HK 980

Harman Kardon HK 980 – HiFi, High‑Current 2 × 80W Integrated Stereo Amplifier

The Harman Kardon HK 980 is a high‑performance integrated stereo amplifier engineered for demanding listeners who expect uncompromised musical accuracy, dynamic power and refined analog sound. Built around Harman Kardon’s signature High Instantaneous Current Capability (HCC) and ultrawide‑bandwidth amplifier topology, the HK 980 delivers exceptional transient response, phase linearity and loudspeaker control — even with difficult, low‑impedance loads.

With 2 × 80 watts into 8 ohms and 2 × 120 watts into 4 ohms, plus dynamic power reserves up to 380 watts into 1 ohm, the HK 980 is designed to drive real‑world loudspeakers with authority. Its discrete output stage, low negative feedback design and wide 5 Hz – 150 kHz frequency response ensure clean, detailed and natural sound reproduction.

A full suite of analog inputs — including a high‑quality MM phono stage — along with pre‑outs, dual speaker terminals, tape loops and IR control make the HK 980 a versatile centerpiece for serious two‑channel systems.

Key Features

• 80W × 2 into 8Ω (<0.09% THD)
• 120W × 2 into 4Ω (<0.3% THD)
• ±80A HCC (High Instantaneous Current Capability)
• Ultrawide bandwidth: 5 Hz – 150 kHz (+0/–3 dB)
• Discrete amplifier output devices
• MM phono input for turntables
• Source Direct mode for pure signal path
• Dual speaker outputs (A/B)
• Tape monitor loop
• Pre‑out for external power amplifiers
• IR remote control + IR In/Out jacks
• Elegant Harman Kardon industrial design

Audio Performance

• Continuous power output (FTC):
• 80W × 2 @ 8Ω (<0.09% THD)
• 120W × 2 @ 4Ω (<0.3% THD)
• Dynamic power (IHF, 1 kHz tone burst):
• 8Ω: 115 W
• 4Ω: 200 W
• 2Ω: 295 W
• 1Ω: 380 W
• High‑current capability: ±80 A
• Frequency response: 5 Hz – 150 kHz (+0/–3 dB)
• Damping factor: >125 (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
• Signal‑to‑noise ratio:
• Tuner/CD: 95 dB
• Phono (MM): 75 dB
• Tone controls:
• Bass ±10 dB @ 50 Hz
• Treble ±10 dB @ 10 kHz
• Source Direct: Yes (bypasses tone circuitry for purest signal)

The HK 980’s discrete circuitry and low‑feedback design deliver exceptional clarity, dynamic accuracy and natural musicality.

Connectivity

Inputs

• Phono (MM) – 4 mV / 47 kΩ
• CD – 270 mV / 43 kΩ
• Tuner – 270 mV / 43 kΩ
• AUX
• TV
• Tape In
• CDR In
• Remote In

Outputs

• Pre Out
• Tape Out
• CDR Out
• Remote Out
• Headphones (6.3 mm)
• Speaker A + Speaker B terminals

Control

• IR In/Out jacks
• System remote control included

Ease of Use

• Large, clear main information display
• Speaker 1 / Speaker 2 switching
• Record Source selection independent of listening source
• Source Direct mode for purist listening
• Protection circuitry with no output relays (no signal degradation)
• High‑quality headphone amplifier
• Remote control for amplifier + compatible HK CD players/tuners

Power & Dimensions

• Power supply: AC 230 V, 50 Hz
• Power consumption: 410 W
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 440 × 116 × 392 mm
• Weight: 12.7 kg

Positioning

The HK 980 is ideal for:

• High‑current stereo systems
• Demanding loudspeakers requiring strong current delivery
• Vinyl playback (built‑in MM phono stage)
• CD‑based hi‑fi setups (perfect match for HD 970 / HD 970 II)
• Users seeking pure analog performance with no DSP coloration