Harman Kardon HK-590i (1989)
The Harman Kardon HK-590i is a three-head, dual-capstan stereo cassette deck from the late 1980s. It is described in period sources as the "Mk III version" of Harman Kardon's cassette line, sharing its transport with the model that preceded it and eventually being replaced by a "Mk IV version" — though neither the predecessor nor the successor model is named in any surviving documentation we've found. Don't let anyone tell you it was the CD-491; that's speculation, not record. A 1984 review in HiFI-Stereo (January 1984, p.46) noted that the 590i sounded as good as its measurements suggested and could be played far louder than most comparably rated receivers or amplifiers without signs of strain.
What is documented is the deck's configuration: a closed-loop dual-capstan transport with two motors and three heads, full-logic transport controls, Dolby B and Dolby C noise reduction, and HX Pro headroom extension. It also offered an optional wired remote control, though no model number or price for that remote appears in the sources. The HK-590i was built in 1989 (one source gives the range as 1989–1990, so take the end date with a grain of salt).
Measured specs from the primary spec sheet: frequency response of 20 Hz–19 kHz in record/replay and 20 Hz–22 kHz in playback; wow and flutter at 0.04% WRMS; signal-to-noise of 68 dB unweighted, rising to 72 dB with Dolby C engaged. Rewind time for a C-60 cassette was 110 seconds. Power consumption was 45W. The deck measures 440×139×302 mm and weighs 5.7 kg. One secondary source lists a slightly different record/replay frequency response (25 Hz–18 kHz), which likely reflects a different measurement standard or tape formulation; the primary figures are the safer bet.
Owner reports are uniformly positive — the deck is described as superb-sounding, with impressive build quality, smooth and reliable transport, and excellent playback and recording quality. One owner pairs it with AR-2ax speakers and describes the resulting sound as warm and rich. No original retail price, no current market data, and no common-failure or service information has surfaced in any of the available sources. The record on this one is decent on specs and thin on history.
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.
Related Models
- Harman Kardon 330C
- Harman Kardon 630 (1973)
- Harman Kardon 930 (early 1970s)
- Harman Kardon Festival D-1000 (1954)
- Harman Kardon Festival D-1100
- Marantz 2226 (1974-1976)
- Marantz 2226B (1979-1980)
- Marantz 2235 (1974-1977)
- Marantz 2238B (1978-1980)
- Marantz 2250B (1978-1980)