Harman Kardon 445

[fraussie]

I'm trying to decide on a receiver to go with my new Axiom M22's and SVS PB-10NSD sub...
Ive really been considering Harman Kardon and have found a AVR445 for a really good price. The question I had was about its "HDMI switching". Does that simply mean it will relay audio and video from two inputs through to the TV or will it actually extract the uncompressed audio?

Back at home my parents have a Marantz 5001 which does indeed extract the audio, except they do not call it 'hdmi switching'.

Im on a budget so im trying to get a receiver that will work well with the axioms to offer the best bang for the buck. I was looking at the 247 and the 347 also but I feel the M22's might deserve some higher watts than those offer .. is going up to the 445 really worth it though?

any help would be really appreciated!!

 

[fraussie]

forgot to mention...as a music lover i will likely keep it in stereo and use it for 75% music...

would a preamp/amp or intergrated amp stereo setup be a better option otherwise?
my budget is anything below $500..

what amps do you guys recommend?

 

[zumbo]

Looks like the Onkyo 605 is the best bargain @ the $500.00 price point.

$431.55 shipped from onecall.

http://www.onecall.com/ProductCompare.aspx?N=0&Ntt=onkyo+605&D=onkyo+605&prodList=87019,87018

 

[Seth=L]

While the 445 is a very nice receiver, but unfortunately it only passes HDMI, no audio processing.

 

[no. 5]

The question I had was about its "HDMI switching". Does that simply mean it will relay audio and video from two inputs through to the TV or will it actually extract the uncompressed audio?

If I was in sales, I would only use the phrase "HDMI switching" to identify a receiver that does not have the ability to to use the audio stream from HDMI, but in practice, I have seen receivers that are advertised as 'HDMI switching' that are actually 'HDMI repeating'.

But, looking on Harman/Kardon's web site, it looks like the 445 is HDMI switching, not repeating. Which is weird, as it's a fairly high model.


EDIT: and it appears that Seth has beaten me to the punch...

 

[Seth=L]

If I was in sales, I would only use the phrase "HDMI switching" to identify a receiver that does not have the ability to to use the audio stream from HDMI, but in practice, I have seen receivers that are advertised as 'HDMI switching' that are actually 'HDMI repeating'.

But, looking on Harman/Kardon's web site, it looks like the 445 is HDMI switching, not repeating. Which is weird, as it's a fairly high model.


EDIT: and it appears that Seth has beaten me to the punch...

You are underestimating the speediness sir.

Happy 1000 posts.

It would seem that I higher model would have that feature, I guess H/K is a little slow taking stuff up.

 

[no. 5]

Happy 1000 posts.

Thanks.

There are so many people I'd like to thank, who helped me get where I am today, like the dude who gave me my muffin this morning, and the official Audioholics Samurai sword makers, and... (ramble, ramble)...

It would seem that I higher model would have that feature, I guess H/K is a little slow taking stuff up.

I guess, but it's a feature I would want on a $1,299 receiver.

 

[fraussie]

thanks!! quite annoying that it does not have the hdmi audio....i was going to be able to get one for $500...brand new! $800 off lol.
well, not quite sure I want it then. Might as well get 435 as my TV has 3 HDMI inputs anyway.
What do you guys think about the HK3485? Its stereo, 120W per channel and I can get one for $280. Only thing that worries me about it is the lack of (like most intergrated stereo amps) digital inputs. I often connect digital sources such as my laptop through an optical when I'm not using the CD player. It only has all analog L/R inputs i believe. How would the sound quality compare to the AVR445? both if i had CD's / DVD's going as well as my computer (through a regular miniplug to rca cable...?

 

[zumbo]

Am I missing something? Doesn't the Onkyo 605 have what you are looking for?
http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=TX-SR605&class=Receiver&p=i

 

[fraussie]

well, frankly im not a huge fan of onkyo. harman kardon sound oustanding for stereo music from what ive heard, which is what im looking for above else (features)

 

[zumbo]

well, frankly im not a huge fan of onkyo. harman kardon sound oustanding for stereo music from what ive heard, which is what im looking for above else (features)

Ohhhh! I see.

