Harman/Kardon HK1400 Amplifier
We seem to be going through a Golden Era where superb quality/reasonably priced integrated amplifiers are concerned. Between £200 and £400 there are several noteworthy models demanding attention, among them the Technics SU-A600, Denon PMA-350/II, JVC AX-A662 and Technics SU-A900.
With its new HK1200 and HK1400 models harman/kardon stakes its claim to join this elite band, with a brave commitment to absolute simplicity. At £400, the HK1400 is a line-level amp shorn of all unnecessary frills.
The story begins nearly two years ago when h/k engineers started modifying an HK6250, taking away its features one by one and trying to hear and measure the difference after each change. First the tone controls went, then the loudness button, next the balance control, and finally the speaker selector. Naturally the sound improved, but h/k went further by optimising circuit layout for the new simpler design. They then improved the circuitry and hardware, changing the order of the various stages so that it now had active (rather than passive) line inputs.
The advantage is an increase in immediacy, detail, and clarity. With most integrated amps the signal goes straight to the input selector and then to the volume control.
With an active input you're not relying on the ability of your source (CD player, tuner, tape deck) to adequately drive the amplifier's volume control. Instead, it feeds an active circuit with gain that presents a low source impedance - hence the increase in clarity and resolution.
Drawbacks? Potentially a slight increase in noise (avoided with the HK1400), and the possibility of input overload with very high-output source components. Overload is unlikely to occur in practice, but wisely h/k has provided a -10 dB gain reduction button. This drops the volume level by -10 dB to increase headroom.
Simplifying an amplifier's signal path can result in improved sound, but by itself won't guarantee great results. Fortunately, the HK1400 is more than an average electronics design minus obstructions; it's an exceptionally clean, dynamic amplifier that sounds superbly powerful. Yet, for all its brilliance and clarity, it's smooth and comfortable to listen to; forward and detailed, but also sweet and relaxed.
The gain button does more than just alter the volume; whether by chance or design, you get a sharper sound with the high-gain setting. Bass is crisper and tighter, treble is more focused; at any given volume the high gain setting sounds subjectively louder and has greater presence, dynamics and impact.
The -l0 dB position gives a smoother and less assertive sound; the tonal balance is a touch less forward, while bass loses some of its tightness Yet there seems to be greater space around voices and instruments. It's almost like a kind of tone control. If certain material sounds too forward and hard-edged, select the - l0 dB gain setting, increase the volume to compensate, and you'll get a cleaner more rounded sound.
Last month I raved about the Technics SU-A900 which costs the same as the HK1400. Of course the Technics is a full-facilities design with tone controls, an MC/MM phono stage: headphone socket, two speaker outputs, remote operation, and so on. So you're getting much more for your money.
Sonically, I'd still put the Technics ahead for sheer resolution and dynamics, but feel the h/k betters it tonally. The Technics can suffer from a lower treble hardness; it's a very assertive amplifier that sounds exciting but may lack a certain ease and warmth.
The HK1400 isn't quite as detailed, nor does it offer comparably outstanding separation of voices and instruments. It lacks the Technics' turn-on-a-sixpence rhythmic nimbleness. Yet it is extremely rewarding to listen to long-term, being engaging and responsive to changes in the music while remaining sweet and civilised. For such a powerful wideband design it sounds remarkably natural and relaxed.
Yet another great little amp then; one that demonstrates how excellent sound is possible at a reasonable price when you get the basics right and avoid needless frills. The lack of a phono stage may be a factor for some, but otherwise the HK1400 can be highly recommended.
