Hafler 220 amp/DH-110 pre-amp VS. HK 3490

ROHfan

I'm kinda new to external amps but I finally got around to hooking up a couple of hand-me-downs from my cuz tonight--a Hafler 220 amp and a Hafler DK-110 pre. I normally just use my HK 3490 for 2-channel and I really like the sound. No noticeable distortion, nice and clean. When I hooked up the 2 Haflers and gave it a try the sound was very full but I also might have heard a little distortion in the low end. It had some nice punch with plenty of power to spare but I was a little disappointed. I was expecting much better. Was I wrong to assume that? Anyone experience anything like this?

FTGV

For one due to their age those Haflers are likey well over due for a filter and feedback capacitor(or any other electrolytics) replacement if it has'nt already been done.

cnh

FTGV is probably right. But why don't you try this as well. Take the Hafler power amp and pull out the pre-amp jumpers on the HK. Then use the HK as the pre and the Hafler as the AMP.

I noticed a real difference connecting an Adcom GFA-545 to the HK than running the HK on its own amps. Maybe the Hafler amp is in better shape than the pre-amp, maybe not. But there's only one way to find out!

If you still hear some low end distortion, new caps, etc., are probably in order!

cnh