Harman Luxury Audio Group is demonstrating the latest solutions from its JBL and JBL Synthesis brands at ISE 2024. Visitors to stand 2H100 will experience residential theater solutions, the newly updated SDP-75 immersive surround sound AV preamplifier, and a preview of the forthcoming SMA Series of multichannel power amplifiers from JBL Synthesis, while JBL will be highlighting a selection of architectural amplifiers and loudspeakers — including the DA, Stage 2, and Conceal Series — plus additional custom and active loudspeaker solutions.
“We are excited to be back at ISE in Barcelona to meet with our trusted dealer and distributor partners and showcase the depth of our JBL and JBL Synthesis portfolios for the custom integration market,” says Jim Garrett, senior director, product strategy and planning, Harman Luxury Audio Group. “Our CI-focused offering continues to grow with the new JBL DA Series of amplifiers, which provide the perfect companion to our portfolio of JBL architectural loudspeakers to deliver a single-brand system solution from one of the most recognized names in audio. For the ultimate private cinema experience, we are highlighting our standard-setting JBL Synthesis brand, including the theater we’re bringing to the show, which features demonstrations of our flagship SCL-1 and SSW-1 loudspeaker system.”
New for 2024, JBL DA Series of amplifiers include the 8-channel DA850 and 16-channel DA1650 that provide four and eight zones of audio, respectively, in a compact 1U design, while offering bridgeable outputs to meet high power requirements. Both the DA850 and DA1650 offer 50 watts for each of their Class D channels into 8-ohm loads, and 110 watts into 4-ohm loads. By bridging their outputs, rated power increases to 185 watts into 8-ohm loads. For additional flexibility, each audio zone can feature an independent source, or a single source can be shared across all zones using the global audio input. In addition, zones sharing an audio source can be expanded across multiple amplifiers using the global audio output. Both models are now available.
The DA Series amplifiers are perfect companions to the portfolio of JBL architectural loudspeakers. The selection of in-ceiling and in-wall loudspeakers on display at ISE include the new Stage 2 Series, along with the B Series, Studio 2 Series, and Conceal Series invisible loudspeakers, collectively showcasing the breadth of solutions available from JBL.
Additional JBL loudspeakers are found in the “active zone” of the stand where the 4305P and 4329P Studio Monitor powered loudspeaker systems will be demonstrated along with the new L42ms music system and L10cs subwoofer models from the Classic Series. The L42ms is new for 2024 and combined with the L10cs provides a compelling solution for customers looking to upgrade from a traditional soundbar. In addition to its acoustic performance, the L42ms integrates seamlessly into users’ homes with advanced technologies including Roon Ready and Works with SmartThings certifications. Roon compatibility allows listeners to access their entire library of music at the highest possible resolutions supported by the L42ms. Works with SmartThings integrates the L42ms into the SmartThings ecosystem that includes over a billion Samsung Galaxy devices and Samsung televisions and appliances for one-touch operation and functionality. (Additional SmartThings hardware is required.)
The flagship JBL Synthesis SDP-75 AV preamplifier has been updated for 2024 with a new HDMI 2.0 input board and new audio DACs, plus an updated power supply and motherboard to enable faster switching capabilities and deliver improved overall performance. The new HDMI board offers additional input and eARC capabilities. The updated SDP-75 will be available beginning in February. Customers who purchase the newly updated model will have the ability to upgrade to HDMI 2.1 when a board becomes available later this year.
The forthcoming JBL Synthesis SMA Series of multichannel amplifiers is being previewed at ISE with anticipated availability in the third quarter. The SMA-8300 and SMA-4750 are versatile Class D amplifiers designed to deliver maximum power while taking up minimal rack space. Their built-in DSPs allow for custom loudspeaker tuning with EQ, delay, and limiter settings. The SMA models are optimized for residential applications with a CI-focused UI and a feature set including balanced XLR inputs and binding post speaker terminal connections. The SMA-8300 is rated to deliver 300 watts into 8 ohms and adjacent channel pairs can be bridged to deliver 1200 watts into 8 ohms. The SMA-4750 is rated to deliver 750 watts into 8 ohms and adjacent channel pairs can be bridged to deliver 2500 watts into 8 ohms.
In additional AV product news, JBL Synthesis and ARCAM AV preamplifiers and receivers have been tested and are now Certified for Envy as part of the madVR Labs program to ensure compatibility with their Envy video processors. This certification ensures that the products have been scrutinized against stringent quality standards set by madVR Labs, delivering lossless, artifact-free video quality and compatibility with the madVR Envy Extreme and Envy Pro video processors, while also delivering a pure video experience even when used independently of an Envy processor. The newly updated JBL Synthesis SDP-75 meets the Platinum level of certification, while the JBL Synthesis SDP-58 and SDR-38, and the ARCAM AV41, AVR31, AVR21, and AVR11 meet the Gold level. More information can be found by visiting the madVR website at www.madvrenvy.com.
For more information, visit www.harmanluxuryaudio.com.
