Harman Kardon AVR 7550HD (2008 announcement) - Page 38

Z indicates B stock unit...

Just my $0.02...

I've liked NAD sound too when listening in retailers showroom. Bonmai, I'd be curious how the T775HD compares sound wise for you to the H/K 745.

Good to know about your experiences with refurb units from harmanaudio. I'd buy from them hearing that. Makes sense that the qc process would be a major focus on the US side of things. Anyway, I'll share my impressions when the 7550 arrives. I'm psyched and in waiting mode. Moved the 3600 back from bedroom setup to main listening room until the new beast arrives. Phantom - I'll be curious to see if you can resist. Oh such sweet temptation, in this hobby. And the balancing act with WAF....

I just upgraded to a 7550 from a 2600. The menus seem a lot more responsive, the EzSet process is substantially different (though the results I obtained were still somewhat off), and the additional power is nice. I honestly haven't noticed any difference in sound quality, but I haven't had much of a chance to listen to it yet, and my setup isn't anything spectacular (Infinity Cascades, Rythmik F12SE, and HSU MBM12.)

I do have two concerns:

1.) The video bypass on the 7550 appears to work differently from the 2600. With the 2600, with bypass engaged, my PC would recognize my Sony TV as the display device when connected through the AVR. With the 7550, my PC recognizes the 7550 as the display device, even with the bypass engaged. Furthermore, my Sony TV would correctly identify the HDMI dynamic range as full (0-255) with the 2600. With the 7550, it recognizes it as limited (16-235), even with the bypass engaged. This concerns me that the 7550 may be touching the signal in some way.

2.) The large fan in the 7550 likes to run a lot, and it's LOUD. The AVR is near silent when it starts, but eventually the large fan kicks in, even when I am not listening to any audio. I enjoyed the absolute silence I had with the 2600. I'm considering putting the 7550 in another room and drilling through the wall to run my cables to block the noise.

Does anyone have any insight on either of these two concerns?

Thanks.

Odds are its the cable box. You can try a different connection to confirm although it does mean more cables. Try using the HDMI for video only and an optical for audio. Or better yet since it's possibly the HDMI causing the problem, if that box has component(R,G,B) use those and the optical. See if that cures the problem. As for the fan noise you can also place a 120mm on the top of the 7550HD with it drawing heat from the 7550 to determine if that will stop that internal fan from even coming on at all. These are fairly inexpensive and could also help that fan noise problem. Coolerguys.com has some excellent fans for this purpose. Good luck and hope this helps in some way.

Thanks for the reply. The issue is actually with my PC and the receiver, not a cable box. The issue is only with the HDMI bypass, so using component cables will not help.

I've now tested with two PCs, and the behavior is the same.

With bypass off:
PC->AVR2600->Sony TV = PC recognizes AVR2600 as display device
PC->AVR7550HD->Sony TV = PC recognizes AVR7550HD as display device

With bypass on:
PC->AVR2600->Sony TV = PC recognizes Sony TV as display device
PC->AVR7550HD->Sony TV = PC recognizes AVR7550HD as display device

Also with bypass on:
PC->Sony TV = Full HDMI Dynamic Range (0-255) detected by TV
PC->AVR2600->Sony TV = Full HDMI Dynamic Range (0-255) detected by TV
PC->AVR7550HD->Sony TV = Limited Dynamic Range (16-235) detected by TV

My concern is whether the 7550 is actually causing the dynamic range to be compressed while in bypass mode, or if the TV is just detecting it incorrectly. I'm not sure why having the 7550 in the middle would cause it to change if the signal truly is passed on without modification, especially since the 2600 behaves correctly. But it is worrisome.

Thanks for the input on the fan. What I've noticed is that while the fan turns on and the air coming out the back is hot, the rest of the 7550 is very cool to the touch. I think I have a disadvantage in terms of cooling since I am at higher altitude (5280+ feet) than most. I may try to give it some additional room, though it's already well ventilated in my opinion.

HK recommends a minimum of 4" free air clearance for the L/R sides and top cover..
If the clearance is less or if the volume level is high or if driving low impedance/sensitivity loudspeakers or if playing high dynamic range source material...
The fan will activate and actually has multiple speed modes depending upon How hot? the amplifier tunnel is..

Just my $0.02..

Thank you for your reply.

It currently has about 4" to 6" all around except for the right side which is completely open. Even then, it is not enclosed, as it is on a TV stand with an open design. I'm going to move it so its open on all sides, but I'm doubtful this will help much.

The large fan will kick on even when not listening to anything. For comparison, it is nearly as loud as my Xbox 360 when idling on the dashboard. Needless to say, it's a distraction. It will speed up and down as needed, but it's mostly on and loud.

