Harman/Kardon HK6150 Amplifier

You see the HK6150 looks suspiciously like the old HK6100 in a new matt enclosure with new and rather more elegant rotary controls. And remember, the HK6100 was little more than a restyled PM635i which was, er, heavily based on the older PM635. So for the last several years HK has been using what amounts to the same Toshiba-based poweramp, discrete lineamp and MM phono equalisation section.

Clearly, there are no surprises on the features front. Yep, you're faced with exactly the same complement of CD, tuner, video, tape and MM phono inputs with bass treble, balance and loudness controls. Differences? Well the loudness and power-on buttons are round rather than square on this occasion...

Sound quality

But does the HK6150 sound like the HK6100 or PM635i? Yes it does, and then some! The rolling, rumbustious bass of Tracy Chapman's Matters of the Heart CD was a touch on the dry side this time around, however, the sense of space, the solidity and punch of the music shone through in magnificent form.

Sure, the overall effect is just a little 'dirty' but the sheer enthusiasm of the amp - described in glowing terms as exciting, upbeat and involving by our listeners - just carries the heart and soul of the music across. 'Wouldn't mistake this for a valve amp', they laughed, in response to its very taut, dry bass and mercury-quick dynamics.

I should say the HK6150 attracted all but momentary criticism for being slightly 'colourless'. Other listeners, by contrast, felt this trait worthy of applause.

Either way, these were qualities retained by the MM phono stage. 'Superb clarity' they stuttered as cymbals crashed across the listening room, brassy, crisp and fresh. Strong bass lines were a little 'hidden' in comparison yet, more importantly, the verve and spirit of Rachmaninov's Symphony had returned. So the orchestra might have lost a little weight but the power and expression remained. Marvellous stuff!

Conclusion

Informed of the price, our panel were clearly taken aback. 'Absurd' they responded, 'a clear Best Buy!'.

So even if Harman is simply re-hashing the same old amp year after year, it's a ruse that has sustained one Recommendation after another for its budget model. But now, with subtle revisions having hit their mark and a retail price held steady at £160, HK's latest offering gains entrance to the hallowed ranks of the 'budget wonders'.