Harman Kardon HK680 User manual

7 Integrated Amplifier
OWNER’ S MANUAL

Congratulations on your choice of the
Harman Kardon Integrated Amplifier.
In order to obtain the best performance
from this integrated amplifier, please be
sure to read this owner’s manual and
use your integrated amplifier only in
accordance with its instructions.
The special features of this unit include:
HCC (High Instantaneous
Current Capability)
The amplifier sections react rapidly to
musical transients, providing the
instantaneous current necessary to
precisely drive and control nearly any
loudspeaker system.
Ultrawide Bandwidth
The bandwidth of this unit is
exceptionally wide and is independent
of negative feedback. This improves
transient accuracy and phase linearity.
Low Negative Feedback
This unit has been designed to have low
distortion and wide bandwidth without
high negative feedback. This further
improves its dynamic accuracy.
Discrete Component Circuitry
In order to achieve the above goals, all
discrete electronic circuitry has been
employed. No available integrated
circuits could provide this high level of
performance.
Sophisticated Electronic
Protection Circuitry
Harman Kardon’s unique protection
circuitry guards the amplifier from short-
circuited or damaged speakers and
wires, without impairing sound quality by
the use of current limiting or output
relays.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
Always Use at 230V AC
This unit is designed for operation with
230V AC. Use only domestic AC outlets.
Never connect the unit to an outlet
supplying a higher voltage. This may
create a fire hazard.
Handle the Power Cord
Gently
Do not disconnect the plug from the AC
outlet by pulling the cord; always pull the
plug itself. Pulling the cord may damage it.
If you do not intend to use your unit for
any considerable length of time,
disconnect the plug from the AC outlet.
Do not place furniture or other heavy
objects on the cord, and try to avoid
dropping heavy objects upon it. Also do
not make a knot in the power cord. Not
only may the cord be damaged, it can
also cause a short circuit with a
consequent fire hazard.
HK680 OWNER’S MANUAL
Place of Installation
Place the unit on a firm and level
surface. Avoid installing your unit under
the following conditions:
HB Moist or humid places.
l@ Places exposed to direct sunlight or
close to heating equipment.
@ Extremely cold locations.
@ Places subject to excessive vibration
or dust.
@ Poorly ventilated places.
Do not obstruct the ventilation slots on
the top surface of the unit by placing
objects over them.
Otherwise, the temperature inside the
unit may rise, possibly affecting its long-
term reliability.
Do Not Open the Cabinet
To prevent shock hazard, do not tamper
with internal components for inspection
or maintenance. Harman Kardon does
not guarantee against performance
degradation resulting from any
modification. If water, a hairpin or wire
accidentally enters the unit, immediately
extract the plug from the AC outlet to
prevent shock and consult an authorized
Harman Kardon service station. If you
use the unit under this condition, it may
cause a fire or shock hazard.
In Case of Moving the Unit
Before moving the unit, be sure to pull
out the power cord from the AC outlet
and disconnect the interconnection
cords with other units.
Abnormal Smells
If you detect an abnormal smell or
smoke, immediately turn the amplifier off
and unplug the power cord. Contact your
dealer or nearest Harman Kardon
service center.
Cleaning
If the unit gets dirty, wipe it with a soft
dry cloth. If necessary, wipe it with a
soft cloth dampened with mild soapy
water and then with a dry cloth.
Never use benzene, thinner, alcohol or
other volatile agent, and avoid spraying
an insecticide near the unit.
Packaging
Save all packing material. It is essential
for shipping should you move, or in the
event the unit ever needs repair.

