Returning my HK AVR-254 for a Denon AVR-890

[SilverMK3]

I'm planning on returning my new Harman/Kardon AVR-254 tomorrow because I'm getting really annoyed with the HDMI audio issues I'm having with my devices (losing 1-2 seconds of audio any time the audio format changes or the audio stream is broken)

They just got the new Denon AVR-890's in stock last week and I'm getting more and more excited about it the more I look at the specs. Does anyone have any hands-on experience with this receiver? I bought the new HK based mainly on reputation and my past experience with the AVR-135, but I don't want to be burned by a nice spec sheet again however.

According to the Denon website, the AVR-890 uses the Anchor Bay VRS ABT-2010 upscaling chip (the same one used in the OPPO blu-ray player). Would this be better than the scaling done by my existing OPPO standard def DVD player?

Any other receivers I should be looking at in the same price range?

Thanks

 

[Lordoftherings]

Hey buddy from Nanaimo,

I'm right here in Victoria bro.

Get that Denon AVR-890 pronto, from Future Shop in Nanaimo. You'll love it, or I'll buy it back from you, I give you my word. How's that?

And let me know as soon that it's installed in your system, to see if you love it, or if I should come over and buy it from you. I'm a man of his words.

Till then, take care of yourself & your love ones too,
Bob

 

[rnatalli]

Did you try flashing the firmware? The Euro v96 FW seems to solve the dropping out issue and US v97 is due soon.

 

[SilverMK3]

Hey, thanks LoTR.
Its always nice to see fellow Canadians on these boards, let alone fellow Islanders! I'm going to do the swap after work I think. I'll let you know how it works out over the weekend.

rnatalli,
Yes, I tried updating the firmware on my first one but it failed on step 4 of 5 - the part where it tries to update the video software while the receiver is on. Thankfully they let me swap the bricked unit for a new one in the hopes that it would have already have the new firmware but no luck

What's the general consensus on using a receiver's upscaler vs. using one in a DVD player? I'm trying to determine if I still need my OPPO or if I can sell it.

Thanks!

 

[Crackerballer]

Keep your Oppo and buy my Denon AVR-887! Not sure how much it would be to ship to BC though...

 

[Pyrrho]

Hey, thanks LoTR.
Its always nice to see fellow Canadians on these boards, let alone fellow Islanders! I'm going to do the swap after work I think. I'll let you know how it works out over the weekend.

rnatalli,
Yes, I tried updating the firmware on my first one but it failed on step 4 of 5 - the part where it tries to update the video software while the receiver is on. Thankfully they let me swap the bricked unit for a new one in the hopes that it would have already have the new firmware but no luck

What's the general consensus on using a receiver's upscaler vs. using one in a DVD player? I'm trying to determine if I still need my OPPO or if I can sell it.

Thanks!

There is no consensus on whether it is better to use the upscaler in a dvd player, receiver, or TV, because they all vary in quality. You should try each one, and then decide which one you think works best, and use that one.

It is one of those annoying things about home theater gear, you end up buying upscalers that you don't need. I am a bit annoyed that when I buy a source, they have analog outputs of various types, as I only use HDMI if there is HDMI on the thing, so I am paying for connectors, digital to analog convertors, and analog circuitry that I simply am not using at all. However, I understand the economies of scale, so that it is probably cheaper to make one unit with them, rather than to make two units, one with and one without those things.

 

[mtrycrafts]

... I'm a man of his words.

He who?

 

[Lordoftherings]

He who?

?ohw eh

 

[SilverMK3]

So I got the Denon all set up and running and it completely fixes all the issues I was having with the HK; no more finnicky/laggy HDMI audio locking issues, no more missed sentences, no more lost audio when resuming playback after pausing, fast forwarding, or skipping scenes. And wow, I can hear audio feedback on menu items now!

The auto setup routine is as good as the HK's but with multiple seating positions instead of just one. The onscreen displays aren't quite as pretty but they get the job done and I don't expect to be navigating them on a regular basis.

The remote is poorly laid out with a very narrow IR beam so you have to be very accurate when pointing it at the receiver. Luckily I don't have to use it thanks to my Harmony One

All in all I'm glad I made the trade. The Harman/Kardon AVR-254 should be dropped from the $750 Receiver Comparison Guide imo. For that much money you'd expect its basic functions to be... functional.

 

[Lordoftherings]

^ I guess I'm not coming in Nanaimo from Victoria, to buy it from you then.

Too bad, I would have love to also make your acquaintance.
You seem to be a very nice Islander.

Anyway, I will PM you, and give you my phone number. I can always help you very fast that way, and I can be a very good source of information for all your friends too.
Sounds fair to you?

Cheers,
Bob

 

[PENG]

^ I guess I'm not coming in Nanaimo from Victoria, to buy it from you then.

I think you still have a second chance, that is if and when he feels like adding an external amp, then he would have to...................

 

[Lordoftherings]

I think you still have a second chance, that is if and when he feels like adding an external amp, then he would have to...................

LOL, Peng. No sweat, I'll bring few Bryston amps with me, when I'll go visit him.

 

[PENG]

LOL, Peng. No sweat, I'll bring few Bryston amps with me, when I'll go visit him.

Have you had your morning tea of coffee yet? The 890 has no preouts! Or am I mistaken?.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Have you had your morning tea of coffee yet? The 890 has no preouts! Or am I mistaken?.

Yeah, but I did not tell you that I was also going to visit him with the
Anthem Statement D2v/ARC1.

 

[Lordoftherings]

EXtremely valuable information for the OP.

Hi SilverMK3,

Here's some invaluable info for your new Denon AVR-890 receiver.

* Just go to post #43, and use the two (#1 & 2) first links from that post.
Read them very carefully, and follow the instructions to the letter.

Here: @ http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56211&page=5

~ And if you have any questions at all, give me a shout.
It'll be much quicker for both of us, me in particular because I type very slowly using only one finger on my keyboard, and you'll benefit tremendously.

Love Life,
Bob