RS Editor Jeremy Glowacki recently spent a day touring Harman’s Northridge, CA headquarters and learning about the company’s product highlights for the upcoming CEDIA EXPO in Denver. Here is some of what they have planned on the product front to look for at the show:
The Mark Levinson No.52 preamplifier, an all-analog, true dual-monaural design with a two-chassis configuration that separates the critical analog audio circuitry from the control section to maintain the purest signal paths possible. Its inputs include three balanced XLR and four unbalanced RCA line-level inputs, as well as a dedicated phono input that is selectable for moving coil (MC) or moving magnet (MM) operation. Two sets of XLR and RCA stereo preamplifier outputs are provided, along with an auxiliary pair of XLR and RCA outputs that can be configured for fixed or variable level output with independent source selection. This enables the auxiliary outputs to function either as a third preamp out, a pass-through full-range subwoofer output or a record output.
Lexicon MC-14 Surround Processor.
Also on display will be the Mark Levinson No.585 integrated amplifier, which was designed to deliver ultimate-quality music reproduction from analog and digital sources, including computers and music servers. It combines a powerful Class AB amplifier delivering 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 350 watts per channel into 4 ohms and will accommodate a variety of digital music sources, including high resolution 32-bit/192kHz audio and DSD over USB.
The Lexicon MC-14 Surround Processor also will be showcased at CEDIA. It is a high-end preamplifier/processor designed as the optimal pairing for Lexicon’s RX-7 and ZX-7 multi-channel amplifiers. It provides source inputs for Blu-ray, satellite/cable, game, media, DVR, TV, CD and an audio component with two XLR (balanced) inputs, along with a USB port for direct connection to the audio output from a computer or music server.
Within the Revel line, Harman will showcase its the nine models in the Performa3 loudspeaker line, including the F208 3-way floorstanding tower (1-inch tweeter, 5.25-inch midrange, dual 8-inch woofers); F206 3-way floorstanding tower (1-inch tweeter, 5.25-inch midrange, dual 6.5-inch woofers); M106 2-way bookshelf monitor (1-inch tweeter, 6.5-inch woofer); M105 2-way bookshelf monitor (1-inch tweeter, 5.25-inch woofer); C208 3-way center channel (1-inch tweeter, 4-inch midrange, dual 8-inch woofers); C205 2-way center channel (1-inch tweeter, dual 5.25-inch woofers); S206 2-way surround speaker (dual 1-inch tweeters, dual 6.5-inch woofers); B112 powered subwoofer (12-inch woofer, built-in 1000-watt amplifier); B110 powered subwoofer (10-inch woofer, built-in 400-watt amplifier).
Revel also is showing its 2-Series in-wall/in-ceiling speaker lineup with the introduction of its C283LP shallow-mount and C263LP shallow-mount in-ceiling speakers, designed to deliver high-performance sound in areas where installation space is limited. The C283LP and C263LP shallow-mount in-ceiling speakers can fit into a mounting space only 2.8 inches deep. The C283LP shallow-mount features an 8-inch woofer and 1-inch tweeter and the C263LP shallow-mount employs a 6.5-inch woofer and 1-inch tweeter.
JBL Synthesis SDP-45 Surround Processor.
Harman also plans to display the now-shipping top-of-the-line Ultima2 Series Rhythm2 powered subwoofer, featuring an 18-inch woofer, 2,000 watts of amplifier power, and built-in DSP room equalization. Measuring 24.6 inches high by 27.9 inches wide by 28 inches deep, the Revel Rhythm2 employs an 18-inch aluminum cast-frame front-firing woofer with a 4-inch diameter by 1.75-inch long Xmax voice coil, and a high-power neodymium-magnet motor system with a symmetrical magnetic field configuration that reduces distortion and dynamic compression to a minimum.
From the JBL Synthesis line, Harman will show its SDP-45 surround processor, an ultra high-end home theater control center designed to be the heart of a JBL Synthesis custom-installation home entertainment system.
The 7.1-channel SDP-45 offers a wealth of versatile features including eight HDMI inputs, compatibility with all popular surround sound formats, balanced and single-ended connections, and easy-to-use setup menus.
