HARMAN Introduces a New Generation of Infinity Reference Series Loudspeakers

STAMFORD, Conn., July 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated, ushers in a new generation of its groundbreaking Infinity loudspeakers. The new Infinity Reference Series, winner of the iF Product Design Award for 2014, encompasses loudspeakers from bookshelves to subwoofers.

"More than 45 years ago, the Infinity brand blended aeronautical-based design with state-of-the-art audio technology. It turned heads even then," said Michael Mauser, president, Lifestyle Division, HARMAN. "Now, Infinity has returned with the all-new Infinity Reference series of loudspeakers destined to, once again, redefine your listening experience with Ceramic Metal Matrix Diaphragm cone technology and our most advanced waveguide to date."

From the compact bookshelf R152 speakers to the top-of-the-range floor-standing R263, the heart of the Infinity Reference family of loudspeakers is the CMMD™ (Ceramic Metal Matrix Diaphragm) transducer technology. This proprietary process yields a durable ceramic surface to the aluminum cones and results in an ideal stiffness to weight ratio while helping to move resonances up in frequency and out of the pass-band of the drivers. The three-way models R263, R253 and RC263 utilize a unique flat-piston CMMD™ midrange driver that helps reduce diffraction in the critical high and mid-frequency bands. The 1-inch CMMD tweeter found in all full-range models is mated to an advanced waveguide. The combination provides seamless integration with the CMMD midranges and woofers to provide smooth coverage across a wide listening area. The tuned ports and internal cabinet bracing help the CMMD woofers deliver powerful and extended deep bass response.

The RC263 center channel is unusual for its price range in that it is a three-way model. The flat-piston dedicated midrange driver renders dialogue and vocals with unmatched clarity and precision bringing movies and music to life. Both the RC263 and the smaller RC252 center channel loudspeakers are sonically matched to the companion floorstanding, bookshelf, and surround speakers, allowing you to create the ideal system solution for your needs, with a slender profile that allows for flexible placement within any entertainment system.

The RS152 Surround Channel loudspeaker is ideally suited for multi-channel music and home theater. Its sound is unlike any other surround channel loudspeaker because its design is like no other. The reason is the patented Hemispherical Soundfield Technology (HST™), whose combination of driver positioning and waveguide pattern control provides remarkably balanced coverage across a 180-degree hemispherical listening area without the typical "hot and cold" frequency inefficiencies found when mounting traditional loudspeakers on the wall. The end result is a loudspeaker with extremely flexible on-wall placement capability that maintains consistent performance over a wide area even when listening from far off to one side. The RS152's integrated keyhole wall-mounting, slender design and elegant details provide a rich appearance that blends well with any decor.

Holding up the low end, both SUB R10 and SUB R12 powered subwoofers in the Infinity Reference Series start with a fiber-composite driver mated to a high-power digital amplifier. The solid 0.75" (19 mm) construction of the tuned-port subwoofer cabinet with its internal edge-to-edge windowpane bracing provides a firm foundation to reinforce the tight, punchy bass required for high-resolution digital surround and modern popular music. The combination of unyielding structure, high-output digital power, and robust driver provides powerful, deep bass response that will make your music and movies come alive. A full complement of controls including variable crossover, level and selectable LF trim allows fine-tuning to suit any listening environment and personal taste.

Throughout the Infinity Reference lineup, computer-optimized driver positioning and crossover network integration result in ideal performance and lifelike imaging and soundstage, making it seem as if the performers are right in the room with you.

HARMAN Infinity Reference Series Loudspeakers

• 9 new speaker models for flexible system configurations
• Flat-piston midrange drivers in R263 and R253 floor-standing and RC263 center-channel speakers
• CMMD™ tweeters with advanced waveguides
• CMMD™ high-output woofers with tuned-port enclosures
• Fiber-composite high-output subwoofers with tuned-port enclosures
• Patented Hemispherical Soundfield Technology (HST™) maintains consistent surround performance even when listening from far off to one side
• Subwoofers feature level, crossover, phase, LF trim and auto power controls
• Computer-optimized driver positioning and crossover network integration
• Sleek, contemporary enclosure design
• Waveguides and woofers feature black chrome trim rings
• Rich black wood grain finish cabinetry with hidden fasteners
• Proven acoustic superiority through rigorous testing and real-world evaluation
• Designed and engineered in Northridge, California

Models

R152 2-way 5.25" (130 mm) Bookshelf Loudspeaker MSRP: $399.95/pr
R162 2-way 6.25" (165 mm) Bookshelf Loudspeaker MSRP: $499.95/pr
R253 3-way Dual 5.25" (130 mm) Floorstanding Loudspeaker MSRP: $899.95/pr
R263 3-way Dual 6.5" (165 mm) Floorstanding Loudspeaker MSRP: $1,099.95/pr
RC252 2.5-way Dual 5.25" (130 mm) Center Channel Loudspeaker MSRP: $349.95
RC263 3-way Dual 6.5" (165 mm) Center Channel Loudspeaker MSRP: $499.95
RS152 2-way 5.25" (130 mm) On-wall Surround Loudspeaker MSRP: $499.95/pr
SUB R10 200-watt 10" (250 mm) Powered Subwoofer MSRP: $499.95
SUB R12 300-watt 12" (300 mm) Powered Subwoofer MSRP: $599.95

Availability
For additional information on HARMAN Infinity Reference Series Loudspeakers, or to purchase, visit www.infinityspeakers.com.

About HARMAN
HARMAN (NYSE:HAR) designs, manufactures and markets premier audio, visual, infotainment and integrated control solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. With 15 leading brands, including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson ®, the Company is admired by audiophiles, musicians and the entertainment venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a global workforce of 15,200 people and reported sales of $5.1 billion for the last 12 months ended March 31, 2014.

© 2014 HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved. Harman Kardon, JBL, Lexicon, Infinity, and Mark Levinson are trademarks of HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated, registered in the United States and/or other countries. Synchros is a trademark of HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated. The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by HARMAN is under license. Features, specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140728/130656

SOURCE HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated