what avrs or companies use warm sounding amps?

Anarchist420

Diamond Member
Feb 13, 2010
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like the one in the HK3490? do all HK receivers use amps that sound similar to the amp of the HK3490?

i was just wondering. i like the tube-like sound from my hk3490's amp, i just wish i had better speakers but better speakers arent high on my list of things to get.
 

blackangst1

Lifer
Feb 23, 2005
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Off topic, but speakers should be the FIRST upgrade to your system, if youve already got a capable amp (which you do).

Aside from that, I like Yamaha and Pioneer.
 

weez82

Senior member
Jan 6, 2011
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Seeing as how the speakers are outputting the sound......speakers will make the biggest difference in what you hear.

Dont buy into the hype that different avrs will sound warm compared to others. I've used a cheap JVC (2001), the HK 3490 (2009), and a HK 247 (current), and some Yamaha avr (dont remember the model). There is no difference in "warmth" to the sound using these avrs. If you want a warmer sound get different speakers or use the bass and treble adjustments
 

Meghan54

Lifer
Oct 18, 2009
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If you want a "warmer" sound, you'd probably be best served looking at tube amps.

Otherwise, not much difference, although I liked my NAD's sound over comparable Denon I auditioned it against. Was using a pair of Paradigm Studio 60's as the listening speaker, so that may have colored what I heard, but those were the speakers that I have, so the electronics had to play "nice" with them. The NAD just won out over the Denon. Liked the Anthem, too, but too pricey vs. the NAD.
 

Number1

Diamond Member
Feb 24, 2006
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If you want a "warmer" sound, you'd probably be best served looking at tube amps.

Otherwise, not much difference, although I liked my NAD's sound over comparable Denon I auditioned it against. Was using a pair of Paradigm Studio 60's as the listening speaker, so that may have colored what I heard, but those were the speakers that I have, so the electronics had to play "nice" with them. The NAD just won out over the Denon. Liked the Anthem, too, but too pricey vs. the NAD.

Why is it that tube amps put out a "warmer" sound? Is it because of the element in the tubes?
 

alcoholbob

Diamond Member
May 24, 2005
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The warmer sound from tube amps is due to even order harmonic distortion.

As far as HK, they used to have a reputation for being warm, I don't know if its due to their older designs being more robust and high current (and thus being able to drive low impedance bass frequencies easier) or if the rolloff for bass is simply more gradual than typical amps or receivers. I doubt it has anything to do with even order distortion, like with tube amps.

As far as HK amps that are similar to the HK3490, the designs that also have equal or better output and high current ability that are still in production are the HK 7550HD and HK 990 amplifiers. The rest of their current product line is all switch mode low power garbage that clips at something like 30 or 40 watts per channel.