h/k 330c
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Strawman
Addicted Member
Awesome. thanks again for all of the input. I'm going to give it to my brother with a surround sound processor for a little home theater rig. Small room, with 4 KLH 911B's I'll just have to watch out for a 730. Looks like I just got over a prejudice about "old" looking gear. It might not blow you away with it's power, but it sure draws you in with it's sound. :thmbsp:
Go with the A 402. Sweet sound, dual power supplies, built like a tank compared to my Yamaha CA 810. Got one for 5 bucks a few years back -- the guy thought a channel was shot. Nothing a little deox didn't fix.
;-)
;-)
Manitoulin
A proud member of AK
The A 402 is essentially the amp of the 730 with a few extra features on the faceplate. I could not hear any difference on the sound between the A 402 and the 730.
stoppard
New Member
dont hesitate on an amp, i gotta say my little 330 sounds awesome through the acurus.
This is a bit off the subject, but I need tt recommendations, have some vinyl i'm dying to play and no way to do it. I'm trying to do a budget system here but am willing to spend a bit on a vintage tt
oh and don't worry bout hijacking the thread, I've had a good cry, in the closet, in the dark, and i'm all better now! lol
This is a bit off the subject, but I need tt recommendations, have some vinyl i'm dying to play and no way to do it. I'm trying to do a budget system here but am willing to spend a bit on a vintage tt
oh and don't worry bout hijacking the thread, I've had a good cry, in the closet, in the dark, and i'm all better now! lol
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Manitoulin
A proud member of AK
Stoppard, first do a search on AK for other posts in the Turntables & Tape forum. Many other AK members have asked this question before.
If you do not find the information you are looking for, post a question on the Turntables & Tape forum. You will get more responses. When you post, ask specifiec questions, like the price you want to pay, features, etc.
Joe
If you do not find the information you are looking for, post a question on the Turntables & Tape forum. You will get more responses. When you post, ask specifiec questions, like the price you want to pay, features, etc.
Joe
Fletch
Well-Known Member
Just picked up a 330c in near mint condition for $20. It's got some tarnish on the knobs I'll have to get off but the rest of the unit it perfect minus a small scuff at the far right of the unit. How do these knobs come off? Are the easy to get off?
Where would I be able to find some DeOxit?
I've got it hooked up to a crappy set of KLHs. I think I bought them 10 years ago. What year did KLH go downhill?
Thanks guys, newbie here.
Where would I be able to find some DeOxit?
I've got it hooked up to a crappy set of KLHs. I think I bought them 10 years ago. What year did KLH go downhill?
Thanks guys, newbie here.
Jim H B
Well-Known Member
Fletch, welcome to AK! I'll echo the previous warnings; I started with one 330c, and now I have 3 of them, a 430, 630, 730 and about 5 other H/K receivers!
The knobs on the 330c just pull straight off. I've read various techniques for removing knobs; using spoons, etc. They are good tips some receivers, but the aluminum facia on the x30 series behind the knobs can be dented very easily, so don't use anything to pry the knobs off. Just grab them as best you can with your fingers and pull.
You can find Deoxit at www.partsexpress.com. Apologies if you know this already, but you want to apply the Deoxit from the back of the knobs and buttons, not the front.
The 330c's have a black vinyl covered case. To clean them, I've use Murphy's oil soap, a soft bristled brush, and plenty of water. Works like a charm. When it dries, apply a coat of Armor-all.
Deox the push buttons (tape mon, contour, etc) really well, they can get dirty and cause a lot of issues.
Good luck!
Jim
The knobs on the 330c just pull straight off. I've read various techniques for removing knobs; using spoons, etc. They are good tips some receivers, but the aluminum facia on the x30 series behind the knobs can be dented very easily, so don't use anything to pry the knobs off. Just grab them as best you can with your fingers and pull.
You can find Deoxit at www.partsexpress.com. Apologies if you know this already, but you want to apply the Deoxit from the back of the knobs and buttons, not the front.
