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When new, the HK 980 sold for roughly £500; at £115, this is a strong bargain, sitting well below your comparable-listing 25th percentile of £179 and comfortably under the £212 median. Even allowing for its age, the asking price leaves useful headroom for collection or minor servicing.
It is a capable, muscular integrated amplifier with 80 watts per channel into 8 ohms, substantial current delivery, a useful MM phono stage, and plenty of analogue connectivity. It suits demanding speakers better than many budget alternatives and has the punchy, controlled presentation HK is known for. The unknown condition is the only real reservation: confirm both channels, inputs, phono, controls, remote if supplied, and listen for hum or noisy switches. If it tests properly, this is an easy recommendation.
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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