Has anybody here had any experience with this receiver?

I have listened to it several times, and enjoy the sound. The only problem that I noticed, and have read about in several places, is the audio "drop out" issue. Basically when you change audio sources, like on a DVD, the audio will play for a second, then stop, for a second or two, then start playing again without a problem for the entirety of the movie.

Also, will this receiver have any issues with driving 6 ohm loads, particuarly with the QS8's and the VP150? Basically my system will include the previous mentioned speakers, along with the M22's and a yet to be determined sub.


Apart from that, what other viable options are there in the sub $1000 range? The Pioneer Elite 53TX look sto be a very nice receiver as well, but I haven't had the opportunity to listen to it. Other options that I have seen are the Denon 3803, a Yamaha model, and the H/K 7200.

Thanks!

I can give you hearsay about this receiver line, and my experience with the HK 3470 stereo receiver. By the way, I am expecting delivery of my HK AVR 230 today.

HK 3470
Great amp, straightforward design, massive power supply, well built, low noise. Sounds great, though I've never changed out the amp to compare. Having replaced the CD source and the main speakers, I've gotten a big boost each time, leading me to believe that this component was not the weakest link in terms of resolutions, etc.

AVR X30 receivers
Like the last generation, Harman Kardon provides some of the most flexible A/V receivers: independent crossover points, analog bypass with subwoofer, lots of digital inputs, and so on. But more importantly they are very well-built, and seem to always have beefy power supplies. I don't think you'll have a problem with your 6-ohm speakers at all. And you can always use an external amp through your pre-outs if necessary.

I have heard good things about Pioneer, but the last I spoke to Yamaha, ALL their receiver lacked analog bypass, if you have a good CD source or external DAC. Personally, when it comes to sound quality, I would get the HK or a Denon. Still, Yamaha tends to make some good DACs, if you're not concerned about the analog bypass thing.

I think it's probably better to get the AVR630 and maybe add an amp later on than to buy the 7200.

-Cooper

My Yammie 1400 has 'direct mode', which involves an analog bypass.

That'd undoubtedly be true for older models or models not in the 'xx00' line, though.

I own the 630 and I Love it!
The dropout issue is being worked on by H/K but it really is a trivial thing compared to what it can do tho..its basically a non-issue to me..when they release the software update for it I'll probably get it but that would just make a great peice of equipment just a bit better
I've had no probs whatsoever driving the VP150 with it along with a pair of M60's also using a SVS 25-30 PCi
and it sounds Awesome!

About the 7200...I'm not sure the extra 25 watts from it would benefit you "that" much...either way the AVR630 has the Very usefull Quadruple crossover...if you Really want the extra power I would reccomend waiting for the new AVR7300 to make its debut in the coming months but you'd have to pay the premium for brand spankin newjust released gear

The extra power really isn;t much of an issue to me. It was mainly on the list because of possible differences on the internals, which I havent really found much out about those differences.

Also, where did you hear of the software upgrade? I have read many places, and this is certainly new news to me. Very good news as well! Did H/K dirrectly tell you this or did you hear it from other sources?

Thanks for the input folks!

I got the Onkyo TX-NR801 and am very happy with it. I haven't gotten my Axioms yet, so can't comment, but it makes my 13 year old speaker sound better than new. I also have a new HSU STF-2 hooked up.

I've tested some of the toughest HT/bass workouts (SW pod racing, Nemo - the fishtank thumping is incredible!, SW 2, LOTR I and II) and the Onkyo doesn't get hot. I've gone as far as 71/100 on absolute volume and hear no distortions, but it's uncomfortably loud. 65 is max for enjoying action movies, so power is not an issue.

Not the best audition, but I was able to listen to HK and Onkyo with Polk speakers at CC and liked the Onkyo better. Also liked the remote's feel better. Its Net features are just icing if you like that sort of thing.

What exactly can you do with the NetTune feature? Can you only stream mp3's through it? Or is there anything else that it is capable of?


Also, gizzyeq, where did you get your 630 from? OneCall has the best price of an Authorized Dealer that I have found. I went to CC today and they said that basically they would not order it for me. I was pretty pissed, so I won;t be getting it from them.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=344476
its already 3 pages down hehe I've also recently sent in a feedback of my own to H/K and recieved a similar sounding reply from them so i'm hopefull I kno its not much but like I said it was a non-issue to me to begin with so
Onecall's been good to me on several times and their prices are good and their an Authorized dealer is great too

Although I haven't hooked it up yet, here's what I got from the manual (downloadable at Onkyo's site). Basically two features:

1. You can play mp3, wma, and wav files from your computer using Net-Tune Central software (free download with valid serial#).

2. Play wma and mp3 audio streamed from internet radio stations.