Harman Kardon HK 3480 opinions

[mikerader]

I am looking for a receiver under $400. I will be driving a pair of paradigm speakers and using a second amp which is built into my sony surround sound speakers.

I believe my best choice is to go stereo since I do not plan on buying surround sound speakers other than what I have. I need pre-outs for the second amp in the sony speakers.

Does anyone have any comments on the sound quality of the HK 3480? I would appreciate any recommendations in this price range for a stereo receiver with pre-outs.

Regards,

 

[mikerader]

I just saw the post for the Yamaha 5860. Since this is only 40 dollars more than the Harmon Kardon 3480 I am thinking about this. I will be using it in stereo mode for now. Which receiver has better quality sound in stereo mode?

 

[anamorphic96]

Probably the HK since there is no processing going on. If two channel is your thing why not look at integrated amps ?

 

[mikerader]

I wanted to keep my price under$400, that is why I did not look at an integrated amp.

Does it make sense to buy a surround sound receiver and use it in stereo mode?

I may buy surround sound speakers in the future, it would be nice to have the capability.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

I wanted to keep my price under$400, that is why I did not look at an integrated amp.

Does it make sense to buy a surround sound receiver and use it in stereo mode?

I may buy surround sound speakers in the future, it would be nice to have the capability.

If you don't plan to use a subwoofer, and want a good stereo receiver, I would suggest against a surround receiver. You will get more power to your mains with a dedicated two channel receiver, and won't have to worry about bass management pulling the bass output away from your mains. You can always retire this receiver to a second room, and buy the latest surround technology when you are ready for surround.

 

[nm2285]

The HK will be nice, but I would also recommend looking at the NAD C320BEE, or a used NAD C352, C350, C370 (this one I own and love). If surround may be in the near future, do it. If it's still a few years off, get stereo for now because by the time you get surround speakers, that receiver would be outdated.