Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Technical Questions Difference between H/K AVR 330 and 335

Hi,

I'm looking for a Harman Kardon home theatre receiver and I found an inexpensive AVR 330 online. I have noticed that the 330 has been discontinued in favour of the 335. They appear to have the same power rating and features - does anyone know if there is a meaningful difference between them? I can get an AVR 330 for about $400 less than a 335, so it seems too good to be true.

I think the 335 has the pre amp outputs if I remember right.

The 330 also has preamp outputs, multi-room cabability, 55 Watts per channel, etc. As I said, I can't tell the difference, unless it's basically a major firmware upgrade.

I'll see what I can find too.
Heck, if there isn't a huge difference if at all then I would say save the $400.

The only real difference AFAIK is that the 335 (and the rest of the x35 line) have the new auto-EQ. The previous series had automated level setting but no EQ.

As soon as I found out what the difference between 630 and 635 was I ran out and bought a 630 at a good price

Thanks for the tip bridgeman! It's for a living room 18x12', and there is an adjoining dining room about 12x12' (both with 9' ceilings). It will be powering a pair of M60's for now. I'm interested in this receiver because if you don't use the extra amp for 7.1 surround, then it has true multiroom capability (including a second remote). I've always wanted to be able to run a second set of speakers into the kitchen without frying the amp : )

Just a note on the HK auto setup feature called "EZ-Set". The remote control has a built in SPL meter. EZ-Set is basically a big macro built into the remote. The remote cycles through each speaker and then sets the levels for you. There are 2 problems with it. #1 - the remote MUST be pointed at the reciever at all times so that it can operate the reciever. The manual does NOT mention this, so a lot of people can't make it work. #2 - I don't think the SPL meter in the remote is omnidirectional enough. It seems to work fine for the front speakers, but the surrounds never seem to get set correctly.

I wouldn't consider it as a feature that would make or break the sale. You'll get better results with a RS SPL meter and the built in tones, or Avia. The HKs have NO built in sub tone, so you will need Avia to set it up.

Personally, I'd save the $400.

Good luck,

krs,

One thing you might consider is going to the HK site and seeing if they have info or a comparison chart to give you some level of specific detail.

Thanks everyone for your useful comments. Ray - there is no direct comparison available on the H/K website between current and discontinued products. However, I downloaded the owners manuals for both, and as far as I can tell they seem to be identical, save for the autosetup feature. Considering that I don't trust and would never use that feature anyway, I think I'll go for the old 'n inferior AVR 330 and put the $400 I saved towards a decent sub...

krs:

The AVR335 is only $469 at www.onecall.com

I assume you didn't find the 300 for $69

Pete