The 330c's have a black vinyl covered case. To clean them, I've use Murphy's oil soap, a soft bristled brush, and plenty of water. Works like a charm. When it dries, apply a coat of Armor-all.
Deox the push buttons (tape mon, contour, etc) really well, they can get dirty and cause a lot of issues.
Good luck!
Jim
Fletch
Well-Known Member
JimHB & rulerboyz: Thanks for the welcome and the info. I'm pretty excited about this unit as the only other unit I have is a Onkyo TX-DS484 which is a fairly new unit. That unit is supposedly rated higher wattage but the older unit seems much louder. I read a few threads and have found that the newer CD decks put out a stronger source signal than the older tape decks and therefore it does not take as much volume to get up to the peak wattage.
The 330c is almost as old as I am but still sounds amazing. I have never heard those KLHs sound so well and they are not that great of a speaker.
I tried getting one or two of the knobs off with my hands but they would not budge. Now that I know that they actually come off I'll pull a little harder. Don't want to break anything. I'll be taking the knobs off tonight to polish them. What are they made out of?
I think I'll post my first thread with some pictures of the inside and out. It's a beauty.
To be honest here I know ABSOLUTELY nothing about older units except that Harman Kardon is a 'good' brand. So imagine my suprise when I get home and find out that I inadvertently found a gem in the rough. This unit is in excellent condition cosmetically.
Is there a way to remove plastic scuffs so they are not as apparent. There is one on the far left of the dial so that it cannot be easily seen when the unit is on but of course I want it to look nice. Any ideas?
Thanks again for the helpfull information.
The 330c is almost as old as I am but still sounds amazing. I have never heard those KLHs sound so well and they are not that great of a speaker.
I tried getting one or two of the knobs off with my hands but they would not budge. Now that I know that they actually come off I'll pull a little harder. Don't want to break anything. I'll be taking the knobs off tonight to polish them. What are they made out of?
I think I'll post my first thread with some pictures of the inside and out. It's a beauty.
To be honest here I know ABSOLUTELY nothing about older units except that Harman Kardon is a 'good' brand. So imagine my suprise when I get home and find out that I inadvertently found a gem in the rough. This unit is in excellent condition cosmetically.
Is there a way to remove plastic scuffs so they are not as apparent. There is one on the far left of the dial so that it cannot be easily seen when the unit is on but of course I want it to look nice. Any ideas?
Thanks again for the helpfull information.
Jim H B
Well-Known Member
Fletch, It would be great to see pics!
As far as I know the knobs are made out of aluminum, around a plastic core. I've found that just washing them with soap and a tootbrush really cleans them up nicely. But to go the extra mile, they can be polished with something like Nevr-dull, Mother's Billet polish, or most any metal/aluminum polish you can find at your local auto parts store. Use this polish on the facing behind the knobs too. Just don't rub too hard.
Also at the auto-parts store, you can find some plastic polish. 3M makes one that works pretty well. You'll want one with a fine abrasive. You can use it with a micro-fiber towel to polish the plastic dial face.
It's also fairly easy to remove the front panel once you've removed the knobs, so that you can clean the back of the dial face too. Just use Windex, with a micro-fiber towel.
Can you tell that I've done this a few times?
Jim
As far as I know the knobs are made out of aluminum, around a plastic core. I've found that just washing them with soap and a tootbrush really cleans them up nicely. But to go the extra mile, they can be polished with something like Nevr-dull, Mother's Billet polish, or most any metal/aluminum polish you can find at your local auto parts store. Use this polish on the facing behind the knobs too. Just don't rub too hard.
Also at the auto-parts store, you can find some plastic polish. 3M makes one that works pretty well. You'll want one with a fine abrasive. You can use it with a micro-fiber towel to polish the plastic dial face.
It's also fairly easy to remove the front panel once you've removed the knobs, so that you can clean the back of the dial face too. Just use Windex, with a micro-fiber towel.
