Harman Kardon Trio A224 - Questions for a tube newbie ;)

[TheWolf82]

Hi guys,

Have been enjoying the site, the helpful members, and the massive amount of info available. I'm going to dip my toes in the tube world for the first time however my pockets arent very deep at the moment. My repair guy has a Harmon Kardon Trio tube amp that he is selling for 150.00. I trust him as a repair tech and know that if I do purchase it, it will be tip top. My main question is - will this be good enough (safe) to power my KLH model sixes? I'm not looking to blow the roof off. I would like to just enjoy the sound of tube in a small office inexpensively. What's everyone's thoughts on this? Would it be a good purchase?

Thanks!
Mike

 

[Dave451]

Which HK/Trio model and what output power? $150 for a working amp sounds like a good deal off the top, though. Any pictures?

My KLH Model 5's are not very efficient (acoustic suspension) and it takes a little oomph to make them sing, particularly on the low end. Not sure how the Model 6's compare, but hear they are very good speakers.

 

[gadget73]

I *think* the A224 is push-pull EL84, so ~12wpc.

 

[TheWolf82]

Which HK/Trio model and what output power? $150 for a working amp sounds like a good deal off the top, though. Any pictures?

My KLH Model 5's are not very efficient (acoustic suspension) and it takes a little oomph to make them sing, particularly on the low end. Not sure how the Model 6's compare, but hear they are very good speakers.

The KLH Model 6's are very similar to the Model 5's I believe. It's an A224 Trio and gadget73 said its 12WPC he thinks. 12WPC is probably not enough power for the model 6's, huh? Again, not trying to blow the roof off. Only listening in a small office and more concerned about safety to my speakers and achieving that classic tube sound. Would like to make sure that my speakers are getting the power they need and not being damaged in anyway and also want to make sure that 12WPC will be sufficient.

 

[Dave451]

Sorry--missed the model in the title
Anyway, you'll get OK listening volume into them, no problem. Like I say, the Model 5's need more volume to really make them sing, but your 6's ought to be OK with the HK/Trio. Tube amps also are easier on speakers near clipping--they don't 'clip hard' like solid state can do, with deleterious effects on the speakers.
Another good thing about the A224 is that there are no exotic tubes in it--all are available in new production and plenty NOS as well. Gadget is correct: EL84 output tubes, and these can have a very pleasing sound. Sounds like about the same output as a Scott 222 or 222B, and these pushed my model 5's OK.
If you get it, let us know how it sounds!
Dave

 

[knockbill]

I *think* the A224 is push-pull EL84, so ~12wpc.

It is I have one I restored... It was designed to be the second channel to a mono system as stereo was getting popular,,, it is also a stand alone stereo or mono amp,,, hence the Trio, IIRC...

 

[gadget73]

so it could be bridged for mono output ? Interesting

 

[knockbill]

Just saw this,,, seems so... The guy that gave me the amp gave me the manual also,,, I haven't tried the "options" since I sorted it out, but its from 1958, that's when he rec'd it, IIRC, so it fits in with the times...