The HK3485 is the updated version of the HK3480, which itself has now been replaced by the new HK3490.

The HK3485 primarily differs from the HK3480 in that the VMAx "surround" feature has been omitted from the HK3485, which in my opinion is a good thing; it's a case of addition by subtraction, HT features in a stereo receiver are no more than another obstacle in the signal path, a good stereo receiver, and this is a very good stereo receiver, can create all the 3D illusion necessary to enjoy the occasional action flick. But enough about HT, this receiver is about music, plain & simple.

The HK3485 is a handsome, solidly built, substantial receiver. I purchased this receiver as an opened-box item, hence the $150 price-tag, but it can usually be found for under $250 online. It has served me well for over a year now, and I think it's a tremendous value. It is extremely muscular at 120W/Ch. and effortlessly powers my Infinity Primus P362. The HK3485's Sub-out also comes in handy for my Infinity PS210 powered subwoofer; it all makes for a very well integrated system.

After upgrading the stock preamp jumper clips to a pair of Audioquest Preamp Jumpers, bass tightened up, and soundstaging and overall presentation was improved, overall the sound is about as neutral & uncolored as one could get, and is somewhat different from my Marantz SR5400 which is a bit warmer. Along with it's power, the neutrality of the HK3485 lends itself to parring with just about any speaker you throw at it.

The AM/FM tuner is slightly better than average, but lacks RDS, which would have been nice in model which was released in just the past few years. My FM reception benefited immensely from the addition of a Terk FM+ antenna, the stock dipole antenna is all but useless, but I'm still struggling with AM reception, but this is largely the result of my urban environment.

If there is a weakness in this unit, it's the remote, which is not on par with the quality of the receiver itself; it's light & flimsy, and also lacks any programmability, and won't even control the HK DVD37 that I use with it, this is not good.

So in summary, you might find a receiver you like better, the NAD C720BEE, Outlaw RR2150, and Rotel RX-1052 are three other excellent models that come to mind, but expect to pay much more, and there is no guarantee that you'll prefer their sound.

The HK3485 is like a Swiss Army knife (I didn't even mention the phono section which I have not tried yet), everyone should have one. You may simply think that the HK is a starting point, or stepping stone, towards your pursuit of audio nirvana, but I can almost guarantee you'll have a very difficult time ever letting the unit go, and with good cause, because it's a real powerhouse, and a real keeper.

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 150.00