One of the great things about the annual CEDIA EXPO is that you can spend time checking out all the home theater demos. For the 2024 show, Harman is about to make a big splash, with its planned Dolby Atmos and additional audio demos.
From Jim Garrett, Senior Director, Product Strategy and Planning, HARMAN Luxury Audio Group: “We’re excited to showcase the latest solutions from our HARMAN Luxury Audio Group brands, reaffirming our home cinema expertise,…Our focus at CEDIA Expo 2024 will be on presenting a comprehensive range of JBL and JBL Synthesis products that cater to every price point, from entry-level to ultra-high-end and everything in between, highlighting our unparalleled expertise in cinema sound.”
Here is the breakdown of what will be demonstrated or shown:
JBL Synthesis Cinema Large-Scale 9.4.6-Channel System
A 9.4.6 system represents 9 channels placed around the room in a horizontal configuration, 4 subwoofers, and 6 height channels placed above the listening room area. Here are the speakers and supporting components that will be employed to achieve this.
- SCL-1 Dual 12-inch 2.5-way Compression Driver Loudspeakers ($16,500 each)
- SCL-2 Triple 8-inch 2.5-way Compression Driver In-Wall Loudspeakers ( $6,600 each)
- SCL-5 7-inch 2-way In-ceiling Compression Driver Loudspeakers ($2,200 each)
- SSW-1 Dual 15-inch Passive Subwoofers ($8,250 each)
- SSW-3 Dual 10-inch In-wall Subwoofers ($2,750 each)
- SDP-58 16-channel Immersive AV Surround Processor ($6,900)
- SDA-8300 Class D Power Amplifier ($6,050)
- MA4 Class D Power Amplifier ($6,050)
- SA4 Class D Power Amplifier ($6,050)
JBL Synthesis Cinema Smaller-Scale 7.4.4-channel System:
A 7.4.4 system represents 7 channels placed around the room in a horizontal configuration, 4 subwoofers, and 4 height channels placed above the listening room area. Here are the speakers and supporting components that will be employed to achieve this.
- SCL-6 Quad 5.25-inch 2.5-way Compression Driver In-Wall Loudspeakers ($1,650 each)
- SCL-7 Dual 5.25-inch 2-way In-wall Compression Driver Loudspeakers ($1,100 each)
- SCL-8 5.25-inch 2-way In-ceiling Compression Driver Loudspeakers ($1,100 each)
- SSW-3 Dual 10-inch In-wall Subwoofers ($2,750 each)
- SDR-38 16-channel Immersive AV Receiver ($8,550)
- SDA-7120 7-channel Class G Power Amplifier ($4,400)
- MA4 4-channel Bridgeable Class D Power Amplifier ($3,500)
As if the two JBL Synthesis systems aren’t enough, JBL will also be showing their MA Series AVRs and Stage 2 speakers that we just reviewed and reported on previously.
JBL has designed MA AVRS and Stage 2 speakers for simplicity, scalability, and easy integration, making them an ideal solution for consumers who desire an exceptional home theater experience without the complexity traditionally associated with high-end audio systems.
Attendees will find the CI (Custom Installation)-focused features of the MA7100HP and MA9100HP of particular interest with features such as 8K HDMI, wireless streaming audio, two-way Bluetooth, EZ Set EQ, DIRAC Live Ready, Roon Ready, Works With Smart Things certification, and more.
JBL Synthesis SMA Series Amplifiers
Other products on hand at JBL’s CEDIA include new SMA Series multichannel amplifiers from JBL Synthesis. The SMA series are Class D amplifiers, incorporate built-in DSPs for custom loudspeaker tuning and system configuration, and are designed for residential cinema applications with a CI-focused UI, balanced XLR inputs, and binding post-speaker terminals.
With flexible high-power output packed into a 2RU chassis, these amplifiers will be the core of the JBL Synthesis electronics line-up complementing the SDP processors and SCL and SSW loudspeaker systems.
The SMA-8300 ($6,000) and SMA-4750 ($5,000) models will be available for presale with product shipments expected in Q1 2025.
ARCAM
In addition to JBL-branded AV products, Harman will also preview the latest additions to ARCAM’s Radia Series, the flagship SA45 ($4,999) and SA35 ($3,499) integrated amplifiers, and the ST25 ($1,499) digital audio player.
Although primarily targeting audiophiles, the SA45 and SA35 also incorporate HDMI audio inputs, DIRAC Ready calibration, Roon Ready certification, and IP control making them easy to integrate into custom installations.
The ST25 and SA35 will be available in late Q4 2024, while the SA45 will be available in Q1 2025.
Home Theaterology
As a bonus, JBL Synthesis is also sponsoring a coffee-table book (Home Theaterology) which celebrates the art of home theater design. A collaborative effort helmed by Richard Charschan with contributions from other notable home theater experts, Home Theaterology is intended to inspire architects, interior designers, and AV integrators.
HARMAN Luxury Audio Group will be hosting a special book signing at its booth on Thursday, Sept. 5 at 3:00 p.m. All proceeds from the sale of the book go towards marketing home theater expertise to the design-build community, fostering a new generation of enthusiasts and professionals.
Tip: The book can be ordered now at a pre-order price of just $67.50 (25% off—normally $90) via the Home Theaterology webpage – However, it is not known if pricing will be different onsite at the CEDIA Expo.
Experience the Demos
HARMAN Luxury Audio Group will be exhibiting in booth 2512 at CEDIA Expo 2024 in Denver, CO from Sept 5 through 7.
For more information, visit www.harmanluxuryaudio.com.
Note: The Harman Luxury Audio Group is owned by Samsung.
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