Harman Kardon refurbed A230 stereo tube integrated amplifier, 6BQ5/EL84, 15 WPC

  

Also I will be listing other HK amps in the near future, A300, A500, maybe some receivers, some mono units, etc. This is a time capsule Harman Kardon refurbished tube type A230 Ballad integrated amplifier, serial number 3870649. The A230 is one of the nicest EL84/6BQ5 tube amps of that era (about 1960).

I believe this was HK's last and most refined 6BQ5/EL84 amp. I had an HK A300 amp in college in the 1960's and always loved it's sound. I've learned all that I can about these amps and have been successful in their restoration. The last picture is me in 1965 with my HK A300 amp.

I never put power to these amps without first replacing the electrolytic and paper/ plastic coupling capacitors. It is strongly recommended (Google "recapping radios") that the electrolytic and paper or molded (original disc mica type are OK) coupling capacitors be replaced in old tube units.

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. I also verified the B+ voltages and critical components are to specification. This restoration does 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.

In addition to replacing the electrolytic and paper/molded coupling capacitors (using premium Sprague Vishay Orange Drop 716's for the coupling capacitors), I have tested all the tubes on my B&K 707 tube tester and replaced any that were marginal. I also have cleaned the tubes, tube sockets, controls and switches (Deoxit D5 contact cleaner for the tube sockets and switches, F5 Fader Lube for the potentiometers). The four output tubes are a matched set of new Sovtek 6BQ5/EL84's. See the chassis pictures,'before' and'after' restoration.

Tube complement, (1) 5AR4, (3) 12AX7, (2) 12AU7, (4) EL84/6BQ5. I have verified all the operations. The controls and switches function as designed.

All the inputs are operational. I have run this unit 8 hours without any issues after the refurbishing. The sound is very nice, I expect it to be about as it was when new.

This amps appearance is very good, with the exception of the chassis top, which had some staining, see pics. The faceplate is very nice and t he lettering is good to excellent as is the condition of the knobs.

The A230, as a tube unit has a sound unlike solid state units. 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, Mode, Loudness (Volume), Ganged and clutched Bass, Treble and Balance.

Switches are provided for rumble filter, contour, and speaker selection- the A230 supports two sets of stereo speakers, does not provide for simultaneous use of two sets of speakers, either set A or set B, but not both, great for A-B speaker comparisons. In addition it has a center channel speaker output--lots of possibilities. IMHF music output power: 15 watts per channel, this was back when power ratings meant something, plenty of power for efficient speakers, but it won't drive you out of the room.

For speakers, folks like the old Klipschs, and I personally like the Electrovoice 12TRXB's--a very nice horn type triax. Best to have speaker efficiency of about 90-92 db. Output impedance: 8 and 16 ohm, Speaker set A and Speaker Set B, and center channel. Stereo inputs: low level, RIAA (phono) and NARTB (tape head) equilizations. Stereo inputs: high level, aux, ceramic phono, tuner, this is suitable input for tuners, CD decks, tablets, smart phones and most MP3 players. 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 get hot. Although it is rated for 100% duty cycle (you can listen to it indefinitely), when you are done listening, best to turn it off. Can be a slippery slope.

So, if you are into tubes, or just starting, here is an amplifier that is ready to go right out of the box. As with essentially all vintage electronics, there is no ongoing guarantee. If there is an issue, I will work with you, check my feedback.

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The item "Harman Kardon refurbed A230 stereo tube integrated amplifier, 6BQ5/EL84, 15 WPC" is in sale since Sunday, December 22, 2019. This item is in the category "Consumer Electronics\Vintage Electronics\Vintage Audio & Video\Vintage Amplifiers & Tube Amps".

The seller is "camaroguy62" and is located in Fenton, Michigan. This item can be shipped to United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Denmark, Romania, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Czech republic, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Estonia, Australia, Greece, Portugal, Cyprus, Slovenia, Japan, China, Sweden, South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, South africa, Thailand, Belgium, France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Bahamas, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Saudi arabia, Ukraine, United arab emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Croatia, Malaysia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa rica, Panama, Trinidad and tobago, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Grenada, Barbados, Bangladesh, Bermuda, Bolivia, Ecuador, Egypt, Guadeloupe, Iceland, Jordan, Sri lanka, Luxembourg, Macao, Martinique, Maldives, Peru, Pakistan, Reunion, Viet nam, Uruguay.

• Model: A230
• Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
• Type: Integrated Amplifier
• Brand: Harman Kardon