Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Receiver

Hi everybody!
Waiting for my system(oh,sweet Christmas this year!)...it is so hard!
I am also looking to replace my HK120 with HK7300 or NADT763-T773(I am more musically inclined).
Any help?
Thank you all!
Regards,
Octavian

Good morning Octavian. Your choices in receivers has me drooling. Power wise, Hk and Nad seem to be pretty much equal. They will easily drive any Axiom speaker. I've read that both are very musical and a joy to listen to.

It appears that the Nad 763 has only 6 amplified channels. So if you are going to use a 7.1 setup now or in the future, stay with the 773 or the hk 7300. The hk has video upconversion. Not sure if the Nad 773 has it? That's all I can think of now. Later, Mike

Hi Mike!
Thanks for your input.I'm not and I do not intend to use 7.1.I love HK-not a single problem in 3 years.The reason for this choice is for power mainly.It seems(?) that NAD is more"musical".Still thinking...Overall, whitch one would be the best choice?
Regards,
Octavian
P.S.M60,VP150,QS8,D302Sub

Pizoni, if you are simply after more power why not add a seperate power amp to the receiver that you already have. I just added a 2 channel 200wpc amp to my setup to power my M60 mains and am continuing to use my Denon 3803 to power my other speakers. For stereo listening it has made a big difference to the mid-bass (especially transients like drums) and also lowered audible distortion at high listening levels. Not sure if you are also after more processing options, but if you just want more power I say go with seperates.

That is an excellent idea expatbrit. Unfortunately, I don't think the hk 120 has pre-outs to add an external amp.

Hello Octavian, In my view both the HK7300 or NADT763-T773 would provide you with excelllent musical sound. Both have lots of clean power.

I own a older NAD monitor series reciever and it has served me very well and sounds excellent and would recommend NAD to anyone based on my experience. For power NAD is definitely among the top. However, I do find they are a bit slim on features when compared to other brands like H/K. I just bought a reciever and didn't get a NAD for this reason.

So for me if it were a choice between only those two I would say go for the H/K. But this really depends on whether the NAD's "lack" of features is a problem for you. IMHO they would both sound excellent and just as musical.

Now both are top end recievers and there are definitely alternatives to these that may also interest you. Lots of people here have top end Denons, Marantz, Onkyo's and seem vary happy with them. Neverhappy recently posted a great review of a few different recievers that may be of help to read.

If I were to spend this amount on a reciever I would likely go with separates. A great and affordable option for separates is Outlaw. You'll notice they look very similar to NAD and I believe that this company was started by some of the original NAD folks. The design concepts are very similar. Outlaw offers likely the best value in separates available and you should beable to put togethor a system for a similar cost to the other recievers you mentioned. There are some Axiomites that have Outlaw equipment and perhaps they can chime in with their thoughts.

The very best of luck with your search, Jag

PS: I'd like to wish a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all my fellow American Axiomites

Sorry to be the voice of doom and gloom but I would take the HK over the Outlaw any day of the week..........all the time, everytime.

Interesting NeverHappy. I've not heard the Outlaw stuff myself but have read many good things about it here on the Axiom forum and elsewhere...? What is it about the Outlaw gear that you don't like? Certainly the H/K is a safe bet but I have always liked the idea of the fexibility of separates (even though they aren't in my budget). I've always look enviously at the Outlaw gear since its the closest I'd ever come to separates but perhaps I'm not missing out on much then it comes to Outlaw...

Anything close to Outlaw in cost that I can alternatively obsess over?

Cheers, Jag

Octavian, your concern about power may be premature. The Axioms that you're getting may be driven very well by your 120, and in my view you should see how things work out. Slightly more maximum power capacity(even doubling the power only allows 3dB more in maximum level on peaks, e.g. 113dB instead of 110dB)may be of no real benefit to you. Don't worry about the "musical" nonsense that is sometimes discussed. If music is being played any competently designed receiver will be as musical as the subject matter itself.

In reply to:

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What is it about the Outlaw gear that you don't like?

