Tubes Asylum: REVIEW: Harmon Kardon Amplifier (Tube) by shufumei

Model:
Category:	Amplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	Varies
Description:	Rebuild of classic design
Manufacturer URL:	Not Available
Model Picture:	View

Review by shufumei on May 06, 2005 at 12:18:14
IP Address: 67.53.55.197

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I bought a very good working condition Citation II on Ebay and it sound very good in stock form when I received it. But since it is a very old 1960 product, so I deside to rebuild the amp. I search on the internet and luckly found the Citation expert Jim McShane, got in contact with him and bought his power supply kit, recap kit, and transistor kit. It took me a good week to complete rebuilding the amp. The parts jim supply are very good quality, the he suggest a new grounding also. After I finish the rebuilding, I plug in the new tubs - KY90 II , bias easily, connect into the system and ready to test drive.
The rebuild Citation II is very balanced tube amp, bass is very solid, has almost high current power amp control, mid range is transparent and clear, the highs is extented and high resolution. What a huge improvement from stock form. It seems has more power and can drive diffecult speakers. A lot amp can only show their full color on high volume playing, but this amp can make me feel satisfied even with soft volume listening, the dynamic was superb even in low volume. Then I tried to triod connection the amp as Jim suggested, the triod form give me more tube mid range magic. If you looking for tube sweet sound, this is it. it is not roll off at both end at all, it gives you just a little more rich sound. It will be personal choice and system depending to triod or not.
I would rate this rebuild Citation II amp better than most current tube amp that I have experienced cost up to 5,000.00. Poeple tell me it is the transformer that make the Citation II so much better than current production amp. They just don't make the transformer as before!
So if you want a good tube amp, get the citation II and rebuild with Jim McShane's rebuild kit and you got yourself a wonderful tube amp and a piece of history!

Product Weakness: It generate a lot heat, it is a good idea to use a computer fan to increase air circulation.
Product Strengths: Great point to piont wired classic tube amp. Balance, extended, clear detail and great resolution.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	none
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Audio Research SP6B
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Marantz 8400
Speakers:	Gallo Reference III
Cables/Interconnects:	Kimber, PS,
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, Pop, Volcal,
Room Size (LxWxH):	28 x 23 x 10
Room Comments/Treatments:	Rounded corner
Time Period/Length of Audition:	one month
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	PS
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition):	as above

Product Weakness:	It generate a lot heat, it is a good idea to use a computer fan to increase air circulation.
Product Strengths:	Great point to piont wired classic tube amp. Balance, extended, clear detail and great resolution.