Harman Kardon AVR254 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver

★★★★☆

4.2

Ratings Distribution

5 star		22
4 star		12
3 star		0
2 star		1
1 star		4

Category Average

★★★★☆

4.3

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The Harman Kardon(R) AVR 254 is the most affordable Harman Kardon receiver to feature both Dolby(R) TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio(TM) decoding on the audio side, and Faroudja DCDi Cinema(R) video processing to 1080p on the video side. But there's plenty more to recommend the AVR 254, including three HDMI(TM) inputs, connections for external amplifiers, EzSet/EQ(TM) technology to fine-tune your system to the acoustics of your room, and an RS-232 port for future firmware upgrades. Perhaps the highest recommendation of all? As do all Harman Kardon A/V receivers, the AVR 254 features a high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth design for maximum fidelity.

Power

50W x 7 into 8 ohms, 20Hz – 20kHz, at <0.07% THD, with all channels driven simultaneously

High-current (±35 amps), ultrawide-bandwidth (10Hz – 100kHz) amplifier design

Surround Processing

Advanced dual-core Cirrus Logic® CS 49700 32-bit DSP processor

Full suite of Dolby surround decoding, including Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus

Full suite of DTS® modes, including DTS-HD, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-ES® 6.1 Discrete & Matrix, DTS Neo:6® and DTS 96/24™

Dolby Pro Logic® IIx (Movie, Music and Game modes) surround sound

Harman-exclusive Logic 7 Movie, Music and Game surround sound processing in 5.1 and 7.1 channels

Dolby Headphone and Dolby Virtual Speaker surround modes

Five- and seven-channel Stereo surround modes

192kHz/24-Bit DACs

Connectivity

Three HDMI 1.3a with Deep Color inputs and one HDMI output

Two assignable, wide-bandwidth (100MHz), HDTV-ready component video inputs and one output

Subwoofer output for direct connection to a powered subwoofer

Four A/V inputs with S-video, plus two audio-only inputs

Eight-channel-direct inputs for use with external surround decoders

7.1 Preamp outputs allow the use of external amplifiers

XM Ready tuner

Convenient front-panel audio/video input with S-video for use with video games or portable players

Six digital inputs (two optical and two coaxial on rear panel, and one optical and one coaxial on front panel)

One coaxial digital output on rear panel

RS-232 port for fi rmware upgrades

IR remote extension jacks for system control

Auxiliary input for connecting iPod and other portable media players

Ease of Use

HDMI 1.3a with Deep Color and Faroudja DCDi Cinema video processing with upscaling to 1080p

Lip Sync Delay adjustable for each input

EzSet/EQ equalization for quick and accurate system setup

FM stereo/AM tuner with 30 presets and direct-access tuning

Quadruple-crossover bass manager

Wide range of low-frequency crossover points (40Hz, 60Hz, 80Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz and 200Hz) available

Full-color, high-defi nition, graphical on-screen interface, including HDMI and component video

Programmable power-up volume

Multiroom audio

Surround back amplifi er channels confi gurable for use as second-zone amplification

Seven-device, programmable system remote control

Specification	Description
Model	AVR 254, AVR-254, AVR254, HARAVR254
UPC	028292506208
# of AM/FM Tuner Presets	30
AM/FM Radio	Yes
Antenna Type	Wire FM antennaAM loop antenna
Audio Response Bandwidth	20Hz-20kHz
Available for Store Pickup Spec Name: rshStandard	Yes
Battery Type	Remote
Benefits	7.1-channel audio/video receiver produces pure, realistic soundDCDi by Faroudja eliminates jagged edges caused by interpolation, opti
Capacity UOM	mAh
Channels	7.1 Channels
Chemistry	Alkaline
Country Of Origin	China
Description Header	Designed to entertain.
Display Catalog Number	55029759
Display Features	On-screen display
Display Illumination Color	Blue
Enclosure Color	Black/Silver
End Product Indicator	Yes
Included in the Box	Harman Kardon® AVR 254 7.1-Channel A/V ReceiverRemote controlAM loop antennaFM wire antenna"AAA" alkal
Inputs	2 x Component, 3 x Toslink(Fiber optic audio), 3 x Digital(Digital audio), 1 x "F" Plug(FM antenna), 1 x Push Terminal(AM antenna), 2 x S-Video, 3 x H
Manufacturer Labor Warranty	12
Manufacturer Part Number	AVR 254
Manufacturer Parts Warranty	12
MAP Price	599.0
Model	AVR 254
Operating Temperature UOM	° F
Output Power / Total	350 watts
Outputs	1 x Component, 1 x Digital(Digital audio out), 1 x HDMI, 1 x RCA(Composite out), 3 x RCA(Audio out), 7 x Post Terminal(Speaker out), 1 x RCA(Subwoofer
Power Consumption Operational	540.0
Power Consumption Stand by / Sleep	65
Product Depth	18.5
Product Dimensions UOM	inches
Product Height	10.5
Product Type	A/V receivers
Product Weight	21.1
Product Weight UOM	pounds
Product Width	21.75
Size	AAA
Supported Languages	English
Surround Sound Effects	Dolby® Pro Logic® I and II, Dolby® Digital, DTS®
Technology	IR
Type	LED, On-screen display
Voltage	1.5

