CES 2015, LAS VEGAS – HARMAN, the premium global audio, visual, infotainment and enterprise automation group (NYSE:HAR), today unveiled the world’s first aftermarket amplifiers to feature HARMAN’s Clari-Fi technology, a proprietary software solution capable of analyzing and improving sound quality of compressed, digital music sources in real-time. HARMAN introduced Clari-Fi at CES 2014 and now the JBL® GTR and Infinity® Kappa amplifiers will feature the technology to provide a superior audio experience when playing digital music from streaming audio services.
Over the past few years, streaming audio services have supplanted CDs as the go-to source consumers use to listen to music. As a result, people are unknowingly listening to lower-quality audio as streaming services use compressed audio, which discards significant components from the original recording. Clari-Fi reconstructs the stereo image of digital audio files for improved quality in a number of audible areas to bring audio back to the way the artist originally intended. 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.
“While digital and mobile technology make it easier than ever to take our music with us, it can also distort and reduce the quality of audio,” said David Slump, president, HARMAN Automotive Services. “Clari-Fi provides an amazing solution to this problem so people can hear music as the artist intended, without being hindered by the limitations of mobile bandwidth and file compression.”
JBL GTR and Infinity Kappa amplifiers feature connectivity-enhanced features and are compatible with both stock and aftermarket car sound systems. In addition to Clari-Fi optimization, both lines of car audio amplifiers feature Bluetooth audio streaming with 4-way party mode so multiple devices can connect and share music, 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.
Infinity Kappa Providing the Ultimate in Style and Performance
Keeping with Infinity’s reputation for superior sound performance and visual styling, the new Bluetooth-enabled line of Kappa amplifiers feature Dynamic Bass Optimization circuitry to ensure low frequencies are smooth throughout the spectrum, and a discrete dash remote that easily controls hands-free calling operation. Infinity Kappa amplifiers will start at $399.95 USD, with step-up pricing, and will be available at select retailers beginning in the US in June 2015.
Infinity Kappa Amplifier Options and Pricing:
- 100W X 2 $399.95
- 600W X 1 $449.95
- 100W X 4 $449.95
- 75W X 4, 300W X 1 $499.95
- 1000W X 1 $549.95
JBL GTR Elevating the Listener Experience
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 $349.95 USD, with step-up pricing, and will be available at select retailers beginning in the US in June 2015.
JBL GTR Amplifier Options and Pricing:
- 100W X 2 $349.95
- 600W X 1 $399.95
- 100W X 4 $399.95
- 75W X 4, 300W X 1 $449.95
- 1000W X 1 $499.95
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 – and new JBL Synchros S700NC headphones. Clari-Fi will continue to be incorporated into new home, multimedia and automotive audio offerings throughout the coming year.
About HARMAN
HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets premier audio, visual, infotainment and enterprise automation solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. With leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson ® and Revel®, the Company is admired by audiophiles, musicians and the entertainment 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 approximately 16,600 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $5.6 billion for the 12 months ended September 30, 2014. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.