I have had the HK1400 since 1999, together with a HK CD player the HD740 and Tannoy R1 bookshelf speakers connected with twinned Kimber cable. The sound has been very good. In the last year I decided to upgrade the CD player and bought the Marantz cd5005. I thought that combining this with the Yamaha integrated amplifier at 100w would give me a better sound. I have tried this for 4 months and failed to get the openness the transparency and staging that I thought I could hear from the old setup.the speakers sounded muffled somehow, the tonality faded and overall muted. Yesterday I decided to plug in the HK1400 with the Marantz and try the setup again. Wow! What a difference ! I don’t know why but it sounds great; open, clean and warm, the base is there and the acoustics crisp. I had considered upgrading the speakers to either Dali Oberon 3, KEF r300 or klipsch to-600m. Should I do it?????
18 people liked this review.
By: Rudi
17th Oct 2019
"Harman Kardon HK 1400"
Having a long search to find the right audio set-up, i experimented with speakers from JBL ( 4312a) B&W , Magnat, Focal and Audiolab. Amplifiers from Technics, Sony to Luxman ( LV 105 ) Tons of sounds from harsh to warm, but only the Sphinx Myth 5 was exact on the spot The Harman Kardon HK 1400 is exactly the same only more affordable. You just never want to look futher for something better ( what i always used to have ) Deep bass when it is there, and at the same time open and detailed. This is the keeper
32 people liked this review.
By: Steve
22nd Nov 2014
"harman/kardon hk 1400"
Hello all Hi-Fi lovers Its not necessary put big money to the stuff, where you expect fine and grateful sound. Exist some components, and I am sure that 1400 is included, which is going to give you performance in really high level for reasonable price. This amp was designed by Sidney Harman in USA and made at 1993 in Japan. Best short signal way, without useless buttons, headphone jack output-giving this amp full, strong, detailed and relaxed sound-especially relaxed, this element offer you long time listening. In Germany HK 1400 was 1000DM, - his little brother HK 1200 was 800DM. That very true, this models was more popular in Europe then USA. I think because from middle of 90s people started listening more Dolby digital. This amplifier is very solid, and well made, weight about 9kg. It is made without remote control, its look is elegant and pretty, typical conservative design for this kind of amps. Sonically I font see any weakness. Highly recommended. Stefan Fabis 22/11 2014
51 people liked this review.
By: Stefano Sifarelli
6th Aug 2012
"hk 1400 line amplifier"
Exactly like described above. Wonderful also vs biggest and more expensive ampli. Very detailed sound, never tiresome, good for every kind of music. I bought it one year ago and I think I'll never let it go away. Tone knobs not needed, cause it's always on the right way. You can hear it perfectly both at low or middle/high volume. Purchased used for only 199euro, but it's hard to find. Start to search for it, then you will agree with me, otherwise let me know.
35 people liked this review.
By: J C Potter
7th Jun 2012
"Detailed and Precise"
This looks like a pretty basic amplifier but as the saying goes, "never judge a book by it's cover".
The sound it produces is truly magical. Even at a modest 40 watts per channel it is a great performer that never struggles with anything it has to deal with. The detail and imagery is produced with pin point accuracy and the sound is open and airy. There are no tone controls so matching with a good source and speakers is essential but well worth the effort. The bass is deep, midrange is wide open and the treble sparkles.
still one of the best, and most treasured amps that I have owned.