Frustrated with Harman Kardon!

[bjornb17]

I'm starting to get irritated by all the problems that my Harman Kardon products have. Let me first state what i have:

Harman Kardon AVR130
HK DVD22
HK FL8385

My FL8385 just crapped out on me for the 4th time and now its going back in for service. I watched in amusement yesterday as the CD tray for no reason, popped out, spun around once, went back in, and just keep going in circles until i turned it off.

The DVD22 worked great at first, but then developed a problem in which the analog audio jacks died. I got it fixed, problem came back, and got it swapped for a new one. Now the DVD player locks up every couple of days and the only way to fix it is to unplug it and plug it back in.

The AVR130 works pretty good for the most part, but it takes about 2 seconds to lock on to the audio format. This is especially annoying in DVD menus because it misses half of the sound effects when going from menu to menu. Also, after a new DVD menu finishes loading, it will an annoying noise that sounds like the last second of the last sound played.

I'm thinking about getting them all replaced by HK, and then sell them on ebay.

The only problem is that I will need to buy all new components (from another brand). Any suggestions with what i should get?

[GMichael]

I'm starting to get irritated by all the problems that my Harman Kardon products have. Let me first state what i have:

Harman Kardon AVR130
HK DVD22
HK FL8385

My FL8385 just crapped out on me for the 4th time and now its going back in for service. I watched in amusement yesterday as the CD tray for no reason, popped out, spun around once, went back in, and just keep going in circles until i turned it off.

The DVD22 worked great at first, but then developed a problem in which the analog audio jacks died. I got it fixed, problem came back, and got it swapped for a new one. Now the DVD player locks up every couple of days and the only way to fix it is to unplug it and plug it back in.

The AVR130 works pretty good for the most part, but it takes about 2 seconds to lock on to the audio format. This is especially annoying in DVD menus because it misses half of the sound effects when going from menu to menu. Also, after a new DVD menu finishes loading, it will an annoying noise that sounds like the last second of the last sound played.

I'm thinking about getting them all replaced by HK, and then sell them on ebay.

The only problem is that I will need to buy all new components (from another brand). Any suggestions with what i should get?

Sorry to hear about your HK blues. Hope it all works out in the end.

[bjornb17]

Sorry to hear about your HK blues. Hope it all works out in the end.

Thanks. The warranties on all three items run out this July. I'd hate to have an expensive pile of plastic and metal sitting on my shelf if these problems persist. Their customer service has been very good to me though. I just emailed them and asked if they would provide warranty service past the warranty period given the reliability issues. I'll let you know what happens

[GMichael]

Thanks. The warranties on all three items run out this July. I'd hate to have an expensive pile of plastic and metal sitting on my shelf if these problems persist. Their customer service has been very good to me though. I just emailed them and asked if they would provide warranty service past the warranty period given the reliability issues. I'll let you know what happens

I was looking at getting an HK receiver last winter before I picked up my Yamaha. I heard rumors of QC issues so I stayed away from them. I don't know how true the rumors were but I opted for a manufacture who was rumored to have the fewest returns.
You just never know what's perception and what's fact. I just play the odds and roll the dice.

[kexodusc]

It's unfortunate you're having such a hard time. My old H/K stereo receiver was built like a tank. I ended up frying it in college once (got it fixed though).
I can't help but wonder if there could possibly be some climate condition in your area, electrical or otherwise that's causing these issues? H/K isn't perfect, but this the worst case of brand let down I've heard of. 3 separate units, all at the same time having multiple issues.

I've owned a lot of makes, and have yet to find the perfect brand in audio electronics. For my money, Yamaha makes very durable stuff. Not always everyone's cup of tea sound/performance wise though. But I've even had problems with a Yamaha unit, so they're not perfect either.

I was a Marantz man until my last unit crapped out. I've never owned a Denon, so maybe they're up next, but it seems every 3 years they go through a rough cycle quality wise.

Everyone has their turn I guess. Not that this is much consolation to you. Look on the bright side, you've got an excuse to go shopping again.

[paul_pci]

Yabba Dabba Dio for Yamaha!

[EdwardGein]

I Have the Harmon Kardon 31 DVD player, 2 of them in fact. I probably should have gotten extended warranties for them based on your post because the first one which worked & sounded great, broke down after around 10 months but Harmon Kardon replaced for free.

I'm beginning to think all DVD players/recorders have limited life as my Lite On 5001 DVD recorder twice broke down- I was covered by my extended warranty & my computer external DVD burner broke down as well & was replaced for free. I keep hearing that lasers wear down. It might not be Harmon Kardon in regards to the DVD player, it might just be the DVD player itself.

[Eric Z]

i'm sure you'll be happy with something that just keeps on working

[Feanor]

I'm starting to get irritated by all the problems that my Harman Kardon products have. ...

I have a Harmon Kardon 330A receiver I bought circa 1973 -- still works well. I'm using in my bedroom system; listen to FM on it every day.