Help with Harman/Kardon

[shack]

I'm looking at a Harman/Kardon stereo receiver. I have heard mixed reviews about their build quality and reliability. I'm still searching for a reasonably priced stereo receiver and I do not want to go used. I've tried a NAD C320BEE integrated and loved the sound but it was not flexible enough for what I wanted to do, I need at least an A/B speaker connection, phono preamp, and sub out. I've considered the Denon DRA-685 which is a nice piece of equipment but it almost has too many bells and whistles. (Video ins - multiroom multi function, ect.) I already have a Denon A/V receiver and I am very pleased with it. I've also considered the NAD C370 integrated. I've heard it with a set of Maggies and it is a beast (but a little more than I want to spend just now). I am just looking at the alternatives in the $400 ± range.

Here is the HK I'm considering: Harman/Kardon HK 3475


And here are the specs:

Audio
Stereo Mode
- Continuous Average Power (FTC) Per Channel 110 Watts per channel, 20Hz – 20kHz @ <0.07% THD, both channels driven into 8 ohms; 140 watts per channel, 20Hz – 20kHz @ <0.2% THD, both channels driven into 4 ohms
- Input Sensitivity/Impedance Linear (High-Level) 200mV/47k Ohms
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio (IHF-A) 95dB
- Frequency Response at 1W (+0dB,–3dB) 10Hz – 110kHz
- High Instantaneous Current Capability (HCC) ±45 Amps
- Transient Intermodulation Distortion (TIM) Unmeasurable
- Rise Time 16 µsec
- Slew Rate 40V/µsec

General
- Power Requirement AC 120V/60Hz
- Power Consumption 72 Watts idle, 332 Watts maximum (both channels driven)
- Dimensions (H x W x D) 6.1" x 17.4" x 16.3" (Weight 26.8 lb ()

This is a pretty basic stereo receiver. In addition to the features I want, this unit also has a set of preouts if I decide to later go with a separate 2 channel amp for more power. I've heard the Harman/Kardon AV receivers and they have a very nice sound and seem to have good power for their rating. I can pick this one up for less than $300 new "A" stock. My main concern is with reliability. Does anyone have any history with H/K?

Thanks, shack

[wlrandall]

I've been real happy with the two products I've owned. The only problem I had with an AVR7000 was my own fault (shoved it into an entertainment center with insufficient airflow).

I like them not only for their nice, warm sound but also for the fact that they put their money into the amps, not cheesy bells, whistles and 4000 different sound fields. They're also one of a few manufacturers brave enough to rate at full bandwidth with all channels driven simultaneously.

[mangata572]

When I first got my h/k320 everything worked fine for the first month. Lightning struck close to the house and after that the h/k would shut down every few minutes (no surge protector). I took it back to CC and they replaced it without any questions, and purchased a Monster Power HTS700 (learned my lesson!).

I’ve hade the new h/k for about one year now. Three times it has shut down for no apparent reason. Turn it back on and it works fine. I don’t know why it does this, but I am happy with the sound, looks, ease of use, connections, etc. Some day soon I will get a separate amp (it does have amp outs) and use the k/k as a pre, until I can afford a real one. I don’t know if I would get another h/k or if I can recommend it, but I remember reading on Club Polk that h/k has fixed the shut down problem. As I said, other than the three times it shut down, I do like it a lot.

The rated 55 wpc on the h/k320 seems low, but it will rock with a distinctive warm sound! Sounds more like 100 wpc to me IMO.

[meestercleef]

Marantz also makes a stereo receiver, the SR4320 (?), replacing the recently discontinued SR4120. The 4120 was only rated at about 55-60 watts at 8 ohms, but I think that the power was rated honestly. The newer one probably has the same power, but I think that in order to compete with the watts exaggeration madness, they've rated it at 80 X 2 (if I remember correctly, the online owners manual, not the online brief spec sheet, rated the power of the new one at 40-20k hz, instead of 20-20k. I think that both have the preout & phono in, but the new one has more bells & whistles. 3-yr warranty. Not trying to tell you what to do, but can't you use spkr level connections for sub if need be?

[SPEAKER7]

I have the HK AVR 310 for 1.5 yrs and it has been working fine since day one and it does a great job for my HT set up!


dc.:D

[dcarlson]

I had an H/K AV receiver but switched to a Denon and have never looked back. When I had the H/K I needed to adjust the treble and bass to get the sound I wanted. With the Denon tone defeat is on and sounds great.

I can't say I've heard H/K's stereo receivers. If your happy with your Denon why not go with another Denon? In the end, it all depends on how you like the component.

Derick.

[begbie]

"High Instantaneous Current Capability (HCC) ±45 Amps"



Can anyone explain what this means and is it something to look for on other manufacturer's specs. ? eg. rotel , anthem ...

A friend just recently upgraded his receiver to the 525 model over the 320 and says the higher current makes a difference.

[Ceruleance]

Mangata572: your receiver MOST LIKELY shuts off because it is overheated and the protection circuit is activated. This used to happen on my JVC sometimes, then I blew it up... At least it was fixed under warranty. If its got insufficient airflow, or if you like movies really loud for a long time, I would move it or put a fan by it or something.


As for Shack and the Harman: Not sure why you arent keen on used, but if factory remanufactured doesn't turn you off, head over to harmanaudio.com and pick yourself up a 3470 for $188, as opposed to original $400. The 3475 only came out a few months ago, and I dont think it is worth more than double the price of the 3470.

