Manage updates with the Download AppHarman/Kardon AVR 2600
Manufacturer: Harman Part number: AVR-2600
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Harman Kardon AVR 2600 is a handsome 7.1 audiovisual receiver with a great GUI, but it's hard to recommend with its high price and comparatively lackluster performance.
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Where to buy
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CNET editors' review
Harman/Kardon AVR 2600 price range: $689.99
- Reviewed by: Matthew Moskovciak and Steve Guttenberg
- Edited by: John Falcone
- Reviewed on: 01/21/2011
- Released on: 09/09/2009
The good: Four HDMI inputs; solid graphical user interface; analog video upconversion; 3D-compatible (with firmware update); 7.1 analog inputs.
The bad: Lackluster audio performance; auto-setup was inaccurate in our test environment; missing advanced HDMI features like audio return channel and standby pass-through; no out-of-the-box iPod connectivity.
The bottom line: The Harman Kardon AVR 2600 is a handsome 7.1 audiovisual receiver with a great GUI, but it's hard to recommend with its high price and comparatively lackluster performance.
User reviews
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Gorgeous Sound Quality
by lexieultra on February 15, 2010
Pros: Gorgeous sound quality. Very good built-in video processor. Good remote.
Cons: Can't use the USB port with iPods, but must buy the HK Bridge III thing for iPods.
Summary: The main reason to buy a Harman Kardon is for the sound quality. Many people don't realize how dull other amplifiers sound (like Pioneer, Denon, and Onkyo) until they ...
Summary: The main reason to buy a Harman Kardon is for the sound quality. Many people don't realize how dull other amplifiers sound (like Pioneer, Denon, and Onkyo) until they hear an amplifier like the HK. This receiver sounds like a musical instrument designed with purpose. It is packed with every home theater bell and whistle typical for this market and has no drawbacks in that area. The video processor is very good (I have seen bad like on the Pioneers.) Great movie sound with punchy sub output. This receiver is why 6-channel SACD was invented.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great unit - much better than the 1600 !
by kevin_armstrong on April 4, 2010
Pros: Switches very nicely between cable types, HDMI upconversion works well, great sound quality, on-screen display is very functional.
Cons: Remote looks nice but hard to program devices
Summary: I am by far an audioholic but recently decided to indulge in something a bit more pleasurable than my TV speakers. I was also looking for a way to reign ...
Summary: I am by far an audioholic but recently decided to indulge in something a bit more pleasurable than my TV speakers. I was also looking for a way to reign in all of the devices that i now have connected into my TV.
I started out with the AVR 1600 (HK's lower end of this series) because it was cheaper of course and the sales rep couldn't convince me that the extras in the 2600 were worth it. Well, after spending a solid day trying to get it working, i phoned HK support and discovered that everything i was trying to do doesn't work on the 1600. My main objective was to pipe all my units - cable box, Wii, media streamer, DVD into the AVR and then have 1 cable only going out to my TV. The 1600 however does 'switching' but it doesn't switch between cable types. Eg. my Wii goes in on Composite, the DVD on Component, the Media streamer on HDMI, etc. With only one cable going out to my TV (Component), it would not display picture for the other devices. In addition, my TV indicated that it did not support the HDMI input from the AVR when i tried it (granted it's an older DLP TV). Finally, i couldn't get the on-screen display working and was told that it only goes through Composite to the TV, not through Component or HDMI - a tad annoying as well.
So, the HK Tech told me that the 2600 model would solve all those problems and sure enough, i swapped out the 1600 for a 2600 plugged it in and in 20 minutes everything was working ! It switches between cable types no problem, my TV recognizes the HDMI, I get on-screen display through HDMI (and the onscreen menu is massively improved) and even the remote is much more stylish.
The units look the exact same but don't let that fool you ! They are miles apart in functionality.
The 2600 has been working great for me so far. I have yet to program my remote to the devices though, that is one part that seems a bit limiting.
Also be warned that the 1600 doesn't work with HK's Bridge III Ipod docking station in case you wanted that item as well.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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HK sound, easy set up, wide features, smooth operation.
by Albarios on December 21, 2010
Pros: Awesome sound, very easy to use, good features, terrific and sophisticated look. Sirius ready. Now includes Bridge III for free from several dealers.
