Harman Kardon 347 vs. Denon 1908

[aseidman00]

So here is the question guys..

which one do I buy.

the prices are almost the same.. refurbished with manufacturer's warr for:
- HK 347 for $335
- Denon 1908 for $380

I have a friend who knows and loves the Denon's.. the HK is a bit cheaper, seems to have some additional bells and whistles.. but I saw a few reviews that worry me a bit. Still I can not ferret through the details and compare there two receivers. Please... someone who knows what they are talking about. Give me a real evaluation. Which unit is the best deal for the money and why ?????

thanks in advance for your help !
aLLEN

 

[PENG]

The 347 is a better deal, but for a little more, the Yamaha RX-V663 is even better.

 

[aseidman00]

why do you say the HK 347 is the better deal ? help me understand the difference ? also.. are there reliability problems with the 347 ? I have heard grumblings of quality and reliability problems with HK.


finally, I am really trying to manage to my budget.. how does the Onkyo 605 compare ?

thanks,
Allen

 

[ichigo]

If decor is not a concern I agree with the Yamaha RX-V663 recommendation, it's got more up-to-date DSP modes, it has burr-brown dacs (HK doesn't list theirs)--of course this doesn't necessarily mean the Yammy's are better. The power output is equal.

The Yammy is one fugly looking receiver though, I'm still looking for a way to hide it...

 

[PENG]

why do you say the HK 347 is the better deal ? help me understand the difference ? also.. are there reliability problems with the 347 ? I have heard grumblings of quality and reliability problems with HK.

The 347 has pre-outs, that allows you to add an external amp if you need more power. It is 5 to 6 lbs heavier than the 1908 so it probably has a more robust power supply, and based on the price you mentioned it is cheaper.

I heard HK's warranty service is quite good but Denon does seem to have a better track record in terms of reliability.

 

[aseidman00]

what about HDMI 1.1 vs 1.3 ?

The HK is HDMI 1.1, the Denon 1.3.... should I care ? what is the difference (in layman's terms please).

thx.
allen

 

[AudioLittle]

aseidman00...
dude, for the price on both avr, there is nothing to loose to HK. dont worry about the hdmi1.1 1080p are capable passthru. yeah denon has 1.3 which is a little bit better in video processing. but when it comes to sound imaging and warmer sound quality HK347 are way way better than the 1908 of denon. or you may consider denon 2808 which has an awesome features over 1908. and littlebit better than HK 347 becoz of vedio processing. I have tested and proven of this HK347 performance with JBL studioL890 (250rms) on stereo mode. you can really feel the high current on the sound. awesome sound!