Harman Kardon CITATION 5.0 Reference guide

Brand: Harman Kardon

Model: CITATION 5.0

Type: Reference guide

This manual is also suitable for

CITATION 5000

An Overview of the

Citation System 5000

The Citation System 5000 represents a systems approach to designing an affordable high-end group of

products (controller, amplifier, speakers) designed to complement each other. Unlike a system

incorporating a mix and match approach, with results that are often unpredictable, the System 5000

provides repeatable, documentable performance.

The heart of the System 5000 is the new Citation 5.0 Analog/Digital AV Controller (described in a

complementary paper). Two other key system elements are the 5.1 Multi-channel Amplifier and the 5

Series Loudspeakers.

The 5.1 Amplifier

Identical to the well reviewed Citation 7.1 in circuit design and similar in physical appearance, the 5.1

differs only in available voltage (wattage) provided to the loudspeaker load. The 5.1 is rated at 100 watts

@ 8 ohms x 4. The 5.1 features include:

zCircuit topology with high open loop gain and low negative feedback — only 20dB of negative

feedback is applied in the 5.1.

zA linearizing circuit which reduces high frequency distortion at high output levels without

requiring high negative loop feedback.

zAn output stage with ample SOA (safe operating area). The 5.1 can comfortably and reliably drive

difficult loudspeaker loads of two ohms unbridged or four ohms bridged. Most other bridgeable

amplifiers are only capable of driving speaker loads of eight ohms or higher.

zA shielded, toroidal transformer with four secondary outputs each with its own bridge rectifier.

This power supply design approach provides performance akin to using four separate

transformers. Individual channels are not affected by instantaneous current/voltage demands being

made on the others channels simultaneously. No rubber band power supply in the 5.1! Total

system capacitance is in excess of 80,000 MFD. To assure superior high frequency performance,

multiple smaller value capacitors are utilized in parallel.

zThe input and driver stages are fed by regulated high voltage power supplies, operating

independently of the power supply driving the output stage. This virtually eliminates

intermodulation distortion, crosstalk and compromised headroom.

Each stage of the 5.1 signal path employs solid state devices carefully selected for their uniform

operating characteristics.

The 5.1 is an amplifier that not only measures well but listens well! It is non-fatiguing to listen to for

hours at a time, particularly important whether watching a two or three hour action film or listening to

an opera.

Sonic performance aside, the 5.1 features other mechanical and hardware enhancements:

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zA turn on/off circuit is activated by a low voltage trigger signal — available from the Citation 5.0.

When used in multiples, the first 5.1 turns on and stabilizes and then sends a trigger signal to the

next amplifier in the chain. This prevents circuit breaker overload that would normally occur if

multiple amplifiers all turned on simultaneously.

zHigh quality mechanical construction. Each 5.1 is constructed from heavy gauge steel and

aluminum chassis components. The fascia is machined from aluminum plate, machined, brushed

and then anodized. A complete 5.1 weighs over 60 lbs (28 kg).

zHigh quality gold plated input/output connectors are used for audio input and speaker outputs.

zThe 5.1 is CE/FCC/UL/CSA approved for worldwide sales. Available in 100-130 or 200-230 Volt

50/60Hz versions.

zThe 5.1 is THX Conditional Use Certified when used to drive Citation or Fosgate Audionics Dual

Drive dipole surround speakers.

5 Series Loudspeakers

The individual loudspeaker models that form the 5 Series have been manufactured employing purposely

designed drivers — selected for their ability to best meet the design criteria. The 5.2 LCR and the 5.4

subwoofer are finished in a semi-gloss black lacquer finish applied over oak veneer. The 5.3 Dual Drive

dipole is available in a matte black finish or eggshell white.

5.2 LCR

This compact mains speaker can deliver high output beyond its proportion to cabinet size. The 5.5 inch

mid/woofer has a three inch voice coil! This robust design can provide very high sound pressure levels

in typical domestic listening rooms.

The one inch soft dome tweeter is step aligned with the woofer/mid. A 2.5kHz crossover provides a

seamless transition from one driver to the other and a coherent sound stage. Strips of wool padding

around the perimeter of the tweeter mounting area reduce diffraction effects for improved imaging and

smoother response.

The 5.2 must be used with a controller, such as the Citation 5.0, which incorporates an electronic

crossover.

5.3 Dual Drive Dipole

A look at the rear panel of the 5.3 provides an immediate indication that this is no ordinary surround

speaker. Two sets of input terminals — one for each array and each driven by a separate output from the

5.0 controller and 5.1 amplifier — enable the 5.3 to deliver the best of all worlds. It can provide the

razor sharp surround channel imaging that only a point source radiator can deliver, or it can provide an

enveloping diffuse soundfield that is characteristic of a true dipole.

Years ago, Citation design staff determined that one type of surround speaker could not deliver the best

erformance with varying program sources. As an example, some music is best suited to subtle surround

enhancement — the type of enhancement provided by a diffuse soundfield. Other varieties, such as rock,

new age, live concert performances, are enhanced by the strengthened imaging that only a point source

speaker can deliver. And likewise with film soundtracks. Some films employ subtle, ambient surround

tracks — best served by a diffuse dipole — while others of the action/adventure genre are often

enhanced with point source radiators.

