the source material. However, most of the time the surround mode is appropriate. I prefer the Pro Logic II "music" mode for most of my listening and sometimes I have to manually select it. A USB port for updates rather than a RS232 placed on the front panel instead of hidden in the back would also be a bit more modern, but at least it *is* possible to update via firmware. None of these complaints are major ones for me and I'm glad I made this choice. Did I mention that it sounds great? It does. I auditioned several other receivers, some costing a good bit more, and the 347/247 has a noticeably more pleasing sound to my ear...

Since upgrading my display to a new HDTV, I decided it was time to upgrade the rest of my HT setup. After doing some research and listening to an AVR 347 in a local store, I decided that was the receiver that I wanted.

Now, after having this receiver a couple of months, I want to let everyone know what I think about it.

After it arrived, my initial thoughts were that the unit was well packaged by the manufacturer. After it was unpacked, setup went normally, with a few small differences described later.

Initial setup went smoothly, and I discovered a few nice features. These are the small differences I mentioned. You have 3 assignable component inputs and 4 assignable toslink and coax digital inputs. I set my first set of inputs to video 1, and set audio to toslik 1, and enabled the audio polling for this selection. I have a psyclone switcher and connected to it are my Wii, PS2, and Xbox with the Wii being analog audio and the other 2 toslink. With this connected to Video 1, I can have all 3 devices work perfectly without having to go back and change anything thanks to the auto polling! Thumbs up for this!

EZ setup went off without a problem and my surround setup sounds better than ever! In fact, I have to say that the sound is outright AMAZING! My previous receiver was a JVC 8000 rated at 110 wats per channel, and this one rated at 55 watts per channel is able to produce the same volume level with MUCH clearer sound!

My video output is via HDMI to my TV. The upscaling works wonderfully, but I am unhappy that the upscaling cannot be turned off. When watching one of my DVDs setup for 4:3 (which is 3 of my commercial DVDs and most of my Anime DVDs since they were only produced at 4:3) the output is streched - although it is not as noticeable as you might think - it is still enough that I would like to be able to watch them in their intended format.

I do have some problems with my Xbox connected via component - the screen starts off shaking and the display starts shifting itselt one scanline at a time. Until I get a Xbox 360, I have remedied this by also connecting the AVR's component output to my HDTV to bypass the upscaling feature that causes this. I'm hoping a firmware update will resolve this, but only time will tell. (That is assuming that HK will release an update!)

The learning remote is a nice feature and is, for the most part, functional. The AVR wants to turn off the surround mode when switching devices and it is annoying to have to hit the AVR button to use the button that will re-enable the surround mode. These buttons are not accessable at any other time. This would be a simple change that would help out alot. Also, several buttons are device specific and do not function unless that device is selected, and they cannot be programmed for functions on other devices. They are mostly just dead buttons because of this.

Since most of my viewing is either TiVo or DVD, I use the transport buttons at the bottom of the remote. Because of the way the remote tapers, it is uncomfortable to hold the remote to use these buttons. It is also very heavy at the top of the remote, making the weight distribution a little ungangly for using the transport buttons.

Another caveat is that since Video 4 inputs are on the front of the unit (nicely covered when not in use), even though you can set Video 4 to component and any of the toslink/coax inputs available, the remote refuses to let MANY of the programmable buttons be programmed when Video 4 is selected. In fact, there are so few programmable buttons for Video 4 that this is unusable as anything other than JUST an audio/video input for a device controlled by another remote - so keep that remote handy if you play on using Video 4.

Right now, my TiVo and my DVD player are connected to the 2 HDMI inputs. I do plan on getting a PS3 and a Xbox 360, both of which output via HDMI as well. I would like to see at least 2 more HDMI inputs on the AVR, but because there isn't, I will be getting a Psyclone HDMI switcher and connect its HDMI output to my TV's second HDMI input and use the AVR's toslink input for the audio for these gaming devices.

