Product Description

The HK 3490 is a high current stereo receiver that will give you the best possible audio performance. You can use the optional "Bridge II" to control and navigate your Ipod™. The power rating is 120 watts times two at 8 ohms and 150 watts times 2 at 4 ohms. It has 45 amps of current. It is also XM Ready. It has speaker A/B switching.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8297 in Consumer Electronics
• Color: SilverBlack
• Brand: Harman Kardon
• Model: HK 3490
• Dimensions: 6.43" h x 17.38" w x 15.00" l, 33.00 pounds

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

From the Manufacturer
From the Manufacturer

Harman Kardon HK 3490: Delivering Power with Passion

Great sound stirs the passion and emotion that connect us to our favorite movies, favorite musical artists, even our favorite video games. Delivering great sound has been a Harman Kardon passion for more than 50 years.

To deliver all the detail and realism from what you’re listening to, the HK 3490 uses a high-current power supply. Current is the energy, created by the amplifier, that moves and controls the loudspeaker drivers. The more current that an amplifier generates, the more real-world power your system has on hand. The HK 3490 uses a large power transformer to deliver more current, so you always have the power you need, even at high listening levels. All of your favorite sounds--from cinematic explosions to the beat of your favorite song--are played effortlessly and with incredible realism.

So sit back and listen. The HK 3490 has the power and passion to stir your soul.

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Connect with Your System

Two-channel amplification perfected and simplified. View larger The optional HK Bridge iPod dock is the easy way to add your digital music

Bring Satellite Radio in from the Car

If you’ve invested in an XM satellite radio subscription, why enjoy it only in the car?

The Harman Kardon HK 3490 gives you the world of XM satellite radio right from the comfort of your couch. Just attach an optional XM-ready antenna module designed for home listening, and activate XM service for it. That’s it. You can now browse all that great XM content using the HK 3490’s remote control. (XM service required, antenna module sold separately)

So sit back and enjoy all that XM satellite radio has to offer. With the HK 3490, it’s never been easier.

Spend More Quality Time with Your iPod

Just as easily as the HK 3490 can connect to the time-honored turntable, it can connect you to all the music and movies stored on your iPod. And the HK 3490 makes it easy with the optional The Bridge II (sold separately) docking station for iPod.

A universal dock that connects with a single cable, The Bridge II lets you navigate your music and video libraries using the HK 3490’s remote.

Browse your iPod the way you usually do, whether by artist, album or genre. Audio is played back in rich, room-filling detail that only a Harman Kardon audio system can deliver.

And The Bridge II keeps your iPod fully changed even when the receiver is powered off.

With the Harman Kardon 3490 and The Bridge II, there’s no better way to get the most from your iPod at home.

Multichannel Extras from a Two-Channel Amplifier

It should come as no surprise that the HK 3490 will delight audiophiles with its powerful, high-current amplifier and high-performance phono preamp. What is surprising is finding a stereo receiver with as many multichannel extras as the HK 3490. It’s the perfect building block for that second system or for when only two speakers will work.

It starts with digital audio inputs for the best-sounding connection possible to CD players, DVD players and even satellite dishes. Add composite video switching and an included A/V cable for portable media players, and the HK 3490 instantly brings high-quality Harman Kardon sound not only to your music, but to movies and television programs, too.

When it comes to surrounding yourself with sound, you won’t feel left out, even though the HK 3490 is a stereo receiver. Engage the Dolby Virtual Speaker surround mode and you’ll be amazed by the realism and feeling of sound coming from all around you--all from just a pair of speakers. And why not add a powered subwoofer...or two? The HK 3490 features dual subwoofer outputs to complete the high-performance listening experience.

So go ahead and enjoy. It’s not often that you get more than you bargained for.

