Harman Kardon HK3480 Stereo Receiver
HARMAN KARDON HK3480 - When two channels are all you need, make it two ultrahigh-bandwidth, high-current channels from the company that invented the stereo receiver. The HK 3480 features seven audio inputs,four video inputs (including one on the front panel), 30 AM/FM station presets, VMAx surround synthesis from stereo sources, a three-step dimmable fluorescent display, a phono preamp, pre-out/main-in jacks, gold-plated phono inputs and a separate subwoofer output. Also included is a multicomponent system remote control. Integrated high quality phono preamp Pre-out / Main-in jacks A/B speaker switching Gold-plated inputs Separate subwoofer output Includes multi-component remote control Unit weight - 26.8 pounds
Not everyone wants or needs a 5.1-channel receiver, which is where this HK3480 two-channel receiver from Harman Kardon comes into play. This ultra-high-bandwidth, 240-watt unit is perfect for fans of jazz, classical, or rock, as its powerful features bring out both the bombast and the nuance of your favorite music. The HK3480 is also one of the few stereo receivers to employ VMAx technology, a proprietary signal-processing technique that simulates a 360-degree sound field through a mere two speakers. The technology gives the listener the sensation of sitting in a concert hall or theater without requiring a surround sound setup. 
Take a closer look at the HK3480's connections. You can also view the unit's front panel and remote control in detail. |
Though the HK3480 is designed primarily for music, it also pumps out high-quality audio for your TV, DVD player, VCR, and video game console. It includes enough inputs for each of these components, along with composite video switching that allows you to conveniently switch between them. And unlike many current receivers, the unit offers a high-quality phono input (with preamp) for people who treasure the unique sound of LPs and don't want to give up their lifelong record collections. The HK3480 also comes with an AM/FM tuner with 30 station presets, a three-step fluorescent display, and a multicomponent remote control. As with most modern receivers, it's ready to serve as the audio centerpiece of all your listening needs, with seven audio inputs and four video inputs (including one on the front panel). The inputs are gold-plated for quality. The unit also comes with pre-out/main-in jacks for use with external amplifiers or speaker processors and a separate subwoofer output. Hookup is simple due to the color-keyed connections. The receiver's tuner section offers exceptional performance, from its high signal-to-noise ratio (73 dB in mono, 72 dB in stereo) to high (40 dB) channel separation for superior stereo imaging--not to mention strong tuning abilities with the help of better-than-80-dB image rejection and better-than-100-dB IF (intermediate frequency) rejection. This component is equipped with a nonvolatile EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read-Only Memory) that preserves tuner presets and system configuration information, even when the unit is not connected to a main power source. What's in the Box
Stereo receiver, remote control, two AAA batteries, user's manual, and warranty/registration information.
Harman Kardon HK3480 Stereo Receiver Accessories
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Harman Kardon HK3480 Stereo Receiver Reviews
I never used the "vmax" on purpose, but with the difficulty of seeing the controls mentioned by others, I turned it on by mistake a couple of times. If the 2nd speakers were also on, the unit would shut down, and it was tricky getting either the speakers or vmax off before it shut off again. Last week, 12 days short of a year after I bought it, it went "pop" and died. My local repair shop told me that multiple printed circuit boards were blown out and it was essentially toast; I've bought an inexpensive replacement receiver for less than the repair would have cost. Warehouse Deals has yet to answer my requests for information, but Amazon politely told me there was nothing they could do. I'm disgusted with Harmon Kardon and glad to have a simple receiver that plays my tunes and doesn't try to light up the room.
Though it hasn't gotten any worse it's annoying. The remote sucks big time, an idiot must have designed it. Next, you can adjust the brightness of the display on the receiver from the remote from the comfort of your chair but if you want to adjust the bass, treble or balance you have to get up and go to the receiver.
The preset stations are NOT next to the volume, their in the middle of the clump of other buttons, Absolutely STUPID. One thing I will give this receiver is it's clean sound. How FREAKIN stupid is that. First off, Since I bought this receiver, whenever you turn on the power or switch either the A or B speakers theres a static pop from the right channel.
It's clean at any volume though I wish it had the bass punch my old Pioneer gave me.
This unit is heading for the local electronics recycler and I'm looking for a new (non-HK) unit. I've had the HK3380 for about a year and generally liked it but I've had an intermittent failure of the low power side (all inputs). This happens once in a while but when it starts happening it keeps doing it for an hour or so. They (including the line outputs) will drop out for a few seconds to a few minutes.
get a another model. i tried to order this harman kardon. but they call me right next they to tell me that it was sold out. good service so far. don't have to wait for it.
also thirty years older (77) I knew I didn't need a 200 watts per channel amp,Yamaha preamp and tuner any longer. Ed Buxbaum, San Diego, CA I have been using high-end separates for about thirty years, and they. About two weeks ago, I found the Harman-Kardon 3480 at Amazon and decided it would do what I needed. have deteriorated to the point where they had to be replaced. which is completely illegible. I was right.it sounds great with my old, and much loved AR-9 speakers.
Since I am. H-K has enough experience in making quality components to have avoided this blunder. but the 3480 is a happy solution. Now, here's the hate part: who on earth designed the teeny, tiny type. All were sounding their age, with problems. on the front of the receiver. I have taken off one star in the rating for the annoying illegibility. And the worst of it is the remote control.
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