Chris999

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Visitors rate this review
3.29 of 5, 7.00 votes

Price Paid:  $600.00 from Atlanta

Summary:
Looking at construction of HK970 you will think it is a High End, but sound does not confirm it. I have an experience of using amplifiers, i remember my HK-630 - the wonderful little amplifier, HK650, HK670 ( not so good). What about HK970, Harman/Kardon continues to loose on HI-FI arena. Too much efforts, but no real result. Why? HK-970 has dual mono construction - good, big transformer, filter capasitors (24000x2) - good, input selector is not very cheap, but not of the best quality too( coud be built on relays), the screening is not good at all, the amplifier section has a solid construction - good. So why it does not want to sound properly? The bass is loose, midrange is not focused and without any feeling of precence, highs are not airy. The answer is simple, it is not enough to use components, it also necessary to do proper tuning to make amplifier really sing! Also the look of amplifier is not HI-FI, maybe for receiver it is just ok, but amplifier is not a toy, it must look seriosly like for example Nad, Denon, Cambridge Audio units. It is pity, so instead of HK970 i have taken JBL E-100 speakers - the perfect choice, no regrets, because JBL always keeps it's name high. Remais only the question why Harman can not make deserving amplifier?

Strengths:
The build quality!!!

Weaknesses:
The look and sound far from any expectations...

Similar Products Used:
Harman/Kardon HK630, HK650, HK670, Marantz PM34, PM4001,
Denon PMA-700AE, Yamaha AX-496, Sony TA-F35, Rotel RA-931,
NAD C320BEE, C325BEE, C352.

Price Paid:  $750.00 from sunnybank hifi

Summary:
A very worth while amp that has a very warm sound. Whilst I have owned amps in the higher price bracket ie audiolab, unison research, arcam, to mention a few. The harman in my opinion delivers an excellent sound that punches well above its price tag. The build quality is good (what you would expect at the price) if not great.
Sound wise, the harman delivers plenty of grunt when required without losing control. Bass is a little lose and bloated and the midrange could take a more forward seat, treble is great (for my taste) a bit on the bright side which is great for digging up detail especially at low volume.
The harman seems to work well with speakers from b&w. I currently have a pair of p4's which combine very well.
I probably would'nt recommend this amp for cheap boom boom speakers as it deserves better and will reward you will a feeling on little cash spent well

Strengths:
clean powerful sound

Weaknesses:
could have a detachable power cord.
a bit plasticy looking but thats all

Similar Products Used:
heaps and heaps