Official Harman Kardon AVR 1600/2600/3600 owner's thread - Page 88

Been getting the ramdom audio pops for a while.

Today I got a green picture.

I changed to bypass and the problem went away.

I experimented and chage the output to 1080p and it fixed it as well.

Is HK doing anything about this?

I had a couple of chirps here and there from on of my surrounds. I flashed the latest firmware even though i already had the latest software from the factory. I haven't heard another chirp since. Also, disabling dolby volume seems to help some people out.

I'm contemplating getting an AVR 2600 to replace my AVR 247. I'm assuming that the audio is as good as the 247's but would like confirmation.

My main interests are in the video processing. Here's how I'm set up now :
(2) HR24 DirecTV HDDVRs via component video/digital audio - set to 720p as that is max allowable to pass from component to HDMI out on the 247.

The reason these are used in this manner is because of the pee-poor standard definition channels that are still on Direct, but that have shows I want to watch. Going to those SD channels with the Faroudja processing and upscaling to 720p make them enjoyable even if not quite HD.

I would like to be all HDMI and I see that the Faroudja processing in the 2600 now upscales and massages to 1080p. So how does that look? And for those that have had both the 247 and 2600, how does it compare in this? IOW, would I gain better video with the upscale from SD to 1080p instead of just 720p as I'm doing now?

Other tidbits. Will the volume slider show on the TV screen as it does with the 247? Does it flash the screen on the TV with the source and audio being used? Does the Harmony 1 have the info in its database for this model?

Again my primary need/want is the video processing to perform better than I'm getting now with the 247. Otherwise I see no advantage to upgrading. If anyone has some other reasons to upgrade, feel free to respond.

Thanks.

I can answer some of this. I have the AVR3600, which has very similar specs to the 2600.

The volume control will display on the screen ONLY if you are NOT using bypass mode for video. FWIW the volume shows on the front of the AVR and is clearly visible from ~16' away (likely farther, but I sit about 16' away from receiver).
I have a harmony 880 and it has support for this receiver. It should work with the Harmony 1.

I have DishNetwork with a ViP722 HD DVR. 99% of the content I watch is in HD. I also have a Blu-Ray player. While I could use the "bypass" mode for video, I have chosen not too because I like seeing the volume on the screen. I didn't notice a tremendous difference when switching between bypass modes. I can't tell you if SD content looks better with the video processor in the AVR2600. It seems the general opinion is that the video processor in the AVR2600 isn't that good.

I think you will need to consider a couple things:
a) How long until the content you want to watch on SD channels is converted to HD? It is my impression that most networks have upgraded to HD. Perhaps the ones you want are not far behind?
b) If the answer to "a" is that you can't wait, then video processing is more important to you and I would consider looking at a different AVR that has a much better reputation for video processing.

Thanks for the response and info. It is very much appreciated.

I also have an AppleTV (v2) and BluRay player attached via HDMI to the AVR247 I have now.

There aren't many shows in SD that I like, but there are a few. And one of these days they will most certainly move to HD and be picked up by the SAT providers I'm sure. But when is the question. And yeah, I could not watch those few shows, but I don't want to!

Looking for a different AVR is the issue. I would hate to lose what I consider the superior SQ of the Harman Kardon line and honestly am not aware of any unit in the price range of the 2600 that can even come close to matching it for that alone. I was really hoping that the video processing was more and better than the AVR247's.

Again, thanks.

This is the one post in this thread (or anywhere online) that makes sense to what I am experiencing.

I have my AVR1600 connected to an HTPC via a nvdia graphics card using its built-in HD Audio driver to passthrough and bitstream PCM over HDMI. I have adjusted settings so that it only outputs multichannel PCM to my AVR (my onboard DTS/AC3 decoder is fine for my purposes) and it seems to help by not taking many seconds to switch between DTS, DD, PCM modes for each kind of content I play.

The issue is still that the AVR seems to forget that there is any audio being transmitted during periods of silence. If, say, my video is playing and dialogue stops for a couple seconds, then as soon as more dialogue or music begins to play, the AVR must re-acknowledge that it is receiving my computer's PCM stream by cutting out for about 1 second and displaying "3/4/.1 192kHz" Then it is fine again until there is silence. This can happen when play/pausing videos too.

So basically, everything I have going on works perfectly, except the AVR's inability to stay attached to my HTPC's PCM stream.

I am contemplating a way to have a small amount of sound or an audio file playing constantly in the background just so the receiver is constantly receiving audio data and cannot drop out, but that is a very clunky solution to this issue.

Anyone else have any ideas? If not, I can see myself creating a 72-hour long almost-silent mp3 file and setting it as my windows startup sound......



