packbasket Posted November 8, 2009 Share Posted November 8, 2009 I am going back and forth. I have Ebay watches on two receivers that interest me, one new and one from the 1970's. The new is a Harman Kardon 3490 and the vintage is a Pioneer SX-1010. I've read lots of older posts, both items are in high regard. I will be using the receiver I choose with a pair of Klipsch KG 4.2 speakers. Any advice to steer me? I am at the point of a coin toss to decide. If there is a better choice or opinion I'll listen! Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Robin Posted November 8, 2009 Share Posted November 8, 2009 This is easy Grasshopper: Buy both and sell the one the does not make you happy. Later Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dennie Posted November 8, 2009 Share Posted November 8, 2009 There are many things to consider. Do you use a subwoofer? If so, you will need line level inputs to the sub if you get the Pioneer. Are you using a turntable? If so, does the HK have phono inputs? How many components are you hooking up? Do both units have enough inputs and, inputs of the right kind. If you are hooking up a DVD player, I'm pretty sure the Pioneer doesn't have an optical input. Which one fills all of your needs? Now and in the future. Dennie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnA Posted November 9, 2009 Share Posted November 9, 2009 I remenber the SX-1010. Look for a Marantz 2325, Sansui 9090 or Yamaha CR-1000. Technics SA-700/800s of that era were well made. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
packbasket Posted November 9, 2009 Author Share Posted November 9, 2009 Thanks for the advice. I do have to take the maintenance issue into consideration as I am not one to update a vintage piece internally myself. I am only interested in 2 channel, the HK 3490 does have phono inputs and both claim to put out about 110 to 120 wpc. I prefer vintage, I have an older twin powered HK 730 with a pair of A/D/S L-8e's and love the sound in a bedroom set up. I am looking to replace a Denon AVR 3082 in my main set up, as I no longer care about home theatre, just music. The Pioneer SX 1010 or HK 3490 are what I have narrowed it down to...and I just can't get past the quality craftmanship of the vintage for the money spent. If I could find a refurbished Pioneer all cleaned up I would probably jump at it. Is this HK 3490 a middle of the road piece, or lower end? The reviews are great, and I'm assuming HK have not lost their quality over the years? I'm still holding that coin! Unfortunately both are not an option at present...maybe someday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wuzzzer Posted November 9, 2009 Share Posted November 9, 2009 I had a HK 3480 and still feel it was the best sound amp/receiver with any Klipsch I've owned. Only got rid of it once I went from two-channel to surround sound. Come to think of it, I don't think it would be too bad of an idea to buy one to use as an external amp for my front speakers... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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