Harman Kardon HK990 integrated amplifier
The all-important amplifier is the heart of a home entertainment system and the new HK990, with its outstanding performance and power, is more than capable of filling that role. The HK990 is the most powerful integrated amplifier the Brand has ever built and will easily drive the most demanding loudspeakers.
The HK990’s awesome power is nothing if not highly refined, extending beyond watts and amps. With a choice of discrete optical and digital inputs or an analog-only signal path, as well as fourth generation Real-Time Linear Smoothing (RLS IV), 2.2-channel EzSet/EQ™ room optimisation, dual subwoofer outputs and an audiophile-quality phono preamp section, the HK990 offers a stunning array of features.
For a crystal-clear and powerful musical experience from disc, the HK990 has all the necessary features: 150 watts per channel at 8 ohms, a wide frequency response of 10Hz-170kHz, and harmonic distortion (THD) of less than 0.07%. The HK990 also incorporates two acclaimed Harman Kardon features: high-current capability of 200A, which provides the instantaneous current necessary to precisely drive and control nearly any loudspeaker system, and an ultrawide-bandwidth amplifier design, which provides improved transient accuracy and phase linearity. The high-end D/A converter, featuring Harman Kardon’s RLS IV digital-to-analog conversion technology with dual conversion using two stereo AD1955 high-grade DACs, also ensures enhanced sound quality.
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Music enthusiasts, who are always looking for the best possible CD sound reproduction, will appreciate the HK990’s High-Resolution Synchronization (HRS) link; this feature allows compatible Harman Kardon CD Players to lock themselves to the external clock of the amplifier for jitter-free connection; similar to having CD playback inside the amplifier.
Other highlights of the HK990 are the numerous inputs and outputs for connecting to other devices. Six analogue stereo inputs, four digital inputs (two optical and two coaxial), two phono inputs for connecting record players with MM/MC pick-up systems and two XLR inputs are all available. The symmetrical and balanced XLR analogue inputs offer superior noise levels and better signal-to-noise performance. Another advantage is the dedicated dual-path technology, which makes it possible to have pure analogue or pure digital audio processing within the same product.
Besides two analogue and one coaxial digital output, the HK990 boasts dual outputs for two active subwoofers, preamp outputs for connecting external power amplifiers, high-quality connections for speaker cable diameters of up to 10mm, and an A/B loudspeaker changeover switch.
The new HK990 also includes the proprietary 2.2-channel EzSet/EQ automated full-range room equalisation and system calibration to simplify system setup and achieve optimal audio quality in any listening room. EzSet/EQ automatically measures the frequency response peaks and dips in the listening room and applies a precise, compensating equalisation curve to achieve unprecedented sonic accuracy.
The included infrared remote control operates the HK990 but can be also used to control other Harman Kardon components, such as the HD990 CD player.
The new Harman Kardon HK990 Stereo Integrated Amplifier will be available from March 2009 for the recommended retail price of $3,499.
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