HK 3490 or Yamaha R-S500?

[telemike]

I can't do decide which to get to use with my 4 ohm Infinity Qb's. I have a vintage Realistic STA-2000D now, but I want something new for reliability and keep the RS for display.

The HK seems to be the better option except the retro looks of Yamaha calls me. Any advice?

Also thinking about the Yamaha integratess too

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[anamorphic96]

harman/kardon HK 3490 Stereo Receiver Review — Reviews and News from Audioholics

I would go with the HK in this case if it's between these two. More overall power which will probably deal with the 4ohm load better. It also offers more flexibility with inputs (analog/digital) and pre-out and main-in's. It also sounds quite good.

 

[j_garcia]

I've no experience with the new Yamaha stereo receivers yet, but I'd have to side with the H/K on this one too for the additional power. The H/K will definitely handle 4 ohm speakers too. H/K rates their receivers conservatively, so you can believe the 120W rating and that's a big jump from 75W on the Yamaha.

 

[bikemig]

You could also get a manufacturer's refurbished Marantz SR4023, Marantz Sr4023 80w X 2ch Ci Friendly Stereo Receiver | Accessories4less.

 

[j_garcia]

Technically all Marantz amps are rated for 6 Ohm only. I ran my PM7200 with my 4 Ohm speakers for years though I'd still take the extra 40W of the H/K.

If you are going to go refurb from AC4L, I'd go for an integrated amp instead of a stereo receiver if you don't need all the features of a stereo receiver.

 

[bikemig]

The specs for the Marantz SR 4023 via the website is 80 watts at 8 ohms and 100 at 4 ohms: Marantz US | SR4023

But sometimes that you see on the website isn't exactly how things work in the real world. Still I thought that Marantz 2 channel products (including the amps) were 4 ohm stable.

Certainly a good point about an integrated amp being a good alternative for the OP.

 

[j_garcia]

My PM7200 shows a 4 Ohm rating in the spec sheet as well, but on the back panel of just about every one of their amps you will find "6 Ohms min" silk screened on there. I believe that is "recommended" also, not a requirement

 

[mike c]

isn't the 3390 the one that's similarly priced to the R-S500?

the 3490 will definitely have more power though.

if the yammy was silver, i'd probably choose the yammy.
but black yammy vs either of the HK's ... i'd choose the HK

does the HK have bass management? (low passed outs)

 

[KEW]

The only reason to consider the Yamaha is for the styling or their loudness contour knob.
The HK is more capable.

 

[telemike]

Marantz is out. You can't access all functions without remote. Between HK and Yamaha A-S500 integrated. How is preamp on HK?

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[j_garcia]

These are stereo receivers, what "functions" would you need to access?

 

[M Code]

I can't do decide which to get to use with my 4 ohm Infinity Qb's. I have a vintage Realistic STA-2000D now, but I want something new for reliability and keep the RS for display.

The HK seems to be the better option except the retro looks of Yamaha calls me. Any advice?

Also thinking about the Yamaha integratess too

Sent from my A500 using Tapatalk HD

Be advised the 3490 will be discontinued, once the present inventory is exhausted...

Just my $0.02...

 

[mike c]

Be advised the 3490 will be discontinued, once the present inventory is exhausted...

Just my $0.02...

nice. is a new line coming out?

or are they getting out of the stereo market?

 

[telemike]

Be advised the 3490 will be discontinued, once the present inventory is exhausted...

Just my $0.02...

The tone controls on the Marantz can only be accessed from remote. Lose the remote, you are hosed. I don't want to have to depend on a remote control for everything.

 

[j_garcia]

The tone controls on the Marantz can only be accessed from remote. Lose the remote, you are hosed. I don't want to have to depend on a remote control for everything.

Then get the H/K

I wouldn't use digital tone controls anyway...but yeah.

 

[telemike]

Leaning towards Yamaha A-S500, but not sure...

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[j_garcia]

You really can't go wrong with any of them. You want to have your cake and eat it too: RR2150 Stereo Receiver

 

[bikemig]

You really can't go wrong with any of them. You want to have your cake and eat it too: RR2150 Stereo Receiver

Love my RR2150 stereo receiver,

 

[telemike]

The Outlaw is $300 over budget. F
Down to HK or Yamaha a-s500

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[telemike]

Thought about the low power integrateds:

NAD C316BEE would probably work even though it's 40wpc, but NAD always had the dynamic power for transients. There's also the hard to find Pioneer Elite A-20 on Amazon for $249 with 50 wpc into 4 ohm, but not sure if that is enough power for my Infinity Qb's which can take a lot at loud levels. I had a Pioneer SX-3600 (30 wpc) that ran out of juice with these speakers. My vintage Realistic STA-2000D (75 wpc) has enough.

Rambling on.......would love a vintage receiver or integrated that's been restored and recapped but they are pricey. So, hunting for the right modern kit to work with what I have. The Onkyo A-9050 would be ideal but out of budget.

So, down to the HK 3490.....probably the best bet for me with the good power amp. Does it use discrete transistors or power pack IC's?