Harman is preparing to launch a broad range of car audio products including its first new digital signal processor (DSP) since the launch of the MS-8 ten years ago. Also new is a removeable subwoofer that can double as a boom box.
These join other new amplifiers and speakers as well as a full JBL Cruise X powersports audio system.
JBL’s return to the DSP market has a focus on simple set up. Its new DSP4086 is positioned in the lower end of the DSP price scale at $399 every day price. Due in July, it will offer 6-channel inputs, 8 channel x 40 watts output with a PC interface designed for easy set up. It performs time alignment, staging and more. It can act as a line driver to any amplifier. You can add aftermarket amplifiers or line drive it into a subwoofer amplifier, said Harman.
As for its boombox/subwoofer, Harman is shipping this fall, the BassPro Go “the world’s first in-car subwoofer and ‘portable’ boom box,” it said. The amplified subwoofer docks in the car on a mount which connects it to the car’s battery. When the sub is detached from the mount its two 3-inch drivers go into full range mode with 100 watt RMS power output. As a boom box, the system runs on a battery with 8 hours of run time.
The product was originally shown in the form above at the 2017 CES, but is now ready for the market. (No current picture was available, so we do not know if the appearance has changed).
One suggested use case for the BassPro Go is on a pontoon boat, where it can be used as a subwoofer and then when you pull up to a sandbar for a cookout, you remove the subwoofer and use it as a boom box, said Shawn Spedding, Harman Director of Sales, Mobile Audio Aftermarket.
The BassPro Go ships in November at $549.
Harman’s first full powersports audio system is the JBL Cruise X, consisting of four speakers and an amplifier with Bluetooth audio streaming plus a volume knob. It’s a universal system designed for those with a UTV or ATV or even a golf cart. Harman is aiming it at owners of vehicles for which no vehicle-specific audio system is available. “It works in a 1-seater, 2-seater, 4-seater, on any cage, even an aftermarket cage,” said Spedding.
The Cruise X system ships in July at $699.
Amplifiers and Speakers
The new JBL Club amplifiers have been redesigned so all controls are under a panel and all connections and wiring is located on one side. The new amplifiers all have increased power ratings. New Infinity Reference amps get the same redesign plus Infinity has added a new 1,000 watt amplifier, which the previous line lacked. The 1,000 watt amplifier is strappable to create a 2,000 watt system.
Both of the new amplifier lines ship at the end of this month from $229 to $399.
They are joined by new JBL Club SQ speakers, designed to bridge the gap between JBL Club and high end Stadium speakers. They fill a price point with higher power handling, better efficiency and better sound quality. Shipping is expected in August at $149 to $299.
as a direct dealer with harmon , one would think to hear about these great new products before the rest of the world. thanks to CE , at least we get to hear about them at all . thanks CE.