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Official Harman Kardon AVR 1600/2600/3600 owner's thread - Page 91

post #2701 of 2737
1/20/13 at 6:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by 3rdHerd View Post

for analog sources I use 5ch stereo or stereo. for TV/Movies that do not run dolby digital I usually use dolby pro log II, but sometimes dolby pro log music. I do like logic 7 as a surround mode for music but I prefer the output of 5 channel more. I don't understand why people want surround for music. to me it just breaks up the experience in an un-natural way and ruins it. Perhaps because I don't listen to electronic music. I do occasionally put classical on a surround mode, but music is always played in front of you, not surrounding you like you would want in a movie. To my ear, logic 7 movie is flat compared to dolby.

I find when listening to stereo music through L7 it does a better job of using the center/surrounds than most SACD/DVD-A recordings. But for pure stereo playback, I use my Parasound P7 pre-amp.
Provides a better soundstage than any AVR.
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post #2702 of 2737
1/21/13 at 2:54am
Quote:
Originally Posted by 4DHD View Post

I find when listening to stereo music through L7 it does a better job of using the center/surrounds than most SACD/DVD-A recordings. But for pure stereo playback, I use my Parasound P7 pre-amp.
Provides a better soundstage than any AVR.

I am looking at the Emotiva preamp with HT bypass?Have you had any issues using a preamp with your HK AVR? I am counting on HT bypass functionality performing well.
Edited by 3rdHerd - 1/21/13 at 3:29am
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post #2703 of 2737
1/21/13 at 3:26am
on the subject, here is a quote from axiomaudio:
Quote:
"Finally, some manufacturers have developed their own proprietary multichannel processing. Harman/Kardon offers Logic 7 on most of its surround receivers, derived originally from Lexicon’s processors, which Harman owns. Logic 7 has its own Cinema and Music modes as well.

DPLII, DPLIIx, DTS Neo:6, and Logic 7 each has its own distinctive character. Depending on the source, you may prefer one over the other. I sometimes find Logic 7 to be very realistic with 2-channel Cds of classical orchestral, jazz, and opera. DTS Neo:6 tends to sound better with many pop or rock recordings, and DPLII or DPLIIx at times can be a knockout with both genres. DPLII or DPLIIx may also put too much information into the surround channels. But it’s fun to experiment and find which you prefer with which recording. Sometimes (I admit it’s rare), plain old 2-channel stereo sounds best!

Oops, I almost forgot. Most new A/V surround receivers offer a "5-channel stereo" or "7-channel stereo" mode, which mixes the left and right stereo channels from a 2-channel disc into ALL the amplifiers and speakers you’ve got running. As it turns out, it can be surprisingly enjoyable and it’s ideal for parties. No-one gets left out! "

he agrees with me about L7 with classical smile.gif cool!
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post #2704 of 2737
1/21/13 at 4:55am
Quote:
Originally Posted by 3rdHerd View Post

I am looking at the Emotiva preamp with HT bypass?Have you had any issues using a preamp with your HK AVR? I am counting on HT bypass functionality performing well.

No issues at all. I use the P7 for the TT, CD, DVD-A, 96K/24 downloads. Then I use the coax connection from the CD if I want to listen to SS via L7, neo6, plii.
I have the Denon MC output connected to one MC inputs and the pre-outs of the 3600 to the other P7 MC input, labeled avr3600(theater bypass).

Although I do need to get a DAC to go between the macbook pro and the P7. as I am just using a cable that has a 3.5mm on one end and L/R/V on the other. It obviously works, but I am sure the resulting sound would be better with a good DAC.

The P7 is pure analogue, it does BM for stereo sources and lets the Denon do BM for MCM And one thing I like is the P7 has separate sub levels for both, which I do have set to different db levels.
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post #2705 of 2737
1/21/13 at 5:10am
yep. that is about the exact setup I am looking for. I need to get rid of my 2600, and upgrade that to the 3600 first, then get the preamp and amplifier. For 399 on the harman ebay site I think it is the best AVR option out there with pre outs and legacy video support with upscaling. Lovin the dolby volume too. with a decent preamp for stereo I will be happy for sure.
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post #2706 of 2737
1/21/13 at 5:42am
Quote:
Originally Posted by 3rdHerd View Post

yep. that is about the exact setup I am looking for. I need to get rid of my 2600, and upgrade that to the 3600 first, then get the preamp and amplifier. For 399 on the harman ebay site I think it is the best AVR option out there with pre outs and legacy video support with upscaling. Lovin the dolby volume too. with a decent preamp for stereo I will be happy for sure.

