Onkyo 8555 vs Harman Kardon 3490

[DRA]

If cost wasn't an issue (they are only about 50 dollars apart anyways...) which would you reccommend?

It will be used to drive a pair of Infinity p162's in a 12x12 bedroom most of the time and out in the living room during occassional parties. It will be used for both music (all types) and movies (including action)

I would like it loud but it won't be blasting most of the time...

 

[PENG]

Either one can do the job for you but there is no contest, HK3490 is the better one.

 

[sholling]

I think they're about even. They won't sound any different although the Onkyo might be a tad more reliable. I'd say compare features and then pick the one with the features that you want and start saving for a subwoofer to help out those sweet little Infinities.

You may also want to consider a small AVR instead so that you have an upgrade path to an eventual 5.1 system. Something like an Onkyo TX-SR607 or 608. If you're in the US you get a factory refurbished 607 for under $300.

 

[anamorphic96]

I myself would probably go with the 3490. Mainly for the digital input and Dolby Virtual Speaker. Which is one of the better simulated surround algorithms.

However the Onkyo has XM capability. So it's a draw. Either unit is great. Go for the one that has the features you want and feel more comfortable with.

 

[M Code]

I myself would probably go with the 3490. Mainly for the digital input and Dolby Virtual Speaker. Which is one of the better simulated surround algorithms.

However the Onkyo has XM capability. So it's a draw. Either unit is great. Go for the one that has the features you want and feel more comfortable with.

The 3490 also has XM Ready capability...

Just my $0.00..

 

[j_garcia]

6 of one half dozen of the other. For stereo listening you probably couldn't tell them apart with a good set of speakers.

 

[anamorphic96]

the 3490 also has xm ready capability...

Just my $0.00..

doh !!!

 

[DRA]

i've read some stuff about the 3490 and it looks like one issue people have (other than reliability issues) is that the vol is digital. is there any down side to having digital vol as opposed to analog? i assume the 8555 is analog? also does digital audio input make a big difference? i assume it is better than rca but is it a noticably big difference? thanks

 

[M Code]

i've read some stuff about the 3490 and it looks like one issue people have (other than reliability issues) is that the vol is digital. is there any down side to having digital vol as opposed to analog? i assume the 8555 is analog? also does digital audio input make a big difference? i assume it is better than rca but is it a noticably big difference? thanks

You have to evaluate How important the features of the 3490 are to you?
Since the 3490 has a DSP so that it can Dolby Headphone & Dolby Virtual Speaker it has to use a digital volume control...
Also by having a DSP it can take the coaxial or optical output for a PCM from a CD player directly as well...

Frankly speaking the difference between the 3490 & 8555 feature and sonic wise are minimal, you would be happy with either..

Just my $0.00...

 

[PearlcorderS701]

As someone with direct experience with the TX-8555, which is now being used to drive a two-channel system in my house, this thing is a beast -- right down to the feel of its ridiculously heavy master volume knob, which feels like it's encased in some kind of thick aluminum, like the hairline-finished front panel. This 100 watt per channel amp rocks especially given the price.

If you look at one of the very long threads which I began in here, asking for stereo receiver or integrated amp recommendations, you will see where I took Anamorphic's advice and went with a TX-8555...the receiver really does sound like a good power amp, and it's what Onkyo is known for -- clean, crisp power. The unit itself is a hefty beast of a unit for the size of its chassis and price; every button and control makes it feel much more expensive than it really is.

I can recommend the 8555.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

I myself would probably go with the 3490. Mainly for the digital input and Dolby Virtual Speaker. Which is one of the better simulated surround algorithms.

However the Onkyo has XM capability. So it's a draw. Either unit is great. Go for the one that has the features you want and feel more comfortable with.

Hey! You originally recommended the 8555 to me!

 

[anamorphic96]

Hey! You originally recommended the 8555 to me!

Yeah and I still do.

But for me. It would be the 3490. The digital input and Dolby Virtual Speaker are the major reasons.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

Yeah and I still do.

But for me. It would be the 3490. The digital input and Dolby Virtual Speaker are the major reasons.

But you recommended the HK to him...

 

[anamorphic96]

But you recommended the HK to him...

No I didn't. Here is what I wrote.

I myself would probably go with the 3490. Mainly for the digital input and Dolby Virtual Speaker. Which is one of the better simulated surround algorithms.

However the Onkyo has XM capability. So it's a draw. Either unit is great. Go for the one that has the features you want and feel more comfortable with.

I stated I would go with the HK but both units are great.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

No I didn't. Here is what I wrote.

I myself would probably go with the 3490. Mainly for the digital input and Dolby Virtual Speaker. Which is one of the better simulated surround algorithms.

However the Onkyo has XM capability. So it's a draw. Either unit is great. Go for the one that has the features you want and feel more comfortable with.

I stated I would go with the HK but both units are great.

Oh, okay, forgive me -- I meant to say you stated that I myself would probably go with... which I took as that you were kind of "taking back" the recommendation of the 8555; it just seemed as though you were very passionate about suggesting the 8555 to me in my thread, and I didn't understand why in this thread you were stating that "if it were you" you'd go with the HK.

 

[anamorphic96]

Oh, okay, forgive me -- I meant to say you stated that I myself would probably go with... which I took as that you were kind of "taking back" the recommendation of the 8555; it just seemed as though you were very passionate about suggesting the 8555 to me in my thread, and I didn't understand why in this thread you were stating that "if it were you" you'd go with the HK.

You really like Onkyo products. That's why I suggested it so much. It offered everything you needed at a dirt cheap price. So I still stand by my recommendation. It's a great receiver.

But the HK has some features that I would find useful so it's what I would get if it where me.