Cons: HK took away the pre-outs featured on AVR-254; only Sub Woofer pre-out was left. That could be bad if you'd want to add an amplifier in the future. Remote controller could seem bulky to most people.
Summary: Big upgrade over my HK AVR-154. The on-screen GUI is great and makes operation even easier. Read about several issues with this model but mine is working flawlessly.
Updated on ...Summary: Big upgrade over my HK AVR-154. The on-screen GUI is great and makes operation even easier. Read about several issues with this model but mine is working flawlessly.
After comparing to AVR-154 it seems HK is becoming cheap in materials because the front panel looks of better quality at 154, it reflects like a mirror, unlike 2600, which reflects distorsioned images. However, I am very happy with this new unit, very superior even to former AVR-254.
Updated on Dec 28, 2010
Also, I was experiencing several sound drop outs but after troubleshooting it was clear that the problem was with cable box. After reporting it to provider not a single drop out has happened.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Broken from the start.
by adowlen1986 on December 15, 2012
Pros: The best looking receiver with good sound quality when it works. A big step up from my five year old JVC with no HDMI ports.
Cons: Beeping noises from speakers and two HDMI ports broken.
Summary: The front right speaker channel sounds like it's trying to push all five channels sound through it. It crackles and kills audio quality. I've tried every change in ...
Summary: The front right speaker channel sounds like it's trying to push all five channels sound through it. It crackles and kills audio quality. I've tried every change in settings to no avail. troubleshooting, I found that it was my HDMI two and three ports which were broken with one being even worse off than the other. Also, my right rear and right surround channels make beeping noises randomly while pushing audio. I can't recommend this receiver to anyone now.
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Worth Every Penny !!!!
by canuck2245 on January 12, 2012
Pros: High Current ultrawide-bandwidth amplifier sections, which generate 65 watts for each of the receiver's seven channels. 7.1 with Dolby Volume, Dolby Laboratories' latest sound-processing technology which I think is exclusive to Harmon Kardon.
Cons: I have not found any yet but even though I am only using 2 HDMI, SAT PVR and PS3 I would have liked to future proof with 5 or 6 imputs.
Summary: Before you get sucked in, like people who buy GM products, and buy a pioneer or yamaha or sony go to Harmon Kardon and discover the difference between high current ...
Summary: Before you get sucked in, like people who buy GM products, and buy a pioneer or yamaha or sony go to Harmon Kardon and discover the difference between high current and high watts. Its what audiophiles know that the average consumer does not. And Dolby Volume wow, its technology that I accidently stumbled on and am I glad I did, crazy cool. Even though styling is a bonus its a great bonus when one has a small fortune invested in a media room.
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BAD BAD BAD
by goonia on September 28, 2011
Pros: Features are great. Plenty of inputs. I was really excited once it reached my front door. The excitement was short lived.
Cons: I install home theaters for a living. The 3D is a joke. The only way to get it to work it to set up the input for your player to HDMI bypass. By leaving it as is your system will prompt you that it requires a 3D tv to play your media (which I have). Th
Summary: I have been a loyal customer of HK for years and I can not believe how the company has sunk to its current position. I have always recommended them to ...
Summary: I have been a loyal customer of HK for years and I can not believe how the company has sunk to its current position. I have always recommended them to my customers but now that time has passed. I will never purchase another HK product. Stay clear of the AVR 2600 and I don't envy you if you ever have to contact customer service. Be prepared to pull out your hair.
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Great With my HKTS 15s, Overall very Pleased
by ColStruckin on January 21, 2011
Pros: Good Sound quality, Easy to set up, Great GUI, Plentiful inputs, easy customization, Good Remote, Great Physical appeal, underrated wattage
Cons: Not enough HDMI inputs,
Summary: Great receiver for someone, like me that wants something that is a bit above the standard, but doesn't have shell out over 1000 dollars.
Summary: Great receiver for someone, like me that wants something that is a bit above the standard, but doesn't have shell out over 1000 dollars.
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Great Receiver---beats Denon.
by NickyRuggs on October 31, 2010
Pros: The sound quality is better than I expected. The menu system is snappy.
