The Harman Kardon HK 3390 stereo receiver (suggested retail price: $399) is a solid choice for anyone who wants to build a high-quality music system on a budget or add good-sounding audio to their home entertainment system, but can't accommodate a surround sound set-up.

The HK 3390 is more versatile than the typical stereo receiver of old, since it also has video, along with audio switching capability. It can accommodate A/V source components such as a cable box or gaming system, albeit only via composite video connections. The HK 3390 delivers 80 watts per channel into eight ohms (100 wpc into four ohms) and offers seven audio inputs, including a moving-magnet-cartridge phono input and a 3.5-millimeter mini jack for connecting an iPod or portable audio player. Four composite video inputs are provided, along with a composite video output. Additional connection facilities include a headphone jack, tape monitor loop, A/B speaker switching, two subwoofer outputs, preamp outputs and power amp inputs, a composite video output, IR in/out jacks and two switched AC convenience outlets. The receiver has an FM/AM tuner with 30 station presets, and comes with a remote control that can also operate other Harman Kardon components. Note those dual subwoofer outputs: they enable the user to create a two-speakers-plus-subwoofer set-up in two rooms, or a two-speaker/two-subwoofer set-up in the main home theater room. The HK 3390 is also an extremely attractive piece of home audio gear, thanks to its two-tone gloss black and dark gray front panel and curved sides, which set it apart from the typical black box with knobs.

Harman Kardon components have a heritage of delivering good sound and the HK 3390 is no exception. Like all Harman Kardon stereo and A/V receivers, it incorporates the company's long-standing high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth amplifier designs with discrete output transistors. As a result, the HK 3390's sound is clear, powerful and detailed, and the receiver can easily drive most loudspeakers (excepting some exotic audiophile models) to generous volume levels without strain. The HK 3390, like its bigger brother, the HK 3490, leans more towards the warm and rich side, rather than the lean and bright, although certainly not to an excessive degree.

High Points
• The HK 3380 features a total of seven audio and A/V inputs to accommodate multiple source components, including a turntable. Vinyl is making a comeback with the kids, they say.
• The receiver delivers outstanding sound quality, with 80 watts of power per channel into eight ohms (120 wpc into four ohms).
• The HK 3390 has a sleek, stylish appearance that looks right at home next to a flat panel TV.
• The receiver's A/B speaker outputs and two subwoofer outputs enable multi-room music playback and greater subwoofer installation versatility.

Low Points
• There are no HDMI, component or S-video connections. The HK 3390 is more an audio receiver with extra video capability than a full-fledged audio/video receiver.
• The HK 3390 does not have a dedicated input for an iPod docking station (although an iPod can be connected via the 3.5mm audio input jack).
• The receiver does not offer any virtual surround listening modes.

Conclusion
The Harman Kardon HK 3390 stereo receiver is an excellent-sounding receiver that offers connections to accommodate more than a half-dozen source components, including a phono input for turntable enthusiasts, and composite video inputs and outputs. The receiver's 80-watt-per-channel power output enables it to drive a wide range of loudspeakers to generous listening levels, while offering the convenience of remote control operation.