My trusty old HK 630 bit the dust this weekend. I've wanted a receiver with HDMI and have just been waiting for the right reason and now I've got it. I've been a loyal Harmon Kardon customer for a long time. I've loved how that "warm" HK sounds plays on the Axioms. Anybody have any great reasons to switch? I'm probably stay in the sub $1000 price range. Now that I'm hours away from a big box retailer, I'm not sure how much shopping around I can (or want) to do. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

I went from an HK AVR635 to an HK AVR3600 and am totally pleased, I'm not a fan of the auto calibrating crap so the 3600 worked out perfectly for me. The on screen display is 100% better than the old 635.

Mike, all of the major brand HT receivers are competently designed and add no audible sound coloration during the basic amplification process. The most important factor in choosing one these days is the auto calibration/room equalization processing it uses, which does audibly affect the sound when it's applied. Your 630 has auto calibration but not equalization, but the current HKs have the EZSet/EQ which does both. On this all-important point, however, I use and suggest a unit having Audyssey MultEQ for anyone considering a new receiver at this time.

Notably, the Denon and Onkyo models have selected Audyssey rather than their previous proprietary systems and my suggestion to fit your needs is the Onkyo 809 factory refurb available for about $600 from Accessories4less here . These units which have been refurbished by the factory should be at least as reliable as a brand-new one, as many users(including me)have found.

Yeah, and you can bug John to teach you all about it... Just DON't ask him for a source to read.........


I've bought from accessories4less as well, and had a good experience with them. In fact the amp and receiver i bought from them in 2004 are both still in use to this day.

I also second the Onkyo 809. Check out the specs. on this model, one would be hard pressed to top them, in this price range.