Harman Kardon AVR254 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver Questions

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Product Reviews

Last update: Sep 11, 2009

Harman Kardon AVR254 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver Reviews

Most helpful positive review

[7 of 7 customers found this review helpful]

Most helpful negative review

★★★★★

5.0

Great upgrade from previous version

"Great AVR, as usual KH figured out how to make a great product with excellent sound and many options, the quality of sound is amazing, remote control easy to use, I will recomend this one for the home thaethre fans...." Read Full Review »

Jul 21, 2008 by Ralph

See more positive Harman Kardon AVR254 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver reviews

★★☆☆☆

2.0

Tons of bugs

"I spent months searching for a receiver that would offer at least 3 HDMI inputs, and would be able to decode the latest HD audio codes (Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA). According to most audiophiles, the HK sound is by far the best. So I bought that 254 from HK. The sound quality is awesome all right. It's the slickest looking receiver you'll find on the market. And the GUI is more advanced, pretty and user friendl..." Read Full Review »

Aug 28, 2008 by piki

See more negative Harman Kardon AVR254 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver reviews

Displaying 1 - 5 of 39 Reviews

[7 of 7 customers found this review helpful]

Harman Kardon AVR254 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver Review

Great upgrade from previous version

★★★★★

5.0

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Was this Amplifier, Receiver & Equalizer review on the Harman Kardon AVR254 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver helpful to you?

Report Abuse (7) (0) 0 comments

Jul 21 2008

Ralph

Vancouver, Canada

I am:

Tech Savvy

Reviewed at:

Harman Kardon AVR254 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver Review

Great Receiver......

★★★★☆

4.0

"This is a great receiver for anyone wishing to improve their sound system. It's comparable to going from regular TV broadcast to HD broadcast. I had tried a Pioneer and a Sony receiver but returned both before deciding on the Harmon Kardon.

The sound is superb and very realistic when you are watc …" Read Full Review »

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Was this Amplifier, Receiver & Equalizer review on the Harman Kardon AVR254 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver helpful to you?

Report Abuse (0) (0) 0 comments

Jan 29 2009

tommyhiker boy

Boston, MA

I am:

Musically Inclined
Practical

Reviewed at:

Harman Kardon AVR254 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver Review

Perfect

★★★★★

5.0

"Used in a 5.1 bedroom setup with PS3, Samsung LCD, and HK HDCD player. Beautiful to look at and user interface easy to navigate. If I was placing in a living room I would step up to the 354 for the extra power. My choice was between Onxyo 606, Denon 888 and HK. I am Glad with my choice it sounds fan …" Read Full Review »

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

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Report Abuse (0) (0) 0 comments

Feb 11 2009

Laz

East Coast

I am:

Practical
Tech Savvy

Reviewed at:

Harman Kardon AVR254 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver Review

Most excellent receiver!!

★★★★☆

4.0

"While it may be a little difficult to set up and the instruction manual is not clear on analog peripherals, suffice it to say once you get the hang of it, it really is quite simple - Plus the reason for the difficulty besides the Analog issue is that the receiver is almost infinitely adjustable for …" Read Full Review »

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Was this Amplifier, Receiver & Equalizer review on the Harman Kardon AVR254 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver helpful to you?

Report Abuse (0) (0) 0 comments

Nov 17 2008

GriMacE the 1st

Show Low, AZ

I am:

Audiophile
Tech Savvy

Reviewed at:

Harman Kardon AVR254 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver Review

This is the end all,be all,of receivers.

★★★★★

5.0

"This is a tremendous product if you really want to get the most of all your components, in either a 5.1 or a 7.1 computer setup. A bit tedious to setup, and really not too practical to do so without a TV or monitor. However, once you're done, you won't be disappointed. It can even handle older RCA c …" Read Full Review »

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

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Report Abuse (0) (0) 0 comments

Jan 12 2009

rumproof

Putnam County, NY

I am:

Practical
Tech Savvy

Reviewed at:

Displaying 1 - 5 of 39 Reviews

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Where to Buy

Harman Kardon AVR254 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver

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Harman Kardon AVR254 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver

Harman Kardon AVR254 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver

Harman Kardon AVR254 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver Reviews

Most helpful positive review

Most helpful negative review

Great upgrade from previous version

Tons of bugs

Great upgrade from previous version

Great Receiver......

Perfect

Most excellent receiver!!

This is the end all,be all,of receivers.

Harman Kardon AVR254 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver

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