Finally Completed my system!

PerfectCreature
PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
edited May 2010 in The Clubhouse
So I just got my Harmon Kardon HK 3490. Wow....that is notches above what my last receiver is. I hear so much more stuff with the receiver and they make my polk monitor 50s go so much louder and clearer as well.
I find it amazing how much different a receiver can make your system sound.
Well, I ordered some speaker wire and a sub cable from monoprice... I will update on my new experience after I hook up everything with 12 gauge wires and naners and a sub cable...
Just astounded....really....
Very pleased.
Receiver
Harman Kardon HK 3490
Speakers
Polk Audio Monitor 50s
Subwoofer
Klipsch KSW-100
Cables
AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

Alienware X51 R2
PS4
Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
Post edited by PerfectCreature on
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Comments

  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited May 2010
    Upgrades are nice, espicially when they raise your systems performance level. Congrats !
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited May 2010
    I am not used to the whole decible level for volume...
    I am curious how that works...
    I know my speakers are 89 sensitive....at 1 watt does that mean I minus whatever its on from the 89 decibles?
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • rcrook317
    rcrook317 Posts: 280
    edited May 2010
    no system complete till u add an amp....separate power is where its @!
    fronts=rti12s(cherry)
    center=csi3(cherry)
    sub=psw125(cherry)
    emotiva xpa-2
    harmon kardon 354
    sony cdp
    ipod 8gb
    audioquest diamondback 1m
    "Maesto" straightwire cables
    pangea ac-9
    playstation3/120gb=blu-ray/media server
    monitor=lg 55inch lcd(1080p)
    TT Set-up=Pro-Ject RM 1.3
    Kenwood Phono
    bren1 Clamp
    Herbies Slipmat

    "It doesnt mean that much to me,to mean that much to you"
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited May 2010
    True...I know. For now though a single receiver a pair of towers and a sub is all I need.
    Maybe in a few years when I'm out of college I will really go over board set myself a $5000 limit for a stereo system....
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • woodsman10b
    woodsman10b Posts: 408
    edited May 2010
    PerfectCreature wrote: »
    I am not used to the whole decible level for volume...
    I am curious how that works...
    I know my speakers are 89 sensitive....at 1 watt does that mean I minus whatever its on from the 89 decibles?

    Not really how it works, but someone here might be able to explain better than I, so I wont even try lol :D
    Most of them only hear how loud it sounds, and the rest of us hear everything else - :rolleyes:
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited May 2010
    Yeah I am not really sure either.
    Im so used to turning the volume to 12 o clock and that's half then when I wanted it full it'd be about 6 o clock.
    This whole decibel thing is odd.
    I can't wait to see what it sounds like going from 16 gauge wires to 12 gauges wires with banana plugs... and I'll even have a sub cable and a receiver with a sub out...
    I'm so exited. I'll have it all on Friday./ Most likely update how it sounds on Friday.
    In the mean time... I know the receiver goes as low as -80db....the manual says however that it can go above 0db...but i risk my hearing ans speakers....
    Any input on that? I'm not sure how that works...how can it go past 0db? and how far past it will it respectively go?
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • cnoat
    cnoat Posts: 315
    edited May 2010
    Congrats on your new sound.Just remember the more it gets better the more you want to upgrade.

    I am out 2700 since I have joined this forum,but the more I upgrade the better it sounds.3 more pieces and I am complete.FOR NOW
    Parasound Avc-1800
    Mains-Rti 12 -Parasound 1500a
    Center-Csi5-Parasound 1000a
    Rears-Rti 8-Parasound 750a
    Sub SVS Ultra Tv 12
    Diamondback and King Cobra IC's
    AQ T4 SC
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited May 2010
    Those HK 2 channels are nice for sure.
    Enjoy.
    Ben
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • TECHNOKID
    TECHNOKID Posts: 4,298
    edited May 2010
    PerfectCreature wrote: »
    True...I know. For now though a single receiver a pair of towers and a sub is all I need.
    Maybe in a few years when I'm out of college I will really go over board set myself a $5000 limit for a stereo system....
    Congratulations on your system upgrade and keep your wisdom toughts when you do upgrade that way your only way will be to go up never down ;)
    DARE TO SOAR:
    “Your attitude, almost always determine your altitude in life” ;)
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  • reberly
    reberly Posts: 173
    edited May 2010
    PerfectCreature wrote: »
    So I just got my Harmon Kardon HK 3490. Wow....that is notches above what my last receiver is. I hear so much more stuff with the receiver and they make my polk monitor 50s go so much louder and clearer as well.
    I find it amazing how much different a receiver can make your system sound.
    Well, I ordered some speaker wire and a sub cable from monoprice... I will update on my new experience after I hook up everything with 12 gauge wires and naners and a sub cable...
    Just astounded....really....
    Very pleased.

