RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
The timing matters a lot here: this is a 1980s-era Citation 5.0, so you’re buying a vintage AV controller/preamp, not anything remotely modern. At US$500, the ask looks fair to a touch strong versus the one comparable used reference I found at US$395 for a used-good unit, so I’d want strong condition and complete functionality before calling it a bargain.
What makes it worthwhile is the build and the period-correct high-end pedigree: it was the control center for Harman Kardon’s Citation System 5000 and offers the sort of analog/digital routing and multi-input flexibility that vintage home-theater collectors still value. If it’s clean, fully working, and includes the right cables/manuals or companion pieces, it’s an appealing buy for a vintage system; if condition is unknown, I’d use the price to press for proof of operation on every input/output and the controls.
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.
