Denon DRA-297 AM/FM Satellite-Ready Stereo Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)I was looking for a stereo (2-channel) receiver to mainly listen to classical music (CDs and an FM classical music radio channel) and to connect to my DVD player to watch old movies (Bergman's for example). I figured that multi (>2)-channel receivers would be a waste of money and thus focused on investigating reasonably good quality stereo receivers. The final comparison came down to Harman Kardon HK 3490 2 x 120W Stereo Receiver and Denon DRA-297 AM/FM Satellite-Ready Stereo Receiver. From the outside HK 3490 has a more modern look than Denon 297, but the former is bulkier. Notice that the HK supplies 120W whereas the Denon offers 50W per channel. Connected to two Kplisch Synergy speakers in the store and as a non-audiophile, I couldn't distinguish the difference between the two receivers. I decided to purchase Denon eventually because of its good reputation from mid-range receivers. Now, the unit is connected to two fantastic and beyond-expectation Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 350 Speakers (Pair, Black). Recommended by my physicist father-in-law, I connect the speakers and the receiver unit with generic 12-gauge copper wires (from RadioShack). Sitting in our small living room (~ 300 sq. feet), the system produces a crisp, clean sound yet with a rich bass for CD-/DVD- playback. The bass is generated by the extremely low frequency (as low as 26Hz) side bass/midrange driver of the speakers. Signal receiving of our favorite FM classical music radio channel is also excellent after the included FM antenna was well-positioned. My wife and I are highly satisfied with the system, especially given the budgetary amount we paid.

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With the same type of quality and construction found in our more expensive stereo receivers, the DRA-297 provides outstanding performance at a modest price.Updated with new features such as a 56-station auto preset FM memory, simple remote, and an all new front panel layout and design, the DRA-297 is easy to setup and use, regardless if you are an expert or novice to home stereo systems.In minutes, this receiver can be up and running giving you hours of listening pleasure.

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Harman Kardon AVR1600 High Performance, 50W X 7, 7.1-Channel A/V Receiver with Dolby Digital Plus/Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio Decoding (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)Got this in the mail a couple of weeks ago. It is a very attractive unit, couple of things I don't care for.
1. Can't ever turn off the bright power on light. Apparently some people couldn't remember to turn off the unit when they killed the display, so now I have this bright white light that won't turn off.
2. HDMI passthrough only kinda works. The main reason I bought this thing was to pass HDMI from my various devices through the single source (and for its audio sync capabilities). Unfortunately for me, while my HTPC straight to the tv works like a champ, I only get a black screen for video (audio works fine though...) when passing through this device. From what I can tell this is a common problem with the 1600 (go check out the forum for owners).
3. HK support kinda sucks. Sent an email last week. No reply. Called them during business hours, had to leave a message. So far no help from them.
I have worked around this by just not using the HDMI, buttt...was kinda the whole reason I bought this, now its just like the one i replaced it with, bummer. In the end it looks pretty good and works pretty good, just not as good as they would want you to believe.
**** UPDATE ****
Short update, about one year after purchase I stopped by the Harman Kardon site to see if they were ever going to update this thing to fix my HDMI issues, and lo and behold... they did! There is a product update link on the 1600's support page:
[...]
Support Tab --> Product Updates --> Download the update.
This update is supposed to update a few bugs, and most importantly the HDMI issue of not passing video from random devices (media pc's, game consoles, etc..). I downloaded and installed (you'll need a 400Mb or larger thumb drive ((not sure why cause it was tiny, but that's what it says)) to do the update). The update was straightforward and took less than 5 minutes once you have the thumb in there (front panel usb port).
Anyway....the video now flows through, my media pc can now pass 5.1 (or 7.1) and the video actually looks nicer than when it went straight to my tv (deeper blacks or something, looks good). Harman support is still pretty poor, but the product performs so dang good for what it cost, and looks great doing it. Took this thing from 3 to 5 stars, light is still annoying but I'll let it slide.

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For more than 50 years, Harman Kardon products have been engineered to deliver the ultimate listening experience. That tradition continues with Harman Kardon's new AVR 1600 home theater receiver, which offers an affordable way to enjoy the best sound experience possible. High performance starts with a high-current, ultra-wide amplifier design which delivers uncomprimised realism and dynamics from your all your music and movies, including today's latest high-definition sources like Blu-ray. Connect your Blu-ray player to the AVR 1600 and it will play back the high-resolution Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks with stunning detail.The AVR 1600 can deliver an exciting 5.1 can deliver an exciting 5.1 or 7.1 surround experience from sources that aren't in encoded in surround sound using proprietary Logic 7 processing. Have an iPod or MP3 player? The AVR 1600 even has a compressed music enhancer that will improve the sound quality of compressed music tracks. Setting up and using the AVR 1600 couldn't be easier. A simple on-screen menu system will guide you in setting up your home theater system while calibration and equalization is both easy and accurate with the included EzSet/EQ calibration system.

