Purity in the essence
Written: May 02 '04
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Pros: Clean pure sound, low THD.
Cons: Not enough bass for some
The Bottom Line: A RECEIVER FOR PEOPLE WHO LIKE VERY CLEAN PURE SOUND. NOT FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED A LOT OF BASS.
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| armandhammer8's Full Review: harman/kardon HK 3480 2 Channels Receiver |
To most consumers there are two main products in in the sub-$300 stereo receiver worth considering, an Onkyo (8511) and a Harman/Kardon. People who consider purchasing a stereo receiver in this price range are generally looking for rich, clear, high current sound. Both of there offering supply the high current aspect exceptionally, but the other requirements varry greatly between the two models. Here is a simple comparison:
HARMAN/KARDON- The sound is increadibly clean and pure with no tonal coloring what so ever (.07 THD). If you prefer classical music or very simple instrumental music this receiver is for you. Whether at quite listening or max volume the Harman/Kardon will acheive a very linear "equal" sound. Unfortunetly, music with additional bass often does not recieve bass emphasis to create a deep room-shaking sound. I say room shaking, because 120 high current watts should be room shaking. Even with the bass turned up the bass is barely adequate at middle volumes (It filles out at high volume). I've found this will leave you unsatisfied and constantly "crankin it up", way up. I know the power is there, because the Vmax (vurtial surround) function will deliver clean heavy bass while watching movies. An equalizer substantually increases bass performance and can easily be attached, because of designated connections on the receiver. So, if you are after the clearest purest sound possible this Harman/Kardon is your best bet, but if you want deep powerful room shaking audio look some where else (Onkyo).
ONKYO- This high current power house is strictly for those who want to feel their music. It's 100 watts per channel feel much stronger than the Harman/Kardon's over much of the volume "spectrum". Of course one downside to this room shaking power is higher distortion (.08 vs. .07) and a slightly "colored" sound. The sound is never as clear and pure as the Harman/Kardon either, but then again the Harman/Kardon does set the bar very high. I personally enjoyed the Onkyo's bass output, but became annoyed with the slight muddyness of the sound. I stress the muddyness is only in comparison to the H/K. The Onkyo is still exceptionally clean sounding. So, if you want to feel your music this is your reciever, but if your after purity and balance the H/K is better.
The Harman/Kardon is an excellent buy for anyone which needs pure, clean, high current sound, but not for a person who's crazy about bass. Also, the H/K can be driven LOUD for extended periods of time with out "clipping" during parties. Knowing my personal taste though, I would prefer the Onkyo, for I need to feel my music to be satisfied.
If you are looking for both clean sound AND powerful sound forget both of these and buy yourself a YAMAHA rx-777 ($450) it has .015 THD and an adjustable loudness control, something the H/K and Onkyo lack. Good Luck!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 275
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Epinions.com ID:
armandhammer8
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Reviews written: 4
Trusted by: 0 members
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