Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Harmon Kardon Amplifier (Tube) by RetroDan

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

Review by RetroDan ( A ) on March 07, 2006 at 17:21:13
IP Address: 67.165.144.249

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Letter I wrote Jim McShane after his restoration and modifications.

Jim,

I just wanted to tell you about my new old amplifier! Itâ€™s nearly my age and sounds like a little slice of heaven. Looks thirty years younger too!

I canâ€™t thank you enough for the time and effort you put into my amplifier, just watching you disassemble tiny bias pots and reshape the copper contacts under a lens, to see you polish chassis parts that no one but you may never see, gave me the opportunity to watch a true craftsman in love with the task and thriving in his element.

First impression was a WOW..it sounded like the speakers disappeared into the walls and people were playing fine music about four or five feet into the room, (which is a challenge). My source material did not do the amp justice but it never complained, and added so much more to the music than the McIntosh 240 I had been using. Detail was abundant and I noticed more and more of it as I kept listening, finding dynamics and nuances that had until now had been hidden. Distinct background singers with clearly defined voices appeared on tracks before unnoticed.

The bass was much tighter and not heavy or thumpy as before. Highs ringing and clear. Separation, Boy Howdy! Power to bring the police and sonic accuracy to boot! Dead quiet at idle.

Very Impressive dynamics, even though the JBL 4333b's are a bit slower than your hot rod ARâ€™s, they feasted at the banquet offered by the Citation! The horns lilted like lilting horns should, no aural fatigue, instruments sound like real brass or wood, not two dimensional, or thin.

I also think I know now what â€œairinessâ€ is, thanks to you and Mr. Hegeman. He would have adopted you and raised you as his own.

I can find nothing, and I mean nothing lacking from my experience with you and will sing your praises to everyone who wants more from their audio. You have gone far, far past what I ever could have expected, and provided me with a reference point both personally and professionally to which all others must be compared.

You may have guessed I love it!

Again, thank you so much!
Dan

Product Weakness: Ei KT90 tubes harder to come by.
Product Strengths: Separation, dynamic range, soundstage. Accurate reproduction of source, neutral coloration of source.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	McShane Modified Citation II
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Citation I, Denon 5803
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Sony
Speakers:	JBL 4333b's
Cables/Interconnects:	Generic
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Verdi to Van Halen
Room Size (LxWxH):	24 x 20 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	Hard room with area rugs and soft furniture
Time Period/Length of Audition:	50 hours and climbing
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Powervar 16
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Ei KT90 tubes harder to come by.
Product Strengths:	Separation, dynamic range, soundstage. Accurate reproduction of source, neutral coloration of source.