Need Help: Harman Kardon HK3490 VS Yamaha R-S700

[riftan]

I have:
* Sony BDP-S380
* A pair of KEF C25. 4 ohm. 100W.
* 1 small Yamaha Active Sub-woofer

I need help to decide between these 2 amps for Audio listening only. Below are direct comparison of their feature. But I do have problem to find direct comparison of their power as they use different terminology.

Harman Kardon HK3490:
+ DAC: AKM DAC. (I already have player with Wolfson DAC. But having integrated DAC is good for future use.)
+ Frequency Response: 10Hz - 110kHz
- THD: <0.07% at 8 ohm
? Continuous Average Power (FTC) at 4 ohm: 150W per channel.

Yamaha R-S700
- DAC: N/A
- Frequency Response: 10Hz - 100kHz
+ THD: <0.015% at 8 ohm
? Dynamic Power per channel (IHF) at 4 ohm: 220W per channel
? Maximum Power per channel at 4 ohm: 160W

Harman got DAC and wider Freq. Response but Yamaha has a lot better THD and better power (by the look of it ...although I am not sure). Help please. I am looking for the best sound quality of these 2.

 

[bikemig]

Haven't you answered your own question since you like the dac that the HK 3490 comes with? Plus you can pick it up refurbished from HK's website for a pretty reasonable price, HarmanAudio.com - Official Online Store of Harman Kardon, JBL, Infinity & AKG. You can pick up a refurbished Yamaha R-S700 here, YAMAHA R-S700 Natural Sound Stereo Receiver | Accessories4less, but it costs a bit more. I'd get the HK 3490 since it costs less and has the feature set you want.

 

[riftan]

I am not sure if built in DAC is an absolute factor to decide. I always can buy player with built in DAC instead if I choose to go for Yamaha.

My main concern is...Yamaha has superb THD if compared to Harman. Way too far (0.015% vs 0.7%). But Yamaha frequency response is fall short 10kHz compared to Harman. But some people said human ear won't be able to hear above 100kHz. (right or not.....I am not sure).

Anybody know about real life experience sound quality of these 2? Or among these 2 brands with apple to apple comparison?

 

[riftan]

Update:

KEF C25:
System Type: Two-way, bookshelf/stand-mount
Enclosure Type: Closed box
Size: 340 x 205 x 175mm (13.4 x 8.1 x 6.9 inches)
Weight: 4.1kg (9 lb)
Nominal Impedance: 4ohms
Rated maximum power: 110W programme (into 4 ohms)
Frequency response: 65Hz to 20kHz +/-3dB (-6dB at 55Hz)
Sensitivity: 87dB for a pink noise input of 2.83V (anechoic conditions)
Maximum output: 106dB on programme peaks under typical listening conditions