Harman Kardon Citation 16 Restoration

[MikeC3PO]

Hello Everyone.

Novice hobbyist here, spend most my time over on the Yamaha section. As the weather is getting colder I’m starting my inside projects and first up is this beautiful beast. I’ll document a little on this thread to contribute to the community, and incase anyone wants to chime in, I’ll happily learn the lesions you have to teach.

Just opened up, looks untouched best I can tell. Cleaning and bill of materials next.

Thanks for looking.

 

[MikeC3PO]

Bias and dc offset won’t settle, BUT I was able to very briefly (don’t trust that drifting) get clear sound out of both channels. I’m hopeful enough that I’ll start to order parts to refurbish. I don’t think there is any point to chasing the drifting since I’m rebuilding anyways. Deviating from the idea of fixing all issues first, but I feel in this case it might be the right call. Thoughts?

 

[pwauk12]

it is highly likely that the new components will address the drift, assuming you will be replacing the electrolytic caps.
Then measure and see what else may be out of spec

 

[MikeC3PO]

it is highly likely that the new components will address the drift, assuming you will be replacing the electrolytic caps.
Then measure and see what else may be out of spec

I will be replacing the electrolytic caps. That was my thinking also. Thanks for the vote of confidence!

 

[ivandezande]

The small signal transistors on these always go sideways and wreck offset and make bias hard to pin down. It's not always easy to find cross references on them but the American build isn't really picky on what you use unlike other models.

 

[MikeC3PO]

The small signal transistors on these always go sideways and wreck offset and make bias hard to pin down. It's not always easy to find cross references on them but the American build isn't really picky on what you use unlike other models.

Thanks for the heads up. This is the original 16 with the OpAmps, is that what you are referring to or tranys beyond that IC?