Author Topic: Any Harman Kardon users here? (Read 434 times)

Nilsen · « **on:** August 19, 2007, 12:05:16 PM »

Ive been looking at (online) the simple Harman Kardon avr132 (european model?) surround reciever and a pair of B&W DM601 S3 speakers. I will use this setup mainly for stereo music and not surround from the outset. The reason for not choosing a dediacted amplifier instead of a surround reciever is because it will eventually be a surround system in a small room.

Anyone have bad or good things to say about Harman Kardon recievers and/or B&W speakers? (mainly regarding stereo sound qulaity) Ive read some reviews but would like some more input. None of the places i can visit live has both B&W and H/K in the same store so i cant listen to them together.

culero · « **Reply #1 on:** August 19, 2007, 12:26:31 PM »

I haven't used a HK receiver, but its IMO a respected name in consumer-level (as opposed to high end geek stuff). I do own a pair of HK speakers which I like very well.

Nilsen · « **Reply #2 on:** August 19, 2007, 12:28:37 PM »

ok thx. any good links to american websites that tests AV stuff?

culero · « **Reply #3 on:** August 19, 2007, 12:29:29 PM »

http://www.google.com

sheesh

Nilsen · « **Reply #4 on:** August 19, 2007, 12:48:22 PM »

yeah yeah.. been there done that. most reviews or tests are sponsored or belongs to all the same websites (h/k, cnet etc) and they suck

I was thinking about names of serious hifi/av mags or fansites that has websites you can find stuff at.

culero · « **Reply #5 on:** August 19, 2007, 12:53:37 PM »

I wouldn't know. When I buy audio equipment, I go somewhere that has a demo room and listen, then buy what I like the sound of.

Nilsen · « **Reply #6 on:** August 19, 2007, 01:16:29 PM »

Normally i would too, but our local B&W shop does not have HK

culero · « **Reply #7 on:** August 19, 2007, 02:10:21 PM »

Listening to a receiver is less important than listening to speakers. Like I said, HK has a decent reputation. You're not talking about a huge investment, are you?

culero · « **Reply #8 on:** August 19, 2007, 02:18:14 PM »

Damn, dood, you must use a ghey Euro version of Google. Apparently the US version, like the US version of most things, is much more robust

It took me less then 2 minutes to find a few decent-looking comments about HK receivers:

http://www.amazon.com/Harman-Kardon-HK3480-Stereo-Receiver/dp/B0001FI49I

(see user comments, that's what Amazon is good for)

http://www.ultimateavmag.com/avreceivers/205hk/

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_3/harman-kardon-avr-230-receiver-8-2004.html

http://products.howstuffworks.com/harman-kardon-avr-635-a-v-receiver-review.htm

Lemme know if you need some help finding the US version of Google

Nilsen · « **Reply #9 on:** August 19, 2007, 02:18:43 PM »

No, not a huge investment at all, but i always get my money worth. I dont waste money.

culero · « **Reply #10 on:** August 19, 2007, 02:20:14 PM »

Yeah, I pretty much squeeze my pennies until they're much larger in diameter than normal, too.

Dago · « **Reply #11 on:** August 19, 2007, 04:39:26 PM »

I used an HK receiver for a long time, and it was an excellent product. I matched it to a set of KEF Correlli speakers. Nothing bad to say about it. Now it sits collecting dust, but served me well for years.

Masherbrum · « **Reply #12 on:** August 19, 2007, 07:07:35 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Nilsen
yeah yeah.. been there done that. most reviews or tests are sponsored or belongs to all the same websites (h/k, cnet etc) and they suck I was thinking about names of serious hifi/av mags or fansites that has websites you can find stuff at.

I frequent Sound&visionmag.com Forums. I also frequent Audioholics.com forums.

Nilsen · « **Reply #13 on:** August 20, 2007, 01:10:54 AM »

thx

expat · « **Reply #14 on:** August 20, 2007, 02:03:03 AM »

Hi Nilsen
I have an AVR635 with the HK speaker setup and the DVD47, the sound is absolutely fantastic , setup is very easy and the kit looks the muts nuts

However , i think that HK somtimes fall asleep at the quality desk , within 10days of purchase the AVR gave up the ghost ....!!!!!Most unhappy .
Took the thing back to the HK shop (drive fm Masirah to Dubia!!!) and they replaced it on the spot , including the remote as i'd dropped it and broke the lcd screen. The new AVR has been running trouble free for 8 months now so touch wood all is good ......