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Nothing at all actually. I have squat against the brand. However I don't think I would ever own the Outlaw pre as it lacks a lot of features I look for. I just feel that the HK in this situation would be the way to go.

In reply to:

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Anything close to Outlaw in cost that I can alternatively obsess over?

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Not new but on the used market, you can look at Adcom, Parasound, Rotel, Proceed and about 10 others that I would rank over the Outlaw.

Thanks, Neverhappy.

I'd agree the H/K is definitely a solid choice for Octavian and to me between the two listed to only choice. I too dont like the limited features on the current NADs.


Before I bought my Denon it was recommended here by some to look for used separates as that's what I was most interested in. However, I ended up finding it required more experience and expertise than I currently have and you really have to get lucky to get those awesome finds...Hopefully with time I'll be more familiar with the better used stuff and in time put togethor something from some of those you listed.

Thanks for the recommends, Jag

Hi!
Thank you for your advice.The HK120 does not have outputs for that purpose(unfortunately).
Regards,
Octavian

Hello!
Thanks for the documented reply!I knew all of this, but I am still undecided!
Regards,
Octavian
P.S.HK120 does not have outputs for separates.

Hi JohnK!
Thank you for your answer.From 40W(HK120) to 110-115(HK7300)...it is 3X, not double,I think this level of power could add at least "a little bit" more to the overall listening experience.
Regards,
Octavian

Pizoni,

As I mentioned in my previous post I just went from 100 watts per channel to 200 for my mains and there is a noticable difference. I agree with JohnK, more power is of no real use for increasing the RMS listening level. However, it can offer lower distortion at the same listening level, and provide more headroom for transients such as drums. IMHO more power is better, and my ears agree!

Well if it's musicality you're looking for. Having recently owned an H/K 630. And having demoed a Marantz 8400, Arcam 300, and a NAD 773 the leader of the pack is easily the Arcam 300. I'd say followed closely by the Marantz 8400. I was suprised how close they were. Of course at those prices, they'd better sound good.

The NAD sounded good for music but I was underwhelmed when I played a movie...at least in comparison. They're all good really. They just sound different. It's probably mostly a matter of preference. So I'd suggest finding a place where you can demo them yourself.

Hi Octavian, are you going to try the H/K 120 first with your new speakers (esp. the 60's) before buying the new 7300??

The reason I ask is that I have an even older H/K, the 110. I've been more than happy with it and find I do not need to go past 3/4 for a truly clean loud movie or music experience.

I've been saving up for the 60's for awhile and plan on getting them sometime in the new year. I really would love to know how the H/K 110, 120, 125 or 130 can run these speakers....

Thanks

Hi Hay!
Of course I will!I was very happy with it and I did not have a single problem in 3 years.I do not look for loud levels, I need fidelity and clarity, probably coming with more power.But if I will find a good deal I will get HK7200 ($814 at Bigondigital.com) or 7300 from ebay.
Regards,
Octavian

Hi:

If you are interested in the 7300 you might try J&R. It is listed at $2199 but if you put the item in the cart the price is $1399 (US $ of course) and they are an authorized HK dealer.

web site is J&R

Thank you Lorenzo!I know abour JR,but I'm tempted to try ebay, it could be cheaper,but I am a little bit afraid.
Regards,
Octavian

Hi again,Lorenzo!(any italian connections?)
Finally,I decided to go with HK7300-I got it from J&R for $1300, then I upgraded to M80!!I hope that the receiver will be able to drive all these speakers rated 4 Ohms...
Thank you again for your input.
Have a nice day!
Octavian

Hi Octavian:

Congratulations on the receiver and don't worry it will drive those 4 ohm speakers without even breaking a sweat. I used to have the 7200 and it was no problem for the 80's. As for the Italian connections I play soccer with a lot of Italian friends who refer to me as Lorenzo as my given name is Lawrence.

Have fun with your new setup.

Hi!
Thank you for your reply.It confirms what John from Axiom told me and what I found out from other sources.
Forza, Lorenzo!
Regards,
Octavian