The only other unsatisfactory item I can think of - and this one is really just a personal disatisfaction that most people probably won't care too much about - is the fact that the speaker connections on the back of the unit aren't spaced properly for industry standard dual banana plugs to be used. They are about 1/4 in. too far apart. Single banana plugs, however, work fine.

Be aware that this unit does NOT upscale to 1080p - only to 720p. It will, however, pass any 1080i or 1080p signal directly to the display via whatever components they are input from - IE: component input at 1080p will be passed as 1080p via the component output - the HDMI will not convert these for output as they are analouge only. For me at this time isn't a big deal since my display is only 720p - and when I do go 1080p, the devices that I will have connected will have 1080p output, and those that don't are old enough that 720p would produce the same output anyway.

The unit's front display can be dimmed or turned off completely, so if your unit is in the open, the very informative display can be dimmed or turned off when watching movies so as not to be distracting. The large standby button on the left is also illuminated with electric blue - looks beautiful, but when watching movies it still stands out to the point that I feel that the standby button should have been made to be about 1/4 of the size. Really, 2-3 inches is way too long for a button to be made. The power button on the DVD38 HK produces is about the right size.

All in all I would say that I am very happy with this unit. I know that most of my remarks seemed negative, but I wanted to be very accurate in exactly what I disliked about the unit as everything else is absolutly WONDERFUL! With just a little more thought (mostly about the remote) HK would have an all-star winning AVR. As it is now, it is just mostly perfect.

I love the way the Harman Kardon receivers look. The transparent front that looks black when powered off and the blue lighted button really make my theater system look sweet. There are a few things about this receiver that really irritate me. First, the HDMI situation. I bought an HDMI capable receiver for the point of eliminating wires while maintaining my high def sound and picture. If you run the HDMI through the receiver, you can only use 720p. Thats a pretty noticeable difference on my 65" 1080p television. Now I have to plug my HDMI devices (PS3, Computer, and Cable Box) directly into the TV and still run my optical cable to the receiver for sound. That means I have to use the TV remote to switch between devices, as well. The worst part is, to adjust the sound, I have to switch back to my TVs component source to see the on screen display. That wouldn't be so bad if this info displayed on the front of the receiver, but it doesn't. On screen only. I cant even adjust the bass or channel levels without having to go through a whole ordeal. That is a major pain when I happen to flip to a bassy channel or cheesy action movie.

It also makes a load popping noise when you pause a Bluray or DVD. Apparently the optical cable quits sending the surround sound signal when you pause it, so the receiver searches for a signal code. While it is doing this, it makes a popping noise really loud through the speakers every few seconds. Then, when you restart the movie, you have to switch your surround mode back to 7.1. You have to switch it every time you start a DVD or Bluray, too, since it doesn't remember your preferences.

It comes with a microphone that you can plug, set in the middle of the room and it will automatically adjust your levels and distance settings. All I will say it that it doesn't adjust them correctly at all.

You can buy an extra Ipod attachment, which I did. You can kind of use the remote to control you Ipod, but it doesn't work very good and the song title displays on screen (not the receiver display) for like 5 seconds before it disappears. Unless having a nice little charging stand for your Ipod is important, don't bother. Just get 3.5 to RCA adapter and an AC adapter.

If you didn't understand the technical aspects of this review, then you don't need something this complicated. Pioneer, Sony, and Yamaha make pretty decent products for the price and are much easier to use. If you have HD, I would look for something HDMI friendly. That can be deceiving, though. It was with this receiver. If you want something high end, like Harmon Kardon, I would tell you go with Onkyo, Denon, or comparable. They do look hideous compared to the HK, but are so much more user friendly. You would be much happier. This receiver is a real pain in the rear. The features are a train wreck. I hate it. But its pretty.

I have recently been sucked into the high def A/V game and in the last 3 months have been through a Yamaha v661, an Onkyo 705 an Onkyo 804, and now the HK 347. Think I needed a receiver that could process LPCM over HDMI? Those are basically all the modestly priced receivers with repeating capabilities (not passthrough) minus the Onkyo 605 and the Panasonic xr-55/xr-57.

