Alan Jones

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Value Rating
 2 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
4.40 of 5, 5.00 votes

Price Paid:  $1500.00 from Soundsaround

Summary:
I bought this product based upon the strength of the brand reputation, sound quality and value for price versus its competitors. Much Internet research was done as this was my first serious AV system. I wanted to get things right. I didn't. The quest continues. Harmon Kardon is unforunately off the list of contenders. Their quality is poor, customer service is suspect and parts replacement pricing is outrageous. Time to go with other alternatives like Arcam, Rotel or Nak. I used to like Onkyo but my research says that their quality is lacking except in their creme de la creme products. I liked my HK for the first 2 years but then the HK FL8350 CD player broke, which was only used on high holidays and other special events. Then one day I wanted to play a favourite movie and the DTS feature wouldn't play. My local repair shop quoted a mere $500 to fix this slight malfunction. Next the the dog ate the remote. Ok he only chewed off all the luminous buttons. My wife said go to Radio Shack and get a $30 replacement. I said "Nay" this is a HK it does not deserve the insult of a RS generic remote. I went to get the real deal. Well... $175 later I got my real deal. Unfortunately it was the AVR65S not the AVR65 remote (which is not found anymore, except in Middle Earth) So I had to dismatle my new $165 remote, take out the circuit board and replace it with the circuit board from the original remote. Thank God HK makes remote control cases strong enough to survive the chewing exploits of a Cairn Terrier. But I digress. The sound of the HK was very clean and satisfying, I just wish they made a product that would last longer than 5 years. I don't blame the loss of the remote on HK but why can't they make product that don't break after minimal use.

Strengths:
Clean Sound Good looks

Weaknesses:
Poor value for $ spent Breaks easily Costly to fix Riding on their reputation

Similar Products Used:
Toshiba DVD ISD speakers (Built in Kelowna BC) Great value

Price Paid:  $160.00 from Private party

Summary:
WEEEEE!!!!!!!! front left channel dead.!! I've only used it for like less than a month. Bought this off from another guy for $160, thought i got a good deal since it is H/K. I don't really know much about their history, just some guy said that H/K is a good brand. The rear speakers are pretty low, I always thought it was my sound card that didn't output enough power to the rear channels. But then I read that people are experiencing these things too. I think i'll look into a sony or yamaha, forget this brand loyalty crap.

Price Paid:  $220.00 from ubid

Summary:
The sound is not so good. It is dark not bright. The reliablity is not good, after 1.5 years use. Center channel die and constant hum noise is increasing. Plan to replace it

Strengths:
various AV output

Weaknesses:
reliability is not good, don't buy it

Similar Products Used:
no

Price Paid:  $700.00 from Amazon

Summary:
This is as very good receiver that got some negative reviews due to reliability very early in the release of the unit. As far as I can tell, the reliability was a quality control issue with the first batch of units. Mine has never had a problem, does not make noise and is of very solid build. The sound is very good, above the crowd of mass market components, and is very solidly in the mid-fi market, above the likes of kenwood, sony, onkyo, yamaha, and below names like NAD, Rotel, etc. Actually, for the price you can get them now, it is an excellent receiver. I guess that fact that it's underrated can be your benefit if you buy it used.

Strengths:
mentioned above

Weaknesses:
Not on par with names like NAD, Adcom, Rotel.

Similar Products Used:
NAD, Adcom, Rotel

Price Paid:  $0.00 from Safe Supestore

Summary:
I got this unit from my brother who bought it in 1999. He was complaining about the problem with the sound going off. He had it repaired but the problem is still there. I connect it up to a CD player and the front speakers only and the sound began to disappear, intermittently, after 15 mins into the CD. I called the service center recently and they say that it must be because the components are old and failing.(I cannot believe that, since HK is suppose to be a quality product!A Rotel unit which cost me $295 was still working fine after 6 years before I gave it away) I have read a few reviews that says this problem is quite common. If any body can tell me how it can be repaired, please do let me know. Thanks very much in advance.

Strengths:
Great sound

Weaknesses:
Sound going on and off after 15 mins into the CD

Similar Products Used:
Rotel, Marantz