While we at Citation cannot make the listening decision for you, we can give you the tools for the best

surround playback — our Dual Drive Design. Everything happens transparently:

Select Dolby ProLogic and the signals sent to each array of 5.3 are out of phase (polarity) with each

other and create a diffuse soundfield which enhances monophonic surround tracks.

Select 6-Axis, Dolby Digital or DTS™ and in phase signals are sent to each array — creating a point

source soundfield. The 5.0 menu system also allows you to customize the soundfield of various surround

modes.

Besides making the listening experience more real and exciting, the 5.3 provides other benefits as well.

Because the signal levels to each array can be raised or lowered independently of each other during the

setup phase of installation at the 5.0 controller, a pair of 5.3 dual drive dipoles do NOT need to be

mmetricall

mounted in the room. The

don’t even have to be mounted flankin

the listenin

area like

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conventional dipoles. You can compensate for such variances simply and quickly during installation.

Performance and flexibility truly describe the 5.3 Dual Drive Dipole Surround Speaker. This is not only

our opinion but the opinion of leading reviewers in the US and abroad who have ranked Citation Dual

Drive Surround Speakers as among the very best available.

5.4 Subwoofer

As you lift the 5.4 out of the shipping carton you realize it is not just another subwoofer. The weight of

the 5.4 is an indication of how solidly constructed it is. High output levels are not a problem with the

5.4. A twelve inch bass driver with a three inch high temperature and edge wound voice coil, assures

years of reliable and enjoyable listening.

Scaling the 5000 System to Meet Specific Listener Needs

The word System implies a group of components engineered to work together in harmony. The 5000

System is, indeed, just that: a group of harmonious, matched electronic and acoustical components.

Although one system cannot meet all requirements there are means of making the 5000 System

applicable to a wide range of room size and listener preferences.

Low Frequency Performance

One of the most critical elements of system performance is low frequency extension. This simply means

the system must produce low distortion bass into the 30Hz range and at high levels when playback

demands it.

In a smaller room, a single woofer may suffice, but as room size increases, the severity of room modes

can increase along with the amount of air that must be moved. The most effective method of

compensating is to add a second woofer.

With the 5000 System this is easily accomplished. Not only can a second subwoofer be added, but an

additional pair (a total of four in larger rooms) provides the modal smoothing and coupling necessary to

deliver effortless, palpable bass.

System Flexibility

The basic System 5000 consists of one 5.0 AV Controller, three 5.1 amplifiers, two 5.4 subwoofers,

three 5.2 LCRs and two 5.3 Dual Drive surround dipoles, configured as follows:

Amplifiers:

Amplifier number one drives the three 5.2 LCRs. For larger rooms, bridge one pair of channels to drive

the center channel 5.2.

Amplifier number two drives the two 5.4 subwoofers. Each subwoofer is driven by a bridged pair of

channels. For larger rooms, add an additional pair of 5.4 subwoofers (for a total of four) and drive each

subwoofer separately using the four channels of amplification available. An input Y-connector is used to

drive the dual L and R channel pairs.

Amplifier number three drives the two 5.3 Dual Drive dipoles. The Left Side/Left Back and the Right

Side/Right Back arrays are driven individually.

System Design Options for Larger Rooms (over 6x8 meters)

The Citation 5000 series speakers are derivatives of the highly acclaimed 7000 series speakers and are

voiced to work together. 7000 Series speakers can augment the 5000 series for larger room applications.

It may be desirable to substitute the more efficient, higher output 7.2 LCR speakers instead of the 5.2.

The substitution of the 7.3 Dual Drive dipoles will also provide a closer timbre match to the 7.2s than

the 5.3 Dual Drive dipoles.

The 7.4 subwoofer used in pairs or multiples may also be preferred by those whose preferences lean

towards music as much or more than films.

System Design Options for Smaller Rooms (3x5 meters or smaller)

A System 5000 consisting of one 5.0 AV Controller, two 5.1 amplifiers, one 5.4 subwoofer, three 5.2

LCRs, two 5.3 Dual Drive dipoles, is configured as follows:

Amplifier number one:

Drives three 5.2 LCRs and one 5.4 subwoofer. The addition of a second 5.4 subwoofer, if desired, will

rovide an averaging effect to help smooth room modes. When used in a smaller room, one or two

woofers

(

wired in

arallel

)

are easil

driven to hi

h levels b

one channel of a 5.1 multi-channel

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amplifier. The remaining three channels power the 5.2 LCRs.

Amplifier number two:

Provides the necessary four channels of amplification required to drive a pair of 5.3 Dual Drive Dipoles.

System Summary

The Citation System 5000 components represent a complementary mix of AV controller/preamp,

amplifiers and speakers that will satisfy demanding listeners whose tastes range from movies to Mahler.

Performance upgrade options, including 7000 series components, can be added as required assuring long

term satisfaction and freedom from obsolescence.

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Harman Kardon CITATION 5.0 Reference guide

Harman Kardon CITATION 5.0 Reference guide

This manual is also suitable for

Harman Kardon CITATION 5.0 Reference guide

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