Denon vs Harman Kardon receivers

Ed_B · 09-25-2003, 11:22 AM

I was thinking about buying a H/K receiver, either the 325 or 525 H/K. I just got a crutchfield catalog yesterday and saw the denon receivers, how does the H/K 325 compare to the denon 2803? Both are the same price in the catalog.

I been reading on here about the H/K 7200, is their any place that you can still buy them new and how much are they?

ChrisLazarko · 09-25-2003, 11:27 AM

The 7200 I believe you might be able to find for $1000 if you look in the right places, and it is an awesome reciever. As for the HK 325 or 525 I think they are both better than 2803... the amplifiers I think are alot better as well.

Yogi · 09-25-2003, 12:46 PM

They both sound different Denon leaning more towards neutral sounding while the HK sounding a little on the warm side. Both have their strong points. Denon IMHO is slightly better built (in Japan) than the HK (in Taiwan?). With the right speakers they both sound fantastic. Powerwise they are both at par even thought HK rates their receivers conservatively lower than comparable Denons.

Best of luck.

P.S. Some one sooner or later is going to jump in this thread and say all amps sound the same so I would advise you to do your own auditioning in your own room before making a judgement.

peter_anderson · 09-25-2003, 03:20 PM

Somebody correct me if I am wrong, but I though only the high-end Denons were made in Japan, the rest somewhere else. Didn't it used to be the 3801 and above?

John Garcia · 09-25-2003, 03:35 PM

In terms of sound, I opt for H/K and Marantz over Denon. In terms of power and processing, it's a toss up. Each uses different DACs, which WILL yeild a slightly different sound.

Quote:

but I though only the high-end Denons were made in Japan

I'm not sure about Denon, but I am fairly certain Marantz does this with their higher models.

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Burki · 09-25-2003, 07:30 PM

HK's are being made in KOREA not in Taiwan. But i guess there is no big difference.

dale^g · 09-25-2003, 08:32 PM

i thought the HK's weren't made in 3rd world countries anymore because of all the QC problems they were having. might be wrong but i've read HK's are now made BY HK...in their own factories and thus the QC problems have pretty much been kept to a minimum.

as far as processing the denon probably has the edge.

as far as the amp goes the HK DEFINATLY has the edge.

IMBO of course!

Wayne Ernst · 09-25-2003, 10:59 PM

Quote:

i thought the HK's weren't made in 3rd world countries anymore because of all the QC problems they were having.

Actually, the H/K receivers are made in China -- as stated on the labels on the back of the receiver.

Kevin L K · 09-26-2003, 03:44 AM

If H/K were assembling their own receivers in their own factories the price on the receivers would AT LEAST triple in cost. One of the reasons electronic components cost what they do(among a million other reasons)is because of cheap foreign labor.

Yogi · 09-26-2003, 09:43 AM

I think the Denon 28XX models and above are all made in Japan while all of HK except perhaps their flagship are made in China. Someone can correct me if I am wrong.

Thomas Nichols · 09-26-2003, 09:59 AM

Well, I own an H/K. I love the Denon lines as well. I think they are both very good. I don't think you can go wrong with either one. I would just look for features you like and buy that receiver.

Oh yeah, you might want to listen to them and decide which you like better.

Ed_B · 09-26-2003, 04:21 PM

Thanks for the info guys

I'll have to see if there is any place around here that sell the denon's so I could go listen to one, I did hear the HK's over the weekend at circuit city. I'll probably just go with one of the HK's, really liked the way they sounded with the infinity alpha's.

How long has the HK 7200 been on the market?