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Is the AVR 135 enough?
#136420 04/23/06 05:20 PM
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Jordan Offline OP
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I am in the midst of my floorstander research/auditioning. I won't have much cash left over for a new receiver but I don't think that my JVC will do any justice to the new loudspeakers.

I managed to get a line on a Harmon Kardon AVR 135 for a song. I'm wondering if you think that it will have enough juice to drive the M60's properly?

I'm also looking at Monitor Audio Bronze B6's which are 6 ohm. Any thoughts on whether this will be too much of a chore for the AVR 135?
The 135 is rated at 40 wattsX6 by HK.

I look forward to your feedback. Upgrading any further isn't much of an option in my current budget.

I look forward to your advice,

Jordan

Re: Is the AVR 135 enough?
#136421 04/23/06 05:24 PM
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I know that everyone here will disagree with me, but consider the M50s with a 235 or 335. They're not that far off of the M60s, and some consider them to be better, due to the different sound. I'm not sure if I'm in that camp or not... Also, consider buying the H/Ks refurbed. My 525 (around $800-1000 retail back when I got it) was about $550-$600 refurbed. No problems other than a little scratch on the top. Well, that and some really weird configuration stuff, but that's the nature of the H/K beast...


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Re: Is the AVR 135 enough?
#136422 04/23/06 08:22 PM
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HK rates their AVR's very conservatively. Because of their high current, full bandwidth ratings, it would have no problems driving a pair of 60's. The 60's are very efficient and being 8ohm, you should not have a problem.

What is your planned use for the setup, music and/or movie watching?


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Re: Is the AVR 135 enough?
#136423 04/23/06 11:30 PM
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Jordan Offline OP
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My primary concern in music with home theatre coming in a far second. I know that HK rates their amps conservatively but I wonder about 40 watts doing it. The problem with the 135 is that they do not have pre-outs so I can't connect another amp down the line. If I had the money, I would buy a better receiver but sadly I don't. I do have a line on the 135 that makes it affordable so I though that I may as well go that route. Plus, I really like the styling of the receiver.

So you think it could do the trick?

Cheers,

Jordan

Re: Is the AVR 135 enough?
#136424 04/23/06 11:33 PM
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If you like it, it should be fine. I wouldn't count on being able to do a lot of high volume listening-I wouldn't turn it up too far-it would probably work out just fine until you get something else. Or, you could always stick with what you've got and save for something you'd like better later down the line.


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Re: Is the AVR 135 enough?
#136425 04/24/06 12:09 AM
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In reply to:

Or, you could always stick with what you've got and save for something you'd like better later down the line.




Excellent advice, this is what I would do if you have reservations about the 135.



Rick


"A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity." Sigmund Freud

Re: Is the AVR 135 enough?
#136426 04/24/06 12:39 AM
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I ran the H/K AVR110 with M60's, VP150, QS8's and it was a solid performer.
My main use was H/T but I also used my xbox for music which could be used in 2 or 5 channel (5 channel all the same signal)
I was really impressed as it was very capable. I have recently upgraded to a Yammy 4600 and the main difference is it can go louder. The H/K could go louder than I needed while staying nice and clean. I sold my H/K AVR110 to a buddy who was laughing trying to figure out why I needed the upgrade....

I would however suggest using what you have for now and waiting to get an amp with outputs to add an amp. Just to not worry about what ifs and the upgrade bug. Unless of course you are getting too good of a deal.

Good luck


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Re: Is the AVR 135 enough?
#136427 04/24/06 02:06 AM
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Jordan, there doesn't appear to be any good reason to "think" that your 6042 wouldn't do fine. You shouldn't assume a problem which might well not exist. As Ken mentioned, if you really wanted a replacement, there's time to do that when the budget would permit.


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Re: Is the AVR 135 enough?
#136428 04/24/06 02:27 AM
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Many thanks for the sensible advice above guys. I would normally wait until the budget permitted and indeed, there isn't a huge rush except that the AVR 135's are clearing out making room for the 140s. They are already marked down and there is a floor model that I could get with my friend's employee discount on top of it all. So, it could turn out to be a good deal.

The timing is good because I have the girlfriend's blessing to pick one up so she can put our current one in the bedroom.

That is why I may seem a bit jumpy on the purchase.

As a side note, I just had my first audition with the M60's today. I was really impressed. In fact, in 2 channel stereo I had to check that the surrounds weren't on because the sound was so enveloping. They are ranking high on my list right now.

Cheers,

Jordan

Re: Is the AVR 135 enough?
#136429 04/25/06 04:36 AM
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I listened to the Monitor RS6's when auditioning speakers recently. Of the speakers I listened to, they were the worst sounding IMO. They didn't do anything well as far as I'm concerned. They were run with a Denon receiver and DVD player (not sure of the models).

Re: Is the AVR 135 enough?
#136430 04/25/06 01:46 PM
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Jordan Offline OP
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Didn't like the RS6's eh? I didn't have time to listen to them yesterday but I did spend nearly 2 hours with the Acoustic Energy Aegis Evo 3's, Monitor Audio Bronze B6's, and the Paradigm 9's.

I ruled the Paradigms out early on as they just seemed a bit too hollow sounding for me. I really enjoyed the Evo 3's as their soundstage and imaging were flawless. I wasn't expecting to like these speakers as much as I did. The B6's started off a bit so-so for me but began to come into their own as my test CD tracks became more aggressive (both hardcore and electronica) - which would have been where the Evo 3's were not quite as good. The B6's bass may have been a bit boomy and the speaker was generally warm sounding.

Having said all that, I am still inclined to go with the M60's just for the level of detail that they bring out of the music. I find them to be quite punchy as well. Given that they are 8 ohm and fairly efficient I'm not quite as concerned about the receiver/amp as I was. I think that if I can get a good deal on the HK AVR 135 or the other option was the Yamaha HTR 5840 then I will go for it. I'm currently in an apartment so I don't need the listening levels to be blistering very often.

Cheers,

Jordan

Re: Is the AVR 135 enough?
#136431 04/27/06 06:45 PM
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Jordan, I was not the only one who thought the RS6's were a little less than stellar. I had 2 friends with me while auditioning. One is a Rocket 750 and 850 owner, while the other is a Paradigm Ref 60 owner. We all agreed that they were the least impressive speaker we auditioned. Just my/our opinions though.

Re: Is the AVR 135 enough?
#136432 04/27/06 07:03 PM
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Jordan Offline OP
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I suppose that is audio for ya - one of the most subjective topics around. Out of curiosity, what was it that you didn't like about the RS6's? They seem to draw such rave reviews.

As mentioned before, I didn't get a chance to audition them for myself, but I did get a chance to take a peek at them. Very sexy speaker. Nevertheless, I'm a man of substance (and too broke to dish out $1500 for the RS6) so they are effectively out of the running.

I was actually expecting to like the B6's more than I did. The bass was ok, but a bit to muddy. I don't know, they just didn't do it for me. The Evo 3's however were really impressive. If they made an Evo 5 I might be inclined to check that out - but sadly, they don't.

Boy, this thread is drifting a bit from it's origin. So, how about those HK AVR 135's. There, back on track.

Take care,

Jordan

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