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Review NaN of
Price Paid:
$500.00
from Audiogon, used Summary: I have put together a decent home theater system by carefully monitoring Audiogon and waiting for good deals on equipment I want. Nothing wrong with "previously owned" audio gear, unlees you just *like* to spend too mcuh money. This HK amp is no exception.
I am using it to power a (mostly) all-Gallo speaker surround system (Reference 3s Front L/R, Due center, Due Rear L/R, Earthquake MKIV 10" sub).
The sound is clean, dynamic, never harsh, and with great soundstage depth. The imaging is excellent. The Gallos really like to see a lot of current and the HK amp has that in spades (+- 100 amps!!!). In addition, the Gallos are a very wide bandwidth speaker and this amp's 1Hz - 170KHz frequency response really lets the Gallos strut their stuff. DVD-Audio and SACD sound *superb*.
The amp was purchased used from Audiogon and I got a smokin' deal on it - exactly $1.00 per watt (at 8 ohms). It is connected to a matching HK Signature 2.0 preprocessor (another Agon deal). This combination sounds terrific and works together beautifully. The "synergy" is excellent. In addition, I got a GREAT deal on the 2.0 at $375. $875 for this combo is the stuff audiophile dreams are made of [smile]. I defy anyone to put together a better combo for the same or less money.
I'm not sure why others are experiencing such heat output from their amps, mine runs barely warm to the touch, even when playing at very high levels for hours on end. Perhaps they are placing their gear in a closed cabinet? My rack is completely open all around, so the ventilation is superior.
All in all, I'd have to say that I am VERY pleased with the performance of the amp and I do not believe I will ever replace it unless it breaks. Even then, I'll probably find another used one to purchase.
As others have recommended, if you can find one for a good price - BUY IT! Unless you're an audio snob, this amp has everything one could want or ask for and the price for this performance is more than reasonable.
-RW- Strengths: Superior perfomance for a ridiculously low price. Smooth, quiet, substantial power reserves, excellent imaging front to back and side to side. Looks quite nice, too. Weaknesses: Are you kidding? Okay, it IS a little bit heavy, 47 lbs. If that's a problem for you, get to the gym, son. Similar Products Used: Acurus, Adcom, Sony. The HK is better than all of them.
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