A7's with HK 3490

Kaje

Hi guys,
I am new to the Polk forum and would like some advice from the various Polk experts here. I am looking at a stereo setup mainly for music but one that I can also connect to my tv just cos I'm sure movies will sound better of these speakers. Bcos I dont plan to upgrade to a 5.1 system I am looking at the HK 3490(since it has virtual surround) amp with the A7 speakers. ( or tsi 500?)
Is anyone running that setup? Will I need an amp with more juice or can the a7's be driven by the HK 3490 to their sound potential?


Thanks in advance!

Upstatemax

Kaje wrote: »

Hi guys,
I am new to the Polk forum and would like some advice from the various Polk experts here. I am looking at a stereo setup mainly for music but one that I can also connect to my tv just cos I'm sure movies will sound better of these speakers. Bcos I dont plan to upgrade to a 5.1 system I am looking at the HK 3490(since it has virtual surround) amp with the A7 speakers. ( or tsi 500?)
Is anyone running that setup? Will I need an amp with more juice or can the a7's be driven by the HK 3490 to their sound potential?


Thanks in advance!

The 3490 can drive them no problem. But to get FULL potential, you'll want a separate amp.

Do you plan on running a subwoofer? If so, look at the A5's also.

PrazVT

120w x 2 and 45A current capacity sounds like a very good combination.

Kaje

@Upstatemax: No, don't plan a sub that's why I didn't consider the A5.A separate amp is out of budget unfortunately. Any idea how good virtual surround on the 3490 would be for movies?
@prazvt:thanks!

tonyb

The virtual surround is gimmicky and not a real solution for the real thing. Once you hear stuff on your speakers, I'm betting it won't be long before you dive into 5.1

jbooker82

I would at least run a Left, Center, Right speaker stetup. That way you will get a nice front sound stage.

Kaje

@jbooker82: so add a center to the A7's? Would the HK 3490 manage that or do I need an AVR?
Sounds like a good idea!

Any more views on the A7 HK 3490 matching would be appreciated!

Thanks

Upstatemax

Kaje wrote: »

@jbooker82: so add a center to the A7's? Would the HK 3490 manage that or do I need an AVR?
Sounds like a good idea!

Any more views on the A7 HK 3490 matching would be appreciated!

Thanks

You would need an AVR. To get the kind of power that the 3490 puts out, you would need to spend a lot more money.

At least $700 for a pioneer sc-xx (refurbished).

jbooker82

Yea it looks like you would need an avr since the HK 3490 is only a 2 channel stereo reciever.

My Onkyo TX-NR808 has a Theater Deminsional mode. It is one of those virtual surround sound processing mode. It has most of the sound (dialogue) coming out of the center channel and then it uses the towers as the virtual surrounds. It still sounds good. Better than regular Stereo. You can hear sounds go across the front sound stage.

AsSiMiLaTeD

Those HK stereo models are VERY good. I have the 3480 and a Pioneer SC-25. The Pioneer actually mates better with my PSB, but with the RT series I think the HK sounds better and tends to tame the brightness of those speakers a bit.

If you must have an AVR then the SC is a great buy, but if you only need stereo you'll going to have a hard time beating that HK.

Kaje

@Upstatemax & jbooker82: spending enough to get HK power from an AVR is def. not in budget.
The HK does have a port for a subwoofer tho which I don't think would be necessary with the A7 pair?
I did read somewhere that the virtual surround of the HK is pretty good and more than just a gimmick. Beats just stereo for movies by quite a bit .what do you guys think?

@assimilated: sounds good!

Thanks!

jbooker82

Yea that is a pretty impressive 2 channel reciever. I dont really know on the virtual surround qualitys.

You could get a 110w onkyo TX-NR708 factory refurb for 399. It has HDMI ports so you could change sound sources and video sources with one button. Using HDMI for sound allows you to use PCM Mulit Channel vs Bitstream when using digtal coaxl or fiber optic.

I dont see any where where it says it can decode all the different surround sound modes.

I would go with an avr if it is going to be used for TV / home theater audio. The avr will decode all the different audio surround sound formats, and also use HDMI to carry the sound and video.

If it was going to be used as a stereo only then it would be good to go.

I dont know what the amperage is but it is rated at 110w with 2 channels driven.
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXNR708/Onkyo-TX-NR708-7.2-Channel-3-D-Ready-Network-A/V-Receiver/1.html#!specifications

I ran my RTI A7's off a Onkyo TX-NR808 and they sounded really good. I have since added a carver amplifier and they sound even better. That is expected when you add an external amp. Mine is rated at 250wpc x3 channels.

Here is a pretty good place for factory referbished gear.
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/category/AVReceiver/Home-Audio/Home-Theater-Receivers/1.html