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Its age matters: this is a late-1980s, high-current design rather than a current-generation amplifier. At USD 895, it looks ambitious for a used Citation 22; documented examples have appeared around USD 400–650, making this price well above the usual enthusiast-market range. I’d want exceptional restoration, provenance, or a strong warranty before considering it.
The appeal is real: 200 watts per channel, a dual-mono layout, substantial transformers, and an easygoing ability to control demanding speakers. It has the scale, grip, and headroom that made the model a classic, and clean, fully serviced examples can be rewarding long-term pieces. Still, age makes service history especially important: verify both channels, meters, protection behavior, temperature, and the original speaker connectors. Unless it has been professionally rebuilt and is unusually clean, a more convincing buy would be closer to USD 500–650.
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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