Onkyo SR875 or HK 3490 for Lsi7?

NewHTguy

I'm finally narrowing down my two channel options. I'm fairly set on the following

Lsi7s (soon to be ordered)
REL T3 (on its way)
Cambridge 740C (already owned)

The problem is that I keep second guessing myself on the receiver options. Right now I own the Onkyo SR875 which has Burr-Brown DACS and a very hefty amp section (for a receiver). It is being used as a pre at the moment in my double duty rig, and will probably never push anything more than a center channel. I'm mostly considering two options:

Option 1:
Buy a new receiver (with pre-outs) for the double duty rig, and use the Onkyo SR875 in the two channel rig.

Option 2:
Buy a Harmon Kardon 3490 (150 Watts into 4 Ohm) for the two-channel.

Option 3:
Am I missing any better options with a remaining $400-500 budget.

Thanks in advance!

EndersShadow

My suggestion would be either option 2 OR (and this totally depends on your source for 2 channel) get a used pre + amp. Something like NAD or Adcom stuff.

NewHTguy

Thanks Endershadow. My instinct was to go with the HK3490 based on reading previous posts (some of them yours) but just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything. I know a separate amp is ideal, but the room is small and I will likely be listening when the wife and toddler are sleeping, so I think I can get by with the HK3490.
Cheers!

cnh

If I may suggest an addition to ES's recommendation above. I've run LSI-7s on a number of receivers and amps (Adcom, HK 3490, Denon AVR, and a NAD integrated).

Of all of those, the entry level C325BEE hit the sweet spot. There was 'no' contest between it and the HK 3490--the lower powered NAD had more bass, cleaner mids and a more 'refined' high end than the HK and it was also cleaner than the Denon and less bright than the Adcom.

You can even move up in power to the 35X series if you go 'used'. But you can certainly buy a new C326 in the 450-500 range. Or find an old 325 for 300 or less. If I am not mistaken the newer model may have a sub out...which it looks like you will need unless you use a Tape Out to your sub?

Give some NADs a listen, they match up well with LSIs for not much coin and sound like twice as much as they're worth!

cnh

NewHTguy

CNH, Thanks for the advice, but I already pulled the trigger. I've never owned an HK so at least I will have a new experience. If I'm not thrilled then I will consider switching it out for the NAD. I've come to learn that part of the fun of this hobby is the trying of new gear!

cnh

No problem. The HK is not bad at all, it's just that I liked the NAD more. Actually, I had the same idea as you...try the HK out and see how it does with the LSI-7s. One advantage that you'll have with it is that it has two sub outs--which is nice...as well as a decent tuner and pretty good DACs for its price....although you'll probably be using the Cambridge DACs.

I've run a computer toslink cable to the HK for internet radio and Pandora, and it does a good job with that!

Have fun!

cnh

NewHTguy

The NAD didn't occur to me as a good choice because of the low wattage. But I've heard that NAD is very conservative in their power ratings, and your comments seem to confirm that. I did briefly consider stretching my budget and going with an integrated until I realized that I would also need a tuner and that would drive up the cost. As you mention, the HK seems to have a good tuner and for me that was a nice bonus. Cheers!