Hk Avr

daboyz

I currently have an HK AVR 125 so I have no where to go but up from here. Currently have Rti8's,Csi3, and hopefully fxi3's when the new lineup comes out. Question is, should I go up to the 6 series or stay down in the 2 or 3 series? Is there a huge difference in clarity and loudness? Would love to get a 5 channel amp but that's a little too rich for my blood.

If anybody has done the jump(knowing there are few upgraders around here), what were your impressions?

Thanx, Dave.

jmwest1970

You'll have to get more than a 5 channel amp if that's the route you want to take. The AVR125 doesn't have pre-outs so you'll need a pre-pro to replace the 125.

Joey_V

Jumped from an HK330 (previous but similar to the 335) to a Rotel RC1070 and RB1070 preamp and amp combo.

The difference is easily heard.

You cant use the 125 as a preamp as it has no outs.

Ron Temple

He's asking if the difference between the 2xx, 3xx series HK is worth the extra bucks vs. the 6xx or greater. Short story, I don't know. I do know that using a 2 or 3 series as a pre/pro is fairly inexpensive with a used amp. I've got about $700 invested in my 235 and Carver TFM 35. I'd venture to say that SQ wise it pretty much kicks a 6xx ****.

jmwest1970

Ron Temple wrote:

...I do know that using a 2 or 3 series as a pre/pro is fairly inexpensive with a used amp. I've got about $700 invested in my 235 and Carver TFM 35. I'd venture to say that SQ wise it pretty much kicks a 6xx ****.

Agreed. However, I'd also consider a dedicated pre-pro especially if you're willing to go used.

daboyz

Yes, I'd be dumping the 125 to move up. Can the 2 &3 series do ok in HT w/out the extra amps?

ben62670

daboyz wrote:

Yes, I'd be dumping the 125 to move up. Can the 2 &3 series do ok in HT w/out the extra amps?

It will be pretty decent, but I have the AVR-235, and hooked up some Adcom Amps. The dynamics just aren't there with a reciever. HK recievers can be had for $250 refurbished from HKdirect on Ebay. Take your time if you go the Ebay route they have good deals all the time. After having seperates I will not go back.

http://stores.ebay.com/Harman-Audio

Here is the specs page

http://www.harmankardon.com/product_support/interstitial.aspx?Language=ENG&Region=USA&Country=US&sJump=om

I may be selling my HK 235 and Adcom GFA-7500 (150*5 at 8, and 225*5 at 4 ohms) if your interested PM me.

Adcom info


Enjoy Ben
http://www.adcom.com/manuals.aspx

heiney9

Daboyz-maybe PM a_mattison; he was in the same situation as you are. He has an HK and bought (1) Adcom 2-channel amp and it transformed his HT. He runs his mains on the Adcom and the rest off the HK. You are in the same area we are so perhaps for our next gathering you can get you ears on some other systems as a point of reference.

H9

dudeinaroom

I'm running a denon with an adcom powering my front's and it is beautify. You can find used adcoms on e-bay for under 300, and if you don't like it you can always sell it here, or on e-bay, the e-bay route may even yeild you more money than what you paid for it. if going the e-bay route, be patient as others have said.

atmgr

I'm running rti8s and Csi3 (waiting for Fxi3s as well) -- driven by a new avr 245. And, it sounds great! I tried 645 and returned it. There is not much sound quality difference to justify the price difference, esp. for music. It's a different story if you need lots of video switching /HDMI stuff.

Even without a separate amp, 245 drives those speakers in great clarity and sufficient loudness. Those rti 8s were on a cheap but decent JVC (6010v) for a month before I couldn't help upgrading to HK245, which sounds warm and completely natural!

Lowell_M

heiney9 wrote:

Daboyz-maybe PM a_mattison; he was in the same situation as you are. He has an HK and bought (1) Adcom 2-channel amp and it transformed his HT. He runs his mains on the Adcom and the rest off the HK. You are in the same area we are so perhaps for our next gathering you can get you ears on some other systems as a point of reference.

H9

when I upgraded to my HK AVR635 (from a JVC AVR recently purchased by Opus's son, who I am sure is rock'in the house now) I was amazed. My HT came together with a seamless soundstage for movies. Great power, and I'm very impressed wtih the DAC in the HK, expecially when playing an HDCD.

...Then came the ADCOM GFA555. We are talking an order of magnitude leap in HT enjoyment. The headroom of the 555 for HT is absolutely amazing with the RTi70's. There is always power there to reproduce the quietest quiets after the loudest louds if that makes any sense. The most dynamic of action seens are reproduced in amazing detail. (compared to my previous setup)

I was initially concerned with the HK being able to keep up with the ADCOM for the center and rear channels, but after calibration, I seem to have a very seamless soundstage and the big HK has more than enough power for the center and rears. I may move the ADCOM to a 2-channel system and find a 5 channel amp for the HT in the future, but am quite happy right now.

I'm not sure if this helped, or just made you want to spend more money, but I upgraded to the HK and added the ADCOM for a total of $850. We're going to have a nother get together at my place sometime soon'ish, and you are welcome to come over.

~Aaron