Harman/Kardon AVR 640 - prices, opinions?

[Fastnbulbous]

http://www.harmankardon.com/news_reviews/CES 2006 AVR Announcement.pdf

I was literally just about to push "Submit" on a Harman/Kardon AVR 635 order when I thought, why doesn't anyone offer USB ports? Sure enough, HK announced the 40s series with USB, and can work with software like Windows Media Player, Musicmatch among others. They also include XM Radio compatibility and an iPod dock. I don't use iPods, but it would be handy in a party when someone wanted to jack in their mix. I think this makes up for the 635's relative lack of features compared to the Denon AVR 3805 or 3806. But the value can't be beat -- only a year after its release, the 635 is available for as low as $600 compared to it's $1,300 list price.

The 40s series are supposed to be available this month, but there's no sign of them yet. I'm worried that the price will be much higher, since the suggested retail for the 740 is $3,499. They haven't announced the price for the 640 or 440 yet (the 440 isn't due until March).

If prices become available, I figure this forum would be among the first to know...

 

[Xsound]

The Pioneer elite vsx-74 has USB, Ipod dock, and has Firewire and is available now. the VSX-56 txi (previous model) has USB and Firewire (no dedicated iPod connectivity.)

the new Denon (2807?) will offer it's own iPod connectivity that is supposed to rock.

Just somethings to consider.

Enjoy,
X

 

[Fastnbulbous]

I'm disappointed in this forum -- I thought there'd be more info available here. Y'all were scooped by avsforum. The 640 will allegedly retail for $1,200, which is $100 less than the 635. This is very good news. I was worried it would be much more, since the 740 is $2,999 (not $3,499 as mentioned in the original press release). How could the 740 possibly be worth the extra $1,800?

Here's some of the features of 740 over 640:
1. More power (85 vs 75 W)
2. 7.2 Pre-Outs for dual subwoofers
3. Room EQ for Stereo subwoofers for 7.2
4. Upscaling to 1080i through HDMI
5. Incredible activity-based color LCD remote control
6. Zone II Video Out and OSD
7. More powerful TI DSP, higher clock 250-MHZ vs 225-MHZ
8. Better DACs, discrete Analog Devices

Both 740 and 640 can output a 7.1 soundfield from a 5.1 source either through HDMI, S/PDIF or 6 Channel Direct. This is done by taking the L/R side surrounds and then post-processing by either Pro Logic 2x or Logic 7. And outputting L/R side surrounds and L/R rear surrounds for a 7.1 soundfield. Also note that 740/640 incredible quaduple/6-frequency Bass Manager and Room EQ is available as well.

Here's advantages of 640 over 635:
1. 640 has HDMI, 2 In 1 Out
2. 640 has 8 Channel Digitizer for 6/8 Channel Direct Inputs
3. 640 has iPod connection, for charging, audio and control
4. 640 has XM Ready capability
5. 640 has USB input for streaming PC audio and Music Player primary transport controls

I think 640 will be great for my needs. After it's released I think I might be able to get it for $800 by April if I'm patient. Sounds like the release was delayed from Feb to April, but possibly even later

 

[Fastnbulbous]

Other <a href=http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=627898&page=9&pp=30>forums</a> are all abuzz about this item, but unfortunately it's moot for a while, as it now looks like it won't be out until June.

Since my old receiver is dying and I don't want the distortion to damage my new speakers, I picked up a cheap Yamaha to hold me over until probably the fall when I can get the 645 (they changed the name from 440/640/740 to 445/645/745 for some reason) for a decent price. J&R is listing it for $999 for pre-orders, but I'm sure one can get it for as low as $700 eventually.