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Hii all,

My HK 3485 stoped sending the audio output. From one minute to the other, while looking like it's working, and no warning signs/red lights etc. is showing, it'll not fire the speakers.
Did anyone heard of a 'protect mode'? how to get out of that and back to playing music?
fyi - the 'mute' is not in action, all connections appear right and there was no surge etc.

From what you've said so far Pacific, it's impossible to give an accurate diagnosis of the problem.
What do you mean by 'looking like it's working'? Are you able to hear the disk spinning or does the readout on the display indicate the disk is playing as it normally would?

Just out of curiosity does it output sound through the headphone jack?

First, does the receiver have a function called "tape monitor" or something similar? If so turn the volume down and see if that setting is engaged. Most products don't have those any more.

Second, does the unit have a "Speaker A/B" setting> If so check to see if that has accidentally been changed.

Third try unplugging it from power (not just turning it off but pulling the plug completely) leave it unplugged for at least 10 minutes then plug it in and see if it functions normally. All home theater receivers are powered by microprocessors which occasionally get "locked up" unplugging them is like the reboot of a computer. Even though this is a stereo unit it may use processors for other functions, such as the sub out. Unplugging them is necessary because even when powered off the microprocessors still receive a slight amount of electrical current. Don't worry about losing your programming/settings in most AV receivers those are stored in non-volatile memory which does not require power to continue to remember them.

Lastly, check all speaker cable connections to make sure that they are tight and that you don't have any shorting between positive and negative. Actually you may want to do this one first. I'm just to lazy to go back and edit the post now.

Man, I have a refurbished HK3380 from the manufacturer and that thing is a workhorse. Love their stuff.

Lamont, as you well know, I am an old timer. As far as I am concerned, all of the Harman-Kardon gear I heard (not all of the gear they MADE...but everything I heard) down through the years was always at least slightly ahead of the competition -- in terms of reliability and sonic neutrality. Now, I haven't heard any of this gear since Harman became, er, Harman. But, occasionally, I walk into a living room or a retro-store and there it is. An old H-K, playin' the hell out of the music. Solid state or tubes, H-K always delivered neutrality across the band, and let the music come through.

I am always happy to hear about music lovers who still tap into the timeless designs and enjoy the results. It almost (sniff, whimper...) makes me feel glad to be old enough to have spanned 2 eras in high fidelity.

GLAD to be old enough? Almost. But not quite...

Happy tunes.