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harman kardon citation 16 amp?????

How do some of you older audiophiles like this amp? Is it a good amp for driving psb gold speaker? I have a tube preamp and i am not sure how it will perform with it. I can pick it up for around 300 bucks, is this a decent deal or too much for this vintage amp? Sorry so many questions i just am on the fence about purchasing it. Is there any way to check it out with a volt meter before buying it. I am no electrician at all but with some guidance i may be able to check it out further. Its a all black face and doesnt have the v pattern lights like most ive seen. ANy way to tell what the amp is? Just says citation sixteen on the front with 2 leds and a toggle switch. thanx for the info, much appreciated
flyin2jz
mlsstl
694 posts
 
I think the big thing about these PSBs is they drop to about 4 ohms through a good section of the lower midrange. That can suck a lot of current from an amp, so I'd suggest something with a good reputation at low impedance. A good (but not perfect) indication is if the wattage output comes close to doubling at 4 ohms vs 8.

Outside of some old tube amps I rebuild as a hobby, I don't follow the used market much. However, you might audition one of the newer Class D digital amps. There are some pretty powerful units out there at modest cost and at least a fair number of people really like them.
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
I am too old an audiophile as I quit with the Citation 12. I found it mask detail that the contemporary Quad 303 reproduced. I have the impression that the Citation line deteriorated with time from the original Stu Hegaman designs. I would pay a little more and look elsewhere.
rwwear
2,692 posts
 
Sue Kraft gave the 16 a good review in the April/May 2006 issue of Absolute Sound. It will probably need some updating.
flyin2jz OP
51 posts
 
See thats the thing. I have been looking on google and have found alot of people that say its a great low end amp. was really great at the time. I just need a amp that will alow me to stay married and give these psb speakers some breathing room. Im not a big fan of the vintage gear not having protection but i guess thats a whole new thread. I dont understand amps so i dont know how it works. thanks for the info. I still need more suggestions that will work. I dont understand the ohms thing either. I dont play alot of rock music and always listen at lowish levels.
summitav
163 posts
 
I had 3 CITATION 16's in 1974'ish and they were clean and powerful performers.

That was over 35 years ago. Any amp that is that old, will not sound today as it did then, unless you go through it an replace parts that wear and age affecting the sound.

I still have a CITATION 19 I purchased during that same period and use it for a subwoofer amp to which it is exceptional.
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