    We could only wish we have ever reached the end to upgrades. At least enjoy this round of upgrades for awhile.
    Onkyo TX-SR805
    Polk LSi15 , LSiC, LSiFX
    Parasound Halo A52
    Panasonic 42'' Plasma
    Oppo BDP-83
    Sonos
    Panamax 4300
    Audioquest cables
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited May 2010
    One thing that really confuses me...is the fact that it goes lowest to -80db but it will hit 0db and continue to get louder....( I did this on my teac speakers) Why is this?
    I know it gets louder because the teacs have 10 inch woofers and the more I turn it past 0db the more the woofers move air and such....
    Just curious.
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • TECHNOKID
    TECHNOKID Posts: 4,298
    edited May 2010
    ...however companies toys at will with this
    PerfectCreature wrote: »
    One thing that really confuses me...is the fact that it goes lowest to -80db but it will hit 0db and continue to get louder....( I did this on my teac speakers) Why is this?
    I know it gets louder because the teacs have 10 inch woofers and the more I turn it past 0db the more the woofers move air and such....
    Just curious.
    Some reading for you; http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/11521

    Cheers!
    TK
    DARE TO SOAR:
    “Your attitude, almost always determine your altitude in life” ;)
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited May 2010
    I think the most important part of the reading suggested by the Technokid above is the last line. Basically, there is NO REAL standardization among manufacturers of equipment so either forget about it...or guess!!


    ""A manufacturer may choose any method to describe their equipment. Unless you know what reference is being used, the results are somewhat meaningless.""

    Otherwise....congrats on the Harman Kardon...for a stereo receiver it has more than enough power for your 'current' (no pun intended) purposes. No need for 'separates' YET!

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited May 2010
    I may buy one of those....
    Those mesaure the decibel... what do they run usually?
    How would I use one?

    ___________--
    Just checked....are there any cheaper than $50....and if not are they worth the money?
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • HB27
    HB27 Posts: 1,518
    edited May 2010
    "I finally completed my system"
    I'm sitting here smiling about that statement. I don't know how many times I've said the same thing. I think the first time I said it was about 40 years or so ago. I've realized I'll never be finished.
    Congratulations on your new HK. It's a nice nice unit.
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  • mdaudioguy
    mdaudioguy Posts: 5,165
    edited May 2010
    Probably better to say, "The current iteration of my system is complete... for the immediate, foreseeable future..." ;)
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited May 2010
    Yeah, I have heard a lot about that. I guess I will soon find out huh?
    Yeah the only down fall about it is the manual doesn't really state how to do much...
    I guess I will have fun playing with it :)
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • mdaudioguy
    mdaudioguy Posts: 5,165
    edited May 2010
    Agree about the manual. I had the same thought about my HK manual, when compared to my Yamaha and Onkyo manuals, but in a way, all of them were lacking. You learn more from experimenting and playing, but don't ask any questions here that could be answered by reading the manual, lest you be told to RTFM!! ;)
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited May 2010
    So, I just got my wires and such. I wish the sub cable I got was a little more grippy on the connectors but for $7 I will not complain. The banana plugs are pretty amazing a pain in the but to hook up though, but they look wicked nice. The quality of the wire was amazing considering it was only $13 from monoprice.
    My speaker do go louder now given the 12 gauge wire, and they sound much better than using the cheap walmart schoche wire.
    All in all. I am pretty satisfied. I will have to update in the showcase section when my camera finds a set of AAs.... :)
    _____________________________
    I wish I had my replacement tweeters already.... GRRRRR
    Oh well that is kind of the last thing i am missing. The new receiver takes a little off of the crackle...but you can still hear it....
    Oh wells.
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited May 2010
    Congrats!
    Linn AV5140 fronts
    Linn AV5120 Center
    Linn AV5140 Rears
    M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
    Odyssey Mono-Blocs
    SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D
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  • greyford1979
    greyford1979 Posts: 749
    edited May 2010
    Congrats on the new upgrades. I just recently finished upgrading as well and am thrilled with my new setup. However now I'm thinking of upgrading the bedroom system and possibly doing an outside speaker setup. Damn this forum is gonna put me in the poor house and get me in trouble with my fiance:eek: lol
    I love animals, they're delicious!
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited May 2010
    Oh i hear you.
    I have already got in the dog house with my wife. She is really upset at me that i "wasted"our money on frivolous fun...
    I asked her how many pairs of shoes she owned and exactly how much makeup she buys every month.... it shut her up for a little bit anyway haha
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • TouchOfEvil
    TouchOfEvil Posts: 967
    edited May 2010
    PerfectCreature wrote: »
    Oh i hear you.
    I have already got in the dog house with my wife. She is really upset at me that i "wasted"our money on frivolous fun...
    I asked her how many pairs of shoes she owned and exactly how much makeup she buys every month.... it shut her up for a little bit anyway haha

