Vintage Harman Kardon Citation II // Tube Amplifier / Jim McShane Level II+ Upgrades

The Harman Kardon Citation II is a vintage amplifier that beautifully embraces the classic with timeless performance. Widely considered one of the most influential amplifier designs, the Citation II is a piece of audio history, meticulously designed with old-school charm and powered by American ingenuity. Its classic design is more than just nostalgia; it's a fusion of iconic vibes and contemporary functionality. This particular specimen has the patina of time, but we have put this amp through our full battery of tests, and with the Jim McShane upgrades, this amp performs better than anything that ever rolled off the line.

RESTORATIONS

• Full 30-point service check
• Replaced all diodes
• Recapped power supply
• Recapped signal path
• Modified to allow for triode operation. Slightly Less efficient, but delivers fuller lower mids and warmer overall sound.
• New toroidal transformer for more consistent filament voltages
• Upgraded speaker terminals
• Added power switch
• Cleaned controls, switches, and chassis

SPECS

Type   Stereo vacuum tube amplifier

Power output 60 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)

Frequency response 18Hz to 40kHz

Total harmonic distortion 0.5%

Damping factor 18

Input sensitivity 1.5V

Signal to noise ratio 90dB

Speaker load impedance 4Ω to 16Ω

Tube complement 4x KT88, 6x 12BY7A

Dimensions 16.375"W x 9"H x 11.5"D

Weight 60 lbs.

LINER NOTES

The Citation II was Stu Hegeman’s penultimate masterpiece, inspired by his unwavering desire to build a power amplifier equal to his stunningly great Citation I preamplifier. I consider the Citation II power amplifier to be one of the most original designs in audio history, introducing technology that had never before been seen in an audio product. The Citation II’s high-gain, wide-bandwidth video-pentode design yielded performance that was difficult to believe. - TheAbsoluteSound.com"If you get a chance to experience the sound from this 60-watt RMS tube amplifier you will be amazed, This amp can compete with the best of the best at any price that has the dynamic sound of this fine piece of equipment. Definitely worth updating some of the caps and resistors, be prepared to enjoy all your music again!"- Hifi Engine Review