I'm looking for surround sound help from you tech heads :)

[beau21]

Hey guys.

I've been looking at a new surround sound setup and I'd sure appreciate some opinions and insight on receivers.

I'm looking at:

Harman Kardon AVR 3600

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Harman+Kardon+-+560W+7.1-Ch.+3D+Pass+Through+A/V+Home+Theater+Receiver+-+Gunmetal+Gray/1853638.p?id=1218298446950&skuId=1853638&st=AVR%203600&cp=1&lp=1

Onkyo TX-NR808:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Onkyo+-+945W+7.2-Ch.+A/V+Home+Theater+Receiver/1262599.p?id=1218244145070&skuId=1262599

I work at a store that sells electronics and the past two days I've checked them out on my lunch break. The first day, the guy led me to the Harman Kardon unit. Talked it up. Today, a different guy led me to the Onkyo and said the Harman Hardon unit is great but they've had more issues and he's partial to the Onkyo unit.

What do you guys think between the two?*

Any comments, thoughts, experience is welcome.

[Burns11]

Re: I'm looking for surround sound help from you tech heads

I'm biased towards Onkyo's sound compared to HK's.

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Re: I'm looking for surround sound help from you tech heads

Own one of each (mid-level models). The Onkyo tends to run warmer and needs more ventilation than the HK. No clue if that trend holds up on the respective flagship models.

The Onkyo offers networking which I didn't see listed for the HK.

Also, both are horribly overpriced at BB. Save about $300 buying online at Amazon (unless you can get a sweet deal locally since you mentioned working in electronics)

[beau21]

Re: I'm looking for surround sound help from you tech heads

Own one of each (mid-level models). The Onkyo tends to run warmer and needs more ventilation than the HK. No clue if that trend holds up on the respective flagship models.

The Onkyo offers networking which I didn't see listed for the HK.

Also, both are horribly overpriced at BB. Save about $300 buying online at Amazon (unless you can get a sweet deal locally since you mentioned working in electronics)

They are both right about $750 after my discount.

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Re: I'm looking for surround sound help from you tech heads

They are both right about $750 after my discount.

Gotcha. Onkyo is about $65 less via Amazon vs. your local price.
HK is $30 less online.

Either way isn't a deal breaker. A lot of people prefer to have a store you can physically walk into if you have any issues.

[beau21]

Re: I'm looking for surround sound help from you tech heads

I take back that price..

I looked at my notes and the Harman-Kardon I can get for $667. The Onkyo would be $750.

[Husker_OS]

Re: I'm looking for surround sound help from you tech heads

I've got an Onkyo now. It does run a little warm, but nothing too extreme with the one I've got. As for speakers, I recommend Bowers & Wilkins. My entire speaker setup is B&W and I will NEVER buy anything else. The 600 series is immaculate for a surround system and for subwoofer I recommend the 610 or 610XP. Beware though, the XP will knock paintings off your walls. I found that out the hard way.

[beau21]

Re: I'm looking for surround sound help from you tech heads

To throw another curveball..

Here's a quality third option that I've seen noted in a number of spots:

Denon AVR-3311CI

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Denon+-+875W+7.1-Ch.+A/V+Home+Theater+Receiver/9894586.p?id=1218212895631&skuId=9894586

[fishepa]

I prefer Marantz.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[beau21]

Re: I'm looking for surround sound help from you tech heads

I've got an Onkyo now. It does run a little warm, but nothing too extreme with the one I've got. As for speakers, I recommend Bowers & Wilkins. My entire speaker setup is B&W and I will NEVER buy anything else. The 600 series is immaculate for a surround system and for subwoofer I recommend the 610 or 610XP. Beware though, the XP will knock paintings off your walls. I found that out the hard way.

I'd looked at:

Klipsch RF-62 II Floorstanding Speakers:

http://www.klipsch.com/na-en/products/rf-62-ii-overview/

- They sell for $399 each at my store. My cost is $253 each.

Klipsch SW-310 Subwoofer:

http://www.klipsch.com/na-en/products/sw-310-overview/

- It sells for $899. My cost is $555.

Klipsch RC-62 II Center Speaker:

http://www.klipsch.com/na-en/products/rc-62-ii-overview/

- It believe it sells for $499. My cost is $270.

Those paired with (probably) the Onkyo 808 unit was my plan.