Harman Kardon TC 400 Q

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Price Paid:  $400.00 from private

Year / Model Reviewed:
 harmon/kardon tc-400q

Strengths:
clear powerful mid-range bass that will keep up with anything you throw at it. dual fan and huge heat sink. heat is never a problem.

Weaknesses:
has problem with < 70hz. no electronic crossover. power and speaker terminals too small.

Summary:
When he offered to sell i almost died, and then i bought it. it was just like i thought it would be. big, powerful, and worth every penny. i love early 90's specifications-4x70@4ohm; almost too low. once used it to power 4 12" crossfire 250w each. had no problems at all. currently use it to power 4 12" premier dual voice coil 1000w each. now only problem is too loud for passengers. oh well.

Similar Products Used:
tc600

Price Paid:  $400.00 from private sale

Year / Model Reviewed:
 Harman Kardon TC400Q

Strengths:
awesome power and incredible s.q.

Weaknesses:
Huge power drain on electrical system

Summary:
I have owned a TC600 and a TC400q for quite some time now. They are incredible amps. If you have one and You want to sell it I am looking for a TC400Q doesn't matter if it works or if it doesn't I need one to replace mine that was stolen.

Similar Products Used:
KH TC600

Price Paid:  $770.00

Strengths:
See above - clean, smooth, accurate sound. Extremely dynamic - they sound like they will never run out of power.

Weaknesses:
On the large size - 17"L x 13"W x 3.25"H. No electronic crossover - I used the Sony XEC-505 with great results.

Summary:
I currently have a TC400Q and a TC600. I bought them for an audio system I put in my car about 5 years ago. I used the TC400Q for about 3 years in that car with no problems. I never ended up using the TC600, because the TC400Q powered my Vifa/Dynadio separates and JBL GTI1500 so well. These amps are ultra clean, smooth and provide deep, tight bass. I have had the used TC400Q and the brand-new factory sealed TC600 in storage for about 3 years. Email me if your interested in buying either one of them - I can send pictures.

Similar Products Used:
None

Strengths:
Good power.
Smooth.
Good headroom.
Nice looking.

Weaknesses:
I can't hear any real weaknesses--it more than keeps up with the Soundstream Reference 700 I have running my sub.

Summary:
I got this amp for $180 shipped from ebay. Not bad for a piece that listed for over $700 new. It was an easy install, since I was basically switching it for my previous 4 channel, an ADS PQ10. The PQ is an awesome-sounding amp, but it couldn't keep up with my sub. The h/k is much better.

I recently switched to Diamond Hex separates in the doors. With the h/k running those speakers from a higher-end Sony CD, crossed to the sub at 100 Hz or so, I get a much smoother, more balanced sound and plenty of oomph. I could get better sound if I crossed the sub over lower, but that would put lots more power from the 4-channel to the Diamonds, and those speakers are just too expensive to risk damaging. So I cross it over a bit higher and live with the sub playing some of the lower midbass. What is car stereo but a game of tradeoffs?

This amplifier is no longer made, so if you're looking at one it's probably used. As with any used amp, it's good to look at the car it was used in and the previous owner to try and guess whether he's a headbanger. If he seems like the type that would take care of his equipment, you're better off.

This is a powerful 4-channel. 70 watts per channel running only frequencies over 100 Hz is a lot of jazz. I could upgrade my sub if I wanted to get into an SPL competition, and it would have no trouble keeping up.

One of the best things about this amp (since you must buy it used) is that the young car stereo freaks are not looking for h/k. They're so busy bidding up PPI and Rockford that they just page right past the occasional h/k. This makes it usually one of the best used deals around.

The cooling fan does make some noise, but I have it mounted in the trunk where it belongs, so I can't hear it unless I go back there and pop the trunk. It does keep the unit nice and cool, much more efficient than heat sinks alone.

I could be happier with a different amp, but not without spending HUGE dollars. For the money spent, it's a dream come true.

Similar Products Used:
Had ADS PQ10--a good-sounding amp, not enough power for the headroom I was looking for.

Summary:
Is a 4,3,2,channels amplifier without integrated cross-over, rated 4x70 Watts RMS @4 Ohm. The sound is very powerfull, fast & dynamic.The only liability I notice is the noise generated by the 2 speed fans.Generally speaking the older serie CA 260 is smother and more quite.