mRNA Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 After losing my Denon AVR 1908 receiver to an unanticipated electrical fluke (buzzing and turning off) issues, I searched the internet for a replacement. I read numerous reviews about other Denon and Home Theatre receiver customers who had experienced similar electrical issues after unreasonably short receiver lifetimes, so I decided to give up on the 7.1, 5.1 Home Theatre Hype. The sound my Denon pushed to my vintage speakers was mediocre and not very pleasing to the ears. I decided to search for a good old analog 2-Channel stereo to push my 1974 Klipsch LaScalas and 1970 Klipsch Heresys. After a couple of minutes of searching I found many reviews on the Harman Kardon 3390 and 3490. Because my speakers have such a high sensitivity db rating, I decided to go with the 3390 which cost 209.00. Four days later it arrived at my home. WOW! What an unbelievable sound that this receiver delivers; crisp highs, warm midrange and an unbelievable sub output. It is the closest sound I have ever gotten to the old school tube amps. I definitely would recommend this receiver to anyone who is searching for the perfect 2 channel receiver for your vintage speakers. The two sub outputs are just a bonus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boxx Posted April 1, 2012 Share Posted April 1, 2012 Thanks for the post... It's always nice to hear of success stories... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mRNA Posted April 2, 2012 Author Share Posted April 2, 2012 I have since added a pioneer SG 9500 equailizer. combined great with the HK. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eq_shadimar Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 I have been using HK amps/receivers to drive my Cornwalls and Hersey's for years. I agree that they make equipment that sounds great on vintage Klipsch's. Laters, Jeff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finallygotmyheresies Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Based off of reports like your I am waiting for a opportunity to pick up a HK990. HK gets so much great press from this forum I figure their flagship 2ch is a cant miss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mRNA Posted June 28, 2012 Author Share Posted June 28, 2012 It has now been months since I have started using my HK to drive my Vintage Klipsch. I have absolutely never been happier with the sound quality. All of my fellow Heritage series friends have since upgraded to the HK receivers with none of them feeling disappointed with the switch. HK gets it right here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2sick2pray Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 I came so close to getting my hands on one from a a very dear friend only to have her realize that the sentimentality was to much to lose as it was her first ever stereo. That being said I then went on to find a perfect Sansui AU11 D11 mkII and have never looked back. I am going to use it with a Denon PMA 520 and a Yammy R500 as part of an active Xover setup. The HK is still sitting in the crawlspace of her home after all these years. I only wanted to give it the life it deserved, and not as a spiders nest. 2S2P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hugeroost Posted April 10, 2013 Share Posted April 10, 2013 looks like they"ve gone up 100 bucks since you got yours Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmarcm Posted April 10, 2013 Share Posted April 10, 2013 Outlaw has a two channel receiver that I understand is also great for vintage speakers. Those guys make very good stuff. When I was in college in the early 80's I had a Pioneer SX450 that I used to power a pair of Heresy's. I think it was 15 wpc but it sounded good and powered those babies very well. I have a Marantz 2220 ( 20 wpc) with the old gyro tuner that is from the 70's. Very nice and clean - even better than the old Pioneer, which I also still have. I have not used the Marantz with a Klipsch speaker of any kind - it is in a closet waiting to be resurected one day. It needs a new power cord and a dial light. I would part with it if anyone is interested. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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