Best 2 channel Receiver under $400.00...?

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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited November 2008
    Never had an issue with mine. There was a short run that hurt their rep, but it has been fixed. The refurb market has the units with the problems resolved. It's a good time to get HK;)
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • nikolas812
    nikolas812 Posts: 2,915
    edited November 2008
    No problems here either. I don't remember the model number of my first one. It was an older model. I had it for about a year with no problems. It did run hot though.

    But the new one I have runs very very cool. I am also running it with a pair of Lsi9's and it never really even gets warm.... You would think with the low ohm rating of the Lsi's it would get warmer than it does... I am very impressed with there new 2 channel receivers.




    Nick
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  • DollarDave
    DollarDave Posts: 2,575
    edited November 2008
    We haven't had any issues with my daughter's 3480 and she has used it everyday for 20 months.
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  • TomB
    TomB Posts: 106
    edited November 2008
    Thanks. Any thoughts on the HK3390 versus the NAD C720BEE?

    http://nadelectronics.com/products/hifi-receivers/C720BEE-Stereo-Receiver/specs
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  • bikezappa
    bikezappa Posts: 2,463
    edited November 2008
    I know most people have not used Revox equipment before but if you want a very nice high quality 2 channel receiver take a look at the B 285. This baby cost $3300 new in the 80s and is built like a tank. I use one to drive my SDAs in my bedroom system with no problems.

    You can get them on Ebay for less than $400 if you wait a bit. If possible get the remote for it.
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  • Danny Tse
    Danny Tse Posts: 5,206
    edited November 2008
    Always wanted some of that Revox gear.
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  • bikezappa
    bikezappa Posts: 2,463
    edited November 2008
    The big down side to Revox gear is the repair costs done at an autherized repair shop.

    The remotes to any of the B series are way ahead of the times.

    I can completely control a Revox CD player, tape recorder and tuner with a single remote. The remote also adjusts bass and treble and balance. And it can defeat the tone controls

    Want more? The remote can turn off/on speaker A and B and turn off the pre outs from the B 260 amplifier. Each FM station loudness can be adjust in order to make them have the same loudness.

    You never need to leave the chair.

    Below is a revox H series, amp, cd, tuner and tape and fancy remote
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  • emjordan
    emjordan Posts: 14
    edited November 2008
    For a great 2 channel receiver in the $400 range, I like the Yamaha RX-797. It is $499 at Crutchfield, but better deals are available online. On the used marketplace, even better deals can be found (include one for sale here on the Polk forum). It has pre-outs and two zone capability. I use mine for two separate outdoor speaker systems (using the A/B speakers) and have been very happy with its performance.

    It's not fancy, but it is built very solid and have performed well for me. For what their worth, all the reviews that I read before buying the Yamaha were excellent.
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited November 2008
    Tom - Nad is great gear. Probably watt for watt more powerful than the HK, although both seem to underrate their power specs.

    For me, the choice was HK because I find the NAD gear to have a very retro-fugly appearance, less 'bells', poor WAF, and that dolphin-retro-fugly grey appearance (oh, I mentioned that already). I think the HK had a Phono that NAD was missing which I thought I might need/want someday.

    Both great pieces and performers, though. Can't go wrong with either.
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • Fatbrando
    Fatbrando Posts: 275
    edited November 2008
    retro-fugly....

    LOL!

    FB
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Stanton STR8-100
    Polk SDA SRS 2.3TL (Proud newbie owner!)
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  • TomB
    TomB Posts: 106
    edited November 2008
    Thanks, Andy. Upon closer inspection, it does look like the NAD lacks phono inputs, which I need.

    Pity, as I was leaning toward the NAD, "retro-fugly" appearance notwithstanding. (In black, however, NOT "dolphin-gray": what's up with that?)
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  • DollarDave
    DollarDave Posts: 2,575
    edited November 2008
    Maybe you should consider a phono pre-amp like NAD makes? I have one and it works great.
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  • TomB
    TomB Posts: 106
    edited November 2008
    Dave, do you have the NAD PP-2, or a different phono pre-amp? (I gather the phono pre-amp outputs are just fed into one of the receiver inputs, right?)

    I've always used Grado cartridges, and I've never had an issue with the infamous "Grado hum", when using my old Harman/Kardon receiver (I understand that Grado and H/K work well together): would the NAD have any problem there?
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  • DollarDave
    DollarDave Posts: 2,575
    edited November 2008
    TomB wrote: »
    Dave, do you have the NAD PP-2, or a different phono pre-amp? (I gather the phono pre-amp outputs are just fed into one of the receiver inputs, right?)

    I've always used Grado cartridges, and I've never had an issue with the infamous "Grado hum", when using my old Harman/Kardon receiver (I understand that Grado and H/K work well together): would the NAD have any problem there?

    I do have the NAD PP-2 and it just feeds one of the user-defined inputs on my B&K PT-5.

    I am really a novice with turn tables, so I will defer the Grado question.
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  • EFanning
    EFanning Posts: 60
    edited December 2008
    The Marantz SR4023 is being offered by 6th Ave. via Amazon for $377 shipped.

    http://www.amazon.com/Marantz-4023-SR4023-Stereo-receiver/dp/B001EMBKNO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=audio-video&qid=1229182645&sr=1-2

    More on this unit at Crutchfield.com. I'd bet this unit outperforms the HK stuff.
    Marantz DV4001 CD and DVD
    WD TV Live Hub with 1 TB (Need DacMagic)
    Marantz PM7001 Integrated amplifier
    Philips GA 312 Turntable
    Polk Monitor 70s (Zone 1)
    Polk Monitor 40s (Zone 2)
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  • Conradicles
    Conradicles Posts: 6,372
    edited December 2008
    Kex wrote: »
    Marantz and h/k are frequently compared for thier modestly rated output and sound quality, however, I would not bet that that unit outperforms the h/k. On specs. alone, it is only 80w/ch compared to the 120w/ch of the h/k (with very similar THD). I would feel confident buying either unit personally, but that was a bit of a sweeping statement you made, IMO.

    My harman/kardon HK-3480 continues to amaze me as I just upgraded my speaker cables to audioquest.:cool:
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