    That doesn't work when you upgrade bigger and bigger each time. But it is good to use at first.:D
    Living Room Rig:D
    Rotel RSP-1069/Rotel RMB-1095/Rotel-1072/Polk lsI15's W/modded xoverW/DBsubs/Polk LsiC/lsI7's/Klipsch sub-12"the weak link"/DLP Mitsubishi 65"
    Xbox360/PS3/WII
    M.Br. setup:)
    Emotiva MMC-1/Rotel RMB-1075/Polk BlackStone TL350's/Velodyne SPL1000/Samsung 51" Plasma
    Computer Rig:
    Rotel RB1050/Tannoy DC4's/Klipsch RW-10d/ImodIpod/HK AVR230 for now....
    Headphones-Ultrasone-HFI780's w/LittleDot MK Vamp Portables Panasonic HJE-900's
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited May 2010
    Well, she does need some new kitchen appliances... we kinda need a stove and she wants a dishwater.
    I'll make a trade ha, dishwasher for upgrade.
    Tested using the radio. That sounds pretty decent too. Overall I am pretty impressed.
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • greyford1979
    greyford1979 Posts: 749
    edited May 2010
    PerfectCreature wrote: »
    Oh i hear you.
    I have already got in the dog house with my wife. She is really upset at me that i "wasted"our money on frivolous fun...
    I asked her how many pairs of shoes she owned and exactly how much makeup she buys every month.... it shut her up for a little bit anyway haha

    Yeah I used the shoe thing last month on her after I bought some stuff and then she goes and buys the sub I wanted, for my birthday. I felt like such an a**hole!:o She's such a great girl to put up with me lol. I haven't decided exactly what to do yet, but I'm gonna make it up to her...not waiting for her birthday tho that's still a long ways away in October.
    I love animals, they're delicious!
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  • Danny Tse
    Danny Tse Posts: 5,206
    edited May 2010
    PerfectCreature wrote: »
    I know my speakers are 89 sensitive....at 1 watt does that mean I minus whatever its on from the 89 decibles?

    There's no industry standard for this figure. However, usually that number means the sound level (decibel) a speaker (just one speaker, not a pair) will reach when powered by one watt measured at a distance of 3 meters. For every 3 decibels increase in speaker sensitivity, you will only need half the amount of power to reach the same sound level. This is also where the "school" of high sensitivity speakers matched to low powered amps come from.
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited May 2010
    Ohh, I see. Well, my speaker cables are the same length about 10 feet is what I made them and they have naners...so.
    I just wasn't sure its really diffrent going into the high tech and high end audio stuff ha.
    Im used to picking up old school speakers for like 15 20 a pair running them for a year when they burn out replace them...
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • yepimonfire
    yepimonfire Posts: 256
    edited May 2010
    PerfectCreature wrote: »
    I am not used to the whole decible level for volume...
    I am curious how that works...
    I know my speakers are 89 sensitive....at 1 watt does that mean I minus whatever its on from the 89 decibles?

    no, theoretically the 0db level is the maximum output level your amp can handle before clipping. so if you have the volume at 0db, and you have a 100w amp, your using an average of ~100 watts at 0db on the volume control you will be getting a 20dB gain, so it will be 109dB at 1m instead of 89, if the volume control goes all the way down to about -70db and your playing it at -35, thats a ~50w gain giving you an output of 106dB at 1m. keep in mind though the power usage is variable and dependant on the overall dynamic range of the music. and also keep in mind that just because you have a 106db gain means your actually hearing it that loud unless you put both speakers directly facing your ears at exactly 1m (approx 3 feet) its not going to be that loud. at 2m away the intensity of the sound level drops to 1/3, at 3m away it drops to 1/9. decibels are really a bad way to linearly represent sound levels imo.

    as far as analog volume controls go, most of the time you will reach maximum output at half.
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  • yepimonfire
    yepimonfire Posts: 256
    edited May 2010
    forgot to add that you reach the volume controls level of output when the recording hits the 0db mark, most overly compressed pop music of today never deviates -3dB from this mark so in theory, most of the time your using a range of 50-100w in power.
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited May 2010
    Hmm...
    That's pretty crazy stuff. So basically the highest decible rating I could really get is give or take 110db at the most.
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter