Official harman kardon 1565,1650,2650,3650 thread

Looks like HK has gone down the dark road. The weight is down and the new models spec at 2 channels instead of all channels Really disappointing and puts HK in bad position to compete with the others offering similar amp sections and better features for less cost.

Not only that - even the 3650 has no pre-amp output or 7.1 analog input.

But if you look at the product sheet for the 2650 it says high current capability 45amps and the weight is 44lbs. Power consumption 1405W. Way different than the tech specs.
http://www.harmankardon.com/resource...2650_PI_EN.pdf

I wonder if they pulled the weight, power consumption and HCC numbers from the 3650?
http://www.harmankardon.com/resource...3650_PI_EN.pdf

It'll be even more disappointing if they messed up the specs in the manual and website again.

As mentioned previously..
Be careful for the posted HK specs..
The 3650 Operation Guide indicates the unit weight is 27.25 LBs, yet the feature page states 44 LBs.. A 17 LB discrepancy..

Looks like they are not proof-reading the copy..

Just my $0.02...

Unfortunately, you may be right. I tried to look for extra features like HDMI standby passthru, Audyssey, and others but didn't find them in the manual. But H/K has always been slim on features.

I checked the pdf owner's manual for the 2650/3650. They do say they have a 35amp HC amp, but only list 2 channel output even for the multi-channel section.

Power consumption for is 420 and 480 watts. My AVR 1600 (according to the manual which doesn't seem to be screwed up as much as the 2600 and 3600 manuals) shows max power consumption of 540 watts with 7 channels driven.

That would be pretty disappointing to have the new "high power" AVRs with less actual power than the outgoing entry model.

If I need a new AVR this year I hope to be able to score a 3600 for cheap or it'll be likely be a Denon. Bummer :-(

Gene

I'm surprised I can't find one review (pro or user) for the 2650. I'm trying to pick out my first AVR and HK is one of the brands I've narrowed the search to, but am frustrated by the lack of reviews. I can't even find a pro review for the previous version, 2600. Anyone have or try out the 2650 and can provide some insight into them?

I'm with ya on the lack of reviews. Cnet did review the 2600 though. They weren't impressed with the sound, which was surprising. I have an AVR 254 and I'd like to get this years receiver, but with a lack of reviews I'm reluctant to spend the extra on a HK, which is what I would like to stay with.

The 2650 looks really good on paper and I just saw one at a BestBuy (Canada) for only $699.

I almost went with an Onkyo 709 to replace my 'aging' HK 247 before finding about the new 2650. Ready to pull the trigger on the 2650 but can't find any reviews on it at all!

Well, I was going to pick up a 2650 later on once there are reviews, but saw a 3600 for $400 and couldn't pass on that deal.

Now, I'm testing it out at home (comparing it to my 247) and deciding whether to keep it or return it and get a 2650 instead. The 2650 is newer, is network ready, has more power, and so on, but it would cost me almost double of what I've paid for the 3600.

Thoughts?

I am pretty sure the 2650 will NOT be as powerful as the 3600. May be the way they advertise has changed but I am pretty sure it is not more powerful.

The 3600 has multi channel analog inputs and multi channel pre-outs for an external AMP if needed. The 2650 has none of that. Network - get an AppleTV or a Roku or something like that!

HK has changed how they rate their receivers so don't be fooled. There is no way the 2650 will put out more power than the 3600.

Thanks guys, the 3600 is definitely a keeper. I agree the new power ratings on these new receivers are kinda sketchy as it is such a big jump from previous models. Also, the ethernet port is not necessary as AppleTV and other similar devices are cheap and features rich. Anyway, I have my Home Theatre/Media Server PC plugged in directly via HDMI; an ethernet port probably wouldn't have been any better or more convenient.

As a side note, I also bought a Denon 891 just to try out but wasn't impressed at all; I still prefer the HK sound/user interface and my wife couldn't stand how the Denon looked.

FYI, the Logitech Harmony 650 (which the sales rep threw in) is awesome. I wouldn't have thought to buy one but it is very slick and easy to configure (from a PC).

Still, some 1650/2650/3650 reviews would be nice.

The 1565 weighs the same as the 154 despite being rated considerably more powerful.

Still no reviews?

I couldn't agree more about HK succumbing to the marketing "psychobabble" power ratings that have plagued other manufacturers and the industry in general. They have truly cheapened their heritage, IMO, and have "caved" in to industry pressure. What is going on over there at HK?

ANY receiver that can't be rated with ALL channels driven into 8 and 4 ohm loads from 20Hz - 20,000Hz isn't worth the paper it's printed on! It seems as though they're purposely messing around with quoting their specs so that you don't know WHAT the receiver is capable of doing. Don't believe for an instant that the 3650 has 60amps and weighs 44lbs! Also, I for one am sick and tired of seeing analog input and output jacks sacrificed at the sake of more HDMI connections and/or other "frivolous" features.

I've been a big fan of HK for a long time...since about 1982 with my first HK580i. They've always been true to their brand. Looks like the only reputable brand to believe, as far as power ratings are concerned, is NAD.

So what additional features does the 3650 have as compared to the 3600?

Anyone, anyone, Bueller?...

Or should we short Harman stock given the interest shown in this forum about their new line of receivers? (JK).

TTT lads.

I'd love to hear some thoughts about the 3650 vs 3600 as well. I am in the market for a new AVR.

The 3650 has:
a. 2 More HDMI inputs, (6)
b. Power rated differently
c. Network connectivity
d. No Pre-Outs
e. No Bridge III included
f. Weighs less

HK has totally changed their AVR development team, the original team based in the USA had extensive experience (>200 years) in the development of AVRs..
Last year, the USA AVR development team was disbanded and a new team based in China hired..

The new 50 series AVRs have had certain technical/component overdesigns deleted to be more price-competitive..
How well these models perform still needs to be proven..

Just my $0.02..

So by that information at hand, would a 3600 be a better choice? And is the 3600 by the "old" AVR development team?

Thanks for that info!

Ok now according to the HK website, the 3600 weight comes in at 31.5lb, but on the spec sheet for the 3650 I see a weight of 44lb.... but on the main avr web page for the 3650 its shows 27.25lb... nice weight discrepancy like talked about above. Does anyone have the actual weight of a 3650?

Thanks M Code

Hey guys, new to the forum. I am looking at getting a HK AVR but am stuck between the 2650 and the 3600. The only reason that I am skeptical of the 3600 is all of the talk about the HDMI issues, however I do like that it has pre-outs. I guess my question is, has anyone stepped up to the 2650 or 3650? If so how are you liking it?

Thanks

At the current price of the 3600 it's one of the best deals around. For me it would be worth it just for the high current 4 ohm capable amp and of course the preouts if you need even more power.

Well I just snagged a new 3600 for $300 bucks.... Open box, but nothing had been removed from the plastic wrap. Full warranty from authorized HK dealer.... I jumped all over it!!!!

Will give my verdict after I put some use through it!