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Review 3 of 3
Price Paid:
$400.00
from Harman Kardon Summary: This review is of the HK 3470, a 100 watt/channel stereo receiver. It weighs about double your Japanese-designed receivers with similar specs. It sports a high current output of +/- 45 amps. It seems to have every input and output one could possibly want. This includes a phono input and the preamp and power amp are connected by jumpers so you could use either section independently. The FM has a mono mode for reception of weak stations and also receives AM. Displays and selection buttons are clearly labeled and the remote is large and versatile. The instruction book is thorough and written in plain English. After all this, how does it sound?...powerful and authoritative. Using two Paradigm mini monitors in a small (11x12 feet) room I hear all the quality I had hoped for but never achieved with lesser equipment.The bass response is much improved. In addition to tone controls there is a VMAx mode which gives a "wider, more spacious sound field." It seems to affect the phrasing and sounds unnatural to me so I don't use it. You might feel otherwise. From top to bottom the HK 3470 sounds musical. Solo instruments come through clearly and full orchestra is powerful and well defined. The only problem seems to be the overshoot of the motorized volume control when using the remote. Better control can be achieved by hand. The unit is large and weighs 26.8 lbs. so be sure you have a sturdy shelf. I give it 5 stars for both quality and value. Strengths: excellent sound, powerful and versatile Weaknesses: Motorized Volume Control overshoots when using remote Similar Products Used: Technics 100 watt/Channel receiver
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