Harman Kardon AVR 525 Reciever $649 Shipped

[jwells777]

HK 525 Receiver (MSRP $1199 sold at authorized dealers for $999)

Power (WPC): 70 x 7
Power (WPC): 85 x 2
THD: 0.07%
Impedance: 8 ohms
Bandwidth: 20Hz - 20kHz
HCC (Amps): +/-45
Bandwidth @ 1W (+0,?3dB): 10Hz - 100kHz
Discrete Amplifier Output Devices: yes
Dual, Independent Power Supplies for Front and Rear Channels: Yes
IEC Detachable Power Cord: Yes
7.1 Channel Capability: Yes with 7 Channel Amplification and subwoofer output
Surround Back Amplifiers Configurable for Second Zone: Yes
DSP Processor: Advanced 24-bit twin-core Cirrus Logic DSP engine
Dolby Digital EX 6.1 Dolby®: Yes
Digital Pro Logic® II: Yes (Music, Movies and Emulation modes)
DTS®: Yes
5.1 DTS-ES®: Yes
6.1 Discrete and Matrix DTS Neo:6®: Yes
Logic 7®: Yes (5.1 and 7.1) Music and Cinema Modes 96kHz capability
VMAx®: Yes (near and far modes)
VMAx® Available Through Headphones: Yes (near and far modes)

Currently available for $649 with free shipping from eCost (Link)

(Please Note: eCost is not an Authorized dealer. For some people this is a major issue as a it may void the manufacturer warranty. For me personally, the cost difference is large enough that I am willing to accept this. Also, I believe that my credit card provides a 1 year warranty of its own thus further alleviating the need to shop from an authorized dealer.)


There are certainly a few receivers at this MSRP level that offer a few additional features (i.e. Denon 3803), but I can't find them for anything less than about $850. In terms of value per dollar in this range of receivers, this is the best that I have found. If anyone knows of a better receiver value in this range, by all means let us know. Otherwise, I think this is a fairly hot deal.

 

[T2T III]

I'm not sure if eCost is an authorized vendor or not for H/K. Any potential purchaser might want to check this out before hitting the "submit" button on the order form.

 

[Gadgetfreak]

I know this is a more expensive deal, but I talked my local Circuitcity into selling me this for $700. I feel more comfortable buying from a local authorized dealer.

 

[winthoss]

I'm not sure either if they're an authorized dealer, but in a recent issue of Crutchfield, that receiver was listed at over a grand.

 

[PDS]

Nice deal, good price. HK warranty is 2 years, but not sure about the "authorized dealer" issue (I know it's an issue for Pioneer Elite series).

However, I passed on the AVR 525 for the Pioneer 45TX ($825 from auth dealer). I seriously considered going "cheap" with the AVR 325, but if I was going over $500 then I'd just get the 45tx.

The 45tx has more watts and THX. Some say the 45tx has better sound and "auto setup" for speaker levels. Otherwise they seem quite comparable (feature wise).

PDS