Harman Kardon HK720
A semi-automatic belt-drive turntable with an ITO tonearm and 25.5-degree headshell offset, documented by 1981.
Overview
The Harman Kardon HK720 is a stereo turntable manufactured by Harman Kardon. It is a semi-automatic, belt-driven model designed for 2-speed playback. The turntable features an ITO tonearm and includes pitch controls, an adjustable arm counterbalance, and anti-skate adjustment. By May 1981, the model was listed in Hi-Fi Stereo Review, confirming its presence in the consumer market by that date. The original packaging included a tracking alignment gauge card, now noted as a sought-after accessory often missing from surviving units.
Specifications
| Product type | Stereo Turntable |
| Drive type | Belt Drive |
| Operation | Semi-Auto |
| Speeds | 2 Speed |
| Tonearm type | ITO tonearm |
| Headshell offset angle | 25.5 degrees |
| Adjustable arm counterbalance | Yes |
| Anti-skate | Adjustment available |
| Pitch controls | Yes |
Design
The HK720 uses a belt-drive system and a semi-automatic operation mechanism. Its tonearm is an ITO design with a fixed headshell offset angle of 25.5 degrees, requiring the use of a Harman Kardon-specific headshell for proper alignment. The turntable includes user adjustments for arm counterbalance, anti-skate, and pitch control, supporting setup flexibility. Some units have been observed missing the dust cover, and replacement belts are occasionally needed for reliable operation.
Market
Listings indicate the HK720 has sold for A$180 in good working condition despite missing the dust cover, while spare parts such as control assemblies and dust cover hinges are available separately. The original tracking alignment gauge card is frequently absent and now considered a collectible accessory. A possible recurring issue involves the "SPEED cut CAP," suggesting a potential failure point in the speed control circuit.
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