Hi All,

I am thinking of buying a HK AVR 355 or AVR655. I am also very interested in AVR655 model since it has 2 TI processors.

I have few questions in related to the processor and the 2 models. I could not find much on the web.



1. Is TI DA710 processor (AVR655) better than Cirrus CS49700 (AVR355) processors?


2. What are the main difference and does it make a big difference on audio/video sound quality (DTS-HD MA or DD True HD)?


3. What is the function of "RS-232 port for system control" is listed for on AVR 655?


4. what are the advantages and disadvantages of the 2 models - 355 and 655?


5. is there a big difference in the sound - avr 355 - 55w *7 and avr 655 70w *7 ?


6. what is the benifit of updating firmware using USB to RS232?


7. video and audio sound wise, which model is more dynamic than the other?


could any one please provide us some answers. much appreciated.

nalin_bihan

According to the importers (Convoy International) the avr 655 is not going to be brought into australia at all.

The 655 is the superior model wrt your question. However the 355 is no slouch in the sound department and the only critisim I can throw at it is that the video upscaler is average.(they all are really).

According to roxy29 convoy the distributor are not bringing in the unit. I know they were having stock problems with the bridge 2 (ipod dock) which was due to arrive in september not arriving until november. Still I didn't think they wouldn't bring in the 655 at all. Oh well their loss I guess.

I see the AVR 655 advertised at Digital centre online superstore..has anyome bought one, im very keen on looking at this or a Integra DTR 7.9

I have just ordered the HK AVR655 from Digital Centre online superstore, this is a huge gamble as Convey have said they are not importing this item.
Therefore their is no warranty support !! buyer beware !! BUT i so like HK gear, have had theirs for the past twelve years and now on 3rd generation of gear.
I will update as i go, but i am not a audiophile just a orderinary user, so this will be interesting. By the way im in WA.

hey, how did you find out that avr655 will not be imported to australia? was it in the convoy web site?

http://www.simplyhomecinema.com.au/partners.html are the loal (WA) agents for HK, it was there advice that it is not coming via Convoy, however this is allways subject to change...

Latest on the HK AVR655 from Digital Centre online superstore, after ordering they advised it is not available until January, waiting for more info.

sigh...may have to look at integra DTR7.8 or DenonAVR3808 yet, they are my other choices after having looked at the market for some time.

any opinions or comparisons

i had a listen to denon avr2809 which is pretty much similar to avr 3808. it is made in japan. sound s pretty worm like HK. it has 4 HDMI and 1 out. decodes all dts and hd technology. price wise it was going for $1799. i have not tested integra but i raed that it is the next one up from onkyo.

Latest update: I have just had a phone call from Digital Centre online superstore, they have a shipment on the way via CONVOY so it is no longer a gamble from a warranty perspective... the price is a very favourable $1790.00 plus freight.
Shows what one retailer says against another. At this time im sitting and waiting for the KH 655

Well have you got it yet?

has this model been released in US or UK?
when will convoy releasing the 655?
nothings on the web.

let us know how it is once you receive it.
hope the price would not go up after january 2009.

Hi All,

guess what? the HK AVR 655 and 755 will not be released in US,UK nor Australia.

They are bringing in a another model "HK AVR 660 and 760" and the price will be over $3000 Aus for the AVR 660.
Harmon Kardon US released this announcement in the December 2008 season.
I had a chat to the HK rep and he mentioned provided the above information to me.
the new products AVR 660 and 760 will be on market by May or June 2009.

on their HK site they have listed the release dates as Feb 09 2009. http://www.mediaaudio.hr/site/upload_clog/..._20.10.2008.pdf

good luck guys, I have to wait for this new model till June now.