Replacing knobs on Harman Kardon a-500

[timpyoung]

I'm looking for a Harman Kardon a-500 integrated amp and have noticed that the knobs are missing on a few model I've seen. Are they easy to replace? Any leads for me? How about the tube cage?

-Tim

 

[spaceman]

Hey, welcome to AK. I'm not familiar with the A500, but just got the parts from Jim McShane to refurb my A260. They made good stuff back then, & that amp should be worth your trouble. :yes: Given a choice, you want all the knobs & such, but you might find them or a suitable replacement online. What you want to pay attention to are the volume & balance pots, but you don't want to just start spinning them to test them, you want to shoot some Deoxit in & let it sit awhile first. Be sure to read the stickies in this forum, there's very good info there.

 

[timpyoung]

Thanks for the welcome and advice, spaceman! If anyone knows specifically where I can get replacement knobs that will work, I'd appreciate it.

 

[diamondsouled]

Jim McShane has knobs that will work.

http://pages.prodigy.net/jimmcshane/

I just compared the size from my A50K, kit version of the A500, with the size of the ones Jim sells and the mid sized knobs are the same size the large ones are a little bit smaller. You would need five large and four mid sized for a complete set for the A500.

This type of knob is hard if not impossible to source. They are a push on type made for a long split shaft. This is why Jim has had to have some made up especially for the HK Cit I and IV.

As for a metal case the only way to source that would be to find a used one on ePay. You could have a wooden one made up by a good carpenter, with proper ventilation of course.

PM me and I can give you details on the sizes, I also have some other interesting info about the A50K/A500 that might interest you.

Cheers

Lar

 

[kt66brooklyn]

Jim McShane has knobs that will work.

http://pages.prodigy.net/jimmcshane/

I just compared the size from my A50K, kit version of the A500, with the size of the ones Jim sells and the mid sized knobs are the same size the large ones are a little bit smaller. You would need five large and four mid sized for a complete set for the A500.

This type of knob is hard if not impossible to source. They are a push on type made for a long split shaft. This is why Jim has had to have some made up especially for the HK Cit I and IV.

As for a metal case the only way to source that would be to find a used one on ePay. You could have a wooden one made up by a good carpenter, with proper ventilation of course.

PM me and I can give you details on the sizes, I also have some other interesting info about the A50K/A500 that might interest you.

Cheers

Lar

I would be interested in any A50K/A500 info you might want to share. I'm using one now as a headphone amp. It really works well in this capacity.

 

[diamondsouled]

I uploaded some of the assembly and operation manual: schematic, parts list, specs, etc., to the yahoo group vintageHarmonKardon:

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/vintageHarmanKardon/files/

Not sure if you have to join the group to look at the files.

Cheers

Lar

 

[EVGuy]

Jim McShane has knobs that will work.

http://pages.prodigy.net/jimmcshane/

I just compared the size from my A50K, kit version of the A500, with the size of the ones Jim sells and the mid sized knobs are the same size the large ones are a little bit smaller. You would need five large and four mid sized for a complete set for the A500.

This type of knob is hard if not impossible to source. They are a push on type made for a long split shaft. This is why Jim has had to have some made up especially for the HK Cit I and IV.

As for a metal case the only way to source that would be to find a used one on ePay. You could have a wooden one made up by a good carpenter, with proper ventilation of course.

PM me and I can give you details on the sizes, I also have some other interesting info about the A50K/A500 that might interest you.

Cheers

Lar

I have an A500 that Jim McShane completely rebuilt and upgraded for me a couple years ago. The A500 / A50K is really a beautiful amp loaded with features. You'll be very happy with one if you find one. I know of one that will be for sale soon.(and it has all it's knobs) PM me if interested.

 

[kt66brooklyn]

I uploaded some of the assembly and operation manual: schematic, parts list, specs, etc., to the yahoo group vintageHarmonKardon:

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/vintageHarmanKardon/files/

Not sure if you have to join the group to look at the files.

Cheers

Lar

Thanks! Yes, I would have to join to see everything, but that's not too difficult.