HK vs. Onkyo

gregure

I've seen a lot of posts regarding the quality of Harman Kardon receivers, and I was looking into several different new receivers, but keep coming back to the AVR 630. It looks like a great receiver, but I'm concerned that 75 wpc is a downgrade from my Onkyo 701's 100 wpc. Is there an audible difference with only 25 watts? I've heard the HK at Circuit City and it sounded great, but it's hard to judge in the store, when my own system may perform differently. I've also noticed that many here on the forum power their systems with Onkyo's, many times with lower models than the 701. How do HK and Onkyo compare? I'm happy with my system, but if the HK sound is more to my liking, I may like to switch. Thoughts?

Early B.

Agreed. It's just a personal choice. I personally chose HK.

Disregard those specs about watts per channel. They're virtually meaningless because there's no standard measure for comparison among different brands. Decide with your ears and your wallet.

reeltrouble1

I suppose they may sound different, however, they are in the same class of receivers, sound different but not necessarily better, as the others said matter of choice.

Why not think about separates, Outlaw or Nad for starters, there are many to choose from, Rotel makes some nice equipment also.

PolkThug

I'd stick with your 701. IMO the Oinks are a little stronger and also easier to use, compared to the HK's. My experience comes from working in the audio department at CC and also owning the 700.

If you got upgrade bug, I suggest buying a two channel amp to run the woofers on the RTi10's.

Regards,
PolkThug

gregure

Well, I went ahead and bought the AVR 630, spent a bit hooking it all up and reading through the manual. You're definitely correct when you say the Onkyo is easier to use. The HK is a little confusing, but I'm getting the hang of it. As far as sound quality, it's hard to tell. It's night time now, so I'll have to wait until tomorrow to crank it up, then I'll be able to really tell. I may end up returning the thing, I have 30 days. Only thing I've noticed so far is a slight hiss when I play CD's, which doesn't seem right. Can't tell yet why that's happening, but I'll tool with it a bit more. Doesn't seem to be the case with DVD's. If it gets rid of the harsh S sounds in movies, that may be the deciding factor.

dorokusai

HK...personal.

gregure

Well, I think I'm going to have to return HK. I've noticed a little bit more refinement in the sound from my Onkyo, maybe even a little bit better detail in sound effects with DTS, but every time I turn on the receiver, I can hear a high pitched buzzing or hissing coming from the speakers. It's worst from the mains, but it's audible from all speakers. Upon DVD/CD playback, it gets even worse. It's almost like you can hear the electrical current running to the speakers. I certainly didn't pay all that money to hear that everytime I use the stereo. I don't have the money right now to spend on all those fancy surge protectors, but I shouldn't have to, seeming as how the Onkyo never gave me this problem. Oh, well.

scottvamp

I personally like the Onkyo's. The only reciever to give it a run is the Denon's. I'm sure they are hard to tell apart. Once you go 501 or down you can almost get anything. The 701 and up they really start to shine. I love my "801" and "901" - they rock....

arufener

That problem with your HK is wierd, but if you've already spent the money, instead of returning it just try calling HK technical support. They are pretty helpful.

Personally, I like HK's a little better. The sound is a little more crisp and clear, and much more refined. Plus, they look really cool.

Kpt_Krunch

Originally posted by gregure
I've seen a lot of posts regarding the quality of Harman Kardon receivers, and I was looking into several different new receivers, but keep coming back to the AVR 630. It looks like a great receiver, but I'm concerned that 75 wpc is a downgrade from my Onkyo 701's 100 wpc. Is there an audible difference with only 25 watts? ?

Just a quick note here - not sure about the Onkyo, but H/K rates the outputs with ALL CHANNELS DRIVEN! When you see adds for cheap AVR's like Sony & Yamaha (I'm talking the low end ones here, not the high end stuff) you'll see stuff like "500 watts" or "400 Watts" but if you read the fine print the measurements are almost always something like (5 x 100 watts - ONE Channel Driven). In other words, if only one of the 5 channels are being driven, then that channel will produce 100 watts, but if all five are driven at the same time, that measurement could go down to as low at 40 watts (or less) depending on the current of the receiver. And since H/K is the only AVR that I am aware of that even posts the current (my H/K 520 has a 45amp +/- current) I would tend to think that the others are not nearly as strong.

My H/K easily powers my existing setup - although I did get a PA2000 to make a 7 channel, but low and behold (and I already had this discussion) there wasn't a lot of stuff out there that was 7 channel. More is coming now though, but I like the RT800i's driven by the PA2000 - so I am in no hurry to switch.

arufener

I personally like HK. I think their sound is much more crisp, and refined as well a full. I wouldn't worry about the wpc, you really can't judge a reciever at all with watts. Plus HK recievers look really cool...

thanks
arufener

Mazeroth

HK, all the way, what else do I have to say?!?!