In all seriousness, a $500 receiver is gonna sound like a $500 receiver. "Outstanding sound" is not gonna happen for $500. At the moment, Onkyo is offering more for your $500. As you can see, H/K is offering less. I doubt you will hear much, if any, difference at this price point.

If you want SQ for $500, look at used gear.

 

[MDS]

well, frankly im not a huge fan of onkyo. harman kardon sound oustanding for stereo music from what ive heard, which is what im looking for above else (features)

From what you've heard by owning one and living with it for a long time or from what you've heard as in hearsay? You may also have heard that HK has the highest failure rate of any brand.

In the end it's what you like that matters and we all have our brand preferences.

 

[B&W700guy]

well, frankly im not a huge fan of onkyo. harman kardon sound oustanding for stereo music from what ive heard, which is what im looking for above else (features)

I have the H/K AVR-7300. And I would say that 2 channel is its weakest point.

But that my opinion.

 

[Seth=L]

Wow, H/K isn't burning, it's burnt.

 

[tonay]

I have an HK 445. It was really a big upgrade from my old HK 240. I and have yet to use the HDMI functions so I can't give you any new advice except:

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

I'm a big fan. Factory refrubished and customer service is outstanding (although slow as is the shipping). I've purchased a 240, 445 and a 5 disc CD changer and all been very happy.

Got the 445 for just a hair over $300 USD FYI.

 

[Nomo]

Am I missing something? Doesn't the Onkyo 605 have what you are looking for?
http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=TX-SR605&class=Receiver&p=i

I'm with Zumbo on this one.
In bang for the buck category; Onkyo, this year at least, is a serious contender.

 

[smurphy522]

I have the H/K avr247 and it has no problem driving a pair of JBL L1's (spl anechoic 87db) to pleasing levels and does so with grace. Also keep in mind the room it is in is 4800ft³! Now I would not ask it to drive my Kappas but the H/K avr 25mkII can barely muster them, and it's 75 watts/channel. The 247 has basically all the useable offerings of the Onkyo 605 (although Audyssey calibration is suposed to be the bomb!).

Yes, the 445 has more power, but it only passes HDMI; so a separate cable for audio will be required and it also lacks video processing. Possibly not a deal breaker for a 75% audio user. Regardless, you would not be able to hear 10 watts difference since doubling the wattage in the same type of amplifier technology does not even come close to doubling the perceived volume. H/K rates the current output similar for the 445 and the 247, so more than likely they are similar power supply offerings. That is usually the more important factor in a good reliable receiver. I know many people who have had no problems with their H/K products for years. For as many H/K bashers out there you can find the same for almost every product.

Anyway the 445 or even the 247 would be able to drive the M22's without question and do it IMHO; better than any comparable Onkyo, Pioneer, Yamaha, or Denon could. Whoops, did I say that?

I am sure I offended no one with that last offering.

 

[smurphy522]

I should also point out the H/K offerings have full set pre-amp outputs (none for the Onkyo, well unless you count a record loop and second room output). That is quite important as more than likely an audio guy will upgrade the amplifier before upgrading a pre-amp/processor.

I'm sure someone is going to say: "what about HD audio processing"? To me you don't seem like and early adopter and those brand new technologies are far from being standard let alone advantagious in 2007.

I used to have an Onkyo receiver (circa 1986, can't remember the model). I did love it, after all as a teenager it was my first "real" piece of audio gear, aside from the Kenwood it replaced. I think my ex-girlfriend still uses that Onkyo for her second room audio. Back on track, I just wanted to point out that yes Onkyo does make a fine product but that I feel H/K offers a substantially better product in the amplifier and audio realm.

Good Luck!