Harman Kardon AVR 525 vs. 630

[RFP]

Does anyone know what the main differences are between these receivers (besides the slight difference in power ratings and the cosmetics)?

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Here's the threads from the website:

http://www.harmankardon.com/product_support/support_detail.aspx?Region=USA&Country=US&Language=ENG&cat=&prod=AVR 525&sjump=&#active

http://www.harmankardon.com/product_support/support_detail.aspx?Region=USA&Country=US&Language=ENG&cat=&prod=AVR 630&sjump=&#active

My guess is, other than the 5 extra watts, you get updated surround circuitry, more inputs, and a modern face. Absolutely no difference in sound or quality. The black actually looks pretty mean.

 

[e30cabrio]

I thought the wattage was inconsequential and I was wrong. My AVR 430 sounds Way better than my AVR 7000 & 100% better than my AVR 320 did. I spoke to a manager at Harman who said the entire DSP engine as well as the circuitry path was totally redesigned in the new generation units. I believe him.

 

[RFP]

It seems we have two entirely different opinions. Thanks for the links, Buckeye. My guess was the same as yours, that they're probably essentially the same except for the new look. (And like you, I prefer the black.)

Thanks also for your take e. My present receiver is an HK 110. Can I suppose that the 525 is light years away from that? Anyone else have any real world experience with these receivers?

 

[Cygnus]

WOW! That black receiver is shekshey!

 

[e30cabrio]

I have to add I agreed on the balck look (matches my DVD 50) but I really like the new look and the lighted volume knob. I have a friend that has a 525 and it sounds & works great. The new series (425 & up) are upgradeable (by rs232 port) and I added Dolby Pro IIx the day I got mine and I hear there is a HDCD flash coming.

 

[RFP]

E. I decided that I liked what you said about the new DSP's being redesigned and sounding 100% better than the old models. So I passed on the 525 and bought a refurbished 230 direct from Harman. It hasn't been delivered yet. I would have liked to get the 430 but I decided that my place isn't practical for either 7.1 or multi-zones (though the upgrade feature would have been nice). All I really need is power, and the only difference there between the 230 and and 430 is 5 amps of current. I hope it works out. I recently bought new B&W speakers which are not efficient.