Hi again guys,

Being unable to demo both of these at the same time, in the same room or using the same speakers, which of these two would you recommend to drive this system? M60's, Qs8 and VP150 with a SVS sub. I'm looking for overall musical quality. I'm assuming (perhaps incorrectly) that either would do just fine pulling sound duty for my Xbox.

Pioneer VSX 54TX

or

H/K 635

Thanks again, your responses are always helpful.

i have no experience with either of those units, but i would guess that the H/K would have the better reputation. i have used an H/K 130, and was impressed with its features, functions, and overall sound. there is no doubt that the pioneer elite series are better than the standard pioneers, but i just think it would be smarter to go with the H/K.

and dont be fooled with its lower wattage rating. the H/K's are commonly under-rated, and have been proven to be more stable with a higher power output while multiple channels are driven.

i honestly think you have just as good a chance of being satisfied with either one of those receivers.. but just on reputation and performance alone, i would get the H/K..

just my opinion.

bigjohn

I think you'd be happy with either one of those. Pick the one with the most useful features and best price.

If you're willing to buy from an unauthorized seller (no warantee) Pioneer gear can usually be found for FAR under msrp. Brand new, in the box.

Again, no experience with either but that pioneer is really pretty and certainly has the heft you would expect from a powerful receiver. I'd go with the cheaper one.

i hate being wrong...

bigjohn

Unless the updates on the HK 635 are real valuable to you, go with an HK 630. It can be had for around $500 on HK's Ebay store. I've had mine for 6 months and have yet to suffer any upgradeitis. It has lots of power and the "HK" sound with the Axioms is hard to beat.

First, thanks all for the advice!

Second, does anyone know the changes implemented from the 630 to the 635? I've done some prelimary searching I have yet to discover any big changes. Can anyone enlighten me?

they will usually add maybe 5 or 10 watts per channel.. maybe a few more DSP's, and a few more input/output options(s-video, coaxial, optical,etc). i havent checked, but i truly doubt they added anything truly significient. just a guess..

if you can get the HK630 for $400-$500 bucks, thats a steal!!

bigjohn

Go to HK's site and navigate to Products -> Receivers -> "Click here for previous Harman Kardon products" Then you can search or use the popup menu to get to the 630 for info, manuals etc.

I think the big deal with the 635 over 630 is the new room EQ system. Looks pretty good, although still not sure if I would trust any auto EQ...

Edit -- in case it helps, I heard about the 635 and immediately bought a 630 as soon as the prices dropped. Highly recommended.