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The Harman Kardon AVR 20 II is a vintage 5.1-channel audio/video receiver designed for home theater surround sound systems. This unit is in EXCELLENT condition, cosmetically and electronically. It does not include the remote.* No remote includedPower Output: Typically delivers 60W per channel (though some listings suggest up to 100W–180W total system power).Surround Formats: Supports Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Surround, and Dolby Digital (in some configurations), providing an immersive 5-channel experience.Connectivity:Inputs: Includes Phono (for turntables), CD, Aux, Tape, and Video inputs. Some versions feature digital optical (TOSLINK) and coaxial RCA inputs.Outputs: Features banana speaker jacks, a headphone jack, and a subwoofer pre-out.Tuner: Integrated AM/FM digital synthesizer tuner with preset scanningService History: No service records were included from the prior owner. Here at the shop we did routine testing, cleaning and inspection.Cosmetic Condition: Overall we rated this at Excellent.In the Milwaukee Area? Stop in our shop to inspect/demoSee our feedback and thank you for considering. All the gear we sell is packaged with great care for safe arrival in the condition advertised.
At US$150, this is fair to slightly good rather than a steal, because the AVR 20 was a serious late-’90s Harman Kardon receiver with an original price around US$600-plus in today’s terms when adjusted from its roughly DM 998 launch era, and it sits in the “solid classic receiver” tier rather than the collectible tier. Used pricing is harder to pin down cleanly from the available data, but US$150 looks reasonable for a working unit if the cosmetics and controls are clean.
What makes it worth a look is the high-current, warm HK sound and honest build: 60 watts per channel in stereo, decent 5.1-era surround power, and a substantial 10.7 kg chassis. It’s a good buy if you want a dependable vintage AVR for two-channel listening or an older theater setup, especially if it includes the remote noted in the manual. The main upside is condition: if it powers up quietly, switches cleanly, and has no scratchy controls or failed outputs, US$150 is a sensible enthusiast price.
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.
