H/K AVR330 or H/K DPR1001? Low Watts?

[tbarbeau1]

At J&R Music these two receivers are being offered for the same price ($479.99). Any suggestions as to which one would be the better deal? I'm running a Marantz SR5000 to Cambridge Soundworks Newton series speakers, and the SR is beginning to give out. I need a solid replacement.

Also, I've never purchased from H/K or NAD, which rates their watt output pretty low (50 Watts or so). Is this going to be alot different than my current 70X5 Marantz?

Slightly new to the game, help is needed!!!

TWB

 

[waynerm002]

I purchased the HK 330 and it sounds decent. It is rated as a true 55w x 5 receiver and not like most that say 100w but are really 100 x 2 (at least that's what I read from a couple of reviews) The DPR 1001 is an all digital unit if I am correct and was not as powerful I have heard. I did consider that as it would run cooler but I was told that it did not have the same punch as an analog unit. It is however, smaller and lighter than the 330 and don't get as hot when really pushed. I would say listen to both of them and see what you like.

 

[Rip Van Woofer]

I don't know about an amp having "less punch", but in general class D "digital" amps have higher THD (total harmonic distortion). Whether the increased THD in the Harman DPR unit is audible vs. the good ol' analog amps in the 330 et al is another matter. I honestly cannot say but I doubt that it is significant for all but the most critical of listeners with very high-end (and accurate) speakers. Class D amps do have the advantage of allowing a smaller, lighter chassis and running cool as noted above.

HK does have a rep for rating their gear conservatively which is a good thing. Bear in mind too that the difference between 55 watts and 70 watts is quite slight; it takes a doubling of power to gain only 3dB SPL!

I am also impressed with the bass management features of the HK receiver line. To me that's their biggest draw, purely IMO. (I'm thinking of getting one and using it as a prepro).

Either one is a good buy. Get the 330 if the thought of even marginally higher THD is a worry to you.

 

[Rÿche 1]

I just picked up the DPR from One Call for $400 delivered (open box). I very much like the sound quality, and features. It is a little short on power, if the sensitivity on your speakers is not efficient.

 

[waynerm002]

Rip, I have been thinking just that, HK 330 as pre with an amp. I have been investigating Rotel, Adcom and NAD so far. I am nowhere as informed as most here and would like to get something that I can have for a long time with enough power to keep me happy. I bought some Carver equipment over 12 yrs ago which is still in operating condition, although from time to time there is some noise from the AV Preamp. The Amp is of the high current type with 200 watts @ 8 ohms, I use them with my older DBX CD player but need to get some updated speakers to use with them. Have some old Sansui units with 15 in drivers that is a bit too large for my new place, looking at bookshelf types. What would you recommend?

This is a two pronged "attack", more power for the new home theatre setup and new speakers for the stereo setup. Your thoughts and advice would be appreciated. Many thanks.