HK AVR 635 vs 435 vs 340 vs 335

[bigbassdave]

Hey guys,
Now that you have helped me choose which speakers to go with I need help deciding on a receiver to power them. For those not familiar with me my speakers are on order and are:

Infinity Beta 50's
Infinity Beta c360
Infinity Beta 20's
Polk PSW505

I wont be able to afford a new receiver for at least a coulple months and how long it ultimately takes depends on which model I get. I have no doubt that the AVR 635 would power my set up at high volume without even breaking a sweat, but what I am wondering is how far down the Harman Kardon line can I go while still acheiving great sound at any volume with my speakers? I'm pretty sure the 435 would be just fine and I have my reservations about the 335/340 (I'm not sure what the difference is between these two). I would love feedback from people who have these models, have heard these models, or just have general knowledge of the HK brand. Thanks again for your replies in advance.

 

[j_garcia]

You could probably get away with the 435 (wait for 440?), and obviously the 635 would be the way to go. Maybe at x-mas you can pick up a returned/open box 635 for a great price?

 

[PENG]

At 91 dB sensitivity, those speakers should do fine with the 435 but I wouldn't go any lower. Don't forget each of the front channels (X3) will have to feed a total of 4 drivers, including two 8" woofers. The 635 is a better choice.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Keen an eye on this gem.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Harmon-Kardon-AVR-7200-Home-Theater-Receiver-Mint_W0QQitemZ5831329493QQcategoryZ39794QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[bigbassdave]

Correct me if I'm wrong,
The 7200 is different than the 7300 in exterior color, slightly less wattage, and less inputs? Did I miss anything? Does it still have the Room EQ feature?

 

[bigbassdave]

You could probably get away with the 435 (wait for 440?), and obviously the 635 would be the way to go. Maybe at x-mas you can pick up a returned/open box 635 for a great price?

My thoughts exactly J. I'm watching all ebay auctions on the 435 and 635 and keeping track of what they go for. Now would be the time of year prices would be highest I'm thinking. If they drop enough after Christmas I may just be able to pick one up.

 

[jcPanny]

New HK models

On some of the lower HK modes at least, the only change with the x40 model is a connector for the ipod.

 

[bigbassdave]

I'm a little confused as to what the connector for the ipod does. I mean for $20 (which is kinda pricey just like everything for the ipod) you can get cables to hook it up to any receivers stereo inputs. So what is the advantage to the connector?

 

[j_garcia]

You can control the IPOD from the receiver's remote then, I believe is the main thing.

 

[bigbassdave]

I see. Thanks

 

[WndrBr3d]

On some of the lower HK modes at least, the only change with the x40 model is a connector for the ipod.

And they updated the DSP to the Cirrus Logic CS49400.

 

[lbcheng]

Difference between HK AVR435 and AVR340

I am trying to decide between these two models and have come up with the following differences:

- 435 is 10 WPC higher
- 340 has the iPod option
- 435 has one more audio input
- 435 specs mention that it has autoEQ; however, 340's specs may just have not mentioned it
- Different remotes
- Different DSP processor -- 340 has the Cirrus, 435 has the TI; however, same processing modes in both

The price point right now is so close that it just causes confusion. I'm powering Paradigm Cinema speakers in a medium sized living room, so am not concerned much about the wattage difference. What will sway me more is actually the difference in the processor as well as the remote/user interface. It seems that they have different remotes, and the wife factor is pretty big when it comes to remotes. I would especially favor one that can display more info on the LCD.

Thanks much for your observations -- it's a disappointment coming from the wonderful information shared in this forum and then talking to a lot of the audio store reps.

 

[CaliHwyPatrol]

The HK remotes bug me because they look like a Phaser gun from Star Trek...

Out of the models I have in my store (340, 635), I would probably take the 635. It is pretty close in price to the 340 (only 50 bucks more I think) and its got more juice and more options, but it doesn't have the IPod interface, which I personally don't care about because I don't like IPods.

I used to have the 635 hooked up to the Infiniti Beta series stuff (50 fronts, 20 rears, C250 center, PS12 sub (not Beta)) and it handled them perfectly. I would frequently put the Master and Commander clip from DTS #9 in there and draw a small crowd (15-20 on any given day) from all parts of the store. Now, since the Betas have been discontinued in our store, I was forced to put a ...Bose... speaker set there. Anyway, moral of the story, I know the 635 can handle your stuff, so you might want to look at one of those a little more thoroughly.

~Chuck

 

[lbcheng]

I was not able to find a 635 anywhere near the 340 or 435 (about $150 difference), so went ahead and ordered the 435. Looking forward to putting my Aiwa HTIB receiver out on the curb

The HK remotes bug me because they look like a Phaser gun from Star Trek...

Out of the models I have in my store (340, 635), I would probably take the 635. It is pretty close in price to the 340 (only 50 bucks more I think) and its got more juice and more options, but it doesn't have the IPod interface, which I personally don't care about because I don't like IPods.

I used to have the 635 hooked up to the Infiniti Beta series stuff (50 fronts, 20 rears, C250 center, PS12 sub (not Beta)) and it handled them perfectly. I would frequently put the Master and Commander clip from DTS #9 in there and draw a small crowd (15-20 on any given day) from all parts of the store. Now, since the Betas have been discontinued in our store, I was forced to put a ...Bose... speaker set there. Anyway, moral of the story, I know the 635 can handle your stuff, so you might want to look at one of those a little more thoroughly.

~Chuck