HK Refurb 135 vs new Onkyo sr502

Schris22

Heres the deal,

Looking at these two. Both are around 220. Which one?

lots of info about what I need in this thread.

Here


Edit: Now I am also looking into the Denon AVR485S refurb. Thanks for the info though.

Thanks,

Chris

aaharvel

for me, i much prefer Harman Kardon receivers over Onkyo for both movies and especially music, at any price point. Whereas Harman has a nice, warm analog type sound - Onkyo receivers at least to me are bright and processed in their sound - (IMO)

Harman rates their wattage specs more accurately, as well. The h/K will rate all channels driven SIMULTANEOUSLY -throughtout the ENTIRE 20hz- 20khz range.

A bottom rung Onkyo receiver like the 502 will rate it's 75 watts at 1channel driven at a time at 1KHZ only, much like Sony, Kenwood and a few Pioneers and Yamahas. I can only guess that this is due to the lack of current in their amplifiers.

If you can squeeze a little more out of your funds, i'd go to J&R.com and spend a benjamin more and get a BRAND NEW 235 instead of a refurbished 135 for 7.1 (not 6.1), Prologic IIx, higher current and wattage in the amplifiers and most importantly PREOUTS- so in case you ever want to upgrade to more powerful amps in the future. That was the dealmaker for me.

right now you can buy a brand new 235 at jandr.com for $350- regular price $500. Brand new, with warranty.

if you ask me that's a steal. better performance, and it gives you a path to upgrade in the future if so desire.

whichever brand you choose- good luck.

Toxis

Onkyo. I think they both sound pretty close to each other but the Onkyo is much easier to use and the remote isn't the most retarded thing on the planet.

aaharvel

no arguement there. Harman's 135 remote is retarded in it's layout.

(edit) Denon's are really sweet dude. they're my 2nd choice. a VERY close 2nd choice.

Schris22

wow never even looked at the remote control. I've been focusing on the receiver.

how much frusteration is that remote?

hmmm, Tough decisions.

Chris

aaharvel

the 135 's remote is more frustrating at the onset.

the button's are kinda small.

me, i'd rather take the time to learn a remote and get better sound. and in the 235's case (with a slightly better remote) the confidence in knowing i can hook up separate amps to it via PREOUTS.

Schris22

i don't think anytime I will be using a seperate amp. Just no need for it when i'll be in small rooms for at least 7 or so years. Speakers are polk audio r50's csi1 and r15

Thanks for the recommendation. debating

aaharvel

i've heard that Denon's amp sections are just as high quality as H/K. plus i believe the Denon has 75watts x6 into 8ohms. whereas the H/K puts out 40x6 into 8ohms. The Denon also has prologic IIx, whereas the H/K 135 has only prologic II.

If you want a warm sound- go with H/K.
If you want a bright sound (feh) -go with Onkyo.
If you want a Neutral sound- go with Denon.

EIther the H/K or Denon will sound great with your Polk speakers. I myself have RTI's and F/X's across the board. Even though I own a H/K- honestly- i would chose the Denon.