Help with Harman Kardon choice!

acstech

How much of a difference would I see between the Harman Kardon AVR 435 and AVR 635. The AVR 635 has 10w per channel more then the AVR 435 but other than that is there any other differences. I found the AVR 435 new for $499.00 and the AVR 635 for $649.00. I am also considering Harmon Kardon direct and purchasing a refurbished unit but not sure if it’s worth saving a little money. If anyone has purchased a refurbished unit I would really appreciate hearing about your experience.

Thank you and I really appreciate any help you may give me.

cbl117

I think there's only two differences for the power section of these two amps. The first difference is the watts per channel, the avr435 has 65wpc while the avr635 has 75wpc. The other difference is the HCC (high instantaneous current capacity). The HCC for the avr435 is +/-40 amps. The HCC for the avr635 is +/-50 amps. If I understand this spec right, the added amperage will improve low end response in stressful moments.

I have the avr630 and really enjoy it. It really pairs nicely with polk speakers. I've used R50s, RTi10s, and LSi15s and it has sounded really good with all of them. Maybe not the best sound with the LSi15s, but they're 4ohm speakers and external amplification is needed, but I'd definately use the 630 as a preamp.

DollarDave

The 635 has the EZSet/EQ remote which will set the equalization levels of your speakers, the 435 has the EZSet/+.

The 635's have been going for 500 - 520 on e-bay from the Harman store and one went for something like 477 today.

Personally, I will get the 635 one day soon.

*Seby*-Polk-

Go with 635. It's fantastic. Also, try models of Denon and Yamaha before to make a good decission :cool:

kingsqueak

The processors and EZSet are identical with 435 and 635.

The power difference is probably not very critical.

However, the 635 has upgraded vid switching and _scaling_ which the 435 doesn't have, the 435 only does simple switching. As a result the on-screen display with the 435 has to run out as composite and on another input on the monitor to view it. The 635 will show the on-screen over component out. It will also take composite inputs and output them over component.

If the money difference isn't important, go for the 635. I cut a corner and went 435 and I'm happy for my use, no regrets. After initial tweaking and learning how to change levels via the remote and not using the OSD, it's not a big deal.

Also another consideration for me was to buy the best of their processing I could afford so that if I wanted more power later, I could simply use my 435 as a pre-pro and just add an amp later as it has full pre outs on it.

I started out looking at the 7300 and talked my way down to the 435, I've been a happy camper.

Joey_V

The difference in current is pretty substantial (a 25% improvement over the 435) and I would certainly take that into account. I would go with the 635.

MattN03

I just received my refurbed H/K 635 yesterday. My speakers won't be here till next week so I haven't really been able to try it out. Everything looks fine except for a scratch on the side of the unit as shown in the pic.

acstech

Thank you and good look and I hope it works out well for you.

SKsolutions

I picked up a refurbed 630 for 400. through HK. Cosmetics are better than expected, and it was upgraded via RS-232 to decode the lastest Dolby iteration. I'm quite happy with it, and will drive the LSi'9 quite well. I don't think it would fare too well with the 15's, but I've underestimated it more than once. It's driving 3 low impedance speaks and two saner ones with no problem in HT. Stereo has quite a bit of headroom as the amp config relay physically changes over to 90W into 8. If it's between the 435 and the 635, and money is a factor, you might do as I did and grab the 630 at a discount.

Currently I'm being blown away by Tool in HDCD. I'm soooooo evicted.

acstech

How much of a difference is there between to 630 and 635?

jtoddaz

I have a refurb avr 435 and it is great it is in a great room, and still has plenty of power. I have it runner a csi3 center, two rti6 mains and a psw100 sub it thats any help.(well I guess it isn't running the sub)

acstech

How happy where your with the purchase process with the AVR 435. Where there any scratches or anything? How long did it take to get the unit. My thought process is if that you only going to save an average of $100.00 then the unit should be in near perfect shape. If I am going to purchase something with cosmetic defects then I would think you should save more then just a few dollars. I would think the unit should be marked down almost 50%. Not 50% of the msrp. I am watching the refurbished AVR 635 being sold in the low $500.00 range which is only a little over $100.00 off of what I can get it new at onecall.com. If I can save $100.00 and the unit is in perfect shape then I think I will go for it and put the $100.00 toward my new SVS sub. If I have to worry about the unit being scratches or damaged in any way I think I will gust go with a new one. Thank you for all your help and I am sure I will change my mind another 100 times before I actually make my decision.

SKsolutions

acstech wrote:

How much of a difference is there between to 630 and 635?

Cosmetics were 9/10. The faceplate and bezel were perfect.
The difference between the 630 and 635? Not much. If you are not looking to upsample componet video, it's as good as the 635. I believe there is something else with the auto-setup and the onscreen display as well. I powers and decodes the same. It just won't line double for HDTV (Most displays will line double and scale on their own)

If you are looking to power LSi's, this is the least expensive solution I've found. I wouldn't have tried it with the HK435.

acstech

I think I will definitely be going with the AVR 635. I don't plan on upgrading for a few years after this purchase so I would rather have the better one. I am sure it will have plenty of power for my speakers. My JVC 100watt per channel from a HTB I bought 4 years ago for $700.00 actually powers my speakers ok. I know as soon as I hookup the 635 I will realize what garbage the JVC is. I found that out with the JVC speakers as soon as I hooked up the Polk’s. I also can't wait to replace my sub with a SVS sub. Thank you for all your help.

jtoddaz

Sorry for the late reply. The 635 would be awesome. But as far as going with a refurb, the unit was here quick, of course the unit shippped from phoenix and I live there but there might have been some small scratches on the back of the unit, but otherwise it was perfect. there was a plastic covering on the front which i had to peel off revealing a perfect condition beautiful unit.

Mike Sedai

I have had my AVR-630 for about a week now, and the thing is just amazing. I have always had cruddy mass market garbage before this, so everything just sounds incredible. Glad I went with H/K...

Now if I could just scrounge up enough cash to finish the speaker system...

Ran out of money before I got to buy my rears

acstech

Thank you for your responce I am pretty sure I will be going with the AVR 635. I to can't wait to finish my upgrades after the receiver comes the a SVS 20-39 sub and then I am done.