HARMAN KARDON CITATION A SOLID STATE PREAMPLIFER

Description: This Harman Kardon Citation A solid state preamp was purchased at an estate sale. I brought it up slowly on a variac and tested all of the inputs, other than the ceramic/crystal phono input. The sound is very exceptional when paired with the power amp section of a Sansui QR-4500 quad receiver. Very smooth and warm, while maintaining a natural sense of detail, dynamics, and transparency. A 1962 Harman Kardon ad states that this is "The Worlds First Professional Solid State Stereo Control Center." The circuit design is a work of engineering art, attributed to Stewart A. Hegeman, and the Citation Engineering Group. There are ten modular circuit boards in addition to using all quality, discrete components. According to the owner's manual, the tone controls are out of the circuit when set to the twelve o'clock position. This is a historically significant, collectable model, that sounds very much like a quality tube preamp. All inputs, including both magnetic phono inputs, were testing and worked properly. The phono section is exceptional. There is no audible hum or background noise on any of the inputs. This is a very quiet preamp. There are two known issues. The bass controls for each channel need to be at the eleven o'clock position or lower to have a normal level of gain. The volume reduces by apx. 75% when the bass controls are set to twelve o'clock or higher. The volume control works correctly, and the volume is normal when the bass controls are set at the eleven o'clock or lower position. The bass and treble controls have detents so the reduction in volume is definitive when the bass controls are set at the twelve o'clock position or higher. This should be a relatively easy and inexpensive fix for a qualified technician. The other issue is that the loudness control does not work, unless the bass controls are at the eleven o'clock or lower position. I enjoyed the sound with the bass controls at the eleven o'clock position, and the loudness control off. I didn't feel a need for more bass with my system. The treble controls both work properly, and do not affect the volume when set at any position. The unit is very clean inside and appears to be all original. There are normal signs of wear on the knobs, and the cabinet has a few scratches. The face looks very nice. Please see the photos for detail. Specifications: Frequency Response 20Hz to 20kHz Input Sensitivity: 1.5 mV (MM), 250mV (line) Signal to Nise Ratio: 70 dB (MM), 85 dB (line) Output: 2V ( Pre out)b. 6V (Pre out Max) Semconductors: 33 x transistors Dimensions: 14-7/8 x 5-5/8 x 7 inches Unit will be very well packed in a heavy duty box. Insurance included with adult signature required.As-Is no returns. Sold for Parts or repair due to age and known stated defects.No warranty or guarantee is stated or implied.

Price: 450 USD

Location: Waxahachie, Texas

End Time: 2024-11-25T00:43:33.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD