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The Harman Kardon Citation II, designed by Stewart Hegeman and introduced around 1959-1962, is a high-fidelity tube stereo power amplifier that became the flagship of Harman Kardon's Citation series. It uses a pentode input stage followed by a pair of 12BY7A pentodes configured as a differential phase splitter, providing an exceptionally wide small-signal bandwidth well over 1 MHz. Each channel employs a pair of KT88 output tubes in push-pull, with individual bias controls for each output tube, an AC balance control, and a built-in meter on the rear panel to set bias and balance for optimal performance. The amplifier is conservatively rated at 60 watts per channel into 8 ohms, with a frequency response of 18 Hz to 40 kHz (+0, -1 dB) at full 60W output, total harmonic distortion of 0.5% or less, a damping factor of approximately 18, and a signal-to-noise ratio of approximately 90 dB, compatible with 4-16 ohm speaker loads. Its massive, potted output transformers feature extremely low leakage inductance, supporting high-frequency response measured up to approximately 230-270 kHz with feedback applied. The Citation II uses three nested feedback loops totaling approximately 30-32 dB of overall feedback for unconditional stability. The chassis finish is charcoal brown with gold trim, measuring approximately 16.375 x 9 x 11.5 inches and weighing approximately 60 pounds. Production is long discontinued, and the Citation II is now regarded as a classic vintage tube power amplifier with legendary engineering.
Amplification power output and characteristics
Analog signal output specifications
Size, weight, and appearance
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The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The MB3045's signal-to-noise is 95 dB against the Citation II's 90 dB, its damping factor 16 against 18, and its thd 0.200% against 0.500%. Both share power @ 8ω (60W).
The Power 2 SE's power @ 8ω is 110W against the Citation II's 60W, its signal-to-noise 110 dB against 90 dB, its thd 1.000% against 0.500%, and its damping factor 50 against 18.
The VT100 MkIII's power @ 8ω is 100W against the Citation II's 60W, its signal-to-noise 106 dB against 90 dB, its thd 0.300% against 0.500%, and its damping factor 12 against 18.
The 45W SET Monos's power @ 8ω is 45W against the Citation II's 60W and its thd 0.800% against 0.500%. Both share signal-to-noise (90 dB) and class (Tube).
McIntosh MC75
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