Can you tell that I've done this a few times?
Jim
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Fletch
Well-Known Member
JimHB: I have some aluminum polish so that should work well. Thanks for the cleaning tip for the plastic face plate. That's the only thing about the unit that really bugs me. The scuff almost looks like it can be rubbed off with some abrasive surface but I was afraid I'd ruin the faceplate. I'll have to find some of that polish.
Clmt: Huh, I left that part out of the story. I actually was just walking around the fleamarket and found a guy that had about 6 different home theater items. He had some great stuff at some great prices. They all had some electronics stickers on them and the guy stated that they had been checked out. I noticed that he's a regular and he was willing to knock off $10 so I said what the heck. I usually don't take those kind of risks even though it was only $20. He also said if there was anything wrong with it I could return it to him within 14 days but you know how that goes.
My GF thinks he is the same guy that runs a local stereo store but as far as I knew they only worked on car stereo's. I'll have to go in and talk to him as he seems to get stuff in every week.
To say I was pleasantly suprised that I stumbled onto a vintage Harman Kardon is an understatement but I had no idea how well they sounded. Of course now I've got the bug to get some vintage speakers but I have no idea where to start. I think I'll be doing some more research.
What are the basics to look for in a used speaker purchase?
Clmt: Huh, I left that part out of the story. I actually was just walking around the fleamarket and found a guy that had about 6 different home theater items. He had some great stuff at some great prices. They all had some electronics stickers on them and the guy stated that they had been checked out. I noticed that he's a regular and he was willing to knock off $10 so I said what the heck. I usually don't take those kind of risks even though it was only $20. He also said if there was anything wrong with it I could return it to him within 14 days but you know how that goes.
My GF thinks he is the same guy that runs a local stereo store but as far as I knew they only worked on car stereo's. I'll have to go in and talk to him as he seems to get stuff in every week.
To say I was pleasantly suprised that I stumbled onto a vintage Harman Kardon is an understatement but I had no idea how well they sounded. Of course now I've got the bug to get some vintage speakers but I have no idea where to start. I think I'll be doing some more research.
What are the basics to look for in a used speaker purchase?
Brian
An Old Geezer
As for speakers, it is difficult to recommend as they really differ in sound charcter and you have to add you preferences in the formula. That said there are some safe bets for starters but, every vintage speaker unless you are VERY lucky requires some TLC to get up and running well usually refoaming if surrounds are foam and sometimes caps on the x-over.
If you like pricipally jazz, easy rock, classical, vocals than depending on your room size look for either a pair of the original Advents (labeled "The Advent Loudspeaker") or The Smaller Advent. These usually require refoaming unless redone already. Also, well liked are KLH 6s, AR 2 or 5 series. A/D/S L-x10 and early L-x00 unit (x = some number, i.e. 2, 3, 4 etc). Many of the models have butyl surrounds so no refoaming issues. I also, favor U.K. vintage speakers from Goodmans, Tannoy and Wharfedale. The Wharfedale W series including the series with no suffix and the series with the D suffix seem widely appreciated. Wharfedale was an early adoptor of foam and also pretty quick to drop it so many of its speakers do not have the isue but most seem to need recapping which is not difficult or expensive.
I've had my Wharfedales on the larger H-K 630 and the mating is very good; good synergy from the pairing.
Also, another personal preference that shou work well would be the Bozak 302a. Again from personal knowledge with the 630, a wonderful pairing.
Remember in any given year during the vintage period there were mode manufacturers of speakers than all other audio manufcturers combined so there are many sleepers out there.
The key for starting is IMHO, local pickup, ability to check there operational condition and if possible from the owner so you can determine the abuse they have had. Many times, there can be an added benefit since possibly the entire vintage system is for sale though maybe not advertised or a record collection.
Another speaker that does icely but sounds very diffeent from the above is the Klipsch Heresy and Cornwall. Klipsch lovers seem to single out the x30 series receivers as favorites. Other vintage Klipsch would include the Chorus and Forte.
