The Harman Kardon Citation II is a vintage amplifier that beautifully embraces the classic with timeless performance. Widely considered one of the most influential amplifier designs, the Citation II is a piece of audio history, meticulously designed with old-school charm and powered by American ingenuity. Its classic design is more than just nostalgia; it's a fusion of iconic vibes and contemporary functionality. This particular specimen has the patina of time, but we have put this amp through our full battery of tests, and with the Jim McShane upgrades, this amp performs better than anything that ever rolled off the line.
- Condition
- 8/10
- Serial No.
- A356355
- Orig. MSRP
- $229
- Restoration
- Comprehensive bench test
- Replaced all diodes
- Recapped power supply
- Recapped signal path
- Modified to allow for triode operation. Slightly Less efficient, but delivers fuller lower mids and warmer overall sound.
- New toroidal transformer for more consistent filament voltages
- Upgraded speaker terminals
- Added power switch
- Cleaned controls, switches, and internal electronics
- Exterior detailed
- Factory Specs
Type Stereo vacuum tube amplifier
Power output 60 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency response 18Hz to 40kHz
Total harmonic distortion 0.5%
Damping factor 18
Input sensitivity 1.5V
Signal to noise ratio 90dB
Speaker load impedance 4Ω to 16Ω
Tube complement 4x KT88, 6x 12BY7A
Dimensions16.375"W x 9"H x 11.5"D
Weight 60 lbs.
- Documentation
Harman Kardon Citation II Owner's Manual
Harman Kardon Citation II Service Manual
- The History of Harman Kardon
- Harman Kardon runs on two mottos – the first, to reproduce sound exactly as the artist intended it to be heard. Their audio speakers are created to produce beautiful and clear music just as you would hear in recording studios. The second, is to make music look as beautiful as it sounds, through their cutting-edge...
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- Liner Notes
The Citation II was Stu Hegeman’s penultimate masterpiece, inspired by his unwavering desire to build a power amplifier equal to his stunningly great Citation I preamplifier. I consider the Citation II power amplifier to be one of the most original designs in audio history, introducing technology that had never before been seen in an audio product. The Citation II’s high-gain, wide-bandwidth video-pentode design yielded performance that was difficult to believe. - TheAbsoluteSound.com"If you get a chance to experience the sound from this 60-watt RMS tube amplifier you will be amazed, This amp can compete with the best of the best at any price that has the dynamic sound of this fine piece of equipment. Definitely worth updating some of the caps and resistors, be prepared to enjoy all your music again!"- Hifi Engine Review
- Stock No.
- C8264518074589
The Harman Kardon Citation II is a vintage amplifier that beautifully embraces the classic with timeless performance. Widely considered one of the most influential amplifier designs, the Citation II is a piece of audio history, meticulously designed with old-school charm and powered by American ingenuity. Its classic design is more than just nostalgia; it's a fusion of iconic vibes and contemporary functionality. This particular specimen has the patina of time, but we have put this amp through our full battery of tests, and with the Jim McShane upgrades, this amp performs better than anything that ever rolled off the line.