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Technical Specifications

Amplifier type: Two-channel

Power (FTC): 120 x 2

Bandwidth : 20Hz – 20kHz

Impedance: 8 ohms

Dolby Virtual Speaker: Yes

Audio inputs : 7 (1 on front panel)

Video inputs: 4 (1 on front panel)

Video outputs: 2

Subwoofer output : Yes, 2

Preamp outputs/main amp inputs: Yes

Accessory outlets: 2 Switched

Shipping weight: 21 lbs.

Dimensions: 17W x 15D x 6.4H inches

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Customer Reviews

Nice two channel solution with digital options
I formally owned a Rotel RX-1050 and decided to give the 3490 a try. I really prefer a nice 2 channel amp to drive my B&H 603's and the HK does the job well. What I liked that you won't find in other 2 channel amps is two digital in's, xm ready, ipod integration and 2x sub out. For the price you really can't beat it. The size is about 33% larger than my Rotel. The power about 25% more.
The controls of course are very limited, source+balance+tone. No EQ.
The phono amp provided hum free sound from my Tech. 1200.
I will mention that the Bridge I device has some problems with this new amp. HK told me that the manual has a typo when they said the Bridge I would work with this device and I have to wait until the Bridge II is released in September.
My only other small complaint is the device has composite out for video. Why bother? This would have been a home run with component/DVI or HDMI out. Doesn't seem like it would have added that much to the price to add a HD capable switch to the device.
I'm sure a 3495 will come out in a year and fix this. :-)

Perfect solution for the stereo listener looking for digital inputs!
I used the HK 3480 (the precursor to this model) for five years and loved it. The 3490 is even better. The sound is more robust and full, not different, but just more refined. It easily powers my Klipsch Synergy speakers and would pair well with any mid-level speakers. With 120w even inefficient speakers will have more than a enough power to move air.

Further, the 3490 has an important new feature: digital inputs. This is a very nice option for those who have made the jump to an all digital music library and use a digital jukeboxes like the Roku Soundbridge or the Squeezebox. Both players have digital outs and pair up nicely with the 3490.

The difference in quality from digital inputs or analog is debatable, but to my ear, going from the 3480 with analog cables, to the 3490 with optical TOSLINK, there was an immediately improvement in clarity. Songs with delicate sound work came alive. Soft details were more apparent. It's been a great upgrade for me.

It's important to note that the 3490 doesn't leave analog fans in the cold either. It has a very nice tape loop and a wonderful gold plated stereo pickup. In short, whether you're library consists of vinyl or mp3s this amp will do it all.

I have always been a fan of Harmon Kardon, and I bought the older 3480 because I'm a strict fan of stereo music listening. The 3490 is a very smart update to the 3480, bringing it into the 21st century with a host of digital options. For those who rely on an iPod for music, there is specific iPod cradle for this amp that allows you to play your iPod's music effortless over the stereo while controlling it with the HK remote. This amp is also XM Radio ready, just plug in your XM receiver and the HK will allow you to control it.

It's very hard to find a subtle, high powered stereo receiver with these features. The market has sadly moved away to the home theater, multi-channel world, but I'm glad Harmon Kardon is still loyal to their stereo listeners.

Build quality is very nice. It's not a flashy amp, it doesn't light up the room with needless LEDs. It's very understated, and handsome. HK even includes two little inserts that hide the front inputs and bass, treble, and balance controls (nice if you don't want people messing with your settings, or you appreciate a clean look.)

Other than the digital options, the tape loop and the phono pickup, the amp does allow video switching and pass through should you want to integrate into your home theater. The other notable detail are the speaker posts. They allow the use of banana clips or allow you to secure naked wire in two different ways to the posts. This is nice if you don't have a lot of clearance behind the amp.

At this price point, there is simply nothing out there that can compete with this amp in terms of quality, performance, or features.

An impressive package for the price
I was in search of a good old-fashioned amp, a replacement for a previous Harman Kardon, so I was a bit biased...but this is an incredibly powered amp, with FM tuner, video inputs, much more, and at a price that causes one to stop dead in your tracks and order it. I did, and I have no idea how they put together such sound quality at such a low price.