Harman Kardon Citation X-I Vintage Power Amplifier – 150 WPC
$2,495.00
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Introducing the Harman Kardon Citation X-I, a high-performance stereo power amplifier that exemplifies Harman Kardon’s commitment to superior sound quality. Manufactured from 1983 to 1986, this amplifier represents the pinnacle of audio engineering of its time.
Design Philosophy:
The Citation X-I embodies Harman Kardon’s dedication to pure, accurate sound quality. It goes beyond conventional specifications, utilizing dynamic program material to meet exceptional performance criteria. The amplifier’s design eliminates factors that create transient intermodulation distortion, resulting in cleaner, more precise audio reproduction.
Key Features:
The amplifier has two unusual features not found on amps from this era. There are front panel controls for both bias (normal and high) and filter (ultrasonic and infrasonic).
**High Instantaneous Current Capability**: Designed with 100 amperes of high instantaneous current capability, allowing the amplifier to react to dynamic impedance variations in music. **Ultra-Wide Bandwidth**: Offers an exceptionally broad frequency response for accurate sound reproduction across the entire audible spectrum and beyond. **Low Negative Feedback**: Engineered to minimize transient intermodulation distortion, resulting in cleaner, more precise audio output.
Technical Specifications:
– **Power Output**: 150 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
– **Frequency Response**: An impressive 0.1Hz to 180kHz
– **Total Harmonic Distortion**: Extremely low at 0.01%
– **Damping Factor**: 130, ensuring excellent control over speaker movement
– **Input Sensitivity**: 1V
– **Signal to Noise Ratio**: Exceptional at 118dB
– **Minimum Speaker Load Impedance**: 4Ω
Dimensions and Weight:
– **Width**: 17.32 inches (440 mm) – **Height**: 7.64 inches (194 mm) – **Depth**: 16.85 inches (428 mm) – **Weight**: 55.12 lbs (25 kg)
Ideal for Audiophiles:
The Harman Kardon Citation X-I is perfect for discerning listeners who demand the utmost in audio fidelity. Its combination of high power output, ultra-wide bandwidth, and low distortion makes it suitable for reproducing a wide range of musical genres with exceptional clarity and accuracy.
Experience the pinnacle of 1980s audio engineering with the Harman Kardon Citation X-I. Whether you’re a serious audiophile or a collector of vintage high-end audio equipment, this amplifier offers a level of performance and engineering excellence that remains impressive even by today’s standards.
This X-I is in very good cosmetic condition. It has been thoroughly cleaned and tested, lamps replaced, and is working perfectly. Asking $2995 for this impressive, over-engineered Harman Kardon Amplifier.
**Now reduced to $2495**
| Weight | 63.12 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 21.32 × 11.64 × 20.85 in |
Harman Kardon began in New York in 1953, founded by Sidney Harman, who was born in Montreal, and Bernard Kardon. Harman Kardon calls its 1954 Festival D1000 the first hi-fi receiver. We carry Harman Kardon stereo receivers, AV receivers, integrated amplifiers, cassette decks and CD players. We've had more than 130 Harman Kardon listings so far. Every used Harman Kardon here is inspected, tested and serviced as required, then photographed in-house and covered by our Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty and Perpetual Trade-Back Program. Every AV receiver we list is tested input by input on our bench: each HDMI input and output, the analog, optical and coaxial inputs, the subwoofer outputs and the wireless features where it has them. Don't see the model you want? Tell us on First Dibs and we'll email you when one arrives.
The Harman Kardon story, 1953 to today
Sidney Harman and Bernard Kardon left the David Bogen Company, where Kardon was chief engineer, and founded Harman Kardon in New York in 1953. Harman was born in Montreal in 1918 and grew up in New York. Kardon retired in the 1950s.
Receivers first. Harman Kardon calls the Festival D1000 of 1954 the first hi-fi receiver and the Festival TA230 of 1958 the first stereo receiver. The Citation II tube power amplifier of 1959, designed by Stu Hegeman, sold as a kit or ready-built.
Cassette and the 1970s. Harman Kardon says its CAD-5 of 1970 was the first hi-fi cassette recorder with Dolby noise reduction. Its "Twin Powered" receivers of the 1970s, such as the 430 and 730, gave each channel its own power supply.
Owners. Sidney Harman sold the company to Beatrice Foods in the late 1970s, when he became US Deputy Secretary of Commerce. He formed Harman International in 1980 and bought Harman Kardon back in 1985. Samsung bought HARMAN in 2017, and Harman Kardon remains one of its brands.
Which Harman Kardon is which?
Tube era (1950s and 1960s): Festival receivers, and Citation kits and factory-built units such as the Citation I preamplifier and II amplifier.
1970s receivers: the 330 series, the Twin Powered 630, 930, 430 and 730, and the HK670.
1980s receivers: the "i" models such as the hk690i, advertised for its high current capability, and the 330i.
Citation separates: solid-state Citation amplifiers and preamplifiers from 1970 to the 1990s, including the Citation XX of the early 1980s.
Cassette decks: from the CAD-4 and CAD-5 to the 1980s decks numbered CD91 to CD491. Those "CD" models are cassette decks, not CD players; Harman Kardon CD players carry "HD" names.
AV receivers (late 1990s on) and later stereo: the AVR line, such as the AVR 3600, and stereo models such as the HK 3700 and HK 990.
Buying used Harman Kardon: what to check
Dial and meter lamps. Owners report dead or flickering lamps on 1970s receivers such as the 930, 430 and 330C; many are replaced with LEDs.
Capacitors. Expect a 1970s receiver that hasn't been recapped to need it.
Output stage. Owners report blown output transistors on the 730 and 430, often caused by a failed part nearby. Both channels should play cleanly at a realistic level.
Switches. Owners say the 1980s "i" receivers are prone to dirty switches that make channels cut out. Try every input and the balance control.
AV receivers. HDMI is usually the first thing to fail on a modern AV receiver. We test every HDMI input and output before listing.
Everything we list is inspected, tested and serviced as required here, and comes with our warranty.
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✔️ Condition: Very Good
✔️ Covered by Radique Warranty
✔️ Includes Perpetual Trade-Back Program eligibility
✔️ Expertly packed for safe shipping
