Harman Kardon Citation I (1958–1960)

The Citation I was the control unit - the preamplifier - of Harman Kardon's Citation series, designed by Stewart Hegeman. It came out of a specific frustration. The company felt that existing components, while good, were at the edge of their abilities and couldn't cope with the demands being made on the systems of the day. The Citation line was conceived to be the best equipment regardless of price. The Citation I and its companion Citation II power amplifier were the first high-powered stereo components.

The Citation I was radically designed for its time. It was built on a very rare chrome-plated steel chassis and intended to sit in a custom-made wooden cabinet. It was the "control center" of the full Citation system, which also included the Citation II power amp, Citation III tuner, Citation IV speakers, and Citation V integrated amplifier. The preamp had an input selector, speaker switch, tape-in, two gold-plated phone input connectors, stereo/mono switching, balance, bass, and treble controls, plus both a power switch and a standby switch. It drew 31 watts. The original price was $179.

J. Gordon Holt reviewed the Citation I in High Fidelity (1960), and the design philosophy behind the series was itself reviewed at length. The Audio Magazine editor said that one listened through the amplifier system clear back to the original performance, with finer nuances of tone shading standing out clearly. Harman Kardon quoted that reaction in its own advertising. The kit was also praised as a joy to construct, with considerable thought evident in its preparation.

Known Specs

Power consumption: 31 W
Controls: input selector, speaker switch, tape-in, 2 gold-plated phono input connectors, stereo/mono switch, balance, bass, treble
Power switch and standby switch
Chrome-plated steel chassis
Original price: $179