Customer Reviews
Very Pleased
This is an incredible unit for the price (purchased for under $300). Replaced my old Sony receiver and hooked up my iPod to the CD input. The sound was amazing, full and clear coming out of my mid grade JBL bookshelf speakers (can't wait to actually hook up a CD player!). The unit is also very attractive which is important as it will be out for display, the glow on the volume knob is very cool.
I agree with the other reviewers that the Vmax is a waste, if you're buying this unit, you're purchasing for the best stereo sound, if you want cool effects for your music, buy a surround sound receiver, they'll have much more options.
I had been looking at the Onkyo and Denon stereo receivers in this price range and decided to go with the HK, because the Onkyo does not have a subwoofer hookup (huge drawback) and the Denon was much more expensive with less power.
Very Satisfied with Harman Kardon's quality
Recently I needed a replacement for my old preamp (HK6100), and narrowed it down to a choice between the similarly priced HK3480 and Onkyo TX8511 receivers. A salesman gave the advice that the HK has better sound, so I went with it, and I am pleasantly surprised with the sound, noticable more clear than my old HK preamp.
One of the main deciding factors was that the Onkyo amp reportedly has a bright (irritating green) and non-dimmable display light, while the HK has a 3 stage dimmable one (cool electric blue). These little features make a big difference in the long run.
The attractive and sturdy unit was easy to set up with plenty of hookup jacks on the back (multiple tape, video, speaker, subwoofer and phono jacks). The 2X35 watt channels give plenty of volume, with nice precise digital (in 1dB increments) control. The FM receiver is powerful (able to pick up several channels in this remote mountainous area), and tunes in .1 MHz increments. The proprietary optional VMax mode is interesting at first (expands the sound to be a more spacial surround-like sound from only 2 speakers), but is not for every listening situation; it works best for instrumental and acoustic music since it mostly expands and loudens the bottom end and, especially at higher volumes, can make vocals too distant to understand (a subwoofer makes VMax seem unnecessary as well).
Mostly what makes me happy is the pristinely clear and clean audio quality (oh yes, and the remote!). I'm very glad I went with HK again.
Perfect for vinyl, CDs, and tapes
I bought the HK3480 to replace a 25-year-old HK receiver that was losing steam. I was floored to hear how much music I had missed hearing over the last few years, especially with the Klipsch RF3 speakers I've had for about 3 years. It's as if the HK was designed to go with Klipsch, pure, clear, yet mellow high end and plenty of bass for my ear. The volume control is excellent, it rises in 1dB increments. This would be a sensible buy at the list price, but at the discount price I feel like I'm stealing it. Delivery was quick and hassle free. 5 stars all the way.
