Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners hk130 vs marantz 4400 vs denon 1804

could you guys help me on which receiver to get? i am deciding on whether to buy a hk 130, denon 1804 or marantz 4400. i am currently using custom made speakers but planning to buy axiom m60ti. i listen mostly to heavy metal and classic rock.

You'd likely be happy with any of them. I am a happy owner of a Denon 1804, which you can probably find for an excellent price now that the new series (1705, 1905, 2105) has been released. I think it's a good value, fits my needs (which may differ from yours), and has been trouble-free. There are others here who like HK products very much also. It seems we have fewer Marantz receiver owners, although their amps are very highly respected. My opinion is that features and price are more important at this level of technology than are perceptions about differences in sound quality. Others may also recommend that you consider the Pioneer 1014 as an option. Good luck with your journey.

My HK AVR 230 does a great job with rock. I haven't heard the others you mentioned, but you can't go wrong with HK. And pay no attention to the power ratings. The HK puts out plenty of power.

power ratings are generally BS, that is true.

I have found that the following manf'ers lies least, when it comes to low cost receivers:

1 - HK
2 - Denon

i can't say i have found a 3rd one. I have found Onkyo and Marantz to be underpowered for their price.

www.outlawaudio.com makes great amps, but they are not receivers and slightly more expensive.

I own the 1804 and went this way just for the zone 2/ sixth channel capability. Otherwise pick the one with the features you want and enjoy. They are all good receivers.

Alan has said in at least one post that H/K actually under rates their WPC.
I think he was talking about the 7200.?? I dont know if this holds true to their other models.

According to Alan, it is across the whole HK line.

My 50 wpc HK AVR 230 puts out A LOT MORE power than my "POWER RATING 1kHz @ 8 OHMS = 6 X 100 WATTS, POWER RATING - 20Hz - 20kHz @ 8 OHMS = 6 X 85 WATTS" Yamaha HTR 5740 and the sound is much better as well - not so much at moderate volumes, but as you start to crank it up, the Yamaha really strains. I can't believe that there was only $26 difference in price between the two because they don't belong in the same league.