EDIT:

I believe I may have found the solution... http://www.marcsapps.co.uk/

reading the description, this seems to be the exact fix to the exact problem I seem to have. I'll post an update later when I get home and see if this really works.
Edited by Gyakusetsu - 9/28/12 at 12:24pm

Thanks for that link to http://www.marcsapps.co.uk/. I've had this problem for YEARS, first with my old AVR210, then with my new AVR2600. I'll have to give this a try when I get home.

More "good news" too - my AVR2600 had died with popping noises and, finally, the PROTECT message. Well I shipped it back to h/k almost a month ago, and I just got word that a 2600 is on its way back. I'm assuming it's a refurb - here's hoping it works.

Hi,

I am new to this forum. I recently purchased AVR 3600 and got new klipsch HD 1000 for my home. Initially everything was good and we really enjoyed our system. However, after a few days of use we noticed chirping noise in the speakers. I am not sure if this is a klipsch system issue our the AVR. Also the problem starts happening after an hour of use and increase as the system is up.
Any suggestions/help.

Thanks,

I have klipsch speakers and an avr 1600 and have not run in to that kind of problem. Try calling h/k tech support, but also try hooking different speakers up to it first to see if that is the issue.

It could be an overheating problem. Put a fan on it and test.
Only thing I can think of besides contacting HK.

I had that as well, some people suggested turning off dolby volume. I found that re flashing the firmware (to the same level) fixed it. I had a couple of chirp free days using dolby volume, but I have since disabled it anyway, so I cant be sure which is the real fix. Either way, I haven't had a chirp in three weeks and counting.

I have recently had a new problem with my 3600. Every once in a while it will just blank out and lose audio for a few seconds and the come back on. I know that there was a problem with the x54 series and the HDMI board, but is there also a similar issue with the AVR 3600?

This is by far the dominant theme in this thread all the way back to the beginning. The answer is that when the source changes from pl2 to digital, or any other combination of processing type, that there is second or two where the AVR adjusts before outputting signal. It happens mostly during commercials when the main show is in dolby digital but the commercial is not. I have never seen it happen at any other time in midstream of a show or song playback.

For example, I am watching a HD show with a Dolby Digital stream, and a commercial comes on, the receiver switches to PL2. I fast forward the commercials and upon restarting play speed, the receiver goes back to Dolby digital and there is a one second audio drop.

This a minor limitation for me, It doesn't really bother me. If it did, I would simply start the play prior to the end of the commercial, or rewind to hear what I missed. Overall the AVR 2600/3600 is a great sounding inexpensive receiver that has always performed as advertised for me. The true 65 watts per channel sounds better than more expensive units that advertise 100 or more watts. The setup is very logical and easy, I never even bothered with the microphone and set it all u by ear. As I upgrade my speakers it just gets better all the time. The first thing I did with it was watch LOTR, and it belted out a brilliant digital surround experience out of the box with little settings changes.

do you have another way hook those speakers a second receiver, or a boom box or something? Or alternatively another set of speaker to test on the HK? that is where I would start, also check for overheating the amps, are your speakers 8 ohm? if the main L/R speakers are less than 8ohm rated than you are overworking your amp. Over time that will blow it out because the HK AVRs are rated for 8 ohm only and you would be running a much higher current level.


edit** I looked up specs on that system and it is listed as "8 ohm compatible" which implies that they are not 8 ohm, my Klipsch satellites are 6 ohm speakers and the HK 2600/3600 does not have a setting for using them. I therefor only use them as rears where there is less current going to them at any time.
Edited by 3rdHerd - 10/17/12 at 7:45am

I'm familiar with the issue you are describing. I wish this was the problem. Unfortunately it's not. I don't have a TV service, instead I only watch Netflix. The problem happens in the middle of the show, not commercials, and there are no changes in audio formats. It's really strange.

Have you tryed a different source other than Netflix? Try using a different source eg. dvd or the radio to see if it still chirps.
The chirps sound like you might be describing a signal loss.
Edited by ducky6 - 10/17/12 at 8:03pm

Got my replacement 2600 a couple of weeks ago. Looked to be brand new. Working well so far. Fingers crossed!

"I set the x-over of my fronts to 60hz, and center at 80hz as recommended by the manufacturer. I have the x-over on my sub set at about 80hz. I suppose that provides a little overlap with the mains. I would like to know if that is the correct thing to do though.

So what exactly does changing the size of the sub do? You said it affects the eq of the sub, but what does that mean?"




I too would like to know .... someone please enlighten us

hey there, 2600 owner here. I'm about 4 months passed the warranty and it looks like my receiver bit the dust.