Indicates that the UNIt susan
is switched on.
Indicates that power
cord is connected to an
AC receptacle and that
the unit is switched off.
Power Switch
Press to turn the unit on and off.
Headphone Jack
Plug in headphones if desired. (With
both Speakers 1 and 2 switches in Off
position, output is supplied only to
headphones.)
CONTROLS and FUNCTIONS
harman/kardon = ik 680
Treble Balance
Lee TA ee) ke ee deo. PU af KZ Bass
Headphones C) cD Cc) Tone Defeat Mono
4 “ope tape? Bana ide Ra Rie”
OO
Indicates which function Remote Sensor Indicates which function
is selected for listening. is selected for recording.
Speakers Switches Bass Control Volume Control
Push in to select either of two sets of Turn to increase or decrease the Turn to raise or lower output volume.
speakers, or both, or neither proportion of low frequency sound.
(headphone output only). Tone Defeat Switch
Treble Control Press to bypass the bass and treble
Listen Selector Buttons Turn to increase or decrease the control circuitry. (The bass and treble
Select desired input source by pressing proportion of high frequency sound. controls have no effect.)
the corresponding button.
Balance Control Mono Switch
Record Selector Buttons Turn to adjust relative output level of left Press to hear input from any source in
Select desired output source for and right speakers. mono.
recording by pressing the corresponding
button.

Connecting Other Components
1. Make sure your amplifier and other
components are turned off.
2. Connect each component's Output
jacks to the corresponding Input jacks
on the back of your amplifier. Use the
white, black or gray plugs to connect
Left channel jacks; use the red plugs
for Right jacks.
For Customers with a Turntable
To connect a turntable, an optional
Phono board must be installed. This
board can be set to MM or MC. With the
Phono board installed, however, you
cannot use the AUX 2 input. If you want
to have the Phono board installed,
consult your authorized Harman Kardon
service center.
Connecting an external power
amplifier
If you want to use your HK680 simply as
a preamplifier and connect it to an
external power amplifier, use the PRE-
OUT connectors in the lower-left corner.
Connect the patch cord from the PRE-
OUT jacks on the HK680 to the jacks on
your external power amplifier. Then
connect your speakers to your external
power amplifier.
Connecting an external
preamplifier
To use the HK680 simply as a power
amplifier, connect the Pre-Out jacks of
the external preamplifier to the MAIN-IN
jacks on the back panel of the HK680.
CONNECTIONS
Then set the “INTEGRATED-
SEPARATE?” switch on the back panel to
the “SEPARATE” position.
Wired Remote Control
To control your amplifier with an external
infrared remote sensor, connect the wire
from the remote sensor to the REMOTE
IN jack on the back panel. Or, if another
stereo component has a built-in infrared
remote sensor and a Remote Output
jack, it may be possible to connect this
jack to the REMOTE IN jack of your
amplifier. All Harman Kardon products
with "Remote In” and "Remote Out"
jacks are compatible with one another,
except for the Citation 22, 24 and 25.
Other manufacturers’ remote sensors
and components may not be compatible,
but it will not hurt to experiment.
A second wire may be used to connect
your amplifiers REMOTE OUT jack to
the Remote Input of another stereo
component. Continue this process to
include additional components (if
compatible).
Connecting Speakers
1. For best performance, use high
quality speaker cables. However,
ordinary copper wire can be used if
the gauge meets the following
requirements:
Wire Length Gauge
Up to 2.5 meter 18 AWG
Upto4meter 16AWG
Upto6meter 14AWG
Over 6 meter 10-12 AWG custom
speaker cable
2. Avoid coiling excess wire with or near
line level hook-up cords.
IMPORTANT: When connecting two
pairs of speakers, determine the
impedance of each pair by looking on
the back of the speakers, or in your
owner’s manual, or by contacting your
dealer or manufacturer. Then refer to the
following chart to see if both sets may be
played simultaneously.
ifimpedance Can both pairs
of the two be played
pairs is: simultaneously?
8Q/8Q YES
8Q/6Q NO
80/4Q NO
6Q/6Q NO
60/40 NO
4Q/40 NO
WARNING: Do not play both sets of
speakers simultaneously except as
recommended above. Amplifier may
overheat.
AC Power
Plug the cord into a wall socket (230V
AC).
NOTE: The power does not shut off
completely by just turning the power off.
So power cord should be removed from
AC outlet when not in use for a
prolonged time.
For Customers in the UK
Your unit is supplied with the flex which will have
either two or three wires, so the following items should
be observed to guarantee safety:
THREE CORE FLEX
WARNING: THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED.
IMPORTANT. The wires in this mains lead are
coloured in accordance with the following code:
Green-and-yellow : Earth
Blue : Neutral
Brown : Live
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this
apparatus may not correspond with the coloured
markings identifying the terminals in your plug,
proceed as follows:
The wire which is coloured green-and-yellow must
be connected to the terminal in the plug which is
marked by the letter E or by the safety earth symbol
= or coloured green or green-and-yellow.
The wire which is coloured blue must be connected
to the terminal which is marked with the letter N or
coloured black.
The wire which is coloured brown must be
connected to the terminal which is marked with the
letter L or coloured red.
TWO CORE FLEX
IMPORTANT. The wires in this mains lead are
coloured in accordance with the following code:
Blue : Neutral
Brown : Live
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this
apparatus may not correspond with the coloured
markings identifying the terminals in your plug,
proceed as follows:
The wire which is coloured blue must be connected
to the terminal which is marked with the letter N or
coloured black.
The wire which is coloured brown must be
connecied to the terminal which is marked with the
letter L or coloured red.

