Harman Kardon Citation Stereo Preamplifier Control Center X-II REDUCED

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**