Speakers for Harman Kardon receiver ?

Question

My wife just bought me a Harman Kardon stereo receiver.Model HK 3380. I am complete newbie and need help in buying speakers for it. It says it's a 2X80W stereo receiver. Their website has the following details : Continuous Average Power (FTC) Per Channel : 80 Watts per channel, 20Hz – 20kHz @ <0.07% THD, both channels driven into 8 ohms
100 Watts per channel, 20Hz – 20kHz @ <0.2% THD, both channels driven into 4 ohms . What kind of speaker I should buy ? I am connecting TV, Dish , DVD and computer. Mostly use it for watching TV and movies. Please help ?

Answer 1

Congratulations...You just bought a REALLY nice piece of equipment...And it really doesn't matter what you're going to be listening to...TV, Dish, DVD, etc...With the old-school 2-speaker system, it's all the same...Anyway, what you need to know about Harmon Kardon is that they list their power ratings in "RMS", not "PEAK"...What this means is NOT important right now...The point is that when you go looking for speakers out there, make sure their listed power handling capability is measured in "RMS watts" and NOT "peak"...Your "80 watts RMS" would be about "133 watts PEAK"...It sounds to me that at 80 watts per channel you could get some decent BOOKSHELF speakers...Regardless of how they're rated, buy speakers that handle power either EQUAL TO or LESS THAN the power of your stereo...Not ENOUGH power damages speakers a lot quicker than too MUCH power...When you go to demo different speakers choose ones that are rated "80 watts RMS" or less ("133 watts PEAK" or less) and be sure to take along one of your FAVORITE CD's that you know quite well...DON'T use the Salesman's CD...He has picked out music that'll make ANY speaker in the store sound good...As YOUR music plays at the store you'll know if it sounds BETTER of WORSE than what you're use to...
Try these speakers at "BestBuy.com"(click the link below):
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=6780691&type=product&id=1091101345658
And try these at "CircuitCity.com"(click the link below):
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Polk-Bookshelf-Speakers-Monitor-40/sem/rpsm/oid/93009/catOid/-12950/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Answer 2

Since this is a stereo amplifier you only need two speakers -- one for the left and one for right channel (i.e. You do not need a "surround" setup).

This is a middle of the road sterao receiver so there is no point in buying really expensive speakers, but on the other hand, assuming your ear can appreciate good sound (and the pocketbook allows) there is no reason to buy really cheap speakers either.

My suggestion would be to consider used "bookshelf" speakers made by a name brand company, such as Klipsh, Polk, B&W, JBL or the like. Kilpsh are a particularly good choice because they tend to be high efficiency speakers (i.e. they don't need a lot of power to be loud) and to have a good, neutral sound. Most cities have stores that either take trades on new equipment, or specialize in good used gear. Either would be a place to look.

Have a look at the link below for reviews of a wide range of speakers. Find a store with speakers in your price range and consult this (or other similar sources) for an opinion before buying.

You could buy new, but assuming they have been looked after speakers don't show their age. I have speakers over 25 years old I'd put up against almost anything new. You'll save a lot used.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Best Harman Kardon Receiver

Answer 4

It sounds like you only need 2 speakers for a 2-channel stereo system. You will want to spend as much as you can afford on speakers because this is the most important component for sound quality performance over any other single component in the system.

You can go one of two ways...

1 - stand mount speakers and a powered subwoofer

2 - full-range floorstanding speakers

Personally, my first choice for you would be a pair of Silverline Audio Prelude small floorstanding speakers. Superb sound and a small footprint, along with excellent performance with bass that is quick and deep. $1,200/pr.

Next step down would be a pair of Acoustech floor speakers. These speakers sound good and they get really loud even in large rooms with very good bass and dynamics. Under $500/pr.

For a stand mounted speaker, I would suggest the Hsu Research speakers that just came out, and pair them with one of their powered subs. This system will go really low, give you incredible dynamics, and sound excellent. $700 on up depending upon the sub you choose.

A step down in the stand mount system, you could do well to go with a pair of Athena Technologies SB1.2 speakers and choose one of the Hsu subs or the 12" Dayton powered sub or the BIC Acoustech H100 powered sub. Under $500/sys.

H a p p y
L i s t e n i n g !

Answer 5

I own a couple of HK receivers, they are nice. HK receivers tend to have a warmer sound, so I like to match them to speakers that are a little quicker sounding to give a good balanced sound.

Take a look at the NHT SB3 speakers (bookshelves). Paradigm also makes some outstanding speakers at a decent value.

You have plenty of power with that receiver to drive anything (within reason). Make sure you buy speakers that you can return if you do not like the sound once you get them home.

Answer 6

It does not matter what brand of speakers you use with any receiver. Hope this will help you out.

Answer 7

Harman, parent company of JBL, Infinity,Altec Lansing, I would suggest JBL speakers, or Definitive Technology

Answer 8

Check out Polk, Kef, Mission, Advent and Cambridge. If you can't afford it, buy Boss for less than $500.