H/K for HT (1 Viewer)

[Dennis Heller]

I hate to post a question like this, but I'm looking for a budget receiver ($350-$450). I really like the H/K AVR 125, and I know they're well liked aroud here. But are they good for 95% HT, or are they mainly liked for music listening? Are they on par with Denon for HT performance? Also, I'm not interested in on-screen display, so other than the 10 additional watts, is there a good reason to got with the AVR 225 over the 125? Thanks in advance.

 

[JeffTodd]

After much research on this forum I finally took the plunge and went with the AVR225. From a quick look at the specs on the 125 I cannot see many big differences in the two. The wattage difference will not make much of a difference either.
I would suggest that you check out www.harmanaudio.com for the refurb models that they have. After purchasing the 225 and having no problems with it, I noticed that I could pick up a refurb 320 for $400. The 320 will offer future expandability for 7.1 sometime down the road. Just a thought though.
I love the 225 that I have currently and cannot wait to get the 320!

 

[Dennis Heller]

I just checked the online owners manual on the 125 and 225; is it true that they do NOT have an adjustable crossover. It is set at 100 hz?

 

[Charles M Berry]

I am also an HK owner, and I happy one I might add. Even the little talked about and probably looked down upon HK 110 is a great little (it's actually quite big) receiver. The 110 offers a ton of punch, and deserves a lot more attention than it gets. So, while the 225 or higher are certainly better receivers, keep in mind that the 125 will not disappoint!

 

[JimBarrese]

While I can't comment on the 125's HT performance, I recently got one for music and I couldn't be happier. Absolutely amazing sound. For a good price on the 125 check HIFI.com $299 minus the 10% discount that can be found online = $270 (plus free shipping, no tax, and they're an authorized retailer).

 

[Angelo.M]

Dennis:

I think the H/K 125 or 225 will be great for home theater use. I have the 225 and love it; it's incredibly sweet sounding for both music and movies.

--AM

 

[Dennis Heller]

After much agonizing, I've narrowed my choices down to H/K AVR 320 ($456 total at J & R--probably negotiable) and the Denon 1803 ($515 total at Crutchfield--with free Sennheiser headphones). This is for almost totally HT, and 6-channel is not important right now, but in the future, who knows? Adjustable crossover is a must. Any final thoughts before I decide?

 

[Justin H]

I should point out that the Denon 1803 can be had for under $400 online. I purchased mine from lgdsuperstore.com through Yahoo shopping for around $400 shipped with a one year replacement policy. Crutchfield is expensive!

 

[Dennis Heller]

Yeah, I could get it for $386 shipped from and unauthorized dealer, but I was scared off of that. Plus, I was planning on getting a good pair of headphones anyway. Add them together, and it's like getting the warranty and peace of mind for $60.

 

[Justin H]

...just wanted to make sure you were aware.

I've enjoyed my 1803 very much. I would just suggest that you make sure you are certain you don't want a full set of preouts down the road.

 

[Rich Chiavaroli]

From what I've heard, 6ave.com is an authorized denon e-tailer and if you call them up, you can get them to deal. I've never presonally delt with them, but it might be worth a shot. being an athorized e-tailer doesn't mean they can't deal, just that they agree to not advertise for less than denon tells them they can.

 

[Dennis Heller]

Thanks, Justin and Rich.

 

[Lou Loomis]

Dennis,

The 320 can be had from JandR for $399. They were trying to get a final batch from H/K three weeks ago, and apparently have gotten them in. That was the price I was told, so talk with them. They can also get you the 1803 for the same price, but they won't ship Denon. I see you are in NY (not sure where Queensbury is though) so perhaps you can pick it up.

6ave is also a good call. Bought from them too, and they had the 1803 in that neighborhood, they were just out of stock when I called three a month back.

You could also try Soundcity in NYC. Steve will get you the 1803 for that price. I believe he is out of the 320 though.

Btw, I decided on the 320 over the 1803 for the OSD, learning remote, etc. and it is quite nice.

 

[Dennis Heller]

Thanks for the reply, Lou and everyone else. I went with the Denon 1803 from Crutchfield and used the headphone credit to get a pair of Sennheiser HD 500s for $30. Should be here tomorrow.