I'm actually using two power amps. An old HK Citation 19 for the L/R and Parasound 2205A.
The about to be released 3700 has Airplay which the 3600 does not have. But I have a work around to that. I ordered a usb FM transmitter. So its just a matter of setting the frequency of each to the same. I will only be able to use that for iTunes.
USB is useless for 96K/24.
Of coarse, the 3700 will be a few $100s more than the 3600 at current prices.
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post #2707 of 2737
1/21/13 at 5:46am
Quote:
Originally Posted by 4DHD View Post

I'm actually using two power amps. An old HK Citation 19 for the L/R and Parasound 2205A.
The about to be released 3700 has Airplay which the 3600 does not have. But I have a work around to that. I ordered a usb FM transmitter. So its just a matter of setting the frequency of each to the same. I will only be able to use that for iTunes.
USB is useless for 96K/24.
Of coarse, the 3700 will be a few $100s more than the 3600 at current prices.

the price, and it is also not rated with all channels driven, and I do not care for itunes, apple products, nor apps in general on my AVR. I would prefer no networking ability at all. Perhaps it is naive, but I think they waste R&D money there that used to be used in better electronics parts such as capacitors and such.
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post #2708 of 2737
1/21/13 at 7:21am
The 3600 is just that, no networking ability. Actually it does have internet radio, which I don't use. But I have loaded 40~50 hours of CDs into my macbook and can set it to random play.
And for 96k/24 I usually pick the Apple aiff format, which is un-compresssed/lossless. I have downloaded some iTune albums, including the first stereo LP I bought in '62, which was remastered in '99 with five extra songs added that were not on the original LP. It actually sounds better than the LP, which is still very clean, even after all these years. (a combo of rubbing alcohol/distilled water keeps the snap, crackle, pop away.)
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post #2709 of 2737
1/21/13 at 9:15am
Quote:
Originally Posted by 4DHD View Post

The 3600 is just that, no networking ability. Actually it does have internet radio, which I don't use. But I have loaded 40~50 hours of CDs into my macbook and can set it to random play.
And for 96k/24 I usually pick the Apple aiff format, which is un-compresssed/lossless. I have downloaded some iTune albums, including the first stereo LP I bought in '62, which was remastered in '99 with five extra songs added that were not on the original LP. It actually sounds better than the LP, which is still very clean, even after all these years. (a combo of rubbing alcohol/distilled water keeps the snap, crackle, pop away.)

Are you sure the 3600 has internet radio...confused.gif
It has Sirius/XM capability when used with the external SAT tuner module.
We did alot of development/validation for HK on the 1600/2600/3600 platform but are totally unaware of any internet radio capability...
Maybe you have a later version such as a 3600MKII...

Jusy my $0.0.2... wink.gif
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post #2710 of 2737
1/21/13 at 9:32am
Quote:
Originally Posted by M Code View Post

Are you sure the 3600 has internet radio...confused.gif
It has Sirius/XM capability when used with the external SAT tuner module.
We did alot of development/validation for HK on the 1600/2600/3600 platform but are totally unaware of any internet radio capability...
Maybe you have a later version such as a 3600MKII...

Jusy my $0.0.2... wink.gif
I do have a later version, manu. in March 2012. It does have hdmi 1.4a. Which they added a separate sheet in the manual saying so.
And I remember it saying in the manual about Sirius.
But I have never used it. So maybe it does need an external tuner.
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post #2711 of 2737
1/21/13 at 9:39am
Quote:
Originally Posted by 4DHD View Post

I do have a later version, manu. in March 2012. It does have hdmi 1.4a. Which they added a separate sheet in the manual saying so.
And I remember it saying in the manual about Sirius.
But I have never used it. So maybe it does need an external tuner.

Yes, the SAT tuner is external however it is not for the internet. Sirius/XM do a;so stream over the internet but you need a browser S/W to access these plus a subscription fee..


Just my $0.02. wink.gif
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post #2712 of 2737
1/22/13 at 8:18am
I have the AVR 3600 and an Outlaw Audio LFM-1 EX Subwoofer. I just bought a Panasonic DMP-BDT220 blu-ray player. This player includes Netflix streaming.

