Onkyo -VS- Harman Kardon

[MHAMBONE]

I currently have a Harman Kardon DPR 1005 and am considering a new receiver with HDMI. Is the Onkyo TX-SR608 a better receiver? I know the HK doesn't have HDMI and the Onkyo does. Sometimes the HK acts funny (Not HaHa funny) as in, when turned on the volume level is different than when shut off. This can be obnoxious. It has had other quirks as well. What is your take on the Onkyo? What about buying any of their refurbished units? Will HDMI really improve sound quality enough to warrant a new receiver? Should I be looking for maybe something bigger like the 707, 708, 807, or the 808?
By the way, I have a $400 gift card from Best Buy burning a hole in my pocket.

Opinions Please

[codyc1ark]

I don't have much expercence with HK gear, except a few two channel systems. However, I do own a Onkyo 607, and love it. The HDMI switching is a great feature, especally if you have an HDMI TV. The unit was very to set up and learn to use. Most people have good things to say about them. My only regret is that I did not get the model with preouts. I would recomend that in case one day you come accross a good deal on an amp. Good luck with your decision! If you decide not to do it, PM me and I'll shoot you my address, you can send me your gift card, I'll even pay shipping! ;)

[normanbumdar]

I have a had a HK receiver for more than 6 years, and I have never had a problem with it. As for HDMI, it may make things more convenient, but I doubt that it drastically improves the sound quality.

[Gulfstrings]

... My only regret is that I did not get the model with preouts.

Agree completely. If you go with Onkyo click the 'up' button to the 707 and know you can add a power amp later.

No experience with HK, but this is my second Onkyo and have had no problems with either. The current 707 has all the features (several HDMI ins and at least one out) except 3D-readiness, in which case the 708 would be the choice.

[nguyendot]

I have a Harman Kardon AVR254 and love it. HDMI switching with on screen menus is awesome. Everything can be done onscreen. They're also very underrated. I believe my receiver is only 350w rms (50w x 7), but it sure feels like more.

Sound Quality is superb.

[mrbigbluelight]

Sometimes the HK acts funny (Not HaHa funny) as in, when turned on the volume level is different than when shut off. This can be obnoxious.

A good rule of thumb is, "When in doubt, read the manual". :)

Page 37:

Turn-On Volume Level
As is the case with most audio/video receivers, when
the DPR 1005 is turned on, it will always return to
the volume setting in effect when the unit was turned
off. However, you may prefer to always have the
DPR 1005 turn on at a specific setting, regardless of
what was last in use when the unit was turned off. To
change the default condition so that the same volume
level is always used at turn-on, you will need to make
an adjustment in the ADVANCED SELECT
menu. To start the adjustment, press the OSD Button
to bring the MASTER MENU (Figure 1)

* * M A S T E R M E N U * *
I N / O U T S E T U P
A U D I O S E T U P
S U R R O U N D S E L E C T
S P E A K E R S E T U P
D E L A Y A D J U S T
C H A N N E L A D J U S T
M U L T I - R O O M
A D V A N C E D


to the screen. Press the ¤ Navigation Buttono,
until the on-screen ➔ cursor is next to the
ADVANCED line. Press the Set Buttonqto
enter the ADVANCED SELECT menu (Fig. 16).


* A D V A N C E D S E L E C T *
V F D F A D E T I M E O U T : O F F
V F D : F U L L H A L F O F F
V O L U M E D E F A U L T : O F F O N
D E F A U L T V O L S E T : 2 5 d B
S E M I O S D / T I M E O U T : 5 S
F U L L O S D T I M E O U T : 2 0 S
B A C K T O M A S T E R M E N U


At the ADVANCED SELECT menu, make
certain that the on-screen ➔ cursor is next to the
VOLUME DEFAULT line by pressing the
⁄/¤ Navigation Buttonoas needed. Next,
press the › Navigation Buttonoso that the word
ON is highlighted in the video display. Next, press the
¤ Navigation Buttonoonce so that the onscreen
➔ cursor is next to the DEFAULT VOL
SET line. To set the desired turn-on volume, press
the ‹/› Navigation Buttonountil the desired
volume level is shown on the DEFAULT VOL
SET line. This setting may NOT be made with the
regular volume controls.
NOTE: Since the setting for the turn-on volume cannot
be heard while the setting is being made, you
may wish to determine the setting before making the
adjustment. To do this, listen to any source and adjust
the volume to the desired level using the regular
Volume Controls#rî. When the desired
volume level to be used at turn-on is reached, make a
note of the setting as it appears in the lower third of
the video screen or in the Lower Display Line&.
(A typical volume level will appear as a negative
number such as –25dB.) When making the adjustment,
use the ‹/› Navigation Buttonoto enter
this setting.
Unlike some of the other adjustments in this menu, the
turn-on volume default will remain in effect until it is
changed or turned off in this menu, even when the
unit is turned off.



Manufacturers provide this function so that when Pops turns on the amp, he doesn't get blown off his feet because Junior previously had the volume cranked up to the max while listening to Sabbath's "Supernaut". :)

[lakesailor]

I bought an Onkyo TX-SR875 to replace a Harmon Kardon AVR 445…In the end I ended up selling the Onkyo and kept the Harmon Kardon….it is a very nice performing AVR for what it is…….The Logic 7 circuit is nice as well for non DD or DTS material…..I am not a fan of Dolby PL so the Logic 7 is used often.

[K-daugh]

I picked up a hk avr 247 on ebay for 160 plus 20 dollars shipping and handling best 180 bones i ever spent ......absolutley love it...also it has almighty pre outs for future proofing ......hk all the way

[MHAMBONE]

A good rule of thumb is, "When in doubt, read the manual". :)

Manufacturers provide this function so that when Pops turns on the amp, he doesn't get blown off his feet because Junior previously had the volume cranked up to the max while listening to Sabbath's "Supernaut". :)

I love the reference to Black Sabbath, But, I am the only one in the house and never turn off the power with the sound blasting. I will however look into setting the turn on sound to a respectable level.

I want to reach out
And touch the sky
I want to touch the stuff
But I don't need to fly ........

[RutgersFTW]

I happily used an Onkyo HT-RC160 for all of 4 months before 2 channels crapped out. I'm still waiting for it to return from servicing, but I liked it while I had it. The Onkyo replaced a H/K 247 with outboard NAD amp for my mains which I'd outgrown with HDMI sources... I bought more sensitive mains and couldn't ABX between separates and integrated amp so I simplified the setup.

I picked up a Denon for cheap while I waited and I can't say enough nice things about it. Definitely light on inputs but big improvements in sound, largely due to Audyssey MultEq vs. 2EQ or whatever is in the Onkyo 6xx. I'll get $200 or so for the Onkyo on eBay when it comes back and stick with this Denon for a few years.

[MHAMBONE]

Thanks for the replys. I'm changing gears and considering the Pioneer VSX-32 Elite. How does this receiver match up with Polk? I've read good things about the Pioneer. Whatcha think guys?

[cnh]

The Elite VSX-32 is a fine choice in its price range...the SC (Ice-amps) even better--if you can swing one. But the VSX.32 will do you!

Give it a listen--it's a very nice AVR and has pre-outs!

cnh