If putting it completely on an open air stand does not help, I am going to either physically remove it from the room or at least attempt to block the noise as best as possible.

This is just one more chapter in the ongoing saga of how nothing I buy ever works quite how I want it to.

Edit: One more question for M Code, since he appears to be very knowledgeable about HK AVRs. Is it possible to easily replace the fan for the amp tunnel as it is for the video processor?

The fan used for the amplifier tunnel can be replaced by quieter ones, its mounting centers are standard used in PC power supplies. A lot of the audible noise is actually from the fan blade velocity not the motor itself..

The challenge is getting to the fan itself, buried under a large circuit board requires disassembling unit... Straight forward but time-consuming..

The fan should not be cycling...
Only if the unit is being pushed hard and getting hot, and/or the volume level is set high. One thing designed into the 7550HD software is the control logic of the audio DSPs, if the volume level gain is high the CPU tells the fan to speed up.. Anticipating that the amplifier stage will be pushed hard and heat up..

I have a 7550HD (prototype sample) I don't use it much as it is connected in an AV system I don't use a lot but I don't recall hearing the fan running, only @ power startup it spins up and then shuts off.

Just my $0.02..

My unit is very silent when turned on, with the fan nearly inaudible. But after 15-30 minutes it kicks on even more, runs for maybe the same length of time, then slows again. And this is with no audio playing. I can't imagine this being any louder even when pushing a substantial load.

I opened the unit yesterday. It's very densely packed, and the fan is visible at the very front when looking through the amplifier tunnel. Unfortunately, I'm not sure I want to disassemble the entire unit yet, but I'm still thinking about. I've read that this model has a second fan for the video processor; do you happen to know where the other one is?

Even though the case feels cool to the touch, the heat inside is very obvious with the case off.

At this point, I think I may try to supplement the cooling with a low RPM fan behind the case pulling air out of the tunnel. I'm hoping the combination of both fans at a low speed will keep it cool enough to avoid having the internal fan kick on at high speed unless pushed very hard. If not, then I'll probably proceed with taking the entire thing apart and/or isolating it another room where I cannot hear it.

Small fan for the video processor is located on the left side toward the rear, it is visible when the top cover is off. In early units this fan often would give off a squeal...

Just my $0.02...

How hard is it to change the video fan. Also what fan size and type would I need to change this. I am guessing there are quiter fans available.

I was going to change the main fan but when I looked at the location under the component board I bought a 7 channel amp instead. The main fan does not come on any more with the amplifier hooked up. Little more expensive fix then changing the fan. The sound is fuller with the the amplifier but I think the channel seperation and voice clarity might have been better with the 7550 amp.

I am hoping the video fan will be easier to replace. Mcode as always your info is much appreciated.

Rather than change the video fan, why not just reoil it.
Be sure to use a very light oil/lubricant but use very sparingly for its bearing...

Just my $0.02..

HK exchanged my unit for one of the newer ones with the 1.4 software, so I do not have the squeak.

I am still just looking to get the receiver to be a little quieter. If the fan is not a difficult change and the postings are the same as a computer fan and it is easy to get a quieter replacement, then I would like to change out the fan.

I really enjoy the unit and it has great performance, but I am considering getting a pre-pro just so there wil be no fan noise.

If you like the 7550HD..
Why not disconnect the tunnel fan, if the amplifiers are not being used they will heat up some from idling due to their Class A setup but not the same as pushing the internal amplifiers. Then connect the 7550HD pre-outs to your new component 7-channel amplifier..

Just my $0.02..

Would you go with an AVR 2600 or 7550HD for a 2ch system?

I find the 7550HD better because it has network embedded.

any thoughts?

7550Hd all day long. But not for just networking capabilities. If you really want 2 channel only why not try to find one of those new H/K 990's.

Remember, I will be using 50/50 % musics and movies.

If its only 2 channel you want then its still the H/K 990 IMO.

The tunnel fan never comes on. On very quiet passages when you want quiet I can hear the video fan. When I look down the cooling tunnel, the tunnel fan is not on but there is a good volume of air coming out the tunnel. I am using the preouts to my seven channel amplifier hence the tunnel fan not coming on. When I take off the top cover to change the fan I could disconnect the amplifier at the same time to remove that heat load. So the question is what is the fan size and info on the video fan so I can purchase a quieter one and change it out.

I started to have an issue last night out of the blue - I would turn on the HK , it would come on and then turn itself off again. This occurred a few times - so I turned off cable/blue ray HDMI connections and then turned back on with basic CD player connected via analog to the AUX on the front panel - Then it worked fine and could switch to DirecTV or Blueray. This occurred again this afternoon but only once or twice.

