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HARMAN KARDON CITATION ELEVEN 11 AND TWELVE 12VINTAGE PREAMPLIFIER AND POWER AMPLIFIER220-VOLT POWER SUPPLYEXCELLENT OVERALL CONDITION, SOME SIGNS OF AGEFUNCTIONALLY, AS ORIGINAL, SOME WORN COMPONENTS (MAINLY CAPACITORS) HAVE BEEN REPLACEDAS WELL KNOWN, THE FIRST VERSION OF THE PREAMPLIFIER EMITS A LIGHT BACKGROUND HUSKING AT VOLUME 0. I WOULD LIKE TO POINT OUT THAT IT WAS DESIGNED THAT WAY; JUST LOOK IN THE FORUMS AND THE POWER AMPLIFIER IS PERFECT.NO ORIGINAL PACKAGINGNO DOCUMENTS
The Harman Kardon Citation Eleven is a revered early-1970s preamp known for its ultra-wide bandwidth and five-band tone shaping, but this US$2,044 listing is ambitious compared to the typical used market. Your database anchor shows a median of US$1,320 with a 75th percentile of US$1,682; since this asking price sits well above that top quartile, it demands pristine condition and full accessories to justify the extra cost.
If the unit is truly untested or lacks original boxes, cables, and the distinctive slider controls, the price becomes a hard sell for enthusiasts who know these vintage units often need slider repair or capacitor refreshes. However, if this is a verified, original-owner example in clean cosmetic shape with all accessories, the Citation Eleven’s musicality and rarity could still make it a worthwhile buy for a collector willing to pay premium pricing for a guaranteed specimen.
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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