IFA 2015, BERLIN – HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE:HAR), the premier connected technologies company for automotive, consumer and enterprise markets, today announced the world’s first aftermarket amplifiers to feature HARMAN’s Clari-Fi technology, a proprietary software that analyzes and improves the sound quality of compressed, digital music in real-time. The JBL GTR amplifiers provide a best-in-class audio experience when streaming digital music on the road.

Streaming audio services have supplanted CDs as the go-to music source consumers. As a result, people unknowingly listen to lower-quality audio as streaming services use compressed audio that discards significant components from the original recording. Clari-Fi gives drivers an audio experience as the artist intended by rebuilding the stereo image of digital audio files for improved quality.

Clari-Fi analyzes the audio signal in real-time and corrects waveform deficiencies based on existing audio information and an in-depth knowledge of codecs and psychoacoustics. It removes unwanted added effects like echo and distortion, and reconstructs the crisp detail and clarity of high frequency sounds like cymbals, sharpness of dynamic sounds like percussion instruments, and brings flat, compressed vocals back to the life. 

“Having a world of music at your fingertips through smartphones and other devices has made listening to music more convenient than ever, but it’s also created a significant deprecation in sound quality,” said Jeffery Fay, VP and GM of Aftermarket Services at HARMAN. “Clari-Fi sound reconstruction technology means people can listen to music as the artist intended, without being hindered by the limitations of mobile bandwidth and file compression.”

JBL GTR amplifiers feature connectivity-enhanced features and are compatible with both stock and aftermarket car sound systems. In addition to Clari-Fi optimization, the JBL GTR amplifiers feature Bluetooth audio streaming with 4-way party mode to connect and share music across multiple devices, full range amps with loop through outputs, unique dash-mounted control panels, and small footprints, ideal for low-profile installations in trunks or beneath seats.

The new Bluetooth-enabled GTR amplifiers build on JBL’s heritage and reputation for sound quality and offer aggressive styling to match their powerful performance and bring out the passion in all music content. These amplifiers connect to OEM and aftermarket car sound systems to improve smartphone source content and can easily be controlled via a dash remote for hands-free calling. JBL GTR amplifiers will start at 349 Euro, with step-up pricing, and will be available at select retailers in December.

JBL GTR Amplifier Options and Pricing:

  • 100W X 2Not available in Europe

  • 600W X 1349 Euro

  • 100W X 4449 Euro

  • 75W X 4, 300W X 1549 Euro

  • 1000W X 1Not available in Europe

     

Clari-Fi is currently available in Lexus RC and NX vehicles, along with a range of home audio and multimedia products from HARMAN, HTC and Sharp, including the JBL Authentics Home Entertainment System – a CES Innovation Award Winner. Clari-Fi will continue to be incorporated into new home, multimedia, and automotive audio offerings throughout the coming year.

 

About HARMAN

HARMAN (harman.com) designs and engineers connected products and solutions for automakers, consumers and enterprises worldwide, including connected car systems; audio and visual products, enterprise automation solutions; and connected services. With leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson® and Revel®, HARMAN is admired by audiophiles, musicians and the entertainment venues where they perform around the world. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and connected car systems. The Company's software services power billions of mobile devices and systems that are connected, integrated and secure across all platforms, from work and home to car and mobile. HARMAN has a workforce of approximately 27,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $6.2 billion during the 12 months ended June 30, 2015. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.