Has anyone else had this problem?
If yes, what did you or what happened?
If no, what do you think this might be related to, why? etc

I don't have the 7550, but out of curiousity does it have an "HDMI control" setting in the menu? If so, I'd try disabling it if it's enabled. Since it works fine with no HDMI connected, this is the first thing I would check.

The 7550HD does not have that function..

Just my $0.02...

It works fine - just would turn itself off when I turned it on - just a self shut down or something - but if I would turn everything off and then back on it will work etc

Hi all! I've decided to buy 7550HD after considering some systems like Denon 4310 (old), Pioneer 1121-K, some Onkyo, HK 365
The system will be arrived my home early next week. My speakers system for movie is Infinity Modulus 5.1, I'm going to use my Tannoy T165 as front and system will be 7.1
Before I used Denon AVR 1709. I just sold it then decided old 7550 as upgrade.
Hope all your commend and experience here will help me during setting up and new amp will bring me most happiness.

Hi all, I have calibrated the system using EQ setup and not satisfied with the bass output. Is there a way i can go back to the original setting or how to do a reset to the factory settings? Any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks.

It's been awhile since I used one but IIRC just turn off the EQ in the setting and you're good to go. Don't have the manual so can't remember where ot is in the menu. MCode can tell you where it is.

To reset a EZSet EQ (II) listening position;
AVR/ Main Menu->Speaker Setup-> Setup Listening Position 1 / 2 -> Reset -> Reset to factory defaults to reset all speaker settings (and EQ) to the original defaults, or select reset to EZSet/EQ if you want to reset any speaker changes you made FOLLOWING EZSet/EQ to their original results


You can also turn off the EQ, but keep the bass management/crossover/distance settings by pressing Audio Effects, and turning the EQ off for any source you want.


Remember the system can store 2 different listening position settings (and EQs), you can use a different position between sources as well as have the EQ on with some sources and off with others.


There was some good discussion on the EZSet/EQ II operation, and more specifically the low frequency equalization, earlier in this thread. Pay attention to MCode's posts and any Harman white papers linked. I also had difficulty with the EZSet/EQ resulting in weak bass until I tried tweaking the sub placement. Some other members have run EZSet/EQ with sub(s) off, so there was no sub EQ, then turned them back on and adjusted the speaker crossovers/size (if necessary) after EZSet was complete.

Well I am back. Received the second 7550 from 6th Ave Sept 12 and set it up----all was working wonderful until Nov 19. It started to shut down after a few minutes. I went through all the items to determine the problem and finally another reset. A message showed `4ch sensor defective' and then the unit died---completely. Contacted 6th Ave and they said `so sorry we can do nothing'. Called HK and they are going to replace it with a `Z' so #2 is on the way to Atlanta. Sure wish I had kept my old 635, I was using it for audio only. I am beginning to think I will do the same with the 3rd 7550----no video processing and using the ARC to get the audio. I have Polk in-wall front and rear, and a Definitive Tech center and sub which work super with the 7550. I have a Marantz 7001 in another area of the house that is a few years old, has never had a problem, and provides a great sound but not quite as good as the old 635 which is why I went with the 7550. The upgrade bug has a mean bite sometimes------

^^^^
Jteep what a bummer. 3rd time will be a charm, In my estimation it will be worth the hassle. I bought one of the last 7550hds from 6ave through Amazon about a month ago. I've had the 7550 for about three weeks, putting it through the paces. I am very happy with this receiver. The first three days I was having some doubts - had to reset a few times, but once I disconnected the apple tv, (and connected it directly to the TV) problems with the receiver ended. Well actually, it is still a little buggy - a couple of times is has become unresponsive to the remote, a small bug I can live with because I really like the sound and features. I think Phantom had a similar bug with his 7550 before he returned it if I remember correctly.

I'm really loving this machine, much preferable sound to my ears over the RX-A2010 that I returned. That was a fine receiver also, more bells and whistles, and I expect would have been trouble free for years. I am really glad though that I tried the Yamaha first. I won't have to wonder if I made the right decision. Thanks to Phantom's input!! Fingers crossed that it will not have any major issues. If it does I'll work with HK.

Build quality, setup all A+. The one issue I do have is with the EQ. Sounds better with EQ off to me, after many tries and iterations. I know that EQ is not be-all end-all but I wonder if the EZ set EQ II is working correctly - the 3600 does a lot of different sounds during the EQ set up process, the 7550 just puts out one sound from each speaker - there is the near field though. I guess EZ set EQ II is more complex so doesn't need as much feedback. I'm OK with manual setup though and I love love love the sound. The 2 channel and 2.1 make my Sierras /Rythmik F12SE sing!!! I thought the 3600 was pretty good but the 7550hd really opens things up sound-wise with detail, depth, and imaging.