Harman Kardon AVR335 or Onkyo TXSR602?

[buckitrav]

I can get a really good price on the two of these so I've narrowed it down. I'm a college kid trying to set up a nice surround sound system in my room. I've got Polk Monitor 50 Floorstanding speakers in the front and RTI Bookshelf speakers in the back with a Velodyne 10" Subwoofer. I'm gonna be hooking up My PC, PS2 and my DirecTV DVR with optical cables. My PS2 and DirecTV are also gonna be running components to the receiver. I'm just torn between the two receivers. I think the HK looks a lot better, and the display is much nicer. I've heard however that the Onkyo is easier to set up. Is there anything big that one has that the other doesn't that would be a deal-breaker here? Or does anyone have any experience with these two that would cause me to lean one way or the other? Thanks

 

[cochese]

I've got the AVR335 and I'm really happy with it. The on screen display is really handy, the "universal" remote is adequate (although kinda funny shaped) and I won't ever need any more power than it offers. I thought the setup for this receiver was really easy, of course I did read the whole manual front to back and some people don't like to do that. I haven't tried the Onkyo so as far as comparing them I can't say anything. And yes, the reciever looks really cool

 

[trhalma]

I have an avr 235. i also tried the onk 502 and had it set up at home, but returned it due to center ch problem, but I did like it. Both sounded comparable, warm, detailed clean sound.
I do love the look and display of the hk. It is easy to read from across the room.
I also listed to the 235 and the 602 through the same speakers (polk floor spkrs, not sure what model) at cc. I had them switch repeatedly back and forth listening to the same track. I felt the highs on the 602 got a little harsh at higher volume levels.
I'm not sure if cc has the 335, but you may want to try a side by side with a 235 and 602.
Overall I am extremely happy with the hk.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

HK all the way. Better high current amp. Sweeter sounding. Made like a tank. No comparison, compadre.

 

[spider_duggan]

I have the OnkyoTXSR602 with Klipsch RF 15 floorstanding fronts.It's connected to an Xbox, DVD-R and Digital cable.

It pushes these speakers without trouble to levels that are too loud for comfortable listening (and my girlfriend/cat get shifty). The intellivolume option is helpful if you'll be switching between input devices often. I havn't had a single problem yet and intend to add a sub and center within the next few months.

I auditioned the AVR 1905 and went with the Onkyo. I personally love the reciever and have to say that either one should be fine.

 

[Reorx]

Buckeyefan,
Do you feel the same way when comparing the HK to the Yamaha rxv650 or Pioneer vsx1014txk?

Reorx

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Absolutely. My choice for receivers boiled down to the HK 7300 and Denon 3805 or 4802. Cost limited me from getting the HK 7300, but if cost weren't an issue, I'd have the HK. It was double what I paid for the Denon. Still love the Denon for the price.

 

[trhalma]

it's nice to hear from some hk fans! seems like yamaha and denon are the most talked about on this site.

 

[topjimi]

HK all the way! i have a 525 and love it, tons of power and sounds beautiful. also, on a side note, i had a 225 before the 525, and it seemed like it had almost as much power. 65w vs. 85w, so don't ever worry about HKs power rating, just make sure to keep it cool(mine is on top with nothing surrounding it), and you'll be happy!

 

[trhalma]

I know what you mean, I replaced an old pro logic avr 15. It was only rated at 30 watts per ch for fronts and center, 10 watts for the rears. The rears were a bit weak, but it still produced nice sound and had plenty of power for music in the same 12x24 room I'm using now. Even that unit had comparable sound to the 235!
I've been watching the heat closely, as I have about 2" clearance on top of it. I'm thinking about adding a fan.

 

[nibhaz]

Either receiver will drive the speakers you have just fine. It basically comes down to which receiver has the options that will satisfy your needs, and which is more pleasing to your eye. With that said, I did find this comment in another thread which might be of interest to you:

Hello
I have to agree with BM on this one product reliability is one of the most important aspects of a good H/T system It wont sound very good in your system if its always in the repair shop. I also recommend products based on
Reliability there is nothing more frustrating then terminating a system then having to go rip it all back out again.

Personally I have not encountered many problems with Denon But I will say that Yamaha for me has been the most reliable.

Least reliable that have not been mentioned in order
List is generated from my experience there are others but these come to mind very quickly

#1 Sherwood/Sherwood Newcastle
#2 Kenwood ßPossibly closing doors
#3 AMC
#4 Sony/Sony ES
#5 HK
#6 TEAC
#7 JVC
#8 Pioneer

original thread: http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8650&page=5&pp=10

 

[dillweed]

Onkyo / HK I have had both products over the years as I live with a CC employee. If I had to pick I would choose HK 335 because I prefer the warmer sound of the its amp. You might appreciate the warm sound of HK with your Polk Monitors.

Why not buy both try them out and find what sounds the best to you?