I am setting up my first surround sound system and would really appreciate your advise on which receiver to get. After looking through the various threads on this forum, my top 2 choices are the NAD 743 or the Harmon Kardon 340. Could any of you comment on which receiver I should go with?
I have Epos speakers all around, in a 300 square foot family room. I like a warm sounding receiver, and after a year or so, will probably use the pre-outs in either receiver to connect the front speakers to a tube amp. Based on the threads that I have read, my concern with the NAD is that many people have complained about a hissing sound in that receiver.
Also, which receiver between these 2 would have a warmer sound?
Warmth would be very close between those 2. The NAD might handle your Epos speakers a bit more robustly but the hiss thing seems to be not uncommon --- though it usually is audible only when nothing is playing or playing only at very low levels.