Harman and JBL refresh audio for spring 2010

Harman Kardon and its sub-label JBL this morning refreshed their audio lineups for the spring, centering attention on a unique car audio kit. The MS-8 is the first car audio tuner designed explicitly for owners themselves: it combines a digital audio processor with adjustment controls and headphone monitors to tune a car's existing speaker system. A step-by-step process theoretically improves bass, dynamics, frequency response and other factors within 10 minutes.

The MS-8 should ship in April for $799.

Speaker docks for iPhones and iPods also play a large part of the introductions and are primarily revisions with more Apple device compatibility and "greater versatility" than previous versions. These include the Harman Kardon Go + Play Micro, a smaller version of the company's kettle-shaped portable speakers; the JBL On Time Micro, a similar shrinking of the designer clock radio dock; the On Stage Micro II, a sequel to the ring-shaped desk speakers; and the On Time 200P, a more direct refresh of the full-size clock radio.

The Go + Play Micro is due in March for $299, while the remaining three iPod speaker docks shipping in April at prices of $129 (for the On Stage Micro II) and $249 for both On Time updates.

Home theater gets two Harman Kardon-branded 5.1-channel surround sound kits. The HKTS 20 and 30 both have 200W subwoofers, two-way speakers, and a dual-driver center channel. Differences between the two haven't been made clear by the company, although the HKTS 30's satellites each have a third speaker versus the HKTS 20's two. The added power will put the HKTS 30 at $899 where the 20 will cost $699. Both sets will be available in April.

MS-8



Go + Play Micro



On Time Micro



On Stage Micro II



On Time 200P

by MacNN Staff