RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
This has been modified and upgraded ! All the non essential controls in the signal path have been bypassed. A very pure signal path now, much like my Audio Research 8. In excellent working condition.
Compared with the usual used preamp route at this level, this one is a strong buy at US$700: it sits well below the US$1,100 25th percentile and far under the US$1,500 median, so the price reads as a bargain rather than merely fair. For a vintage Citation piece, that’s the kind of number that should get attention quickly.
The Citation I has a real following because it’s a serious, full-featured control preamp with the kind of musical, straightforward presentation many tube-era fans still chase. At this price, the upside is in ownership: if it’s electrically healthy and not butchered inside, there’s room for a very rewarding classic setup piece. The main thing to verify is service history and whether it’s complete, because with an old preamp, condition matters more than cosmetics.
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.
