I have had this unit for about 2 months now with absolutely no problems. I am very happy with it.

I also tried out Yamaha and Onkoyo, but to me the HK had a more clear and true sound.

Very clean high power, good clean looking, nice DD, and DTS

As of yet none.

This is very powerful reciever. I've had it for 2 months problem free. I recommend it highly. Got it for $750 from OneCall.

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha RX-V850, Sony STR-DE925, Onkyo, Denon

me and macpherson, have different IP address's! that's not me.

Bought one this weekend after comparing it to a variety of other relatively low priced products like Sony ES, Yamaha, Denon, ect. I must say, HK lives up to it's reputation for producing clean amp's that put out more sound then the rating would lead you to believe. In the $800 price range there really is no comparison. I upgraded from an old pro-logic HK AVR-20 which I've been completely satisfied with, short some perverse need for DD and DTS. Old vs new side by side comparison playing a cd in stereo showed remarkable improvement in the HK line. The new HK produces an all around cleaner sound. It's not that it's louder or brighter (more power going to the same speakers), but the textures of the instruments, little sounds in the background, there's just more coming out. My old amp now seems muddy? I'm pleased, I never thought I'd be hearing this level of quality without paying $$$$ for some audio-freak tube job. (Don't get me wrong, I love that high-end stuff, but I'm poor.) Other reviewers have reported problems with their AVR-65's. I've heard no buzzing or hissing and have it sitting about a foot from my TV without any sort of interference. What ever that problem was it must have been fixed, however there is another problem. It's called the remote. At first glance it looks like it may work, but it's crap crap crappitty crap. Everything is in the wrong place, the MAIN buttons activate left field operations, and controlling other components works only to a point to piss you off. I'm in the market for a universal remote. Putting aside the remote, I recommend the AVR-65.

Well, I have to put my 2 cents in. I've had an AVR65 since Feb or so. WhenI received the unit, it had the hum problem associated with an internal
grounding problem. HK knew of the problem and a few days in the local
repair shop cleared that up (mostly). I still can hear some "digital noise"
when in dolby digital mode and the volume is cranked with a quiet spot in
the source DVD.

Then I realized I have the dreaded RF noise.
I basically can not watch TV ch 4 when the receiver is on (an interesting side
note, the interference pattern changes when the HK display changes). A recent
call to HK found that they still have no solution for the RF noise problem.

Now, to top it all off.... My center channel stopped working this evening.
The speaker made a hum/buzz and then silence. The speaker tests OK, and the
center channel is dead in every mode including 6CH direct.

I would not wish this receiver on my worst enemy.

I think it's time to find a good price on a RX-V995.

After a steady month of reading everything I could about DD and DTS capable recievers in my price range (1k or less) I decided on the HK AVR-65 and have no regrets. My mfg date was Jan but the serial number is 8000+. I have had NO adverse effects of anything thats been posted by others in this group. The HK sounds great, and does everything I need it to. I do wish it had another digital input but other than that I love it. I like its simplicity (doesent have a million sound modes like the yamaha) and looks clean and requires minimal input between modes. Alot of people say that other recievers are built with better components, etc, but I chose the HK and have had it over 3 weeks now and LOVE it. I paid $740 for it.

I have the AVR65 for 6 months now and I must say I'm totally satisfied with this product. My speakers are Cabasse Iroise, very high definition speakers and the HK/65 manages to get the most out of them. The sound is really awesome in all configurations (stereo/DD/DTS) and the power is more than enough.
The unit is cheap and ugradable with 6 discrete analog inputs for external decoder.

The only drawback is the lack of digital connectors, only a Coax and a Thoslink. I would have appreciated a AC3 RF decoder builted in and more digital inputs but I guess I'll have to pay more, so I give the HK65 the max rating for its wonderfull sound.

Hi Guys! Well, while doing my trip research for finding the best Receiver for under $1000, I must say that HK it is a very good product. I am still undecided Between the Denon AVR 3600DTS the Yamaha 995, Onkyo, Nakamichi Av-10. What I have seen is that companies have realize that most of the consumers have been very demanding for the money that are paying, That it is very important (I agree totally with that) so companies realize if they whant to survive this hard competition they most bring they entire arsenal to get the customer attention that's why I think it is getting harder and harder to select the desire component (in this case receivers). That's why we can see companies bringing the prices down and taking Technology to next level, so if any company falls to rest to much, bye,bye you are over. That's why I think from the inmerse and extend receivers manufactures I think the most popular and more efficient are the one already mentioned, I am looking for the smallest detail in every search that I do listen to them, Because I have a tight Budget so I realize that I am looking for the best that I can get for the money no matter what brand. I hope people will start to demand more from the product that you acquire since we know Technology is going very fast, so that means that every other year or so, new stuff will come to the market.

Going back to the Harman Kardon 65, I think it's a good buy and give a outsdanding sound, so If you are moving to mid high end, take a good look at the HK.

I will give a 4 stars to HK because I think that there it is more room for improvement.

Well guy's see you later and wish you a very good hunting.

*Please excuse my english it is not my native language

I'm extremely happy with my avr-65. While it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the Yamaha RX-V995, I made a careful audition and I can say that it sounds better. I haven't experienced any of the hum problems that I heard about earlier (my unit was built in March, 1999).
Overall, a great performer, available at a great price.

Got my AVR65 last Thursday and set it up. No hiss and wavy interference on the screen. Tried Deep Impact over the weekend and it was great. I definitely made the right choice for this receiver although I didn't audition any (based my selection on this site to decide whether it is the Denon or Sony). From the previous review, one of you guys noted that serial number > 4100 is ok. Mine is 5200. What a relief.
Got my gear from OneCall (onecall.com) The sale guy is honest to me about the hissing problem.. Cannot guarantee I will get one without the problem. I still took the plunge and bought the AVR65 and a Toshiba SD2108 from them.