Qestion about Harman Kardon

[Vincent01]

Hi all, first time poster. Anyways, if you start from the Harman Kardon AVR 135 and go through the 235, 335, 435, and up to the 635, at what point/points do you hear the biggest improvement in sound quality. This is not about features, but just pure sound quality. Are they all the same in this regard?

 

[Audioholics]

Read this article for your answer (specifically pages 2 and 3):

http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/audioprinciples/amplifiers/receiverpower.php

Since we don't review the entire Harman Kardon line I can't tell you where the product jumps specifically, but the article gives you some guidelines to look for.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Excellent article, Clint. HK's are very under-rated for power. I've researched HK in depth, and have the highest respect for the brand. I would skip the 135 due to lack of a 7th amp. The 235 through 635 are rated 50x7; 55x7; 65x7; and 75x7. You won't notice any difference in sound between the 235 and the 635. You will notice a difference in the 7300 though, rated at 7x110. This is one of the most powerful amps pushing 7 channels at one time, with higher grade circuitry. Driving the 235 to just below clipping is almost unbearable in volume with a good set of speakers. Check out www.jr.com for some decent pricing on HK products if you haven't already found a source. They usually offer free shipping on HK.

 

[mike c]

ancient I know

but in relation to the comparison between receivers of HK

https://www.hci-services.com/tech_doc/documents/harman kardon/HK FullLine Catalog 2005/HK FullLine Catalog 2005/HK_FullLine2005_eng.pdf

page 34 and page 35 has in chart form the differences between receiver models.

the 435 has a different DSP chip from the 235 ... do you guys think the SQ difference would be noticable if these were used just as pre-pros?

 

[bruin62]

Hk

So is the HK7300 last years model?

 

[agarwalro]

It is not listed on the website but can be found in the support section. So I believe you are correct in assuming that the 7300 is not considered a current model.

 

[rolyasm]

Good Article. So when a manufacturer bumps the voltage rails, does this do anything as far as reliability or sound? I guess my question is that if it is so simple to do and doesn't have any down sides, why not do it on all the models? Cost? Does it create a reliability issue?
Roly