Cons: I can't read the buttons on the front, but then again I am getting old ;-)
Summary: I bought this to replace my Denon 1908 which flaked out on me. this is the third time I?ve had issues with Denon so it was nice to get ...
Summary: I bought this to replace my Denon 1908 which flaked out on me. this is the third time I?ve had issues with Denon so it was nice to get a quality AVR receiver to fall back on. I was always annoyed with the menu system on the Denon and this one is much easier and faster. I prefer the sound on this one for playing music (Rock) than the denon also, for whatever reason the sound is much fuller at lower volumes that I could get with the Denon.
I will be redoing my home theater next year and I'll get another 2600 for that as well.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Harman
- Part number: AVR-2600
- Description: The Harman Kardon AVR 2600 combines ease of use with sophisticated features for the best in digital sound. With advanced surround-sound technologies (including Dolby, DTS and Logic 7 processing) and Faroudja DCDi Cinema video processing with upscaling up to 1080p, the AVR 2600 ensures an optimal user experience. Plus, with EzSet/EQ equalization, the system is just as easy to set up as it is to listen to.
General
- Product type Home Theater Receiver
- Dimensions (WxDxH) 17.3 in x 15 in x 6.5 in
Audio
- Surround System Class 7.1 channel
- Amplifier Output Details 65 Watt - 8 Ohm - 20 - 20000 Hz - THD 0.07 % - 7 channel(s) ( Surround )
- Sound Output Mode Surround Sound
- Built-in Decoders Dolby Pro Logic IIx,
Dolby Digital Plus,
Dolby Digital,
Dolby Pro Logic II,
DTS decoder,
DTS-HD High Resolution,
DTS-HD Master Audio,
DTS Neo:6,
Dolby Digital EX,
Dolby TrueHD,
DTS 96/24 - Surround Sound Effects Dolby Headphone,
Dolby Virtual Speaker - DSP Presets Logic 7
- Input Impedance 47 KOhm
- Input Sensitivity 200 mV
- Response Bandwidth 10 - 130000 Hz
- Signal-To-Noise Ratio 100 dB
- Output Power (Total) 455 Watt
- Additional Features EzSet/EQ,
Dual-zone capability,
iPod ready Tuner
- Tuner Type Radio tuner - AM/FM - Digital
- Tuner Frequency Range FM: 87.5 - 108 MHz,
AM: 520 - 1720 kHz - Total Harmonic Distortion 0.07%
- Additional Features Sirius satellite radio ready
Inputs & Outputs
- HD connectors HDMI connection(s) on this receiver make it a great choice for your High-Def home theater. One cable carries digital audio and video data directly to your display.
- Connections 1xSPDIF input(RCA phono)-Front,
1xSPDIF input-Front,
1xComposite video/audio input(RCA phono x 3)-Front,
1xHeadphones-Front,
1xUSB(4 pin USB Type A)-Front,
2xSPDIF input(RCA phono)-Rear,
2xSPDIF input-Rear,
1xSPDIF output(RCA phono)-Rear,
4xHDMI input(19 pin HDMI Type A)-Rear,
1xHDMI output(19 pin HDMI Type A)-Rear,
3xComposite video/audio input(RCA phono x 3)-Rear,
1xComposite video/audio output(RCA phono x 3)-Rear,
1xMonitor output(RCA phono)-Rear,
2xAudio line-in(RCA phono x 2)-Rear,
1xAudio line-out(RCA phono x 2)-Rear,
1x7.1 channel audio line-in(RCA phono x 8)-Rear,
2xComposite video input(RCA phono x 3)-Rear,
1xComponent video output(RCA phono x 3)-Rear,
1xSubwoofer output(RCA phono)-Rear,
3xRemote control-Rear - Headphone Jack Yes
- Coaxial Digital Input Yes
- Coaxial Digital Output Yes
- Optical Digital Output Yes
Signal Processing
- HDMI Switching Yes
- HDMI Repeater Yes
- Upscaling via HDMI Up to 1080p
Accessories
- Type of remote control Universal remote control - Infrared
Power
- Power Device Power supply - Internal
- Power Consumption Operational 540 Watt
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Harman products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Harman
- Address:
400 Atlantic Street, Stamford, CT 06901 - Phone: 1-203-328-3500
