dlucy's guide to Harman Kardon minimalist series 230A, 330, 330A, 330B B-1, 330B B-2, and 330C

[dlucy]

Thanks for the great info. Is there any way to easily identify if this is of the 45 or 50 VAC variety?

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I don't know of any documentation that would answer your question. You could measure the big secondary with a multimeter and see if it shows 40 VAC or 50 VAC.

 

[jpreza]

Harman Kardon 230A

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• Identical to the Harman Kardon 230 (Nocturne era) other than cosmetics
• In the “minimalist” mostly-silver with black edges case like the 330A and 330B
• Has separate AM and FM tuning panels (but they share the tuning knob)
• Does NOT have pre-out / main-in jacks
• From https://stereonomono.blogspot.com/2015/05/harman-kardon-230a.html :
  • The Harman-Kardon engineering team has completed a high performance stereo receiver which exceeds every specification ever established for medium priced stereo components. The new Model 230A combines the finest stereophonic sound with the industry's most distinctive styling to give high fidelity a new standard of excellence and performance at a price of less than $160.00.
  • Tuber sensitivity of the 230A is extraordinary. It pulls in distant stations without noise or fading. AM and FM performance neve deteriorates with age because the receiver produces no heat to change the value of component parts.
  • And when you tune the 230A to a station, it locks into place and never drifts.
  • The 230A adheres to the same philosophy of design that makes all Harman-Kardon receivers sound more transparent and lifelike. Frequency response, which is usually limited to the narrow range of 20-20,000 Hz in most receivers, is extended well beyond those parameters to give the sound you hear greater clarity and definition. All of the subtle nuances and shadings of music emerge with exciting realism.
• Published specs
  • Power Output: 17 watts into 8 Ω, 20 watts into 4 Ω
  • Total Harmonic Distortion: less than 1%
  • Frequency Response : 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
  • Power Bandwidth: 15 Hz to 70,000 Hz (at less than 0.3% THD into 8 Ω, both channels driven simultaneously at 8.5 watts per channel)
  • Frequency Bandwidth: 7 Hz to beyond 130 kHz
  • Frequency Response: 15 Hz to 70,000 Hz ±1.5 dB
  • Power Supply: AC, 110 - 240 Volt
  • Dimensions: 390 x 100 x 190 mm (15.4" x 3.9" x 7.5")
  • Weight: 6,5 (14 lbs 15,1 oz)
• Features
  • From HK literature:
    • No deterioration with age because there's no damaging heat. You can expect the same high quality performance from 230A even after years of extensive use.
    • A special electronic circuit automatically switches FM tuner to stereo, the moment a stereo broadcasts received. Special light indicates FM stereo reception. Receiver switches to standard FM automatically when stereo broadcast ends.
    • High speaker damping controls excessive speaker excursions to avoid distortion during sharp bursts of sound. This results in clean, tight bass.
    • Contour for low-volume listening maintains full bass response even at levels where bass normally falls off.
    • Precise D'Arsonval movement tuning mater shows when you have tuned to strongest and clearest signal on AM and FM
    • Stereo in two rooms. Simple front panel switching eliminates the complexity and expense of external switching devices. Headphone receptacle permits personal listening.
    • Newly designed dial illumination shows AM or FM dial scale independently for maximum visibility.
    • Entire top section of receiver turns black when receiver is switched to phono mode of operation.
    • Illuminated push-button ON/OFF switch glows in red to indicate that receiver is on.
    • Continuously variable balance control lets you adjust stereo balance to suit acoustic requirements of your room. Permits you to sit far to one side of your room and still maintain perfect stereo.
    • Tape Monitor Switch for instant comparison of recorded material and original program.
    • Extended frequency response beyond the normal hearing range gives extra realism to the sounds you can hear. 230A sound is cleaner, more transparent, more sharply defined. You can actually feel the difference.
    • Separate illuminated power On/Off switch permits you to turn receiver on and off without upsetting other controls.
    • Heavy, counterweighted flywheel makes tuning smooth as silk
    • Two year warranty on parts and labor.
  • Variants
    • The earlier-era Nocturne 230 is identical except for the cosmetic changes from Nocturne to “silver-faced minimalist”
    • There is something called a 230E that is likely a variant or second sub-model

I own an HK 230A model. Really nice little receiver, perfect for a small bedroom. It was pretty scratchy when I first got it, so I deoxed it, replaced a couple of noisy transistors (can't recall which ones now), and replaced all the lamps as they were all out. Some were very difficult to get to.

Also, I noticed you don't have really good pictures of the 230A. I'll take some and post them here so you can add them to the sticky note.

 

[dlucy]

I own an HK 230A model. Really nice little receiver, perfect for a small bedroom. It was pretty scratchy when I first got it, so I deoxed it, replaced a couple of noisy transistors (can't recall which ones now), and replaced all the lamps as they were all out. Some were very difficult to get to.

Also, I noticed you don't have really good pictures of the 230A. I'll take some and post them here so you can add them to the sticky note.

That would be an excellent contribution! If you post them here, I'll make a link in the 230A section that leads right to them and any other info you care to share.

 

[jpreza]

Awesome! Here you go!

 

[jpreza]

Added two more that didn't come through with my first posting (uploading from my iPhone)

 

[peterp1]

Thanks for posting this info. Good to know that the 1972 RX-400 is based on the Three-Thirty model -- always wondered which one it was.

