Harman Comparison

bobman1235

I've finally put a chunk of change aside to buy a new receiver. I've pretty much settled on an H/K based on sound / price / quality, but there are three models I'm comparing :

AVR 430
AVR 525
AVR 630

Obviously the 525 is a year older, but seems to have pretty much the same feature set as the other two. As for the 430 vs the 630, there seems to be only one difference - 10 watts of power (65 vs 75). The 525 had 70.

Really only the (refurb) 525 and 430 are in my price range, and I'd like to get the newer one ... for no particular reason. Looks, I suppose. Plus it's more readily available at the harmanaudio site (the 525s sell out a lot).

Does anyone know of any differences between the 525 and the 430, other than the 5 watts of power? And will I really miss the 10 watts between the 430 and 630?

I eventually (EVENTUALLY) plan on amping at least the fronts separately, but for now this will be driving RTi70's and FXi30's in the rear.

Thanks for the input!

kingtut

HTF members reported a lot of problems on the refurbished HK bought from HK directly. I'd buy a used and non-refurbished 525 instead. I had a used 525, and no problem at all.

kingtut

The 525 is heavier than the 630 and 430. The general rule of thumb is the heavier amp is better than the lighter one. Here's one for $425 (no affiliation): http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?miscrcvr&1104865575

bobman1235

Originally posted by kingtut
The 525 is heavier than the 630 and 430. The general rule of thumb is the heavier amp is better than the lighter one. Here's one for $425 (no affiliation): http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?miscrcvr&1104865575

Excellent point, and thanks for the link! I've been checking audiogon every day waiting for a good one to pop up