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Heil AMT Kithara original Mk1 Floorstanding Loudspeakers Here I have a pair of super rare Vintage Oskar Heil AMT Kithara speakers made by Precide in Switzerland in the late 1980s.These were the first original version. These run 10 inch upfiring woofers with massive magnets, and large Oskar Heil AMT transducer mid/tweeters.Amazing sounding speakers with sensational imaging, very low distortion, fast deep bass, and are very efficient.Very high quality crossovers with copper foil inductors, and Hovland caps. I had a peek...All drivers work perfectly.Very rare opportunity to own a unique design pa
At A$2,000, this Mk1 Kithara asks ambitious money compared to more common floorstanders like ProAc or Harbeths in the same bracket, which deliver similar scale without the rarity premium. Ground truth from recent comparable AUD listings pegs the median at AUD99, with a tight 25th-75th percentile of AUD99 to AUD1,043—putting this firmly in overreach territory unless pristine provenance justifies it. I'd negotiate hard or walk unless you're a collector chasing that signature AMT sparkle.
Buyers, verify the original Heil drivers first—these fragile ribbons degrade with age, often needing costly reconing after 20+ years. Check for matching grilles, serial numbers on both cabinets, and any foam rot in the enclosures; originals should include spikes and manuals. Test for impedance consistency to rule out crossover woes.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Hovland Company emerged from the expertise of Bob Hovland, who previously engineered the legendary Marantz 500 amplifier during the company's Sun Valley manufacturing era in the 1970s. Founded in 1999 by Hovland alongside Michael Gargas, Jeffrey Tonkin, and Alex J. Crespi, the Los Angeles-based firm initially built its reputation through meticulously designed passive components and component upgrades before expanding into complete amplification products. The company operated for nine years of electronics manufacturing, establishing a distribution network across 35 countries before closing in 2009.
The brand's product portfolio reflects a specialist's approach to high-fidelity audio. Hovland is perhaps best known for MusiCap, their audio-grade film and foil capacitors sold to approximately 250 manufacturers worldwide and through retail channels. Beyond passive components, the company manufactured a focused range of tube and solid-state amplifiers, including the Radia—their sole solid-state design, which reportedly took a decade to perfect—alongside tube preamplifiers like the HP-100 and HP-200. Hovland also produced cables, mains line conditioners, and remote-controlled preamps.
Hovland occupied the high-end boutique segment, positioning itself as a purveyor of meticulously engineered components for serious audiophiles willing to invest in sonic refinement. The company's nine-year lifespan and selective product range underscore its niche positioning rather than mass-market ambitions. Today, Hovland components command respect among vintage and used-market collectors, with the brand's legacy sustained through its influential passive components and the enduring reputation of its amplification designs.
See all Hovland listings on RADAR.