What I noticed last night was while watching a movie, the sub-woofer seemed to be too loud and playing all the time. For instance, when the movie was showing people riding in a car and having a conversation, it was like the road noise was coming through the sub. In another scene, there was some background music playing, and it had a low instrument like a cello. In that scene the sub was over-pronounced and playing too much. It was almost as if the entire audio track had constant sub-woofer levels.

The AVR said it was using Logic 7 Movie processing. It is set to automatically choose the best processing. I played around with it and selecting the other options didn't seem to help. I eventually got frustrated and just shut the sub off.

I don't have this problem with Dish Network through a ViP 722, or when watching a blu-ray disc on the player. I also do not recall this being a problem when watching streaming video from Amazon on the blu-ray player.

Is something configured incorrectly? I have not tried other content from Netflix yet, is it possible the problem is limited to this one movie?
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post #2713 of 2737
1/22/13 at 8:28am
^^^^^ There is a LFE setting that is set to 0db by default, it can be backed off to -10db, I think it is.
Edited by 4DHD - 1/22/13 at 8:44am
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post #2714 of 2737
1/22/13 at 10:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by spec1alk View Post

I have the AVR 3600 and an Outlaw Audio LFM-1 EX Subwoofer. I just bought a Panasonic DMP-BDT220 blu-ray player. This player includes Netflix streaming.

What I noticed last night was while watching a movie, the sub-woofer seemed to be too loud and playing all the time. For instance, when the movie was showing people riding in a car and having a conversation, it was like the road noise was coming through the sub. In another scene, there was some background music playing, and it had a low instrument like a cello. In that scene the sub was over-pronounced and playing too much. It was almost as if the entire audio track had constant sub-woofer levels.

The AVR said it was using Logic 7 Movie processing. It is set to automatically choose the best processing. I played around with it and selecting the other options didn't seem to help. I eventually got frustrated and just shut the sub off.

I don't have this problem with Dish Network through a ViP 722, or when watching a blu-ray disc on the player. I also do not recall this being a problem when watching streaming video from Amazon on the blu-ray player.

Is something configured incorrectly? I have not tried other content from Netflix yet, is it possible the problem is limited to this one movie?

there is an 'LFE Trim" level as 4DHD said, it is in the source setup I think. It sounds to me like you have your crossovers set too high possibly? It might also just be badly mixed source material. What was the source of this movie? since it was playing in L7 I assume the AVR was upscaling the audio from a 2 channel source. If it was coming from the blu ray player, an you don't have this issue with other sources, than I expect there is a setting in that player gone funky. Try to get into the options for the player, and for that disc setup first. Then get into the LFE trim and crossover setup if it doesn't work.
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post #2715 of 2737
1/22/13 at 11:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by 3rdHerd View Post

there is an 'LFE Trim" level as 4DHD said, it is in the source setup I think. It sounds to me like you have your crossovers set too high possibly? It might also just be badly mixed source material. What was the source of this movie? since it was playing in L7 I assume the AVR was upscaling the audio from a 2 channel source. If it was coming from the blu ray player, an you don't have this issue with other sources, than I expect there is a setting in that player gone funky. Try to get into the options for the player, and for that disc setup first. Then get into the LFE trim and crossover setup if it doesn't work.

Note the LFE trim control is primarily for source materials that have a discrete LFE (0.1) track that may be too high....
When playing stereo (2.0) source materials that are post-processed to 5.1 such as Logic 7, NEO 6 or DPL2x, the LFE trim control will have little if any effect...

Just my $0.02... wink.gif
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post #2716 of 2737
1/23/13 at 11:51am
Quote:
Originally Posted by M Code View Post

Note the LFE trim control is primarily for source materials that have a discrete LFE (0.1) track that may be too high....
When playing stereo (2.0) source materials that are post-processed to 5.1 such as Logic 7, NEO 6 or DPL2x, the LFE trim control will have little if any effect...

Just my $0.02... wink.gif

The source is NetFlix via my Blu-Ray player. Also note that when playing a Blu-Ray on this blu-ray player, I do not have this problem.

I watched some other shows on NetFlix last night and sometimes the audio is showing as Dolby Digital. So it could just be the movie I was watching (The Double).
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post #2717 of 2737
1/23/13 at 2:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by spec1alk View Post

The source is NetFlix via my Blu-Ray player. Also note that when playing a Blu-Ray on this blu-ray player, I do not have this problem.

