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When I turned this on for the first time it would cut out every 10 seconds or so. Apparently I needed to do the firmware update. Why they don't do that when it's on their bench at the factory is pretty aggravating. It gets worse from there. The cheapest cable to connect to your computer is $40. So once I download the software I find it's not Mac compatible…So I call a friend over with a laptop running Windows (7). We get partway through the update when it freezes. There's no help, no cancel, nothing. Just all kinds of warnings about interrupting the update or unplugging a cord during the process. I find a forum about this model at avsforum.com (over 90 pages long I might add) where I discover the Receiver doesn't like windows 7 and that I should be using Windows '98. I almost boxed it up for return at this point. It's 2011 and I need to dig out an old machine with an operating system from 1998? So once I find a laptop running '98 over to my house the update goes smoothly. After that everything runs fine. I love the power it pumps out, my room has never sounded so good. The interface and general user ability are pretty clunky hopefully as I use it over the years everything will become 2nd nature. So I do recommend this product, just know you will have an added expense and possibly some frustration instead of a plug and play experience. Overall I give the product a 4, but setup and user friendliness a 1.Read full review
I purchased a refurb 354 7.1 July 2011. Great audio and video performance, price point added bonus. I would not describle my set-up experience as easy, but straight forward. Out of the box to complete set-up was 1 1/2 hours for me. Must admit more time was devoted to the speaker set up, given 4 of the 8 speakers are built-in home units. Balancing the speaker levels to meet my listening expectations took some time. Overall the time investment was well worth the sound qualtity. Happy my Iphone works well with HK bridge that was included with the AVR. One minor compliant the front-panel control buttons are hard to read if you don't use the remote to operate the system.
AVR 354, not the solid old school H/K your father owned that is still working. The new mass produced 354 features software problems switching HDMI, which are said to be now resolved. Look forward to finding a 232 plug, loading software to resolve issues and updates that take 1 Hr+ if they work. Video processors have chronic issues and will eventually lock you into one surround sound mode and lock out the unit. So when you go to get it fixed by an authorized Harmon Kardon repair center, don't be suprised to spend 350.+ for repairs because HARMON KARDON DOES NOT OFFER REPAIR CARDS / BOARDS TO FIX PROCESSOR ISSUES. In other words, techs must fix the individual chips. Beware of the early warning signs of a flashing between a light and dark screen when in HDMI. This indicates upcoming issues that are not a cheap fix. P.S. Good Luck with Customer Support. As a long time audiophile communicating with someone who has NO idea how to troubleshoot units without reading off a flow chart is very frustrating. Very sad, once a GREAT company reduced to a inferior product. Try Denon, Pioneer Premier, Onkyo ect. Don't waste your time here.Read full review
Selected this receiver after checking many on-line reviews and have not been disappointed. Easy to set up. Has many configuration possibilities that are easily accessed using the on screen menu. Self calibrating using a supplied microphone so you dont have to mess with setting individual speaker equalization. Lots of power, great sound. Sounds so good that I was able to eliminate a subwoofer and still have great low end. The remote is big, but it is programable and the buttons arent too small, so size isnt that much of an issue. Can be set up to provide sound in two rooms and has a seperate remote for that purpose buy have not used that function yet. Cant go wrong with this one.
To me, Harmon Kardon has the best sound of the mid-level receivers (Denon, Marantz, Yamaha, Onkyo) and is much better than the Sony, JVC, Pioneer-type receivers. I have extensively listened to/or lived with other receivers and keep coming to the same conclusion. The setup and HDMI support is much better on this receiver than previous models which makes it even more attractive. I am using it with a Sony PS3 with none of the prior problems reported (ie: not supporting the digital sound signal well). Very rarely, the sound has cut out with digital cable signal but switching from this source to another and back again resolves the problem and is a small price to pay for the other features, primarily the rich sound quality. I bought the refurbished model which was a great deal compared to new and am very pleased with it.Read full review
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