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Harman Kardon Citation V Tube Amplifier – Fully Restored, w/ Rare Cage & DocsHARMAN KARDON CITATION V STEREO TUBE POWER AMPLIFIER – FULLY RESTORED, WITH RARE CAGE AND ORIGINAL DOCUMENTATIONUp for consideration is a Harman Kardon Citation V stereophonic power amplifier, the matching power amp to the legendary Citation I preamplifier from Harman Kardon's original Citation kit line (Plainview, NY – Made in USA, circa 1960). This is the companion piece to the Citation I I'm also listing — the two have been together since they were built around 1960, and I would love to see them go to a collector as a pair.THE STORY I purchased this amplifier along with its matching Citation I preamp in the mid-80s from the widow of the gentleman who built them around 1960. He kept all of the original documentation, which is included. It has been stored in a bin in a climate-controlled room for the past 40+ years, and early this year I had it professionally restored.THE RESTORATION Restoration was performed by Bill Wittmer of Bill Wittmer Amplifier Repair in Philadelphia, a seasoned technician specializing in vintage tube audio.All tubes were tested and tested good, including the full quad of 7581 output tubes with strong, closely matched emission readings (81–86), zero grid leakage, and "Excellent" life ratings — full results are in the service report. Bill replaced the aging selenium rectifier with a modern silicon diode, replaced all of the power supply filter capacitors, replaced the coupling capacitors, replaced the RCA input jacks, installed a new grounded 3-prong power cord, cleaned all controls, and verified every voltage to factory specification. Everything works perfectly.All of the original parts Bill removed — including the original Sprague capacitors, electrolytic cans, and the original 2-prong power cord — are included.THE DETAILSThe rare original perforated cage is present and in very nice shape that is in near mint condition — many Citation Vs lost these long ago. Note there is one screw missing for one of the cage locks.Front-panel balance meter with channel selector, plus AC and DC balance adjustments for each channelThree massive Harman Kardon transformers (two output, one power)Speaker taps for 4, 8, and 16 ohm loads on each channelFactory rated at 40 watts per channel — these amps are famously conservative, with output transformers that outclass most of their contemporariesTHE BUCKING TRANSFORMER Bill also built a dedicated bucking transformer for this amplifier (included). These units were designed for the 115–117 VAC wall voltage of the era; modern line voltage of 120–126 VAC pushes the internal voltages to their maximum and shortens tube and component life. The bucking transformer steps the line down to a proper 117 volts, and its use is strongly recommended at all times.WHAT'S INCLUDEDCitation V power amplifier with original cageCustom-built HK Citation Five bucking transformerOriginal Citation V Assembly and Operation Manual, schematics, assembly pictorials, cage assembly sheet, and errata sheetPeriod Harman Kardon advertisement/review reprints from the Citation line (including Citation II material) — great display ephemera for a collectorAll original parts removed during the restoration, plus the original 2-prong power cordNOTES As with all tube gear, power on the preamp for about 15 seconds before powering on the amplifier, and power the amplifier off first when shutting down.This amplifier is being listed alongside its lifelong companion, the matching Citation I preamplifier, also freshly restored by Bill with its complete original documentation. I would love to sell the pair together to a collector and keep them united as they have been for the past 65 years — please reach out if you're interested in both.SHIPPING / PICKUP I strongly prefer local pickup in the Downingtown, PA area (19335), and I'm willing to meet halfway up to 50 miles. Given the age, weight, and irreplaceable nature of this piece, local handoff is the safest option for everyone.I will ship if needed, but please understand: the amplifier, parts, and manuals weigh over 50 pounds, and proper double-boxing will add at least another 10 pounds in boxes and packing material. I will need up to a week to prepare and pack it properly, and even with careful packing, I'll be honest — shipping something this valuable and heavy makes me nervous. If you're within driving distance, meeting up is truly the better option for both of us.
This US$1,699 asking price for a used Harman Kardon Citation V with cables is ambitious, sitting well above the typical used market range of roughly US$800 to US$1,200 for this vintage tube preamp in average condition. Without confirmed condition details or proof of original tubes, the listing lacks the urgency of a bargain and instead demands scrutiny before commitment.
The Citation V remains a beloved classic for its warm, musical tube sound that pairs beautifully with vintage and modern speakers, offering a distinct midrange richness hard to replicate with solid-state designs. If this unit is genuinely in original-owner condition with tested tubes and all original cables, the premium could be justified for collectors seeking a pristine example; however, buyers should verify tube health and capacitor integrity before paying well above median market value.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Harman Kardon traces its origins to 1953, when Dr. Sidney Harman and Bernard Kardon, both engineers frustrated with conservative audio manufacturing at the David Bogen Company, invested $5,000 each to launch their venture in Westbury, New York. Their debut product, the Festival D1000, became the world's first compact AM/FM hi-fi receiver, blending breakthrough technology with sleek design to make high-fidelity sound accessible beyond technical enthusiasts. Pioneering innovations like the 1958 Festival TA230 stereo receiver, the 1959 Citation II ultra-wide bandwidth tube amplifier, and the 1970 CAD5 hi-fi cassette recorder with Dolby noise reduction cemented their legacy in simplifying premium audio for the home.
The brand focuses on integrated receivers, amplifiers, tuners, and speakers that emphasize performance, reliability, and elegant industrial design. Over decades, it expanded into home theater systems and automotive audio, powering systems in vehicles from Land Rover and BMW to Volvo and Polestar. While not delving into turntables, DACs, headphones, or cables, Harman Kardon prioritizes cohesive hi-fi components that deliver warm, detailed sound without unnecessary complexity.
Harman Kardon holds a solid mid-tier position in the hi-fi market, renowned among knowledgeable buyers for its enduring quality and value rather than ultra-high-end exotica or vintage collector status. Now part of Harman International, it appeals to discerning listeners seeking dependable, stylish gear that echoes its innovative heritage without commanding boutique premiums.
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