Harman Kardon touts new soundbar, compact theater systems
updated 06:55 pm EST, Thu January 5, 2012
Systems target home theater audiophiles
Audio-maker Harman Kardon has introduced two new home theater sound systems, the SB 30 and the BDS x70 family, in anticipation of next week's CES show. The SB 30 is a wireless subwoofer packaged with a soundbar speaker array. The BDS x70 series is a compact all-in-one component sound system available in several configurations with either 2.1-channel or 5.1-channel audio.
The Harman Kardon SB 30 5.1-channel surround sound soundbar system incorporates six two-inch woofers, seven one-inch tweeters, 13 transducers, and 11 amplifier channels. It is driven by a triple-core digital signal processing (DSP) array. It is paired with a compact remote subwoofer to offer two listening modes, virtual and Wave. Virtual mode is optimized for enhancing the audio sounds created by two-channel stereo media such as CDs. The Wave mode leverages the transducers to improve the acoustics in larger rooms.
The entry BDS home theater system, the BDS 370, starts with the 2.1-channel BDS 270 receiver, two speakers and a subwoofer. The receiver integrates a DVD/Blu-ray player with an FM tuner. It also sports multiple HDMI ports for video and gaming consoles connectivity. The BDS 270 provides a USB port for other playback devices, and it can support iPhones and iPads with Harman Kardon's Bridge IIIP function.
The BDS 770 configuration upgrades the system to the 5.1-channel BDS 570 receiver, four satellite speakers, the powered subwoofer, and a center-channel speaker. The BDS 570 receiver also carries a display with an on-screen menu for setup, sound management, and system navigation.
Both products lines are available now. Pricing for the SB 30 starts at $799. Pricing for the basic BDS x70 system, the 2.1 channel BDS 370, starts at $899. The base price for the BDS 770 system is $1,099.
SB 30 Soundbar
BDS x70 Series