If you like pricipally jazz, easy rock, classical, vocals than depending on your room size look for either a pair of the original Advents (labeled "The Advent Loudspeaker") or The Smaller Advent. These usually require refoaming unless redone already. Also, well liked are KLH 6s, AR 2 or 5 series. A/D/S L-x10 and early L-x00 unit (x = some number, i.e. 2, 3, 4 etc). Many of the models have butyl surrounds so no refoaming issues. I also, favor U.K. vintage speakers from Goodmans, Tannoy and Wharfedale. The Wharfedale W series including the series with no suffix and the series with the D suffix seem widely appreciated. Wharfedale was an early adoptor of foam and also pretty quick to drop it so many of its speakers do not have the isue but most seem to need recapping which is not difficult or expensive.
I've had my Wharfedales on the larger H-K 630 and the mating is very good; good synergy from the pairing.
Also, another personal preference that shou work well would be the Bozak 302a. Again from personal knowledge with the 630, a wonderful pairing.
Remember in any given year during the vintage period there were mode manufacturers of speakers than all other audio manufcturers combined so there are many sleepers out there.
The key for starting is IMHO, local pickup, ability to check there operational condition and if possible from the owner so you can determine the abuse they have had. Many times, there can be an added benefit since possibly the entire vintage system is for sale though maybe not advertised or a record collection.
Another speaker that does icely but sounds very diffeent from the above is the Klipsch Heresy and Cornwall. Klipsch lovers seem to single out the x30 series receivers as favorites. Other vintage Klipsch would include the Chorus and Forte.
Scorpion8
Addicted Member
Jim H B said:
I have a hk 330c that I use at work exclusively to listen thru headphones. How do you Deox-it the pushbuttons? I just got done opening my case and cleaning the inside, but the pushbuttons look like epoxy-sealed units and getting to the front of them is near impossible as the front panel extends quite a ways into the case over the top of the button recess area. ANy ideas? My "monitor" button is really corroded and cuts in and out all by itself at times.
mhardy6647
Lunatic Member
Polk Monitor 7 series (original 7 or 7A) was a popular choice with the hk 330 and 430 (at least in MD) when they were new.
Jim H B
Well-Known Member
Scorpion8 - as I recall, you should be able to Deox the pushbuttons by taking the case off. You're really trying to get to the rear of the little box that the buttons connect to. The buttons connect to a small rectangular box, about the size of a cigarette filter. On the top panel of this box, there should be a small square hole. Use the extension straw on the Deoxit can to squirt Deox into the hole. Also, there is a small wire at the rear of the box, that moves back and forth as the button is pressed. Make sure to squirt some Deox on the wire, and work the button in and out a few times.
Work with the rear of the 330c facing you.
I hope my memory is correct, and that this helps. If not, let me know, and I'll try to take a look at one of my 330c's and let you know.
Jim
Work with the rear of the 330c facing you.
I hope my memory is correct, and that this helps. If not, let me know, and I'll try to take a look at one of my 330c's and let you know.
Jim
Fletch
Well-Known Member
Well I hooked up a pair of those $50 Insignias to my 330c and it sounds amazing. I played some James Blunt and was in awe. I don't think I have ever had a total system that sounded so nice.
Anyone recommend any older CD deck that I might be able to find cheap? The one I have is a Harvey. I have no idea what company that is. It's on it's last leg but I may be able to get it from skipping. Regardless I'd like something better.
The knobs cleaned up really well and the system looks excellent.
Thanks for all the help. I'll post some pictures when I get the chance.
Anyone recommend any older CD deck that I might be able to find cheap? The one I have is a Harvey. I have no idea what company that is. It's on it's last leg but I may be able to get it from skipping. Regardless I'd like something better.
The knobs cleaned up really well and the system looks excellent.
Thanks for all the help. I'll post some pictures when I get the chance.