I watched some other shows on NetFlix last night and sometimes the audio is showing as Dolby Digital. So it could just be the movie I was watching (The Double).

some engineers mix better than others smile.gif it could be the mix, or likely a network lag issue. I'm happy for you that it does not seem to be hardware related.
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post #2718 of 2737
1/24/13 at 11:34am
Hi all,

I have a Denon 2112CI which is on Craiglist for a new home. I just got two 135watt monoblocks that I'd like to use for a 2 channel audio. I need to get pre-amps with volume control. Would 3600 be sufficient for the following requirements?

- HDMI 1.4 with 3D switching
- Strip HDMI audio and pass through the pre-outs (just need 2.1, but 7.1 couldn't hurt)
- Need a volume control for the pre-outs. My monoblocks have no volume control...so I cannot use line-level pre-out signal in interest of saving my ears/speakers.
- I don't need room-correction or any of the DSP really...

Thanks smile.gif
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post #2719 of 2737
2/12/13 at 12:10pm
I have a 2600 and I am trying to figure out if I can get the zone 2 to follow the source.. I want whatever is playing on zone 1.. I have it working if I switch them manually but I need my kitchen to match what is playing on the main unit..
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post #2720 of 2737
2/23/13 at 8:51pm
I just ordered the 3600. smile.gif

My current setup...

5.2 Dedicated Theater Room
Panasonic AE3000u Projector with 103" Elite Cinescope (2.35:1) Screen
Emotiva UMC-1 Pre/Pro with Parasound HCA2205a (220w x 5) Amp
Main Speakers: Klipsch RF-83 (main) , RC-64 (center) & RS-62 (side surrounds)
Subs: Klipsch RSW-15 (Maple) & Velodyne HGS15 subwoofers
Misc: PS3 (80 gig) for Blu-ray, Harmony One Remote & DIY Acoustic Panels

I've been using an Emotiva UMC-1 for the past year and although I have enjoyed it, I'm not much of a "tweeker". The EmoQ auto calibration doesn't do much for me so I've had to rely on manually trying to set the EQ and am quite sure I have no clue how to properly set the EQ. When I purchased the UMC-1, I was seriously debating between it and the HK 3600. I've always loved the sound of HK and decided to order a 3600 and see how it compares to the UMC-1.
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post #2721 of 2737
2/24/13 at 4:14am
Quote:
Originally Posted by youthman View Post

I just ordered the 3600. smile.gif

My current setup...

5.2 Dedicated Theater Room
Panasonic AE3000u Projector with 103" Elite Cinescope (2.35:1) Screen
Emotiva UMC-1 Pre/Pro with Parasound HCA2205a (220w x 5) Amp
Main Speakers: Klipsch RF-83 (main) , RC-64 (center) & RS-62 (side surrounds)
Subs: Klipsch RSW-15 (Maple) & Velodyne HGS15 subwoofers
Misc: PS3 (80 gig) for Blu-ray, Harmony One Remote & DIY Acoustic Panels

I've been using an Emotiva UMC-1 for the past year and although I have enjoyed it, I'm not much of a "tweeker". The EmoQ auto calibration doesn't do much for me so I've had to rely on manually trying to set the EQ and am quite sure I have no clue how to properly set the EQ. When I purchased the UMC-1, I was seriously debating between it and the HK 3600. I've always loved the sound of HK and decided to order a 3600 and see how it compares to the UMC-1.
imo, its mostly about setting the speaker distances right and applying the right XO for the speakers. Which with a sub is normally 80 htz.
I have the 3600, and for music I have the EQ off and even sometimes watching movies. Some say that Audyssey is better than the likes of HK, Yamaha, Pioneer EQs. Don't know as I've never had a unit with Audyssey. The last Marantz avr I had was way before Audyssey.
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post #2722 of 2737
2/28/13 at 11:45pm
can anyone give any advice as to why I am getting issues with video (AVR 3600)
At first it was that a I would get a grainy red screen over the picture (no matter the source PS3, XBOX, DVD, Satellite, cable, etc) it would last 3-5 seconds. then it became longer and now it says for minutes -5-7 comes back to normal then goes again

and tonight it was so annoying i finally plugged my DirecTV HDMI straight into the TV

I tried to test it out again after a while and now all i get is a black-- NO picture.

email already sent to HK just curious as to why
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post #2723 of 2737
3/1/13 at 4:55pm
Anyone know which adapter to connect the iphone5 to the Harman iphone4 dock (Bridge 3)?
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post #2724 of 2737
3/1/13 at 8:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jehanzeb View Post

Anyone know which adapter to connect the iphone5 to the Harman iphone4 dock (Bridge 3)?