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Yamaha R-S700BL Stereo Home Theater Receiver (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a great receiver. I bought this because I wanted a TRUE audio music experience which is something a 5.1, 6.1, 7.1 receiver cannot offer as these amplifiers attempt to recreate a multichannel sound from a 2 channel stream. This is not a true reproduction of the music stream and also introduces distortion. The R-S700 gives a true sound of music while keeping the distortion levels very low at a THD of.019. Most receivers these days do not achieve this high of sound reproduction and the Yamaha is one of the very few that do. Yes, other cheaper receivers are out there that claim 100w per channel and even some at the 100 dollar range, but those receivers aren't intended to last. Although this unit only has a 2 year warranty the amp inside is the same amp that has been used by Yamaha for the past 20 years and most who own a Yamaha with this amplifier get 20-30 years out of them. Not only that other cheaper amplifiers claim 100 watts a channel but do not achieve its claims. The Yamaha is spec'd for 100 watts a channel but actually gives 105-110 per channel. So if your looking for a receiver that offers really clean beautiful sound and plan to keep it for years to come this is the amplifier for you.

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The Yamaha R-S700BL Stereo Home Theater Receiver redefines the elite two-channel receiver with 100 watts per channel of pure, clean power, ToP-ART stability, Continuously Variable Loudness Control, 40 AM/FM station presets, Zone 2 support, built-in port for supported Yamaha iPod docks (sold separately), and automatic power management.

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Harman Kardon HK 3490 120 Watt X 2 Stereo Receiver with XM Radio-ready Tuner and Dolby Virtual Speaker Review

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(More customer reviews)I used the HK 3480 (the precursor to this model) for five years and loved it. The 3490 is even better. The sound is more robust and full, not different, but just more refined. It easily powers my Klipsch Synergy speakers and would pair well with any mid-level speakers. With 120w even inefficient speakers will have more than a enough power to move air.
Further, the 3490 has an important new feature: digital inputs. This is a very nice option for those who have made the jump to an all digital music library and use a digital jukeboxes like the Roku Soundbridge or the Squeezebox. Both players have digital outs and pair up nicely with the 3490.
The difference in quality from digital inputs or analog is debatable, but to my ear, going from the 3480 with analog cables, to the 3490 with optical TOSLINK, there was an immediately improvement in clarity. Songs with delicate sound work came alive. Soft details were more apparent. It's been a great upgrade for me.
It's important to note that the 3490 doesn't leave analog fans in the cold either. It has a very nice tape loop and a wonderful gold plated stereo pickup. In short, whether you're library consists of vinyl or mp3s this amp will do it all.
I have always been a fan of Harmon Kardon, and I bought the older 3480 because I'm a strict fan of stereo music listening. The 3490 is a very smart update to the 3480, bringing it into the 21st century with a host of digital options. For those who rely on an iPod for music, there is specific iPod cradle for this amp that allows you to play your iPod's music effortless over the stereo while controlling it with the HK remote. This amp is also XM Radio ready, just plug in your XM receiver and the HK will allow you to control it.
It's very hard to find a subtle, high powered stereo receiver with these features. The market has sadly moved away to the home theater, multi-channel world, but I'm glad Harmon Kardon is still loyal to their stereo listeners.
Build quality is very nice. It's not a flashy amp, it doesn't light up the room with needless LEDs. It's very understated, and handsome. HK even includes two little inserts that hide the front inputs and bass, treble, and balance controls (nice if you don't want people messing with your settings, or you appreciate a clean look.)
Other than the digital options, the tape loop and the phono pickup, the amp does allow video switching and pass through should you want to integrate into your home theater. The other notable detail are the speaker posts. They allow the use of banana clips or allow you to secure naked wire in two different ways to the posts. This is nice if you don't have a lot of clearance behind the amp.
At this price point, there is simply nothing out there that can compete with this amp in terms of quality, performance, or features.

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The HK 3490 is a high current stereo receiver that will give you the best possible audio performance. You can use the optional "Bridge II" to control and navigate your Ipod\'. The power rating is 120 watts times two at 8 ohms and 150 watts times 2 at 4 ohms. It has 45 amps of current. It is also XM Ready. It has speaker A/B switching.

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