Harman Kardon HK500 Tuner

The Harman Kardon HK500 was a premium FM/AM stereo tuner introduced during the golden age of hi-fi in the 1970s. Designed with Harman Kardon’s dedication to sonic purity and minimalist elegance, it represented the brand’s pursuit of high-performance audio components for discerning listeners.

Precision FM/AM Reception

The HK500 featured a sensitive front-end tuner section, incorporating advanced RF circuitry and a carefully engineered IF stage to ensure crystal-clear FM stereo reception. Its wide/narrow IF bandwidth switch allowed listeners to optimize for either high selectivity in crowded urban areas or maximum fidelity when receiving strong signals. With precise tuning and low distortion, the HK500 delivered outstanding sound clarity across the entire broadcast band.

Audio Performance

Built with high-grade components, the tuner provided low noise, high channel separation, and a smooth, natural tonal balance. Harman Kardon emphasized neutrality and accuracy, making the HK500 an ideal partner for matching with amplifiers and speaker systems of the era.

Design & Usability

The HK500 carried the brand’s signature look of the 1970s: a brushed aluminum faceplate, clean layout, and smooth-action tuning dial with an illuminated dial scale. Large signal-strength and tuning meters made fine adjustments easy, while tactile switches and pushbuttons reflected Harman Kardon’s reputation for both style and substance.

Key Features (typical for the series):

• Wide/narrow IF bandwidth selector for optimal tuning

• Precision signal-strength and center-tuning meters

• High signal sensitivity with low distortion FM circuitry

• Solid-state design for reliability and long-term performance

• Elegant aluminum front panel with clean, functional controls

The HK500 appealed to music enthusiasts who valued accurate, high-fidelity FM and AM reception with the refined build quality Harman Kardon was known for. It stood as a sophisticated tuner in the brand’s lineup, embodying the 1970s blend of technical precision and timeless industrial design.