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At £157, this sits below the typical used range I’d expect for a Citation Twenty Five, which commonly lands around £200-£350 depending on condition and whether the remote/original box is included. That makes this look like a good buy, not an ambitious one, assuming it’s fully working and cosmetically honest.

It’s worth chasing because this is a serious late-’80s control preamp: clean phono stage, sensible line-stage ergonomics, and the sort of straightforward, unfussy Harman/Kardon sound many vintage listeners still like. The upside is strongest if it’s complete, quiet, and unmodified; with an unknown-condition listing, I’d just want confirmation of all inputs, pots, and switches behaving properly, plus any remote/accessories if they exist.

Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.

About Harman Kardon

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.

See all Harman Kardon listings on RADAR.

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