Harman Kardon A300 / A30K integrated tube amplifier, refurbed to original 15WPC

  

This is a nice, restored Harman Kardon A30K tube integrated amplifier, serial #6043068. The A30K is the kit version of the factory built A300 amplifier. Some folks shy away from kits as they believe a factory built amp would have better quality.

I've found that not to be true. If there was an issue with the kit, either it would have been corrected years ago or the amp discarded. In fact, the very best built HK amp I've had was from a kit. The components and wiring are identical between the A300 and A30K. See feedback on my amps and receivers at the end of listing, newer comments on the bottom. I'm a retired EE and have focused as a hobby on HK tube units from the golden era. I have other HK's in the cue, expect to list some soon. However, unfortunately as more folks appreciate these units, the cost of the'raw stock' continues to increase. I had an A300 amp in college in the 1960's and always loved it's sound.

I've been restoring HK tube amps and receivers for a few years now as a hobby. I've learned all that I can about these amps and have been successful in their restoration. See last picture, that's me in 1965 with my original A300. I never put power to these amps without first replacing the electrolytic and coupling capacitors and diodes.

It is strongly recommended (Google'recapping radios') that the electrolytic and coupling capacitors be replaced in old tube units. For the A30K there are a total of seven electrolytic capacitor sections in the power supply and a total of eight coupling capacitors to be replaced, which I have done along with many resistors. Some people say it's OK just to'reform' the power supply caps. (bring them up very slowly over a couple of days on a variac).

While this is a much simpler and less costly alternative, I'm not convinced that it is a good as replacing dried out caps with new current fresh stock. The new caps are mounted under the chassis, while retaining the'can' on the top of the chassis (electrically disconnected) to maintain the aesthetics of the unit. After restoration I also verified the B+ voltages and critical components are to specification. I also replace the rectifying diodes with more modern units that have fast turnoff/soft recovery, characteristics that provide a little less noise-- makes for a cleaner power supply. No change in the sound of the amp, only just a cleaner power supply.

These restorations do not modify the wonderful'tube sound' --no real modifications, but rather put back the way the HK engineers designed it, only make the unit safer and more reliable. See pictures 10 and 11, showing the major parts changed and the before and after of the restored chassis (bottom cover removed for picture). As a matter of course I rebuild the power supply section, using all new electrolytic capacitors and associated resistors. I choose Sprague/Vishay Series 716 Orange Drops for the pre-amp coupling capacitors.

In addition to the capacitor work I have tested all the tubes on my B&K 707 tube tester and replaced any that were marginal. I verify and replace as necessary any critical components. I also clean the tubes, tube sockets, controls and switches (Deoxit D5 contact cleaner for the tube sockets and switches, F5 Fader Lube for the potentiometers). The output tubes are performance matched Sylvania 7408's, essentially a rugged 6V6 tube. I have verified all the operations.

The controls and switches work as designed. All the inputs are operational. I have run this unit a minimum of 16 hours without any issues after the refurbishing. This unit has a nice appearance, the faceplate is in OK condition. The lettering is essentially sharp and legible. The original knobs were in poor condition, I replaced them with a NOS set of HK knobs, not identical to the original ones, but a good HK substitute. The faceplate has some scratches and stains , see pic. The chassis top had some stains, I repainted it, now close to a battleship gray, turned out better, not factory silver but decent.

Underneath the chassis which is important electrically, all is good. I replaced the pilot lamp with a LED, has a longer life and a little less load on the filament transformer. The LED does not photograph well, the actual color is the correct HK violet. The A30K, as a tube unit has a sound unlike solid state units. The Harmon Kardon A Series are referred to as Award Series.

Not sure what the Award was, but these were (and are) highly regarded amplifiers, and have that highly desired'tube sound'. Interesting that HK is one of the very few hi-fi companies of the 1960's to still be in business. As a stereo integrated amplifier, there are inputs for lo level (magnetic) phono or tape head, hi level (ceramic) phono, tuner and auxiliary inputs. The controls are: Source Selector, Loudness (Volume), Bass, Treble, Balance, and Blend. Switches are provided for power, rumble filter, contour, equalization and stereo reverse. IMHF music output power: 15 watts per channel. This was back when power ratings meant something, plenty of power for moderately efficient speakers. I like Electrovoice 12TRXB's--a very nice horn type triax speaker. I've heard good reports from buyers using the vintage Klipsch's too.

This amp (as with other vintage tube amps) likes efficient speakers, best to have speaker sensitivity of about 88-90 db or greater. Just found a set of KLH Model Seventeens, real nice sound with the A30K.

Frequency response--+/- 1 db 15-70,000 cps at normal listening levels. Output impedance: 8 and 16 ohm. Stereo inputs-low level: 3.0 mv. Stereo inputs-high level: 125 mv. This is suitable input for tuners, CD decks, most smartphones, tablets, etc.

Stereo tape outputs: To feed a tape recorder or second amp. This is not your son's amplifier. This is a tube unit, and as such, has voltages inside the chassis that can be lethal, 350+ volts. Also, it has tubes and a power transformer that gets hot.

Although this amp is rated for 100% duty cycle (you can listen to it continually), when you are done listening, turn it off. And turning the lights down just so you can watch the soft orange glow of the tube filaments, and talking about bias, tube rolling, and'gee I need to get another system for the family room'. Can be a slippery slope. So, if you are into tubes, or just starting, here is an amplifier that is restored back to the original design specifications. As with essentially all vintage electronics, there is no ongoing guarantee.

If there is an issue, I will work with you, check my feedback. For international buyers this A30K operates only on 115VAC, if your grid is 230VAC, you will need a stepdown transformer. If your country is not listed, contact me, maybe we can work something out.

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• Model: A30K
• Modified Item: No
• Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
• Custom Bundle: No
• Country of Manufacture: United States
• Type: Integrated Amplifier
• Brand: Harman Kardon