Harman Kardon Citation Seventeen Preamp
- Location
- US
- Seller
- dk270511
- Source
- eBay US
- Posted
- 7 Aug 2026
- Last seen
- 22h ago
RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
Is this really the one you want at US$500? Based on your US$218 median and US$342 75th percentile from 76 recent comparables, that asking price sits well above the usual market and reads ambitious, not fair-value territory.
That said, this is a respected piece if you want compact, room-friendly bass with a polished, system-matching look rather than brute-force slam. It can be a worthwhile buy when it’s complete, quiet, and cosmetically clean, especially if you value the matching-Citation aesthetic and easy integration over chasing the cheapest watt-per-dollar. At this price, I’d want proof it’s fully functional, includes the right power and control bits, and hasn’t developed the usual age-related issues before paying up.
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.
See all Harman Kardon listings on RADAR.