Need Stereo Help

[jkseger]

Hi all,

I did a search on stereo and went through about 10 pages and got some really good information. However, I am hoping I can get something more specific to my needs.

In my drum room, I need a stereo receiver/amp to power some Klipsch PA speakers. I need something that is powerful and loud. The amp/receiver needs to be able to handle a turntable, cd player and laptop via rca inputs. I would like to keep this purchase around $500 but would consider anything under $1000. I don't forsee any need now or in the future for this unit to do any surround sound.

Please let me know if more information is needed.

Thanks in adavace.

John

 

[brendy]

Did you look at pro sound gear ?

 

[jkseger]

Thanks for responding, Bredy but I'm not sure I understand what you mean. If you're talking about stuff I would buy at Guitar Center or Musician's Choice, then no. Only because I have the unique need to have a turntable hooked up to it. Do you have any specific suggestions?

John

 

[MrTrash]

John,
I'm not sure what kind of power you're looking for but I have an old Harman Kardon HK 3375 (110wpc) that has served me well for years. You can pick up the newer Harman Kardon HK 3485 (120wpc) from JR.com for $250 plus free shipping. This would give you a decent phono preamp, stereo preamp outs, mains in, separate subwoofer out, and a few other goodies. I know there are some folks who would stear you away from Harman Kardon but I have listened to a lot of other gear and for the price I am simply amazed at how good the HK stuff sounds. I will be purchasing one of the receivers I mentioned above later this coming month to power my Monitor Audio RS6 mains. One thing I love about my HK is that I run 2 sets of speakers - the MA RS6s and an older pair of B&W DM12s - which is probably below the recommended load for the receiver and it has never so much as hiccupped in all the time I have owned it! Nice and clean sounding, too.

Anyway, good luck with your search!

Mr. Trash

 

[gus6464]

You can get a refurbed HK 3485 directly from HK for $220 http://www.harmanaudio.com/search_browse/product_detail.asp?urlMaterialNumber=HK 3485&status=

Or a brand new one for $249 from amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Harman-Kardon-HK3485-Current-Receiver/dp/B000P3FKYS/ref=pd_bbs_sr_9?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1199059398&sr=8-9

 

[Gimpy Ric]

Harmon Kardon is owned by Harmon International, and they also own JBL, JBL PRO, Crown Pro amps, Infinity, and a few others. I woild not hesitate to buy a receiver at that price point, given the features and parent company.

 

[MrTrash]

Harman Kardon is also well known for having very responsive tech support. I've never waited more than a day to recieve a reply to a question that I've submitted on their webpage. It funny, but even some of the smaller "boutique" audio companies don't have the same level of tech support.