I went to do the update last night (because my receiver was acting funny, sound would cut out alot while watching tv) and everything was going fine. I go upstairs to grab a drink and when i come back down it's in stand by mode. I thought that was odd so i left it for a couple hours and tried turning it on, it would not turn on. So i unplugged it for half an hour, that let me turn the receiver on at least. I also did a reset on it. Problem is now, video out does not work. I use my 360 for netflix (don't have cable) so i hooked up 360 directly to the tv that works, so it's not those. I can choose inputs using the remote fine, mute and volume work, but my tv says there is no signal. so i can't see the set up or anything. Wondering if anyone had this problem before, and if there is anywhere near me that can fix it. I live in edmonton, alberta. Thanks guys

nvm, round the receipt from visions and was very pleasantly surprised to see that i bought the 5 year warranty. So i brought it to visions, and I will either get a fixed one back or a new receiver if they can't fix it. Made my day when i found that receipt

how can I get an HDMI card for a harman kardon avr 3600 receiver...anyone!! bought this unit 4 months ago via internet and had it shipped to Bolivia, worked fine for a month then started to show the "protect" mode...there is no dealers down here but had it checked with a technician that has seen this products...according to him I need to replace the HDMI card....followed the procedure of checking all the speaker connections, etc...had the fans replaced cause it was overheating...works fine overall the only problem is it still blocks itself with the "protect" mode...

First I would like to ask, from what internet dealer did you buy the 3600? And how was it shipped?
There are Harman dealers over in Brazil and here in Ecuador. You might try contacting them.
I had a 3600 brought into Ecuador by my local Harman dealer in Cuenca. I don't trust the customs office in Guayaquil, I've had packages not show up in the past.

I have an AVR2600 that as suddenly started displaying a green screen with the wrong resolution (1440x480i) on the Cable/Sat source selector (hooked up to a Dish Network 1920x1080 HDMI signal on HDMI input 1).

Without changing any cables, if I play the Dish network box through a different source selector (like TV), it displays fine, so the cable must be OK. if I then program the Cable/Sat source to use my Xbox HDMI signal from HDMI-input 2, it is still green/wrong res. So the problem seems to be with that Cable/Sat source.

Has anyone had this happen and is there a fix for it? The unit is still under warranty (barely) but I am loathe to ship it back if I don't need to.

Pardon me if there are already posts on this issue, but it is almost impossible to search in just this one topic.

When an analog source is set to '2 ch stereo' and the tone controls are set to off, its suppose to be 'analog bypass' which is a full range sig to the L/R, or so it says. But it never displays stereo bypass. And I'm still getting bass through the sub.
So is there something wrong in the manual, or did I miss something?

I just picked up this 3600 on Friday. I was surprised that it was manufactured in Jan. 2012 and also is HDMI v1.4a.
Being the xx00 series is 3 years old, and the xx50 series, x700 series have been out awhile.
Its good to have Logic7 again, after not having it for 3 years. I also noticed the auto/EQ cycle was done many times, compared to the 635's only one cycle.

A couple of things I've noticed as wrong in the manual, as I'm sure others have.
One, that in 6-8 channel by-pass it says it does not provide BM or processing. The processing part is right. But in fact provides reverse BM. The Denon player is sending signals to all channels, including the subs, and the AVR is automatically setting all 5~7 channels as large. Thus no signal to the subs. That is screwed up.
My Parasound P7 sends all signals as produced by the Denon player to all channels, including the subs. Which is how the Denon player is set up, as the Denon is providing the BM. As soon as I get the P7 up and running again, its back in the system.

And for stereo by-pass, the AVR seems to be doing the reverse, in sending a signal to the subs. Which is says it does not. Unless I have something wrong there.

Audio for your source needs to be to one of the 2-channel audio inputs. Dolby Volume off. Tone Control+EQ Off. Surround mode 2 Channel Stereo. AVR will then be in 2 channel bypass mode.

The sub will still be active with 2 channel bypass, it is just a summed mono mix of the L/R channel information. There is no bass management in any shape or form applied to the multichannel analog inputs. The "Large" setting is correct/normal, as there is no longer bass management applied to these channels and they are receiving the full-range audio input from source. The multichannel analog subwoofer input is just fed right back out to the sub. Only information in the ".1" LFE track of source content will be playing from the subwoofer (unless your source device has proper bass management for it's multichannel analog output and is set accordingly)

If you are losing the sub information, your AVR may be faulty. However, first confirm the source player is outputting content from it's analog sub output by disconnecting the 6/8 channel interconnects. Connect the sub output (only) to any of the standard analog L/R 2 channel inputs on your receiver. Turn devices on, switch receiver to the source input you connected to, and play content on source. Verify there is audio coming from the speaker(s) and/or subwoofer with ONLY this sub output analog connection from source to the receiver as an audio input (will only be low frequency audio).
If not, source device (or content) is problem.
If so, fault with AVR.

