MS-8
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JBL ships MS-8 digital processor, promises to 'revolutionize' car audio
Remember that JBL MS-8 you plopped atop your must-have list back in March? No? Fret not, as quite a bit has happened in the meantime. Today, however, the aforesaid outfit is shipping its new in-car digital processor, which remains a bit of a mystery device that magically improves audio quality for up to four seating positions simultaneously. JBL assures us that the real secret sauce lies in the software, and with it, people will apparently "never experience music in their vehicle the same way again." This all sounds a bit Bose-ish to us, but at least we're told the specifications: the box includes an onboard 20W x 8 amplifier, eight-channel preamp-level and speaker-level inputs and outputs, and full-range stereo auxiliary input. The package also includes a wireless RF remote, LCD display (with a five-line, 128 x 64-pixel screen), Logic 7 technology and a graphic equalizer with 31 bands. The actual installation process also remains a mystery -- all we're told is that a pro could do it during the time it'd take you to have lunch, but given that this thing isn't wireless, you can bet that a good bit of splicing will be in order. Head on past the break for a look at what $799 nets you.%Gallery-95288%
Harman Kardon, JBL spring forward with refreshed audio lineups for 2010
Say hello to Harman International's home, media and mobile updates for the spring, bringing its audio expertise to those who aren't quite ready to step up to its higher end line of standalone receivers and the like. Promising to perfect the audio performance of any car audio setup in just 10 minutes, the $799 JBL MS-8 is as interesting as it is specialized. The HKTS 20 and HKTS 30 ($799 / $999, March) are standard 200w 5.1 surround sound setups, and while they promise improvements over their predecessors the Go + Play Micro boombox ($399, March), On Time Micro & 200P clock devices (both $249, April) and On Stage Micro II ($129, April) probably aren't hiding anything too surprising underneath those iPod docks, but we'd suggest perusing the gallery just to be sure. %Gallery-88520%