Apple has (2) Lightning to 30 pin adapters; 1 is molded single piece and the other is a short 4" cable dongle.

Just my $0.02... wink.gif
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post #2725 of 2737
3/2/13 at 7:21am
Quote:
Originally Posted by 3rdHerd View Post

yep. that is about the exact setup I am looking for. I need to get rid of my 2600, and upgrade that to the 3600 first, then get the preamp and amplifier. For 399 on the harman ebay site I think it is the best AVR option out there with pre outs and legacy video support with upscaling. Lovin the dolby volume too. with a decent preamp for stereo I will be happy for sure.

Just did that myself. I agree about the best value!! I will hopefully open the 3600 today to see how it compares to my older 2600 (firmware upgraded). It's weird, but I have never had the popping noises or the audio cutout with my 2600 in the years I've owned it ... until now. I recently updated my Comcast DVR cable box to Tivo, and that's when it started. Both hooked up to receiver with HDMI, so it doesn't make sense. Oh, the other thing I did was change my speakers from 8 ohm to 6 ohm. Could that have something to do with it? Probably not. Maybe it's just the age of the 2600. Hope my refurbed 3600 does not do that. At least it comes with a one year warranty from HK.
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post #2726 of 2737
3/2/13 at 7:27am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dr. X View Post

Just did that myself. I agree about the best value!! I will hopefully open the 3600 today to see how it compares to my older 2600 (firmware upgraded). It's weird, but I have never had the popping noises or the audio cutout with my 2600 in the years I've owned it ... until now. I recently updated my Comcast DVR cable box to Tivo, and that's when it started. Both hooked up to receiver with HDMI, so it doesn't make sense. Oh, the other thing I did was change my speakers from 8 ohm to 6 ohm. Could that have something to do with it? Probably not. Maybe it's just the age of the 2600. Hope my refurbed 3600 does not do that. At least it comes with a one year warranty from HK.

Hmmm. I just realized that I don't have a lot of space above my 2600. Not enclosed, but within one inch of the higher shelf. Maybe with the new 6 ohm speakers it's heating up more and this is causing the problems. I may have to move it to the top shelf - it will be a big eyesore...
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post #2727 of 2737
3/10/13 at 10:32am
Just had a strange situation occur. It seems the HDMI ports on my 3600 have gone screwy. All of a sudden the HDMI ports seem to output only 480p resolution. I've tried processor reset (twice). Also tried re-installing firmware upgrade. Nothing. Still only 480P on all ports and no audio as well. I'm not getting any messages on AVR telling me anything is wrong. Swapped cables, tried different ports on HDTV. I'm getting full resolution from cable box to tv from both my HDMI ports on tv so I know it's not the tv. I say strange because this happened about 30 minutes after the Daylight savings hour switch. I'm in New York

Anyone out there have any input on this?? I'm on hold with customer support as I'm writing this... Thanks in advance!!!
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post #2728 of 2737
3/12/13 at 2:29pm
Hi everyone
Anybody can help me avr1600 incorrect software installed (avr 3600) avr thrown reset does not work what should I do
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post #2729 of 2737
3/12/13 at 8:51pm
folks, issue i am facing is with AVR254.. but suspecting that some of 2600/3600 owners may have faced such issues, posting it here as well..
folks, after three and half wonderful years with HK AVR254, my AVR254 today decided to begin sending only garbage low-freq sounds to front channels. Other three channels play normal. this happened after i disconnected AVR254 (to test a friend's new Denon 2313CI.) and re-connected after a couple of hrs.

- i switched front and surround speaker connections at AVR end, the surround speakers that were connected to front channels at AVR-end had same issues. So issue clearly with the receiver's front R and L channels.
- Did factory reset, still same problem.

I suspect others must have faced same issues, but my fear is how many would be reading my thread here on AVR x54 forum.. Please respond if you faced this and if there is any way out..
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post #2730 of 2737
3/13/13 at 12:31pm
My Issue RESOLVED. Stupid me.. I had connected my composite out from PS3 into L/R Pre-out of Receiver. So AVR was sending only L/R unamplified signals out of Pre-Out and hence wasn't sending amplified signals to Front L/R.
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