Harman Kardon HK3480 Stereo Receiver
by Harman Kardon
(Click here)
Digital product summary information
Manufacturer: Harman KardonBrand: Harman Kardon
Edition: Electronics
Model: 3480
Publisher: Harman Kardon
Studio: Harman Kardon
Music Label: Harman Kardon
Product features:
- 240-watt stereo receiver (120 watts x 2) for 2-channel sources
- VMAx technology simulates surround-sound effect from dual speakers
- Composite video switching; AM/FM tuner with 30 presets
- 7 audio inputs, 4 video inputs, phono input, pre-out/main jacks, and subwoofer output
- Measures 17.4 x 6.6 x 15 inches (W x H x D)
- AmazonBasics Digital Optical Audio Toslink Cable, 6 Feet
- AmazonBasics Ultra-High-Speed HDMI Cable Braided (9.8 Feet/3.0 Meters)
- AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Cable (6.5 Feet/2.0 Meters)[Supports 3D + Audio Return Channel][OLD MODEL]
- AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Braided Cable (6.5 Feet/2.0 Meters)
- AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Cable (9.8 Feet/3.0 Meters) [Supports 3D + Audio Return Channel]
Digital camera reviews of Harman Kardon HK3480 Stereo Receiver
Digital camera Review: A GREAT RECEIVER - THE BEST FOR THE PRICE
Summary: 5 Stars
I decided that all I needed was to listen to 2 channels and that Dolby surround sound was a nice trick that didn't mean much too me to justify the cost. This Harman Kardon HK3480 receiver allows listeners to have a very capable and powerful amp at a very very low price. Typically, surround sound receivers will cost at least three times as much and give you much less power per channel. For instance, I had a Denon 2805 which I paid over $800 for which had 7 channels of surround sound at 100 Watts per channel or listed as 135 Watts when playing two channel. When I compared its two channel ability to this Harman Kardons 125 Watts per channel the difference was night and day. With the Denon the bass through my audiophile speakers - by my ears better than B&W can be purchased at discount used at Audiogon.com) was grainy and distorted. With the HK the bass became clear accurate and deep. With the Denon the highs by my ears were slightly harsh and digital, and with the HK they were natural and warm yet still open. Apparently Denon overstates their power and HK understates theirs. The HK Amp will drive small and large speakers with warm deep clear sound and precision (it is low powered amps with distortion not high ones with clear sound that blow out speakers). If you don't need Dolby surround sound and if you are on a budget or not and just want strong clear warm sound don't look any further. This amp is for you.
This HK easily bested the Denon 2805 Home theater receiver falsly advertised at more Watts at about 1/4 the cost!
P.S. The row of small round buttons that look a gaudy silver in the photo are actually black and attractive. My only complaint style-wise about this otherwise attractive receiver is the open gash with RCA plugs on the front pannel. An optional cover would have been nice - but afterall, it is already competing with their much more expensive receivers!
(One additional speaker note, if you want some bookshelf speakers with audiophile grade sound and plenty of bass at a great price, the Onix Reference 1 in the low 500 range at less than half price new on at Audiogon.com is the way to go. Wonderful sound with a natural rosewood veneer.
Summary of Harman Kardon HK3480 Stereo Receiver
When two channels are all you need, make it two ultrahigh-bandwidth, high-current channels from the company that invented the stereo receiver. The HK 3480 features seven audio inputs, four video inputs (including one on the front panel), 30 AM/FM station presets, VMAx surround synthesis from stereo sources, three-step dimmable fluorescent display, a phono preamp, pre-out/main-in jacks, gold-plated inputs and a separate subwoofer output. Also included is a multicomponent system remote control.Amazon.com Product Description Not everyone wants or needs a 5.1-channel receiver, which is where this HK3480 two-channel receiver from Harman Kardon comes into play. This ultra-high-bandwidth, 240-watt unit is perfect for fans of jazz, classical, or rock, as its powerful features bring out both the bombast and the nuance of your favorite music. The HK3480 is also one of the few stereo receivers to employ VMAx technology, a proprietary signal-processing technique that simulates a 360-degree sound field through a mere two speakers. The technology gives the listener the sensation of sitting in a concert hall or theater without requiring a surround sound setup.
 Take a closer look at the HK3480's connections. You can also view the unit's front panel and remote control in detail. |
The HK3480 also comes with an AM/FM tuner with 30 station presets, a three-step fluorescent display, and a multicomponent remote control. As with most modern receivers, it's ready to serve as the audio centerpiece of all your listening needs, with seven audio inputs and four video inputs (including one on the front panel). The inputs are gold-plated for quality. The unit also comes with pre-out/main-in jacks for use with external amplifiers or speaker processors and a separate subwoofer output. Hookup is simple due to the color-keyed connections.
The receiver's tuner section offers exceptional performance, from its high signal-to-noise ratio (73 dB in mono, 72 dB in stereo) to high (40 dB) channel separation for superior stereo imaging--not to mention strong tuning abilities with the help of better-than-80-dB image rejection and better-than-100-dB IF (intermediate frequency) rejection.
This component is equipped with a nonvolatile EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read-Only Memory) that preserves tuner presets and system configuration information, even when the unit is not connected to a main power source.
What's in the Box
Stereo receiver, remote control, two AAA batteries, user's manual, and warranty/registration information.
Combo Receivers
Cameras and Photo
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