Harman Kardon outs pair of sleek soundbars with prices starting at $599
Some would argue that soundbars aren't necessarily a must-have in one's home entertainment system, but there's no doubt a good set can certainly take the viewing and listening experience to another level. To wit, Harman Kardon has chosen IFA 2013 as the platform to unveil a couple of new, audiophile-grade soundbars, the Sabre SB 35 and SB 26. For starters, the top-of-the-line SB 35 model carries a cool $999 price tag, bringing with it qualities such as 1.75-inch drivers and 1-inch tweeters, Dolby Digital TrueHD / DTS HD Decoding, plus Bluetooth connectivity and access to three HDMI ports -- Harman says that given its mere 1.25-inch in depth, it's the slimmest multi-channel 8.1 bar on the market.
The SB 26, on the other hand, comes in slightly cheaper at $599 and sports dual-driver, two-way speaker modules that are powered by a pair of 3-inch, "mid-range" drivers and a 1-inch dome tweeter. Naturally, choosing the entry-level model means potential buyers will miss out on SB 35-specific features like Harman's Wave surround mode, which utilizes "advanced digital signal processing to deliver a realistic surround sound." (There's also one less HDMI incision, and we all know how important something as ubiquitous as that can be.) The company didn't say when we can expect these to be up for grabs; in the meantime, though, check out the PR after the break to go over all the audio nitty-gritty before deciding which SB soundbar is the one for you.
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Two next generation Harman Kardon Soundbars Raise the Bar
New soundbars combine compact design with expansive subwoofer sound and renowned Harman Kardon audio engineering
For more information: www.harmankardon.com
STAMFORD, CT – HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated, announces two new soundbar systems that feature advanced Harman Kardon engineering. The Harman Kardon Sabre SB 35 soundbar and the Harman Kardon SB 26 soundbar exceed and redefine all compact sound system expectations; boosting the audio performance of any flat TV they are connected to.
"When developing the Harman Kardon Sabre SB 35 we wanted to make the least intrusive possible soundbar without compromising the sound performance, design and finish that Harman Kardon consumers are expecting. The soundbar shape and format is so useful. It blends right in with flat screen TVs and entertainment systems," said Michael Mauser, President of HARMAN Lifestyle. "Now, with
Harman Kardon Sabre SB 35 we have achieved what we believe is the slimmest multichannel 8.1 soundbar on the market with only 1.25" depth."
The new Harman Kardon soundbars are the perfect solution for high-quality sound for home theatre, TV shows, sports, music and gaming. All in an attractive, two-piece package designed to blend in seamlessly with existing listening environments. They feature multiple HDMI inputs to easily connect with flat screen TVs or external audio, video and gaming sources. And they offer high quality Bluetooth streaming of music directly from smartphones and tablets, each system is a custom blend of perfectly matched components that work together to produce superior sound imaging without taking over the living room.
Harman Kardon soundbars are compatible with the new Harman Kardon Remote App, available for iPhone, iPad and Android devices. With it, you can stream your music collection from anywhere on your network or portable device directly to the new Harman Kardon soundbars.
Harman Kardon Sabre Soundbar The Harman Kardon Sabre SB 35 soundbar redefines what a home entertainment system should be in a modern form, function and design. With an ultra-thin, 1.25", aluminum-finished soundbar and its ultra compact companion – a wireless, powered subwoofer – the Sabre makes bulky audio equipment look and sound passé. With custom developed Harman Kardon drivers tuned to perfection and maximum processing power for the latest audio technologies, the Harman Kardon Sabre SB 35 doesn't just look the part – it sounds it as well.
Complete surround sound solution soundbar with 8 independent channels of performance-tuned 1.75" drivers and 1" tweeters for absolute clarity and richness
Powered, 100W wireless, compact subwoofer for deep, profound bass response that can be install vertically, horizontally or wall mounted
Ultra-thin, 32mm, aluminum soundbar for unobtrusive viewing and listening pleasure.
Exclusive HARMAN Wave surround-mode technology uses extremely advanced digital signal processing (Triple DSP) to deliver a realistic surround-sound experience to multiple listeners, no matter the shape and the size of the room.
HDMI connectivity with 3x HDMI inputs, combined with Bluetooth® wireless connectivity.
One HDMI output with Audio Return Channel (ARC) and CEC
One stereo analogue-audio input and one optical digital input
On-screen display for easy set-up and configuration.
Dolby Digital TrueHD and DTS HD Decoding
IR repeater. For installations in which the soundbar is blocking your television's IR receiver, insert the IR repeater into the back of your soundbar and place it in front of the IR receiver
Programmable soundbar that can obey your TV remote's volume, power and source commands, enabling a single remote to control your whole home theatre system
Harman Volume helps you maintain the same volume level – no matter what you're watching, be it a film, TV show or advertisement
Subwoofer level control directly from the remote control to let you achieve the best balance between the subwoofer and soundbar for a variety of different rooms
Harman Kardon SB26 Soundbar The new Harman Kardon SB 26 is a soundbar custom engineered to usher your living space into the digital age. Its black matte design makes it the perfect, sleek companion to your flat screen television. With full HDMI connectivity, as well as Bluetooth® connectivity to Smartphones and tablets (both Android and iOS) and TV remote learning, you're never far from the future of home entertainment.
Wireless, 100-watt, powered subwoofer with a 250mm (10") driver in a ported enclosure
Soundbar includes two-way, dual-driver left and right soundbar speaker modules, each with two 75mm (3") midrange drivers and a 25mm (1") dome tweeter
Two HDMI inputs
One HDMI output with Audio return channel support (ARC)
Bluetooth connectivity
One stereo analogue-audio input
One optical digital input
On Screen display (HDMI only) to let you control visually your options
Harman Display Surround Virtual Speaker surround mode that creates a complete surround-sound experience without any extra speakers or wires
Dolby Digital Decoding
Harman Volume helps you maintain the same volume level – no matter what you're watching, be it a film, TV show or TV commercial
IR repeater. For installations in which the soundbar is blocking your television's IR receiver, insert the IR repeater into the back of your soundbar and place it in front of the IR receiver
Subwoofer level control directly from the remote control to let you achieve the best balance between the subwoofer and soundbar for a variety of different rooms
Programmable soundbar that can obey your TV remote's volume, power and source commands enabling a single remote to control your whole home theater system
Pricing and availability
For additional information on the Harman Kardon Sabre SB 35 Soundbar (MSRP $999), and Harman Kardon SB26 Soundbar (MSRP $599), or to purchase, visit HYPERLINK "http://www.harmankardon.com" www.harmankardon.com
About HARMAN
HARMAN designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of infotainment and audio solutions for the automotive, consumer, and professional markets. It is a recognized world leader across its customer segments with premium brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, and Mark Levinson® and leading-edge connectivity, safety and audio technologies. The company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with Harman audio and infotainment systems. Harman has a workforce of about 14,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $4.3 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013. The company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR. Please visit www.harman.com for more information.
