Harman Luxury Audio showcased its latest solutions from its JBL Synthesis, JBL, ARCAM, and Revel brands at CEDIA Expo 2022.
In booth 16035, the company’s spotlight was on JBL Synthesis architectural loudspeakers and electronics; JBL’s new Stage 2 and Studio 6 Architectural Series loudspeakers; and four new ARCAM HDMI 2.1 AV receivers and processors.
Additional new products on display were JBL’s all-weather Stage XD Series, Limited-Run Classic Series Black Edition loudspeakers and music system, and the 4305P Studio Monitor powered streaming loudspeaker system. Allowing attendees to experience a variety of its audio solutions first-hand, Harman also offered two immersive JBL Synthesis theater demonstrations.
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Harman Luxury Audio highlighted a range of in-wall and in-ceiling solutions to meet the needs of any budget or installation, from entry-level audio systems to state-of-the-art multichannel home theaters. Complementing these were several new solutions from the company’s luxury brands — from repairable outdoor speakers and subwoofer amplifiers to AV receivers and limited-production Black Editions of JBL’s iconic Classic Series loudspeakers. Bringing it all together, two JBL Synthesis theater demonstrations allowed attendees to go hands-on with the company’s solutions and get a sneak peek at the future of sound.
In addition to its flagship SCL-1 and SSW-1 custom loudspeakers, and the SCL-5, SCL-6, SCL-7, and SCL-8 in-wall and in-ceiling loudspeakers, JBL Synthesis showcased the new SDA-1700 amplifier. Designed exclusively to power the SSW-4 subwoofer, the custom amplifier features a 2RU chassis, front-panel level control, and rear-panel crossover, phase, single-band PEQ, and module EQ controls. The SDA-1700 delivers 350W to a single SSW-4 subwoofer or 700W to a pair. In Harman’s booth, JBL Synthesis also offered demonstrations of a smaller-scale audio system and a large-scale, premium system, both of which are representative of the new JBL Synthesis Certified Systems program.
Designed to be heard and not seen, JBL’s Stage 2 and Studio 6 Architectural series loudspeakers feature a discrete zero-bezel, paintable magnetic grille that installs flush to the wall for a clean look. Offering high-performance sound at a cost that won’t break the bank, Stage 2 loudspeakers feature acoustic components typically reserved for higher-priced solutions, including 1-inch/25-millimeter aluminum acoustic lens tweeters, JBL’s patented High-Definition Imaging (HDI) waveguides, baffles with acoustic smoothing, and premium crossover components.
A range of eight Stage 2 models is available in various configurations for both in-wall and in-ceiling installations. To deliver a cinematic home audio experience, Studio 6 Architectural Series in-wall loudspeakers feature Polyplas woofers, JBL professional compression drivers, and HDI waveguide technology for smooth dispersion and low distortion. Available in five models, the speakers feature integrated treble and bass control to easily adjust the sound to fit any space.
Additional JBL solutions on display at CEDIA Expo were the Stage XD Series of repairable, IP-67-rated all-weather loudspeakers. The solutions are perfect for harsh outdoor environments, while a stylish design and mounting flexibility make them equally at home indoors. The Stage XD-6 features a 6.5-inch/165mm polypropylene cone woofer and a 1-inch/25-mm aluminum tweeter with an acoustic lens and HDI waveguide, while the Stage XD-5 features a 5.25-inch/130-mm woofer and 1-inch/25-mm aluminum tweeter.
For high-resolution audio and prosumer connectivity, JBL’s 4305P Studio Monitor was on display. Consisting of a primary and secondary loudspeaker, the 4305P is a completely self-contained active loudspeaker system with an integrated streaming engine that provides both wired and wireless network audio capabilities via Ethernet, Google Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth audio. The 4305P’s 24-bit/192kHz high-resolution DAC ensures music comes across with the highest fidelity.
JBL also featured a limited production run of its Classic Series passive hi-fi and powered streaming loudspeakers in a special Black Edition version that showcases these highly popular models in a stylish and sophisticated new look. Available for four models — the passive hi-fi L100, L82, and L52, and the powered streaming L75ms music system — these special production versions all include the Black Edition Appearance Package, which consists of a high-gloss black painted cabinet finish, unique gold labels on the front and rear of the passive models, and a black Quadrex foam grille with a unique gold JBL logo accent. In addition, the L100 and L82 will include the Black Edition Performance Package, which includes acoustic refinements to all drivers, and an upgraded crossover network with a premium bi-wire input terminal cup.
At CEDIA Expo 2022, ARCAM showcased its new AVR11 and AVR21 Class AB receivers, AVR31 Class G receiver, and the AV41 AV processor, a CEDIA Best New Product Finalist. All models embrace HDMI 2.1 with HDCP2.3 for support of resolutions up to 8K at 60fps or 4K at 120fps, along with support for HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. Audio specifications include the latest Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D immersive audio formats. For audiophiles, dual ESS9026PRO DACs with ESS reference voltage regulators deliver stunning sound quality. Audio performance can be further optimized with the units’ built-in Dirac Live Room Correction.
Providing a multitude of options for music streaming, the models support Apple Airplay2, Google Chromecast, Bluetooth with aptX HD, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, MQA, and UpnP with the MusicLife app. In addition, the units are Roon-ready. HDMI 2.1 upgrade kits are available for previous-generation models — the AVR10, AVR20, AVR30, and AV40 — allowing them to support 8K video. Upgrades must be performed by a qualified ARCAM service center.
