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Harman Kardon AVR-354 7x75W 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver | 
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| Brand: Harman Kardon
Category: CE
Buy New: See price in cart
New (17)
Rating:  13 reviews
Sales Rank: 1189
Color: SilverBlack
Media: Electronics
Batteries Included: Yes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 37
Dimensions (in): 15 x 17.3 x 6.5
MPN: AVR 354
Model: AVR 354
UPC: 028292506222
EAN: 0028292506222
ASIN: B0016BGRXG
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Features:
| • | 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 |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
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.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 8 more reviews...
Lives up to expectations but... January 6, 2009
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
The previous reviews have done a great job on the excellent performance of this product so this review will focus more on the overall feel of the product.
The review by Home Theater Review.com hits it on the mark by describing it as "wanting to love it" but falling just shy in one or two ways that drive one crazy. The fact is that the outer build quality of the unit does not meet "flagship" quality - the plastic used on the remote and the receiver's face plate appears to be of low quality. There are scars and scratches that appear to be imbedded in the plactic, especially on the remote control. It feels like the plastic parts of an old K-car were placed into a high-end vehicle, thus cheapening the product.
If you can look past this deficiency, the product performs superbly, the Bridge II is a nice bonus, and the Amazon.com price makes it an outstanding value.
Harman Kardon customer service (e-mail experience only) is first rate though. Responses are prompt and thorough.
 Exceptional Receiver January 5, 2009
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
If you're taking the time to read this you're either considering your first AVR purchase or upgrading and, as I was, looking for a solid product that works and is easy to install and operate. I will not waste your time as many would by trying to convince you to buy this product over another or why this one is superior to others or reiterating its specs as I'm sure you've already done that much research. I will simply try to convey why I selected this product and how it performed.
First, a little background. I'm not an audiophile and, unlike many, do not attempt to be one. I'm 51 years old and have only owned two receivers before this one. The most recent was a twenty-year-old Pioneer VSA-1000 as part of a multi-component system. It's also been twelve years since the last time I connected my previous stereo system. My point is I have very little experience with these units and attempted to find the simplest unit that met my upgrade needs and would play nice with my three-year-old Pioneer plasma and Toshiba upscaling DVD player.
I considered most of the name brands and, because of my custom wall unit limitations, narrowed my choices to this unit, an Onkyo 606 and 705, and Pioneer's 918 and 1018. After spending dozens of hours of reading review after review, forum after forum, I decided on this unit based on its ease of use and reputation for sound. Sure, I could've chosen a HTIB but I didn't consider that much of an upgrade. I also discounted the one or two poor reviews by the anomalies associated with purchases. Someone's going to get a bad product regardless of brand. It's the luck of the draw and I accept that but also do not let that influence my buying decision unless it's pervasive.
The comments that kept coming up with this unit, and almost all HK's, regarded the well-written manual, quick start guide, ease of use and sound. I didn't see as many of those comments with the other brands. The first thing I did upon receiving this unit was to have the Dec 4th firmware update installed. I could've easily done it myself with HK's exceptional directions but decided to have BB do it for the same price it would cost me to purchase the required serial cable. During the couple of hours BB was performing this update I spent the time to read the quick start guide and manual. I believe those that have problems either don't take the time to read the manual or are unable to comprehend 8th grade writing. I found the documentation to be easy to follow and understand as well as use of the remote.
I have not had a single problem with this unit and getting it to perform as advertised. I connected my new JBL L Series speakers, my twenty-year-old Pioneer CD player (analog into Aux), the Toshiba (HDMI 1), Comcast HD box (HDMI 2) and HDMI Out to the plasma. I performed the speaker setup program, setup AUX for the CD player, and I was listening to music and watching U571 within 30 minutes. The depth charge scenes were incredible. While I certainly understand thousands of configurations exist within owners' homes I didn't encounter a single problem or issue with mine. I don't own a PS3 so I didn't care about any potential PS3 issues. The only change I had to make was to my Comcast Motorola Cable/DVR box. The 4:3 Override setting in the menu user settings had to be changed from 480I to Stretch (or OFF).
Finally, was this HT upgrade, with the five JBL speakers, sub and HK AVR354, worth $1,500? I'm still undecided but it was definitely an upgrade with improved home theatre performance, picture and sound. I'll need about six months before deciding whether I'm getting $1,500 more enjoyment from my upgraded HT system. However, when my daughter came home from work last night and said, without knowing I'd replaced the home theatre system, "What did you do? It sounds like I'm sitting in a movie theatre". That's all the feedback I needed.
As Good As Carver January 3, 2009
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
My Pioneer Elite AV receiver of yesterday with no HDMI sparked and faded I bought the HK AVR 354 with iPod dock. Easy to set up, great "main" remote, easy to read set up manual. I'm running JBL Decade series main speakers and Energy center and surround speakers. With the HK 354 they have all five come alive! When changing channels on my cable box the picture sometimes goes out, but if I change from the remote "cable" button to the "tv" button the picture comes back again. A minor annoyance for such brilliant sound reproduction. I was using my old Carver AVR while waiting for the HK to arrive, but the Carver had limited in-puts, and that is why I upgraded. And happily so. I am now Harman Kardon fan.
 Don't Buy From This Vendor! December 28, 2008
0 out of 2 found this review helpful
I have wanted one of these for years and when I got it, I was so excited I connected everything in one night! Unfortunately, there was a small sticker on the front that said "Do Not Remove Until Everything is Connected". I followed those instructions (thinking it was to keep the remote sensor clear) and, to my surprise, found the sticker covered a blemish, as if someone had shot the front with a BB gun! Having already spent hours connecting everything, I was now loathe to disconnect everything and attempted to get it to work. As of this writing, it still doesn't; ignore the low price and if you want one, buy from a local dealer.
Great theater like sound! December 23, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Only had this receiver for a few weeks. Coupled to my Energy XL speakers, it delivers great surround sound. I also have a S8.2 Energy subwoofer, which makes bass sounds really come alive. Not recommended if you have a neighbor :-). I'm happy I picked the 75w model over the 55w. For a large room, you really need this. I'm not 100% sold on the stereo sound for cd's yet but I'm currently using an Xbox 360, so that might be why. I also haven't played much with the settings yet. All I know is that my movies sound fantastic.
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