Harman Kardon Re-Enters Headphones Market

By Lisa Johnston On Jun 18 2012 - 4:01am

STAMFORD, CONN. – Harman International unveiled a line of Harman Kardon headphones, a first for the brand in eight years.

The new headphones feature over-ear and in-ear configurations, including a noise-canceling model. They were engineered by Harman’s AKG team, a spokeswoman told TWICE.

When asked what prompted Harman Kardon to reenter the headphone market, Christopher Dragon, marketing director at Harman International, said: “The way in which people are consuming music has changed in a big way. More and more consumers are using headphones as their primary loudspeakers connected to a variety of portable devices. It was a natural for the brand that brought the world the first stereo receiver and numerous other firsts … to embrace how consumers want to listen to their music and deliver what we know how to do so well.”

All of the models feature rectangular housings, meant to mimic the back case of an iPhone. Fittingly, they are exclusively available through Apple and HarmanKardon.com for the next six months. Additional distribution channels will be announced after this period.

The over-ear and on-ear models all have 40mm drivers and sand-blasted steel bands that come in two sizes, “so users can swap for the correct fit,” Harman Kardon said. They also have leather inner bands, steel hinges, leather ear pads that are detachable, a fold-flat design and an included carrying case.

The BT headphones ($249) use Bluetooth for wireless capabilities, and feature Apt-X technology as well. They have an in-line mic, while playback controls are built into the ear cup. Frequency range is listed at 16Hz to 20kHz.

Should the battery die (life is listed at 12 hours), they can operate as standard headphones when the included cable is connected. Charging is done via USB.

The over-ear NC model ($299) features active noisecanceling technology, as well as “slow-retention foam” that is meant to enhance both comfort and passive noise canceling.

Battery life is listed at 30 hours, and as with the BT headphones, they can operate should the battery die. They will be available in the late summer.

The third on-ear headphone, model CL ($199), features a detachable cable for easier storage. Frequency range is listed at 16Hz to 20kHz.

The in-ear models — NI for $99.95 and AE for $149— both feature 9mm drivers, as well as Apple-compatible in-line mics and three-button controls. The AE model improves the drivers and adds aluminum housings that are designed to enhance sound reproduction, the company said.

Three sizes of silicone sleeves are included with each.