HK 3490 to a new Emotiva system

[ematthews]

Can anyone answer this. What could I expect going from the Harmon Kardon HK3490 receiver to a Emotiva set up. Sound, Power, etc????
Emotiva USP-1
Emotiva UPA-2 AMP

Just curious as the price is right for the Emotiva. I like the fact that i CAN ADD A LARGER amp in the future to that blends right in.

 

[jinjuku]

It all depends: What are your speakers, what is your room size, what is your listening distance.

The HK can put out 230/channel/4 ohms. Pretty stiff amp section. The HK seems to have a bit more headroom than the UPA-2. I wouldn't do it if the HK is meeting all needs.

 

[ematthews]

Speakers will change in the future. Right now I am using Klipsch RF82's. A little harsh but the HK made them sound a little more warm. Focal Chorus is what I have my eye on
Room size is 15x14. Its my office.

 

[jinjuku]

Speakers will change in the future. Right now I am using Klipsch RF82's. A little harsh but the HK made them sound a little more warm. Focal Chorus is what I have my eye on
Room size is 15x14. Its my office.

In a 15X14 room with an assumed seating distance of around 9-11' your ears will give out before the HK.

 

[ematthews]

I know. The HK sounds great. Not as clean as my Marantz PM6004 that I had, but a better sound..The HK has no source direct either. Looking for a better higher quality amp/rec to build up.

 

[jinjuku]

What are all your sources? CDP, Computer, Turntable etc...

 

[ematthews]

What are all your sources? CDP, Computer, Turntable etc...

CD Player is Marantz CD6004
Mac Mini is being feed with a toslink
No turn table right now but there will be one later and last
Speakers are Klipsch RF82. But will change. I have no idea but Focal Chorus is first on the list. Tower speakers
Sub is being used also. But not required. I like it too. Martin Logan Grotto 1

I like a loud warm system. Eq's were always used in the past but will not be used in the new system since you can not find a quality one anymore.

I listen to all types of music, but prefer Post Modern like God is an Astronaunt. Or Wachumas Wave

 

[jinjuku]

Not seeing where the HK isn't a pure/direct device... Unless you mean bypass?

 

[ematthews]

Not seeing where the HK isn't a pure/direct device... Unless you mean bypass?

Source direct. By pass. When you bypass the internal tone control. My other amps always had a button or knob to push for a more direct sound.
Maybe the HK ha sit but I am unaware of how it's turned on

 

[jinjuku]

Ah, Tone Control Defeat. I looked in the manual for direct mode and bypass but didn't see it.

Why don't you give HK a call? That is what they are there for.

 

[gene]

The HK 3490 is a really nice receiver. It measures well and sounds great.

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

It puts out about 170wpc into 4 ohm loads which isn't too shabby.

You may want to assess your room and speakers before changing out your electronics.

 

[STRONGBADF1]

I wouldn't spend a dime until you have the speakers you want. Then address the room acoustics.

 

[ematthews]

Thanks for all the info

 

[j_garcia]

That receiver is pretty heavy duty, I would not say it was going to be light on power. I have a feeling the speakers are your issue, and since speakers influce the sound more than any other item in your setup, that's where you should focus your efforts.