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Harman Kardon HK 3490 Stereo Receiver – 120 WPC, Phono - Image 1

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Harman Kardon HK 3490 Stereo Receiver – 120 WPC, Phono

Name: Harman Kardon HK 3490 Stereo Receiver – 120 WPC, Phono
Brand: Harman Kardon
SKU: 12273
Price: 345.00 CAD
Availability: OutOfStock

$345.00

Out of stock

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3 in stock · $245.00–$345.00 · all ship

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Description

Harman Kardon HK 3490 Stereo Receiver 120WPC Phono, 3 Digital Inputs, Dual Subwoofer Outputs

High-current Harman Kardon stereo receiver combining audiophile-grade amplification, flexible digital and analog connectivity, and striking modern design in very good condition with original remote.

The Harman Kardon HK 3490 is a premium stereo receiver designed to deliver uncompromising sound quality through high-current amplification and ultrawide-bandwidth circuit design. Rated at 120 watts per channel into 8 ohms (150 watts into 4 ohms), it uses a substantial power transformer and high-current power supply to provide effortless dynamics and precise driver control, even at elevated listening levels. The result is open, detailed sound with clean upper midrange and extended highs that remain smooth and grain-free, paired with a slightly warm tonal balance that avoids the lean, forward character of many mass-market receivers. This example is in very good cosmetic condition and includes the original Harman Kardon remote plus a PDF copy of the manual.

The HK 3490’s curved side panels, gloss-black front panel, and dark gray accents create a sleek, contemporary aesthetic that stands out among typical audio components. Beyond its striking appearance, the receiver offers unusually flexible connectivity for a stereo design: digital audio inputs (optical and coaxial) ensure bit-perfect connections to CD players, DVD players, and other digital sources; composite video switching handles basic video routing; and a dedicated front-panel input accommodates portable media players. A high-performance MM phono preamp with proper RIAA equalization supports direct turntable connection, making the HK 3490 an excellent foundation for vinyl-focused systems.

Despite being a two-channel receiver, the HK 3490 includes thoughtful multichannel features. Dolby Virtual Speaker processing creates a convincing sense of surround sound from just two speakers, useful for movie playback in rooms where full surround isn’t practical. Dual subwoofer outputs allow flexible bass management, whether running a single sub or stereo pair for enhanced low-frequency extension and impact. The AM/FM tuner is XM Satellite Radio-ready with an optional antenna, and the receiver is iPod-compatible when paired with Harman Kardon’s optional Bridge II dock.

Key Specifications:

Power output: 120 watts per channel into 8 ohms, 150 watts per channel into 4 ohms

Frequency response: 10 Hz – 100 kHz

Total harmonic distortion: Less than 0.07%

Digital inputs: 2 optical, 1 coaxial

Analog inputs: 5 stereo line-level inputs plus MM phono input

Video: Composite video switching

Subwoofer outputs: Dual pre-outs for powered subwoofers

Tuner: AM/FM with XM Satellite Radio-ready capability (requires optional antenna)

Special features: Dolby Virtual Speaker surround processing, front-panel portable media input with included A/V cable, iPod-compatible with optional Bridge II dock

Remote: Original Harman Kardon remote included

Manual: PDF copy provided

Condition: Very good cosmetic condition, fully tested and operational

Dimensions: (Width x Depth x Height) 441 x 381 x 163 mm (17.4 x 15 x 6.4 inches)

Weight: 10.4 kg (23 lbs)

At 23 lbs, the HK 3490 reflects the substantial power transformer and high-current circuit topology that define Harman Kardon’s amplifier philosophy. This mass contributes directly to the receiver’s dynamic authority and ability to maintain composure with demanding speakers and complex program material.

This Harman Kardon HK 3490 in very good condition represents an exceptional blend of audiophile-grade stereo performance, flexible modern connectivity, and striking industrial design, ideal for serious two-channel listening or as the foundation of a high-quality compact home theater system.

Backed by Radique Audio’s 90-day warranty and our perpetual trade-back policy, you can purchase with confidence; asking $345.

Additional information

Weight	25 lbs
Dimensions	19 × 21.4 × 10.4 in

About brand

Harman Kardon at Radique

We service Harman Kardon, too. Bring us your own Harman Kardon receivers, amplifiers, cassette decks and CD players for repair, servicing or restoration (solid-state gear; we don't take in tube equipment), with a 90-day warranty on the work. See our Audio Service page

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.