Comments about Harman Kardon HK3490 Stereo Receiver:

One of the last great 2 channel receivers that has a price tag within reach of the average person. Power is superb, have reached approx. 90% volume level with no discernable distortion, have not dared to go any louder, it is somewhat frightning even at that level!

Comments about Harman Kardon HK3490 Stereo Receiver:

I use this receiver to power a pair of Ascend CMT-340's in a small apartment. The HK offers PLENTY of power -- it makes the Ascends really shine, even when reproducing explosions in movies (Band of Brothers). I use the digital inputs for PS3 and computer hookups, and they work exceptionally well -- I have only ever gotten the receiver to accept PCM (no success with AAC or a Dolby signal over digital; supported formats not listed in the manual) but the sound quality is just great. The tuner is very good -- I do a lot of radio listening and have no complaints. And finally, the receiver is just beautiful. It's surprisingly large, but the design is stunning.

Comments about Harman Kardon HK3490 Stereo Receiver:

This stereo is the perfect solution for those looking for a stereo sound source. I use this in an office setting. It is connected to a volume control speaker selector that ultimately powers six pairs of in-ceiling speakers. The Dolby Virtual Surround greatly enhances the sound coming from the speakers. The only extra gadgets I was looking for to meet these needs was the ability to control an I-pod or be satellite radio ready. I didn't need 7 channels or THX certification etc. Just needed great sound reproduction and the ability to easily power a number of speakers through a speaker selector (or two selectors using the second channel). This stereo receiver easily runs all day in this setup while producing great sound and without heating up. In fact it hardly gets warm.

Comments about Harman Kardon HK3490 Stereo Receiver:

I purchased the HK3490 to replace the Marantz SR4320 that I purchased several years ago. I originally had an old Kenwwod receiver to drive my Bose 901 Series II speakers. The Bose speakers can be connected to a receiver either via a tape-loop monitor or via the preamp out and main amp in connections, but Bose recommends connecting speakers via a tape-loop monitor, since there is greater interference when connecting via the preamp out and main amp in connections. The problem was that when I purchased the Marantz receiver, there were virtually no receivers being made with a tape monitor connection, including Marantz. So I had to connect to the Marantz via the preamp out and main amp in connections, and there was indeed a significant amount of "hum" that was produced when the speakers were connected in this way, and the sound from the speakers was not clean and clear. So I was delighted to discover that the HK3490 included a tape monitor loop. When I received the HK3490 and hooked up my Bose speakers via its tape monitor connections, the difference in sound from the Marantz was astounding. The sound from the HK3490 was clear, rich, and well defined--the nuances of every instrumental sound could be heard with amazing clarity. I also connected a Technics turntable to the HK3490, which has a built-in turntable amplifier. The sound and fidelity were outstanding. I recommend this receiver most highly. It performs much better than other stereo receivers costing significantly more.

Comments about Harman Kardon HK3490 Stereo Receiver:

No HDMI and cannot process digital cable tv channels-still very good stereo receiver

Comments about Harman Kardon HK3490 Stereo Receiver:

GREAT STEREO RECEIVER! AMAZING SOUND! PERFECT FOR AUDIOPHILES!

Comments about Harman Kardon HK3490 Stereo Receiver:

I purchased this to power a pair of Bose 901s. These speakers require a decent amount of power as well as a pre-amp in/out, both of which the HK3490 has.This thing looks and sounds great and it makes the 901s hum. I love the overall simplicity of this unit. Stereo sounds great and there are 2 simulated Dolby suround modes. My only complaints are as follows. (A) If you plan on routing your video through your receiver, look elsewhere. This does not support any digital video inputs/outputs. I don't mind as I just rout all video into my HDTV directly.(B) The large remote, while handsome, is worthless unless you own a plethora of HK equipment. Further, it can't even control the treb/bass controls on the receiver, which is poor.(C) The digital audio inputs are minimal. There are 1 optical and 1 coax input. At least put a couple of each of these if you're not going to have HDMI.Overall, this is a great unit though. The negatives listed are all minimal, for me at least. Plus, for ~[$] you can't beat a 120W stereo receiver. Again, this thing puts out some power. I highly recommend.-Ski-loP.S. Bose 901 owners - I looked for the best reasonably priced receiver to power these for a while and I strongly belive the HK 3490 is the best way to go.

Comments about Harman Kardon HK3490 Stereo Receiver:

I use this for XM Radio and 2 Channel Audio.
Have attached multiple speakers in different rooms with a switcher for 4 Pairs.

Comments about Harman Kardon HK3490 Stereo Receiver:

I finally upgraded a 20+ year old system with this as my receiver. It's so easy it practically sets itself up. Has excellent options like connector for the Bridge iPod dock, turntable port w/ built in preamp. Clean design and pushes a full rich tone.

Comments about Harman Kardon HK3490 Stereo Receiver:

I'm using this to run a pair of pyle pro 600w speakers. I don't think the neighbors like me too much. oh, well.

Comments about Harman Kardon HK3490 Stereo Receiver:

This AMP is Married to a set of BOSE 901 series VI
Speakers and the Dark Side of The Moon Rocks!!!!
Clean and Clear by far the Best ..

Comments about Harman Kardon HK3490 Stereo Receiver:

I had trouble with my hdtv for sound on my speakers
for regular viewing.