Harman Kardon 330c vs Harman Kardon 430? Your thoughts? Poll in thread!

[johnbrownsdream]

Hello folks. Looking at upgrading from my mid to late 80s HK integrated amp. I have heard wonderful things about the HK 330c. I have heard it described as warm, almost tube like.. great detail and high quality sound. I listen to a variety of music.. both on vinyl and in my aux section on my chromecast audio.. from rock to blues to country to rnb/soul/doowop..etc.. mostly old/older music. Will be driving two EPI 120c floor speakers for now. Does the 330c have enough power to drive these speakers?

Right now don't need tons of power as I live in an apartment. I am currently leaning towards the 330c based on sound quality and not needing tons of power..

But that said, I haven't completely ruled out the 430. They are similar in price. I've just heard less about the 430.. At the end of the day.. I believe I can get the 330c slightly cheaper.. Looking at a serviced and gone over HK 330c..and another of the same model that is said to be in great shape but is needing a deoxit job...which i've never done. So leaning towards the serviced 330c..

Here are some specs on the epi 120c speakers that i'd be asking the 330c to drive..

Response:	38 to 20k Hz
RMS Power:	25 to 80 watts (conservative rating)

8 ohms

 

[JSanders2056]

I've had both, at the same time. I just gifted a young lad with the 330 and a Technics TT. I liked both the 330 and the 430. The 430, of course had more of a presence, it is the first step in the realm of HK's "Twin Powered" receivers.
The 430 had been partially refurbished with the parts and bill to prove it. The 330 had been cleaned and lubed with Deoxit.
If the 330 you are considering has been restored and refreshed, I think I would go with it. If both HKs had the equivalent work done on them, I'd opt for the 430.
There's no replacement for displacement can apply to audio gear too. Good luck. Please let us know which direction you go

 

[CT Jim]

I don’t think there is a winner between these two. I had 330A and B before, after basic recaps I sent them onto other users, but I enjoyed both, currently have a 330B on the shelf awaiting needed work, and I’ll prob keep it after.
I also have a recapped 430 doing daily use in the living room with EPI M50 speakers, delightful combo, both musical and robust when necessary.
I believe the B is cap-coupled, which I always liked! However, ,comparing 20w vs 25w isn’t a discernible power play!
Even if you can listen to each one, the conditions will be different, from diff music to diff speakers.
I prefer the 430!

 

[hopeless]

I owned a 330c for decades. Even drove Magnepan 2.5Rs with it. I'd do the 430. I'd love one, I just don't have a purpose for one

 

[Jaman87]

I chose the HK 330c. The 430 and the 330c have the same amplifier. The 430 is a twin power and have those sound advantages. It is curious that unlike the 930, 630 and 730, you can’t separate the pre-amp from the main amp with jumpers. There are no jacks on the 430 for this purpose. Given that the 330c is less expensive with most of the feature, I would choose the 330c.

The 330c sounds great.

 

[onanysunday]

I've had both and would take the 430 over the 330c any day. As good as the 330 sounds (and the fact it's cheaper) the 430 is even better. Once recapped, the preamp section is surprisingly good and compares favorably to stand-alone preamps. The power section is good too, providing more power than what it seems like it is rated for. The 330c is no slouch though and is a no-brainer for its low buy in price.