The HK 7550HD or the Pioneer SC-35?

[dreamagain]

What is the general consensus on these 2 receivers? I can pick either of them up for about the same price ($800-850), is one clearly better than the other?

Thanks

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I can't find any measurements of the SC35, but here is the Pioneer SC37:

http://www.hometheater.com/content/pioneer-elite-sc-37-av-receiver-ht-labs-measures

THD+N from the CD input to the speaker output was less than 0.007 percent at 1 kHz when driving 2.83 volts into an 8-ohm load. Crosstalk at 1 kHz driving 2.83 volts into an 8-ohm load was –97.27 dB left to right and –96.79 dB right to left. The signal-to-noise ratio with an 8-ohm load from 10 Hz to 24 kHz with “A” weighting was –105.63 dBrA.

Those numbers are quite impressive, a lot better than the $5K Arcam 600 AVR.

I could not find the HK7550 either, but here is the AVR8000:
http://www.hometheater.com/content/harmankardon-avr-8000-av-receiver-ht-labs-measures

THD+N from the amplifier was less than 0.017% at 1 kHz when driving 2.83 volts into an 8-ohm load. Crosstalk at 1 kHz driving 2.83 volts into an 8-ohm load was -83.60 dB left to right and -81.67 dB right to left. The signal-to-noise ratio with 2.83 volts driving an 8-ohm load from 10 Hz to 24 kHz with "A" weighting was -94.27 dBrA.

Both have fine numbers, but the Pioneer SC37 is better.

So I would get the Pioneer SC35.

 

[dreamagain]

Thanks. Ill get the 35

 

[PENG]

I have heard the SC-25. It sounded good and powerful. I think Pioneer products are typically reliable too.

 

[DD66000]

The 7550 HD is certainly the best of the current HK models. Its now discontinued, which is why its price is <$1k.

And for the first time, in years, I'd have to say say away from the new crop of HK AVRs...1650, 2650, 3650. Their overall worth is much lower than my old 635AVR..

 

[dreamagain]

The 7550 HD is certainly the best of the current HK models. Its now discontinued, which is why its price is <$1k.

And for the first time, in years, I'd have to say say away from the new crop of HK AVRs...1650, 2650, 3650. Their overall worth is much lower than my old 635AVR..

I actually went with the 7550HD for a few reasons:
#1. It was $770 and the SC-35 Was going to be $900
#2. It comes with a full manufacturer warranty where as the Pioneer had no warranty.

I hope I'm not disappointed!

 

[timoteo]

You didnt give us much info to go on so as to really make a recommendation that would hold any water for you! But there are many reasons one could recommend either of the units you mentioned. Having chosen the HK...ENJOY!!!

Please post pics & tell us what your thoughts are on its proformance. Its always good to hear what others think of their new equipment. (though it tends to be biased) But please share!!!

What speakers/sub are you running with it? How big is your room? What do you use it for more, music, movies or both?

Congrats on the new AVR.

 

[dreamagain]

I have a fairly small room and currentlh running the mirage mx 5.1 set.. however I may upgrade to some martin logan speakers soon. The majority of what I do is either video games or hd movies