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Harman Kardon HK 3490 2 x 120W Stereo Receiver | 
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| Brand: Harman Kardon
Category: CE
Buy New: See price in cart
New (16) Used (1) from $219.00
Rating:  16 reviews
Sales Rank: 1624
Color: SilverBlack
Media: Electronics
Batteries Included: Yes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 33
Dimensions (in): 15 x 17.4 x 6.4
MPN: HK 3490
Model: HK 3490
UPC: 028292506451
EAN: 0028292506451
ASIN: B00198F89A
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually ships in 2 to 4 weeks
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| Features:
| • | Affordable stereo receiver with Remote A/B switching | | • | Compatible with the Bridge II docking station for iPod playback, control, and charging | | • | Dolby Headphone and Dolby Virtual Speaker surround modes | | • | Dual subwoofer output, with trigger for direct connection to powered subwoofers | | • | XM Tuner Ready |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
The HK 3490 was born to make beautiful music and, like all specialists, it's very good at what it does. It features high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth amplification, a signature Harman Kardon technology that delivers all the subtlety of an original musical performance, whether reproduced from vinyl or your MP3 player of choice. But even specialists enjoy a change of pace from time to time. So the HK 3490 also features four high-quality composite video inputs, and convenient front-panel inputs for video games and portable audio players.
At 120 watts per channel, this powerful HK 3490 stereo receiver combines all of an audiophile's must-haves (high performance phono preamp, preouts/main-in jacks, high-current amplification) with an array of multichannel extras (digital-audio inputs, video switching, dual subwoofer outputs and Dolby Virtual Speaker technology). Add the optional Bridge II docking station, and the HK 3490 will connect as elegantly to your newfangled iPod as it does to your time-honored turntable. The HK 3490 isn't a snob about where the music comes from, as long as it sounds great when it reaches its final destination: your ears. Connects to the optional Harman Kardon-engineered The Bridge II docking station for iPod playback, control and charging Stereo preamp outputs allow the use of an external power amplifier Two digital audio inputs (one coaxial and one digital) Convenient front-panel audio/video input for use with video games or portable players One high-quality phono input for connection of record players with an MM cartridge Two analog recording outputs (tape and video) FM stereo/FM/AM tuner with RDS, auto preset, direct-access tuning and 30 presets Two-line dot-matrix display for clear visibility Dimmer reduces the brightness of the information screen, or switches it off completely
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| Customer Reviews: Read 11 more reviews...
 Great Receiver! January 7, 2009
I'm totally pleased with this HK receiver. It has ample power, low distortion, a nice feature-set, and pleasing appearance all at a very reasonable price.
 Great choice for music listeners not wanting surround sound. December 21, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I purchased the HK 3490 from Amazon to replace a 13 year old Sony receiver. The Sony had served me well, but it had a lot of confusing buttons and features, many of which were related to the surround sound Pro-Logic and video switching functions, which I never used.
I wanted to replace the Sony with something that was easier to use. I also wanted to stay at about the same level of RMS per-channel power (the Sony had 110 watts per channel RMS in two-channel mode, the HK 3490 has 120 watts per channel RMS).
The HK 3490 sounds very clean (low distortion) and has ample power to drive my Jamo 660 tower speakers and an older passive (non amplified) Jamo subwoofer. I especially like how the volume control allows very easy and precise control of the volume for low to moderate listening levels.
The HK 3490's tape monitor loop permitted me to hook up a small graphic equalizer (Behringer FBQ800 - also purchased from Amazon) to make more specific tone adjustments than possible by using the receiver's built-in bass and treble controls. A tape monitor loop is becomming increasingly difficult to find and many receivers no longer have them.
I still have an older TV that works very well. I hooked up various connections between the TV, DVD recorder/player and the HK 3490 with no problems. The 3490 uses only composite video connections, but for my uses, they are fine. I don't watch a lot of DVD videos, and usually don't listen to TV sound through the stereo. To me, the video signal looks just fine when processed through the HK 3490's video inputs and outputs.
It would have been nice if the HK 3490 had been equipped with a "tone defeat" bypass switch and a "loudness" button. Also, I would have liked to be able to pre-program "mono" and "stereo" FM modes for each FM preset. For future compatibility purposes, it would also have been good to have one or two HDMI plug-ins for the newer TV's. But these are minor shortfalls.
The optical and coaxial digital inputs (both located on the back panel) are a nice touch. I have the CD input button of the HK 3490 programmed to the "coaxial" input and one of the video input buttons programmed to the "optical" input. Both work well, although it appears that the tape monitor loop is bypased when either digital input is used. This is no problem, because by switching back to the analog inputs, the tape monitor can be used, if desired. (this will require additional RCA cables for the corresponding analog inputs.)
The built-in FM tuner works very well, and has XM capability, but no HD radio feature. I purcahsed a Sangean HDT-1X tuner to pick up HD stations. However, it would have been nice if the HD capibility was built in to the HK 3490.
Overall, I am very satisfied with my purchase. The HK 3490 sounds clean and natural, and does not contain complicated surround sound features which are typically of little importance to those who aren't glued to the TV set. The HK 3490 is also modestly priced, costing far less than some surround sound receivers with comperable power.
BOSE preferred December 15, 2008
Awesome receiver!!! I just got my dad a pair BOSE 251 Outdoor speakers and they sound amazing with this receiver. I would never buy anything less than this specially if you're using expensive speakers.
An Excellent Product from Harman December 12, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Not too long ago, I was reintroduced back into the audio field. After looking among 5.1 and 7.1 audio receivers, I decided I wanted a basic two stereo receiver that was both durable and powerful. I didn't want any video nor surround sound that required more than two speakers. I just wanted a basic two stereo system. The Harman Kardon HK 3490 fit the bill perfectly. Comparing the 3490 with other two channel receivers, I didn't consider it to be overly expensive, nor cheap - especially with the current discounts. Upon opening the package, the 3490 turned out much bigger than expected. After listening to a few Dylan records overnight, I've found that the 3490 does heat up - but not to the point of concern. There's also an included cover for the ports located on the front panel - one for both the RCA inputs and the audio adjustments. I recommend you keep the cover for the latter uncovered if you're the kind of person who likes to make simple adjustments according to each individual record you listen to, as it's rather difficult to remove. As other reviews have mentioned, the remote is rather large considering it isn't universal which could be a problem if you plan on using this with other components. As some have noted of various discussion forums, build quality has apparently dropped since the previous model. I haven't had personal experience with the previous generation, but the 3490 seems sturdy as is. Nothing feels cheap or flimsy. Overall, this is an excellent no frills receiver that's both powerful and durable - and at this price, it's definitely a steal.
Great reciever December 6, 2008
This is my first stereo receiver I have bought for myself. I have used and installed other receivers from Pioneer, Denon, Onkyo and Sony. This is certainly the sleekest and easiest to set up. There are plenty of inputs for all my audio needs. I chose Harman/Kardon because I have been a long time fan of their other product lines, JBL and Infinity. I have the receiver driving a pair of Polk Audio, Monitor 5 speakers and a pair of custom powered 12" JBL subs. The system is distortion free at all levels and very crisp. I will say I am 99% satisfied with this receiver. The only weakness is the great looking remote that comes with the system is only compatible with the receiver and a Harman/Kardon DVD player. Being that my DVD player is a peice of junk, I'll be happy to replace it with a new H/K. This would have been a let down had I already spent the money on another brand.
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