H/K 635 vs Yamaha 2500

[SteveSatch]

I'm looking to replace my Yamaha rx-v995. The 995 is fine, but I'm hoping to go to the next level. Money is tight so I'm looking at closeout models. They will drive five norh 4.0 speakers for 50/50 split hometheater and music. I am much more critical soundwise with HT though. I expect it to be spectaular. For music I am more of a causual listener with a cheap mega redbook CD player. The ratio of HT to music could change to include lots of TV. Right now I only use my 995 for a couple of HBO shows. Dolby PL II could change this for me. I've never had it.
I trust the Yamaha more just because I am familiar with Yamaha and I think HK is more likely to have quality problems. I believe the HK probably has better amps and I'm tempted to give it a try, but I don't have the kind of cash to buy a receiver on the chance it might be great. Whatever I buy won't be replaced for three years. The 995 is almost seven years old. One thing I don't like about my 995 is changing the sub's level as I switch from movies to music. I'm pretty sure I can set different sub setting on the HK for different inputs, I don't know about the 2500.
I don't think demoing is going to help because unless you have the receiver in your house with your speakers you don't learn a lot.
The last option would be trying a Panasonic digital amped receiver. I believe these digital amps are the future, but I don't know if I should get one now or wait 3 years until they are perfected.
Thanks for any thoughts.
Steve

 

[JMO_PWR]

I personally would go with the HK 635. Sound wise i would say they are better. However I am currently in a very similar situation to you. I have pioneer VSX-815 and i want to upgrade to a Marantz SR-7400, but money is a little tight (im only 17). So if I was you, look around these forums and other's, do some detailed research and dont rush your decision, also consider factory repacks.

Have you considered mayb Marantz or Denon? Or are you only specifically interested in HK / Yamaha?

 

[mouettus]

What kind of speakers do you have??

for my two cents... thumbs up for HK. Can't go wrong with this amp. Sound (especially music) sounds bad as hell with any yamaha receiver I owned. I'm looking for NAD/HK right now. And for power, the 635 should suit your needs. If not, there are pre-outs on the back of your system for further amplification.

 

[shokhead]

I asked the same question about a Marantz and 635 and somebody said you can find the 635 for 500 bucks.

 

[mouettus]

I asked the same question about a Marantz and 635 and somebody said you can find the 635 for 500 bucks.

AVR-635 for half a grand??!! Does it carry a warranty? Where? When? lol

 

[Nick250]

An ungrade to a newer receiver will not "take you to the next level" since your receiver is not the weak link in the chain. The speakers are (as is the case for just about all of us).

Nick

 

[shokhead]

Maybe J&R Audio,cant remember for sure.

 

[gene]

The last option would be trying a Panasonic digital amped receiver.

Geez don't go there. Look at this article and reconsider:

Switching Amplifier Technology and Issues

If you are going the Yamaha route, go with the RX-V2600 not the 2500 which is the newer model and has improvements in amp performance and some very cool added options. IMO this is the best pre/pro on the market at its price and it has a very respectible amp section thrown in for free.

Yamaha RX-V2600 Review

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

AVR-635 for half a grand??!! Does it carry a warranty? Where? When? lol

Unfortunately, only in America.

http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=4020306

 

[agarwalro]

Going through the list of Authourzed Retialers for the 2600 I noticed that they all are selling at full cost. $1299.00

Well ****** if i'd buy it at that price with all the HDMI issues and all.

[ADMIN] Watch your language

 

[drunkmunk]

AVR-635 for half a grand??!! Does it carry a warranty? Where? When? lol

Harman Kardon has an ebay outlet store and you can pick up a 635 for 500 +-50 bucks. they carry full 2 year warranty and come with all the original accessories.

http://stores.ebay.com/Harman-Audio

best deal you'll find imo

if they only have the "buy it now" for 698 wait a day or two and they'll post up a few 635's

 

[SteveSatch]

I have five nOrh 4.0 speakers and an Adire Audio Dharman sub. I don't have the money for the Yamaha 2600.
Why do so many people rave about the Panasonic digital receivers then?

 

[SteveSatch]

An ungrade to a newer receiver will not "take you to the next level" since your receiver is not the weak link in the chain. The speakers are (as is the case for just about all of us).
Nick

It can't hurt since I don't have PL II or the ability to try 7.1 right now.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Why do so many people rave about the Panasonic digital receivers then?

By all means, try one. If you don't like it, you can return it rather cheaply (online) since it weighs so little. It has a "cult" following because it has decent power, runs cool (switching amp), and has a bit more thd which gives it a so-called "tube" sound.