120W of power through all four channels! Also, 4 Ohm support, very low noise, sleep function, dimmer, TV/Video switching, subwoofer outand my favorite: the ability to switch between speaker pairs using the remote.

The RCA sub-outs do not have a user-selectable cross-over setting so if you use these to connect your sub, you will hear up to 150Hz of directional sound pumping through your sub. It is a shame that HK did not include a user selectable cross-over setting and this comes as a major disappointment. My only option is to use my sub's speaker-level outputs so that it can be the filter. Maybe the next generation will have this feature (HK are you reading this?). Another problem I have noticed is that the remote will sometimes stop responding, something one of the other reviewers also mentioned. It takes a little tweaking to get it back (usually switching to AM), but that shouldn't be the case. Again, this is a simple software glitch that HK should have corrected. When I called tech support, they acknowledged that a few other users had experienced similar problems, but they only sent me a new remote which did not resolve the problem, so either the bean counters don't think it's important enough or they are ignoring it. This is why I can't in good conscience give the receiver a 5 star rating, despite the amazing performance.

I purchased this unit because of its sub-out capability. However, after playing with it for a while, I went back to connecting my speakers to the sub's speaker outputs. This provides better control to blend the speakers with the sub. That said, the receiver is an incredible value. I was a little skeptical buying HK, because a lot of vendors have stopped carrying them and the product line seems to have gone too mainstream, but I think this receiver is an exception. That said, I still have reservations see the "weaknesses" section below. Nonetheless, the sound is remarkable. With 120 watts (and this is a conservative rating, typical with HK), the receiver can play extremely loud w/o distortion. I connected an older pair of rather inefficient Polk speakers and this receiver didn't skip a beat. I also play my Hybrid SACD's through the receiver because it sounds that good. I also use the receiver for testing audio equipment in my garage (mostly different speakers), and this is an excellent receiver for that. It brings out all the clarity and detail that I need to hear. While I have my reservations about service and quality control at HK, I can overlook these when I remember how much I paid for such a good sounding receiver.

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Sony STR-DE197, Denon DRA-395, Onkyo 8211 and 8511, HK 3380, as well as vintage Panasonic, Philips, Fisher, and JVC units.

The power amp section low impedance speakers very well; it works great with my old Celestions Ditton-33s (variable 4-8 ohm load) and passive BSR sub-woofer. The FM section is very sensitive and includes mono mode for very weak signals. It picks up signals cleanly and is superior to any tuner I have played with except my old analog Onkyo T9 tuner, which does work just a touch better, on weak signals. The pre amp output comes through RCA jumpers to the power amp input so the unit can be used in conjunction with an electronic crossover and another power amp for bi-amping, or an equalizer could be inserted. This is a simple receiver a multitude of input and outputs for use with high quality speakers.

The VMAX pseudo surround sound is best left off, although it does make some action movies sound better. The FM tuner sometimes stops responding to the remote one the record monitor button is touched, switching to AM. CD, or Video and then back fixes this glitch.

The Harmon-Kardon HK-3480 is a simple, powerful, and uncolored sounding stereo receiver a multitude of input and outputs, and video switching as well. It happily drives low impedance loads as well as many audiophile power amps is ideal for use with high quality low impedance speakers. Up until now I have always had separate components. This is the first receiver I have ever been totally happy with. I have never thought much of Harmon-Kardon products in the past, but they have hit a home run with this model. The only thing I have heard which is better than this unit is separate components, each costing 4-10 times the price. I believe this is the sleeper bargain of the year.

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The power amp section sounds as good as my hafler DH-220.

Power and punch but retains that warm analog sound. Phono input, plenty of ins and outs.

None at all at this kind of price.

Simply a grat product at a great price. If this did not have video switching and the V-Max mode for video, it could sell for $999 as an "audiophile" receiver. It's as good as many integrated amps up to and over $1000. And, even stereophile heaped praise on it- does music "right".

Similar Products Used:

Audio only gear, A/V receivers

Power and punch but retains that warm analog sound. Phono input, plenty of ins and outs.

None at all at this kind of price.

Simply a grat product at a great price. If this did not have video switching and the V-Max mode for video, it could sell for $999 as an "audiophile" receiver. It's as good as many integrated amps up to and over $1000. And, even stereophile heaped praise on it- does music "right".

Similar Products Used:

Audio only gear, A/V receivers

Powerful VMax sounds awesome on some sources Looks great

VMax sounds bad on some sources

This thing is awesome. Not only does it look incredibly awesome, but it sounds great too. To tell the truth, im generally an Onkyo guy. In fact, were i buying a surround sound receiver, i would have gone with onkyo. This stereo receiver is imo much nicer than the onkyo counterpart. more power, better looks, tons more inputs.. its great. VMax can be nice too. This is actually hooked up to my comp with a 1/8" to rca cable, and i have two polk rti4's for the speakers. its great. If you're willing to spend a little more for an awesome product, get this thing.

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strde197, txsr502, tx8211