I found the sound quality on the Yamaha and HK to be about the same (very good) with the Onkyo's not so much, but still acceptable. Also I have found that the Yamaha may be my favorite receiver of the bunch when incorporating all the main aspects being features, SQ and usability. The HK sounds very nice, but I'm a little disappointed by the inconvenient ease of use, and the lack of DSP options on certain formats (I don't have 7.1 anymore so I haven't tried logic 7 on this receiver). They all do matrix up to 7.1 though FYI. I found a way around having to push the assigned input selector to control volume when operating hardware components. aka "the punch through problem" (involves learning its own codes).

I am however quite disappointed by the fact that my center channel appears to be dropping out when watching HD DVD's. Essentially every HD DVD I've watched has exhibited this problem. I switch inputs and it fixes the problem but it leaves me a tad worried.

This receiver has about as much power as the above receivers I mentioned (don't let the rated 55 watts fool you.) I would have given it 4.5 stars if I could due to it's suburb sound quality but all the minor cracks and scrapes were just too annoying for me to round up.

Overall, it looks nice, and sounds nice, but it is definitely not worth another couple hundred than those other receivers. If you paid $475 from Amazon like I did, then I'd say good decision, but at a retail price of $899, or near that (Best Buy $810) I'd say look elsewhere where you could get a very similar product for a lot less.


Front: Dana 930's
Center: Csi3/phantom
Surrounds: Dana 630's
Sub: Epik Valor
Yamaha v1800 (pre/pro)
Parasound HCA-1205a (amplifier)
Xbox 360
Toshiba A35
Motorola DVR
Sony RP HDTV: KDS-60A3000

My rank is based on the audio quality. This unit delivers. My old HK AVR125 was 6 years old and still going strong but I needed a bit more power. I listen to alot of music in addition to TV (mainly HD films) so this unit (and my last HK) is on 8 - 12 hours a day.

I have connected my Dish HD DVR, Slim Devices Squeezbox, and DVD (all optical). So 3 rear optical inputs is a big plus.

This upgrade is exactly what I was asking for. Wow, I did not know how good my Energy speakers could sound!

The auto setup/calibration works like a charm. A very nice feature. I also like the ability to label my inputs.

Video pass through to me is fluff. I always connect video direct to my 1080p Samsung so no comment on the pros or cons of this feature.

This receiver rocks! This unit has no detectable noise when a source is muted - very clean preamps. When you want to make some noise it really rocks. Super clean super accurate sound. Plenty of wattage to spare. I am running all sources through the receiver and one HDMI cable to my HD LCD. It works great. Analog sources are sent through fine, as well as my HD cable. A+. Nice job HK.

I set-up the unit and it was working fine when the video feed stopped working. I e-mailed Harmon-Kardon and they promptly replied back with tips to reset the unit. The tips worked and it has been working properly; although I did have to go through and reset my settings. The remote was a little confusing, and does not work on cable boxes that have DVR. The sound quality and processors work great. This was a great buy on [...], and recommend to those considering this unit that you will be satisfied!

I received my new receiver in just a few days. Setup took about an hour between disconnection my old receiver and plugging everything back in.

The onscreen guide was a breeze. I have never had a microphone to let the system set up my speakers. Everything sounds better then ever.

I would highly recommend this product to anyone.

I have not experienced the few negative complaints that I read in the other Amazon reviews.

Gordon

What a deal....I saved hundreds on a super Harman Kardon AVR347 Receiver. The sound is unbelievable, and lets not forget the 7.1 surround...WOW...
I went back and ordered the IPod controller to complete my system.
I may never leave the house again....

While I am still learning about the features and abilities of this reciever and keep the manual handy for questions I have and operations I forget how to do, this is an outstanding reciever. I have it hooked up to a set of Klipsch speakers and my HDTV in my basement. Great entertainment. The options, sound quality and power are unmatched. Get HDMI quality sound and video with one cable from your DVD or Blue-ray player. Works in any room size as the reciever optimizes the sound for you, or you can do it manually if you desire different type of sound for different sources. I will definitely purchase Harmon Kardon when I setup my upstairs unit.