wo
kc
High
Level
Audio
Speaker
System
1
Turntable
Source
Cassette
Tape
Deck
2
Cassette
Tape
Deck
1
Right
channel
_Left
channel
—==|
ff
=
1
O
0
}©=©£©©QOW
5
2
=
—————
Car
[os
ce
a
Oo)
(wi)
(ujp)
—
ay
wll
WS
[7
WP
©|®
AUDIO. OUT
owe 8S AAD 09 RA Rn OS oe RS Oo OO ME DU Oe Oe
Sea SN Os Dae Ps NS Seca Se oe,
SPEAKER
SND SYSTEM 1 GNC
Ce ed
eM MM
With optional Phono mie
board installed
7 (E
To wall
outlet
‘ouTruT
‘AUDIO OUT
oMMO0002, — Right channel Left channel
= i TI
Power Amplifier Preamplifier Video Player Compact Disc Player Tuner Speaker System 2

Listening to your CD player, tape
deck, tuner or other component
sound source
1. Turn Volume control to minimum level
and press the Power switch to turn on
the amplifier. The power indicator
lights up.
2. Set the Speakers switches to play
speakers 1, 2, both or neither (for
headphone use).
3. Press the Listen selector button
corresponding to the component you
wish to hear.
4. Begin playing the desired
components.
5. Adjust the Volume control to the
desired level.
6. Adjust Bass, Treble and Balance
controls as desired.
NOTE: If you have the optional Phono
board installed, press the Aux 2 button
to listen to the turntable.
listen Tape Tape 2 co Tuner Video Aux Aux2
Rec Tape! Tape2 cD Tuner Video Aux Aux2
Making a Recording
To make a recording on a tape deck,
simply press the Rec selector button that
corresponds to the piece of equipment
you wish to record from. The Rec output
will be supplied to Tape 1 and Tape 2,
enabling you to record on any, or both
simultaneously.
(a) To record from one tape device to
another, press the Rec selector button
corresponding to the “Rec From” (play)
device.
(b) By selecting different sources for
Listen and Rec, you may listen to one
audio, while recording from another.
NOTE 1: If a 3-head tape deck is
connected to TAPE 1 or TAPE 2 jacks,
you can monitor the actual recording
while it is in process. Press Listen
selector button that corresponds to the
connected jack.
NOTE 2: The record output signal is
carried directly from the program source
without being influenced by the Volume,
Bass, Treble or Balance control.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Independent Remote Control
The keys on the remote control unit
function the same as the corresponding
buttons on the amplifier itself.
The remote control unit also includes
many keys that allow for easy control of
other Harman Kardon cassette tape
deck, CD player and tuner.
Please refer to the owner's manual for
each unit for operating instructions.
Some of these units must be connected
to the amplifier’s remote contro! output
jacks so that the system remote control
can operate them.
Operating Conditions
The control unit operates effectively
within a distance of 7 meters and an
angle of 30° from the amplifier. Using the
control near fluorescent lights may
shorten this range, as will any dust or
dirt that accumulates on the front of the
remote control, or the remote sensor
area of the amplifier. Also avoid blocking
the line of sight between amplifier and
remote.
The control unit is powered by two AA
batteries, included with your amplifier.
When you replace weak batteries,
replace both at the same time. When the
remote is to be unused for an extended
period, remove the batteries to prevent
damage from corrosion.
4 =
»
fOO
POO
OOO
-O-0-0
4
# »
oO
oO
O
oO
I
tH
(O
U
U U
harman/kardon
RIAION

