Just when I thought I was out. They pulled me back in

[bigbassdave]

Hey guys,
I got my new speakers set up and all I can say is WOW what a difference. I replaced the speakers that came in my Onkyo HTIB package with Infinity's Beta 50's, c360, and three beta 20's to complete my 6.1 setup. Also using the Polk PSW505 for the sub. I will be posting a review soon. I am really impressed at the efficiancy of my new setup. My low end Onkyo receiver which came in my HTIB is doing a good job running things so I have to say thank you to all who recommended the Betas for their efficiency. However, I know I can do better by my speakers if I give them a respectable receiver. I love the look of the Harman Kardons but am sceptical due to the fact so many people have had problems with them overheating and going into protect mode. I was all but decided on picking up a refurbished Denon 3805 but I don't like the fact it does not come with the set up mic where as the HK avr 435 and 635 do. I can get the HK 435 brand new straight from the factory for $498 with free shipping. The refurbished Denon would cost at least a couple hundred more after shipping unless I'm mistaken. I contacted HK and they said the difference in sound quality and power between the 435 and 635 would be impossible to detect and that the 435 would run my setup with ease. I don't want to spend much more than $500 if possible due to the fact that we will probably all need new receivers when the new dobly digital and dts formats are released later this year. I want something that will add substantial quality to my sound with good features but that I can replace in the next 3 years or so when the new batch of receivers come down in price.
Do you guys think the HK rep is shooting me straight or would the conservative rating of 65 watts per channel not be enough to really push my speakers? Would the Denon 3805 be noticably more powerful? I'm really just looking for opinions on the matter and to see what you would do if put in the same position. Thank you all in advance!

 

[mtrycrafts]

Hey guys,
I got my new speakers set up and all I can say is WOW what a difference. I replaced the speakers that came in my Onkyo HTIB package with Infinity's Beta 50's, c360, and three beta 20's to complete my 6.1 setup. Also using the Polk PSW505 for the sub. I will be posting a review soon. I am really impressed at the efficiancy of my new setup. My low end Onkyo receiver which came in my HTIB is doing a good job running things so I have to say thank you to all who recommended the Betas for their efficiency. However, I know I can do better by my speakers if I give them a respectable receiver. I love the look of the Harman Kardons but am sceptical due to the fact so many people have had problems with them overheating and going into protect mode. I was all but decided on picking up a refurbished Denon 3805 but I don't like the fact it does not come with the set up mic where as the HK avr 435 and 635 do. I can get the HK 435 brand new straight from the factory for $498 with free shipping. The refurbished Denon would cost at least a couple hundred more after shipping unless I'm mistaken. I contacted HK and they said the difference in sound quality and power between the 435 and 635 would be impossible to detect and that the 435 would run my setup with ease. I don't want to spend much more than $500 if possible due to the fact that we will probably all need new receivers when the new dobly digital and dts formats are released later this year. I want something that will add substantial quality to my sound with good features but that I can replace in the next 3 years or so when the new batch of receivers come down in price.
Do you guys think the HK rep is shooting me straight or would the conservative rating of 65 watts per channel not be enough to really push my speakers? Would the Denon 3805 be noticably more powerful? I'm really just looking for opinions on the matter and to see what you would do if put in the same position. Thank you all in advance!

Well, HK is right about the sound quality DBTs consistently show no audible differences between well designed components operated within their design limits, bias controlled protocol, the gold standard, and levels matched.

As to power, I am not sure what the 3805 power rating is. If it is considerably more, I suspect it is, this would come in handy at hard driven materials. You just have to read HK's RMS power rating to see how conservative they really are. Look at their 2 channels driven ratings.

 

[bigbassdave]

Well the avr 435 rates two channels driven at 80 watts and the Denon 3805 is rated at 110 per channel. What do ya think?

 

[bigbassdave]

Thanks again for your patience as I jump back and forth between brands before finally making a descision. If only my fiance were as understanding of my addiction to electronics . Anyone know where I can find a good review of the HK avr 435? I haven't had much luck searching for one.

 

[nm2285]

IMO, I'd only go the route of the Denon if it has a feature set you prefer or if you're worried about quality control issues. Otherwise, the HK will be more than sufficient in terms of power.

 

[jmanlp]

I have an AVR 635 here and I love it.... I know what you mean about the look of them, they look darn good. Here is something interesting that happened to me when I was buying my receiver, I originally preordered an avr 435 at a good price and the dealer told me HK was having quality controll issues with the 435 so he sent me home with a 635. I have had zero problems with mine, it kind of makes me wonder if the 435 is a faulty product since I got upgraded for free. Just my speculation though, but one thing that I cant live without now is the video converstion to Component, not sure if the 435 has that. On my 635 I've never turned the volume over -35 (usually at -45) in my 12x18, open living room, if that helps. If you can afford it something with HDMI might be a good idea though.

 

[bigbassdave]

Thanks for the help guys! I just pulled the trigger on a brand new HK avr 635 for $660.15 including tax and shipping. Hopefully I won't have any problems with overheating (I will give it 6" on top and 3" plus on the sides to breath). I know I'm taking a little bit of a gamble on HK but I love the way they look (so does the fiance which helps a lot!) This should help my Betas run the way they want to. I'm gonna be dying for the next week or so waiting for it to be delivered. As soon as I get everything set up and calibrated I will post a review on the entire setup. Again thanks for the help

 

[mtrycrafts]

I love the way they look (so does the fiance which helps a lot!)

Hey, this is very important aspect. You are the one who has to live with this day in and day out

That 30 watt difference is only about 1dB spl, not that much at the top end.