I think the labels of the "Soundcraftsman 2000A" and "Rotel RX-400" are reversed in the picture above.

 

[peterp1]

Here are some pics of my 1972 Rotel RX-400 if it helps:

 

[PROJECT 2501]

Lloyd's made a copycat design with this cheesy 8track receiver

 

[hpm40]

Thanks dlucy for posting this thread. Lots of information here and in the links, but I still have a question as I'm interested in a HK 330a receiver.

If I'm looking for sound quality (that rich and full vintage sound) and longevity, are there any reasons not to purchase a nice 330A vs. a 330B or 330C ? Or should I be patient and wait for a nice 330C ? Thanks.

 

[dlucy]

Thanks dlucy for posting this thread. Lots of information here and in the links, but I still have a question as I'm interested in a HK 330a receiver.

If I'm looking for sound quality (that rich and full vintage sound) and longevity, are there any reasons not to purchase a nice 330A vs. a 330B or 330C ? Or should I be patient and wait for a nice 330C ? Thanks.

Great question.

The 330A and 330B are very similar designs, just the 330B is a tiny bit more modern (I.e. slightly better devices), so I’d choose the B (make sure it is B-1) over the 330A for sound character and longevity.

The 330C is a similar idea, but it uses a direct-coupled output instead of the capacitor-coupled output of the 330A/B. Cap-coupled will be “warmer” or more “tube like”. All are about 20 to 22 wpc, similar features, similar FM and PHONO performance.

Want Modern, clean, uncolored (I.e. neutral) sound? Choose the 330C.

Want warmer sound? Choose the 330B B-1.

Either way, recap it… and seriously consider updating the little transistors.

Good luck!

 

[inperson]

Harman Kardon 330C

View attachment 2232260

• The second product produced for HK by Shin Shirasuna
• In the “minimalist” mostly-silver with black edges case
• Direct-coupled instead of capacitor-coupled
• 23 watts per channel RMS ?
• Does not have pre-out and main-in jacks
• The Harman Kardon 430 is fundamentally identical to the 330C… except the former has a twin power supply.

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Useful links:

• Undocumented “slow start” circuit that protects speakers from the “thump” at power-on.
• Recapping and restoring a Harman Kardon 330C by @dlucy
• Another Harman Kardon HK 330C restoration and recap by @dlucy
• H/K 330C Restoration by @4thDrWhoFan
• The FM IC chip in the 330C and many others
• Harman/Kardon 330C - speaker terminal replacement or upgrade by @davstev

I love that picture. It makes me want to get a complete setup just like it.

 

[hopeless]

Great question.

The 330A and 330B are very similar designs, just the 330B is a tiny bit more modern (I.e. slightly better devices), so I’d choose the B (make sure it is B-1) over the 330A for sound character and longevity.

The 330C is a similar idea, but it uses a direct-coupled output instead of the capacitor-coupled output of the 330A/B. Cap-coupled will be “warmer” or more “tube like”. All are about 20 to 22 wpc, similar features, similar FM and PHONO performance.

Want Modern, clean, uncolored (I.e. neutral) sound? Choose the 330C.

Want warmer sound? Choose the 330B B-1.

Either way, recap it… and seriously consider updating the little transistors.

Good luck!

For a while I owned a b and a c. The b was really nice, but I preferred the openness of the c. Funny, I have a small collection of Citation 12 amps that kind of trip my trigger. One was working, the others needed some TLC. Adding a power switch to them as I go. Leaving 50 year old amps on doesn't appeal to me.

I have a 230A and a 430 in the stack that I will eventually get to.

 

[J English]

Both of my 330Bs have developed transistor hiss, sadly, and I have too much vintage stuff to invest in them, so will probably sell off later this spring. Fortunately, my 430 is still going strong. Different transistors and other components, I guess. I love the look of the 330B and the sound quality, though, they are nice and having the pre out/main in jacks is such a great feature.

 

[czgeddes]

Thanks for all the info. I have the 330B-1 variant I’m preparing to recap and replace bad transistors. Is there an equivalent to the 2SC460’s as my unit has several. Thanks!

 

[dlucy]

Thanks for all the info. I have the 330B-1 variant I’m preparing to recap and replace bad transistors. Is there an equivalent to the 2SC460’s as my unit has several. Thanks!

If you will start a new thread in the Solid State forum, I'll respond there.

 

[eiraved]

I have a 330A which the dial glass "harman/kardon" lettering matches the later iterations (330B, 330C) and also matches the 230A.

 

[Martinvb]

Hi,
Has anyone owned or encountered this one: the Xam Sixhundred receiver, supposedly designed by HK and made in Japan for the Korvettes retail chain based in NY. Layout is very HK like, although not the FM station presets. Performance was rather mediocre IMHO.

 

[painttoad]

Hi,
Has anyone owned or encountered this one: the Xam Sixhundred receiver, supposedly designed by HK and made in Japan for the Korvettes retail chain based in NY. Layout is very HK like, although not the FM station presets. Performance was rather mediocre IMHO.

my guess is that it is rotel, not hk.

rotel was doing some hk receivers back then.

i have a sears(rebadged wharfedale by rotel) receiver that has presets like that.

 

[painttoad]

i was working on a partially blown up hk 330a last night and upon getting to some blown drivers, i came across an error in the service manual.

the board view for the amp has an error where tr508/608 have base and collector reversed.

also including a clip of that schematic so others can trace it out yourselves.




that is all.

 

[dlucy]

Thanks, @painttoad !