Harman Kardon Releases First Sound Bar

By Joseph Palenchar -- TWICE, 1/26/2011

Stamford, Conn. - Harman Kardon launched its first sound bar system, the $599-suggested SB 16 with virtual surround processing, wireless subwoofer and audio-input switching.

Harman Kardon's $599-suggested SB 16 sound bar system features wireless subwoofer and virtual surround processing.

Each left and right speaker channel features two 3-inch midrange drivers and a 0.75-inch tweeter. The speaker complement is driven by a 2x25-watt amplifier rated at 20Hz to 20kHz onto 8 ohms with less than 0.07 percent THD with both channels driven simultaneously.

The sound bar's jack pack consists of a stereo analog input for source one. The source two input features both a coaxial digital input and an optical digital input, allowing for digital connection of two additional devices, such as a Blu-ray player, set-top box or game console, the product's manual shows. The sound bar doesn't incorporate Dolby Digital or DTS 5.1-channel decoders, product literature shows.

The sound bar also features a switchable stereo mode for music playback.

 The 4.3-inch by 36.25-inch by 3.5-inch sound bar can be programmed to respond to a TV remote's volume, power and source commands, and an EQ switch adjusts response for wall mounting or table mounting.  An auto turn-on circuit automatically turns on the subwoofer when an audio signal is present.

The subwoofer's down-firing bass-reflex enclosure allows for placement flexibility by loading the sub against the floor instead of against surrounding walls, the company said.  The sub also comes with level, crossover and phase controls.

 A trim switch lets consumers adjust the sound bar's input sensitivity so it will work with a variety of TVs with different audio-signal output levels.