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HK AVR 340 and Panny XR57

502 Views 8 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  idlehands77, 
I
There is not a lot of information on these or other sites about personal experience with the Harman Kardon AVR 340. I am looking to purchase this receiver after a lot of research because of two things:


1. The depth of the entertainment center holding it is only 16"

2. My wife wants orbs, so I would like to balance a slightly bright speaker set up with a more "laid back" sounding receiver.


My other option is the Panasonic XR57. I have heard some nice things about it, and it is small enough for the space, but have heard it too is bright.

This is a secondary system and I do not need HDMI because the HDTV pre-dates the craze.


I have been reading this forum for a long time and finally decided to ask a question. Please give your input and I hope to hear from someone with experience with this set up or the receiver. Feel free to recommend another receiver I may have overlooked that has a depth of less than 16".


Thanks,

K
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C
The brightness depends on your speakers. What do you have? A warm set of speakers will match perfectly with the XR57.


Since you don't need HDMI, how about the XR55? it would probably cut the cost factor into nearly half comparing the HK 340 vs XR55.
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I
The speakers will be the Orbs.

Single orbs for fronts and surrounds, and a double for the center channel.


K
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R
Quote:
Originally Posted by idlehands77
The speakers will be the Orbs.

Single orbs for fronts and surrounds, and a double for the center channel.


K
I own two complete sets of Orbs including their subwoofers, you said you were going with single Orbs for your front left and right.....How big is the room your putting them in if you don't mind me asking?
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F
Are you back Russdawg? :)
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I
The room is about 14x12. 9ft ceiling.

I will also be using the Orb subwoofer, forgot to mention that.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Felgar
Are you back Russdawg? :)
No, I'm with friends still in Blackpool England. Will be home in a few more days.
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adrman
Quote:
Originally Posted by idlehands77
There is not a lot of information on these or other sites about personal experience with the Harman Kardon AVR 340. I am looking to purchase this receiver after a lot of research because of two things:


1. The depth of the entertainment center holding it is only 16"
I'm not sure how the depth of the 340 is compared to its predecessor, the 335, but I have the 335 in a 18" depth cabinet. With speaker wires and all associated cables, it's a pretty tight fit. If it's the same depth as the 335, you "might" be able to fit it by foregoing the 4mm plugs and wrapping the speaker wires directly on the binding posts.


Edit - I forgot to mention, what initially caused me to read your post is that I'm considering picking up the Panny just to hear how it sounds. I've got a Toshiba HDA1 on the way and I might give the hdmi audio a go vs. the 6 channel inputs on the 335. Speakers are Rocket ELT.
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I realize a 16" cabinet may be tight, but I can make a hole in the back for the connections to stick out...

Is there anyone out there that can give a review of a "warm" receiver with the orb speaker system?
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