Harman Kardon® in
The perfect loudspeaker for every occasion
The diaphragms of the specially developed metal-matrix sound transducers consist of a three-layer sandwich structure. Pure aluminum is used as the backing material. The result is a perfect balance between stability and weight, which has a decisive influence on the sound created. The exceptionally rigid material pushes interfering resonances outside of the transmission range. The metal-matrix loudspeakers thus guarantee maximum performance and an even frequency pattern without acoustic distortions in the frequency range used. This results in a particularly authentic reproduction of voices and instruments, enabling an extraordinary live experience.
The experts at Harman Kardon took a different approach with some model types, using newly developed ALumaprene loudspeakers. The sound transducers, which have specially developed membranes and magnet systems, differ from conventional devices through their even greater dynamism and increased effectiveness. This means that ALumaprene loudspeakers represent an important step in the direction of energy-saving, efficient GreenEdge™ loudspeaker technology, guaranteeing uncompromising performance. ALumaprene offers similarly excellent properties to speakers with woven aramide fiber diaphragms, but consists of a specially developed, new generation polymer. The particularly lightweight modules have excellent damping characteristics, preventing resonances. This facilitates an unusually well-controlled frequency response, which can only be achieved with high-end sound transducers. This produces powerful bass sounds, natural mid tones and crystal-clear top notes.
The sound specialists have adopted a completely new approach to development with the pioneering EDPL sound transducer (Electrodynamic Planar Loudspeaker), enabling a previously unknown level of control over the spatial sound. The next generation of loudspeakers set new standards in lightweight design and, thanks to their ultra-flat design, can be integrated in difficult locations where conventional models cannot be installed. The unique, rectangular models measure only 20 x 8 centimeters and are only 6 millimeters deep. The elegant, flat design is permitted by a gossamer-fine high-tech film. This diaphragm replaces the majority of complex components in modern speakers, such as the dust cap, spider, voice coil and moving coil cartridge. It sits on a frame on which the magnets are evenly distributed. The HARMAN patented sound transducers reproduce mid and high tone frequencies harmoniously in a precisely defined space. An acoustic lens, known as a wave bender, can be used to measure sound transmission exactly and to adapt it precisely to suit every seat in the car.
When it comes to meeting the most demanding requirements for firm, controlled, dynamic bass response in an automobile, HARMAN calls on high-grade carbon fiber woofers. These custom-tailored speakers use only the finest, especially lightweight materials, bonded together in a complex sandwich structure. The woofers consist of specially woven carbon fibers and Rohacell foam, joined by high-strength adhesives. The sophisticated lightweight structure provides maximum stiffness as well as optimum thermal and mechanical properties. In addition, sound character can be modified by material thickness. The speakers are driven by an innovative neodymium magnet system. Even in the convoluted interior architecture of an automobile, this refined woofer design delivers virtually distortion-free bass performance in the range from 20 to 200 Hz. In addition, the complex Kevlar structure achieves a high level of internal damping. The die-cast aluminum chassis is characterized by exceptional stiffness, and provides outstanding heat transfer properties even when driven at full load. The high degree of perfection is underscored by the impressive performance-to-size relationship: Normally, significantly larger speakers must be used to achieve comparable performance. Another feature of carbon fiber woofers is their exceedingly accurate impulse response.