Per Table A12 in appendix...Maintains an analog input signal in that form, bypassing all digital processing. Requires the tone control to be off.
I never have tone controls on. And I will double check that I have the DV off and EQ off. But before it was sending bass to the sub. Which is actually what I would want. Same as below.
But that is not how it should be. The player is doing the BM...but the HK is then sending that bass info to the mains. So setting the mains to "Large" is really reverse BM, as I said before.

When I connect speaker wire from the L/R binding posts and to the high level sub inputs I get bass. If a person is running true full range speakers, then having the output full range is not a problem. But most (90%) of all HT systems are not full range mains. My mains have an acoustical XO @ 70 htz, so with a 12db/octave roll off its -18db @ 35 htz, so in effect no bass, even with a full range signal.

With the P7 pre...it keeps the sub info in the sub channel and the sub has bass. In fact the P7, which is pure analogue, has two sub volume settings. One for stereo, which it then applies analog BM, and another setting for MCM, w/o BM letting the player do the BM.

I checked again, and the TC, EQ, DV are off and I do get bass through the sub. (which is what I want as my mains are not full range.)
With that thought in mind, then when playing MCM via analog out from the disc player, I should also get bass through the subs. As all the BM is being done by the player. By-pass should mean all signals in all channels are passed straight through, untouched. The fact the 3600 automatically sets all mains to 'large' means it not doing straight by-pass.

update: Well, now on a DVD-A disc I do have bass from the subs. And I disconnected the coax cable to make sure the signal was not passing through it. So now the by-pass is as it should be.
Edited by 4DHD - 12/4/12 at 4:35pm

That IS how it should be. You are thinking about this the wrong way. When using the 6/8 channel inputs ALL channels are set as LARGE. Large = full range, meaning NO bass management. ALL information sent to that channel input will be played through that channel, and that channel ONLY. Low frequency content within a speaker channel is not being redirected to the subwoofer as is the case when bass management is applied.
The AVR setting the speakers as large when using 6/8input is NOT redirecting bass from sub input to any speaker. It's just that the sub will ONLY play what is being supplied to the 6/8 sub input, and nothing else.

The x600s, as with all other 1, 2 and 3 series HK AVRs to date, are incapable of applying bass management or ANY processing to the multichannel analog inputs as they lack an 8 channel digitizer for the multichannel analog input. This is/was a step up feature.

This is why the source device needs to have it's own bass management system that actually works (and is properly configured) when using the 6/8 channel inputs - you are relying on IT to redirect the low frequency information from any channels you want "small" to the subwoofer channel output, NOT the AVR. Some devices just "throw away" the content within the channel below the crossover you set rather than actually redirecting it to the sub. With systems like this, the subwoofer will ONLY be playing what is in your source content's .1/LFE track. No .1/LFE track (e.g. a 2.0 channel audio track), no sub output at all.


Use a DIGITAL output from a player whenever possible and let it output the native stream (must be HDMI 1.3+ to bitstream HD Codecs). This will let the AVR take care of the decoding / processing / bass management / DAC and allow use of EQ and tone control or other surround modes (e.g. apply PLIIx to create 7.1 presentation from 5.1 content) if desired.


A note about the sub settings- When the MAINS are set to large and other channel(s) are crossed over, this opens up another subwoofer setting within speaker setup menu called SUB+L/R. What this does is send low frequency information below a "small" channel's crossover to the main speaker for that side. This is to prevent bass localization from subwoofer. Only use this if your mains really are capable of playing full range.
The standard "SUB" setting redirects any small channel low frequency information below crossover to the sub, and is best for most systems (and only option if mains are crossed over)
This does NOT apply when using the 6/8 channel analog inputs as explained earlier.

No. The sub is playing when in 2 channel bypass as it is receiving a summed mono mix of the L/R channels, like many stereo receivers

This does/can not happen when using the 6/8 channel input. NOTHING from the speaker channels is mixed or otherwise sent to sub output. ONLY the information being supplied TO the 6/8 sub input is sent through sub output.



It seems like your problems lie with your source device / the Denon player's bass management for it's multichannel analog audio output. Either it is not set correctly, not active, or sucks (throwing away content below crossovers instead of redirecting)
Good luck, hope you track it down
Edited by dRockHK - 12/4/12 at 8:11pm