hk 510 vs. 520 - just 5.1/7.1? (1 Viewer)

[KerryM]

I'm looking for a receiver for my main music setup (secondary TV setup). Right now it's wired for 5.1 and I really can't go beyond that because of room layout.

So I think I'm ready to pick up a HK 520-z or 525-z refurb. All the while I'm thinking - what a waste, I'll never use 7.1, then I come across an HK 510-z at the Harmon Audio site for $100 cheaper than the 520. It looks like the main difference is that it's a 5.1 receiver. Anyone know of any other significant differences that should sway me to buy the 520 instead?

 

[Paul Clarke]

If it's mainly for Music you won't miss the extra decoding...stick with the 510 and save the money. I now use mine with a 3 channel Chiro amp for the frontstage. You'll still get the HDCD and the main-ins which are extremely flexible when you need some extra amping somewhere in your system. Actually I slightly preferred the 510 amps for driving the highs in a bi-amp configuration when it was paired with a Parasound 855.

 

[mofet_n]

I would stick to the 525. I just returned my hk 320 for the 325 because of the 7.1, because my manager allowed me to (for 100$), and second, I'm sure movies will soon be available in 7.1 (maybe in a few years). SO if you think of keeping your hk for more than 5 years, I say spend the extra 100 bucks on the receiver, because remember, its one of the most important componants of your audio system.
ohh and, it has a built in fan and its also a bus ready.