This unit is designed for trouble-free
operation; most problems users
encounter are due to operating errors.
So if you have a problem, first check this
list for a possible solution. If the problem
persists, consult your authorized
Harman Kardon service center.
TROUBLESHOOTING
If the problem is:
Make sure that:
No lights illuminate when power cord is
plugged into AC outlet.
M@ The unit is plugged into a live outlet.
No sound is heard.
@ Press the Speakers switches corresponding to the desired speakers.
@ Correct Listen button has been pressed.
@ Volume is turned up.
m@ Speaker wires are connected properly.
@ Hook-up wires to source component are connected properly.
Sound is not heard from the speaker system
on one side.
When listening to stereo sound, the left and
right sounds are reversed.
Intermittent or continuous buzzing or hissing.
@ The speaker wires and connection wires are connected correctly.
M@ The balance control knob is set to the center.
M™ The speaker wires are connected correctly.
@ The wires between components are connected correctly.
M@ The unit is away from fluorescent lights, TVs, motors and other electrical
appliances.
Tone control is not functioning.
M@ Press the Tone Defeat switch to off position.
Phono sound is too faint, has hum, ringing,
or “howl”.
Ground wire from turntable has been connected to ground terminal on amplifier.
@ Cable from turntable is away from power cords and speaker cables.
M@ Turntable is away from speakers.
@ Turntable is on stable surface.
Note: The optional phono board is required to play a turntable.

SPECIFICATIONS
Continuous Average Power Per Channel (FTC) 8 Ohms: 85 Watts @<0.08%THD
20Hz - 20kHz, Both Channels Driven 4 Ohms: 130 Watts @<0.3%THD
Dynamic Power (IHF, 1kKHz tone burst) 8 Ohms: 110 Watts
4 Ohms: 170 Watts
2 Ohms: 240 Watts
High Instantaneous Current Capability (HCC): +70 Amps
Power Bandwidth @ half-rated output, 8Q: <10Hz - 100kHz
Frequency Response @ 1W (+0/—3dB): 0.25Hz - 100kHz
Damping Factor: 80
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (reference rated power Tuner/CD: 98dB
output, A-Wtd.) Option Phono (MM): 80dB
Option Phono (MC): 75dB
Input Sensitivity/Impedance Tuner/CD: 150mV/22kQ
Option Phono (MM): 2.2mV/47kQ, 125pf
Option Phono (MC): 120nV/56Q
Phono-Overload Option Phono (MM): 100mV
Option Phono (MC): 5mV
Tone Control Range, Bass @ 50Hz/Treble @ 10kHz: +10dB/+10dB
Power Supply:
AC 230V, 50/60Hz
Power Consumption:
300W
Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth):
443 x 134 x 406mm
Weight:
12.4kg
All features and specifications are subject to change without notice.
Declaration of Conformity
We, Harman Marketing Europe a/s
Kongevejen 194B
DK-3460 Birkerod
DENMARK
declare in own responsibility, that the
product described in this owners
manual is in compliance with technical
standards:
EN 55013/6.1990, EN 55020/6.1988,
EN 55022/4.1987
Accredited test laboratory:
MIKES PRODUCT SERVICE GmbH
Ohmstrasse 2-4
D-94342 Strasskirchen
Birkerad, DENMARK, Oct. 18. 1994
ip.c
Steen Michaelsen
harman marketing europe a/s
The appliance conforms with EEC directive
87/308/EEC regarding interference
suppression.