Harman Kardon Citation Stereo Preamplifier Control Center X-II REDUCED
$1,495.00
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Give your next receiver Bluetooth. RA-Twin II Gold Series RX Bundle, $69.00 →
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Give your next receiver Bluetooth.
The RA-Twin II adds Bluetooth streaming to any vintage receiver or amp with a spare input. The Gold Series RX bundle pairs it with our shielded 3.5 mm to RCA cable, a serious step up from the starter cable, for a higher-end system.
RA-Twin II Gold Series RX Bundle, $69.00 →If you are a Harman Kardon Enthusiast, here is your opportunity to own a super rare piece of audio history from the Golden Era of HiFi. The made in Japan X-II boasts simply ridiculous specifications, and a range of seldom seen features.
Introducing the Harman Kardon Citation X-II, a high-end preamplifier that perfectly complements the Citation X-I power amplifier. This preamp represents Harman Kardon’s commitment to audio excellence and innovative design. It was engineered with no budget limitations and produced in very limited quantities (fewer than 1000 units)
Design Philosophy:
The Citation X-II embodies Harman Kardon’s dedication to pure, accurate sound quality. Its innovative Dual RIAA equalization and low negative feedback design ensure excellent transient response and minimal distortion, resulting in a clean, precise audio signal.
Ideal for audiophiles and vintage audio enthusiasts, the Harman Kardon Citation X-II preamplifier offers exceptional performance and versatility. Whether paired with its matching X-I power amplifier or integrated into other high-end systems, this preamp delivers the clarity, detail, and musicality that discerning listeners demand.
Key Features:
– **Dual RIAA Equalization**: Utilizes both active and passive RIAA equalization for superior phono stage performance and excellent transient response. – **Ultra-Wide Bandwidth**: Offers an exceptionally broad frequency response for accurate sound reproduction across the entire audible spectrum and beyond. – **Low Distortion**: Engineered to minimize total harmonic distortion, resulting in cleaner, more precise audio output. – **Dual Phono Inputs**: Phono 1 supports Moving Magnet (MM) phono cartridges. Phono 2 can be switched (on the front panel) between MM and Moving Coil (MC)
Technical Specifications:
– **Frequency Response**: – Phono (RIAA): 20Hz to 20kHz (±0.3dB) – Line: 0.1Hz to 300kHz (+0 / -3dB at 0.5V output) – **Total Harmonic Distortion**: Extremely low at 0.006% (1kHz, 2V output) – **Slew Rate**: Impressive 220V/μs – **Rise Time**: Quick 1.2μs – **Inputs**: – MC: 100μV / 100 Ohm – MM: 1.6mV / 47kOhm + 125pF – Line: 100mV / 25kOhm – **Input Overload Level**: – MC: 17mV (1kHz, 0.05% THD) – MM: 270mV (1kHz, 0.05% THD) – **Output Level**: 1V to 5V / 330 Ohm to 1.2kOhm (pre out) – **Signal-to-Noise Ratio (IHF-A)**: – MC: 80dB (5μV in for 0.5V out) – MM: 84dB (5mV in for 0.5V out) – Line: 100dB (5mV in for 0.5V out)
Additional Features:
– Bass Control: ±8dB at 50Hz – Treble Control: ±8dB at 10kHz – Subsonic Filter: 6dB/octave below 15Hz – High Filter: 6dB/octave above 15kHz
Dimensions and Weight:
– Width: 17.32 inches (440 mm) – Height: 5.94 inches (151 mm) – Depth: 16.34 inches (415 mm) – Weight: 25.35 lbs (11.5 kg)
This X-II has been cleaned and thoroughly tested, and is working perfectly. (Unsurprising, due to the aforementioned incredibly high build quality). The only (small) issues are cosmetic 1) the illuminated “Citation X-II” emblem has some graphical distortion though it is still legible (please see our pictures for reference), and some of the control lamps have odd colour choices. We have left these intact as they are interesting and there is probably a story behind them, but they could certainly be swapped out for something more uniform should that be desired.
Asking $1995 for this rare and extremely impressive Harman Kardon Stereo Control Center from the Golden Age of HiFi.
**Now reduced to $1495**
| Weight | 28.35 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 21.32 × 9.94 × 20.34 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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