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The £180 asking price is ambitious for a used Harman Kardon AVR 5500, sitting well above the local median of £100 and the 75th percentile of £140 from your three recent GBP comparables. This listing is roughly £40 higher than the top quartile of the market, making it a tough sell unless the condition is pristine or accessories are exceptional.

That said, the AVR 5500 remains well-regarded for its high-current Harman Kardon amplifier design, which delivers strong dynamic range and robust bass control. If this unit is original-owner, fully functional, and includes the remote, it could still be a worthwhile buy for enthusiasts seeking classic analog warmth and reliable power, but the price demands confidence in its condition before committing.

Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.

About Harman Kardon

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.

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