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

I live in Canada, and here the AVR 335 is about $1300 Canadian Dollars (at the local hi-fi stores, or at Future Shop). Unfortunately, onecall.com doesn't ship outside the US, and the duties and taxes would probably nullify most of the saving anyhow...thanks for the tip though.

You have to watch FutureShop for sales. I got my 630 for $1199 (Scarborough), and picked up a couple of 130s for $299 each (Ajax). I think the 430 was on for $899 a few months ago.

I think that Bridgman is correct-the 335 has the new EQ and I believe also the new firmware update that includes the latest Dolby IIx version. If you upgrade to the 430 or 630 you can get the firmware update from HK free of charge. I picked up my refurb 630 on eBay for $510 US and love it-no more upgradeitis for me. Good luck with your decision. I think you'll be pleased with HK no matter which route you take.

Hi,

Thanks again to everyone for all of your information. I did find an AVR 330 at Futureshop for $800 (I just bought it), and that was by far the best deal I could find currently. I could probably wait around and find something better, but my receiver is on the fritz, so I'd rather get something sooner than later. While I'd love to be able to do firmware upgrades (I'm a stickler for doing that on anything computer-related), I can probably live without them, as I plan on using the unit in a 2.1 configuration for the next while.

Right now it's just a pair of M60's, and now I'll be able to use an old pair of speakers in the kitchen at the same time. I love the idea of being able to use the rear-most unused amps as multi-room amps on the H/K's.

My compliments to the people on this board - it really is a source of useful information and ideas. Glad I bought into the Axiom posse!