HK AVR635 compairables

[WorldLeader]

I am looking for a mid level receiver that can drive my older Polks and Klipsh bookshelves, as well as driving some future Ascends in surround mode.

The Harman Kardon seems pretty feature rich, and can be found cheap online. I don't want to spend more than $600 on a receiver, since I need to upgrade my speakers as well.

What other receivers are available that compete with this HK at the price-point?

Also, I am planning on using this for a long time. How reliable and future-proof will this receiver be?

Thanks!

 

[littleb]

I don't know if you can find one that is comparable. I have the AVR 630 and I like it alot.

 

[WorldLeader]

Cool, I guess my question should be whether the 635 is worth the price over the 340 or 240. I am wanting a receiver with a long life and future-proof features.

Also, are there any Denon or Yamaha receivers that will do better for the prices you can find online? You can find the 635 on HK's eBay account for around $450.

EDIT: B-stocks and refurbs are fine with me as long as they are from credible places.

 

[mytzen]

I just read earlier in another thread that Dakmart is an authorized dealer or B-stock Denon receivers.
http://www.dakmart.com/admintrix/website/search.php?keyword=denon

There are a few on there right around $600.

 

[WorldLeader]

Cool. I like the look of the HK receivers, and I will have to keep it out where you could see it (I don't have a giant AV rack). Aesthetics are important to me, as well as quality. I'm not as concerned about wattage, my current stereo receiver is rated at 20 watts per channel and I can't turn it past 12 o'clock. 55-80 watts per channel would be fine. 7.1 is also a plus, since I may be using 7 speakers.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

For $500, this Pioneer is a few steps up from the HK 635. But, the 635 is a bargain at $450 if you're an HK fan. There have been some qc issues with some HK's in the past. I know the 7200 and 7300 have had their quirks. I'm not sure about the 635.

http://www.ubid.com/Pioneer_VSX-9300TX_100-Watt_7.1_Channel_Audio_Video_Receiver/a800729084.html

This Onkyo unit here is a bit more modern as far as adaptability goes (HDMI/PC hookup). It's getting a bit out of your price range, though.

http://www.ubid.com/Onkyo_TX-SR803_735W._7.1-Ch._Home_Theater_Receiver/a10702076.html

 

[WorldLeader]

Hmm.. That Onkyo isn't bad for the price, but I have to limit my spending at some point . The Pioneer is also good. I don't think that the picture is right on the site.

Should I be concerned that the 635 doesn't have HDMI? I am probably going to get a 780p/1080i projector, or maybe a plasma. Will I "suffer" using component cables instead of HDMI 1.1? I'm not the pickiest of videophiles, but I don't want to sell myself short. I'm coming from a 23" CRT, so any picture will hopefully look better.

 

[WorldLeader]

Ok, I've done some more searching and found that the HK AVR435 features the exact same connectivity options and processing as the 635, except it is 10 watts/channel less. Knowing that HKs are know for their conservative wattage rating, will the decrease in power effect me or the sound?

I can find the 435 for around $370

This is about $100 less than the 635 and is the same receiver minus the 10 watts.

Should I go for the 435? Spending less money for a better value is always a plus, since I'm a student.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

$370 is a good buy on that unit. I think you've found your receiver.

PS, I watch HD via component cables, and the picture is razor sharp. The component cables go through my receiver, then to my display. You'll be fine with component for switching capabilities (that is until HDCP takes over ).

 

[Thunder18]

Hmm.. That Onkyo isn't bad for the price, but I have to limit my spending at some point . The Pioneer is also good. I don't think that the picture is right on the site.

Should I be concerned that the 635 doesn't have HDMI? I am probably going to get a 780p/1080i projector, or maybe a plasma. Will I "suffer" using component cables instead of HDMI 1.1? I'm not the pickiest of videophiles, but I don't want to sell myself short. I'm coming from a 23" CRT, so any picture will hopefully look better.

You're right, that isn't the right picture of the 9300TX, but I've only seen a couple places where you can see what it looks like. I used to have one so I know exactly what it looks like. Go to www.pioneer.com look at the Pioneer Elite model VSX-56TXi pictures. Take away the gold Elite logo on the front and change the fluorescent display from orange to blue and there you have it. Oh, it doesn't have i.link either, but it has everything else the 56TXi has. Including the THX cert, AIR Studios tuning, Dolby pro-logic IIx and DTS Neo:6 and all the other dsp modes that have become standard. The remotes awesome too. if you don't already have a good universal, this remote will control anything by using preset codes or learning the commands from the other remotes. Besides, it weighs 44.8 lbs and is ok to use with 4 ohm loads(as long as it's well ventilated).
Here's the best picture I can find for you:

http://www.shopping.com/xPC-Pioneer_PIONEER_VSX_9300TX_7CH_MOSFET_AMPLIFIER_W_THX