[Zero]

I owned the HK 3470 stereo reciever.........

Let me be as foward as possible. I do not like the HK/ AVR series. The quality seems decent at best - and under-powered.

The stereo reciever on the other hand- complete difference. It could run my SDA's and LSi's with ease. Plenty of NICE , CLEAN power. In fact, I prefered it, over the Carver gear I once owned. Never had any troubles with it....and highly recommend that unit to anyone interested in decent sound, with versitility and power.

[shack]

Thanks all for the inputs.

Ceruleance - I am not one to buy used audio gear unless I can see and hear it. When someone sells something it is for a reason. Many times it is because they are upgrading but sometimes you could be buying someone elses problems. I know you can get great deals but I tend to keep what I buy for a long time. I have no problem buying factory refurbished. That may be one of the best deals going. Typically all of the bugs have been found and the unit is as good if not better than a new factory unit. Thank for the heads up for 3470 at HA. I have been there already and that is a consideration. I bought my JBL N26 speakers for my deck from Harman Audio and they are good to work with.

[shack]

ATC - Since you owned this unit (HK 3470 and HK 3475 are basically the same unit) would you care to give a couple of more observations on issues?

Tuner - How well does it work? I don't use a tuner a lot but this is one of the reasons to by a receiver vs an integrated or separates.

Remote - How well does it work? Did you use the learning function? I have seen were some have had problems with the remote accurately adjusting volume levels. ie: releasing the volume button does not stop the motorized volume control making it difficult to adjust sound levels.

Headphone jack - If you used it, was it ok?

Sound - Compared to the other units you have used..Rotel, Carver.. how would you describe the HK sound? Colored...warm...detailed..etc?

Thanks for your input on the quality of the amps which is paramount. If you have any thoughts on these other items it will be appreciated.

[Zero]

Shack,

Tuner- excellent. No *hiss* whatsoever. Probably the best tuner I have listened to. The only problem was my room - I just couldnt get a good signal in there. I never have been able to come to think of it.

Remote - Straight foward. It works as any remote should I suppose. No issues with the volume, though I tend to do that manually for precise accuracy. It was accurate enough however, I dont believe the motor persisted once you took your finger off the volume up or down button. As for the learning function - no need - everything is incredibly straight foward.

Headphone Jack - Tested that a few times, sounds just like every other headphone jack.

The Sound - Now this is a full question.

First lets attack its power. Unlike most HK's I listen to which seem noisey and weak...... this particular unit had a lot of power with absolutely no hiss. You could crank it - and although it would get warm - it never reached an alarming point. You could always comfortably keep your hand on the top of the unit.

Its sound to me - was a tad dry. No real coloration, a tad on the warm side in comparison to other recievers within the same price-class. Compared to the Denon, Oink, and Sonys, the HK sounded the most like a pair of entry seperates. I feel this is definately more of a musical reciever, vice theater. Its sound is involving but not very energetic. Mellow - may be a good way to put it.

As for a comparison to Carver, Rotel, This is how I would put it

Carver was just as powerfull, if not more so (CT3-pre, M200t), very musical, sonic holography gave it vast superiority in sound-stage. However, I feel the Carver gears was not as versitile, and the pre-amp created a lot of hiss noise which was intolerable for me.

Its not really fair to throw the Rotel (ra932 int) into the match, with it only boasting 35 wpc into 8 ohms. Naturally the HK and Carver had a bit more muscle behind it - but suprisingly - not much. Rotel is the all-around superior unit. Clean, powerfull, detailed, great sound-stage, balance, etc... I Would say the 3470 gives my 932 some good competition however. Depends on what your trying to drive.

Compared to respected seperates like the low-grade Carver and Rotel I have owned, the HK presents a very worthy challenge, even surpassing some of the gear in area's. For a reciever - its a winner.

[shack]

Thanks ATC

[shack]

posted by Meestercleef
Not trying to tell you what to do, but can't you use spkr level connections for sub if need be?

The answer is yes but that is not my preferred method in a 2 channel system. I don't want to limit my mains with the crossover in the sub. Speaker level works ok with small sub/sat systems but one of speakers that will be in this system is a set of Large Advents that will go pretty low. If I choose to use a sub I don't want to limit the lower end of the Advents or any other speaker I may hook up.

[meestercleef]

Found this long review of 3470

www.zero-distortion.com/tests/hk3470/hk3470.htm

I suspect the reviewer is pickier than I am. I expect that I could be quite happy with it driving a pr of nice-sounding 4-ohm bookshelfs w/mid-80's sensitivity & recommended min of 20 wpc. But I do think it's an interesting review.

[jdavy]

I listened to the HK's at the store and found that the 7000 sounded much better than the rest of the line. I did not catch your budget but the 8000 is half price at many stores. check it out if you can spend $1200. If you do you will blow the house down with great polk speakers. :-)

[Ceruleance]

Shack, not sure what you have in terms of a sub, but I know mine will allow you to turn off the high pass filter to the speakers so that they get the full signal. Maybe check your owner's manual or take a closer look at the back panel.

[faster100]

I had gotten a suggestion one time to run your main wires to the sub inputs and just double up the wires back out to your mains, so basically one set go's to the inputs and like bi-wire, run a set from your main speakers into the sub inputs as well, not the sub outputs.. you get your sub driven and your mains aren't on a crossover in the sub...... just my 2 cents