Comprehensively exceeding expectations for what loudspeakers should sound and look like, Harman is now shipping the new JBL HDI Series that sits just below the flagship Summit Series, sharing a lot of its technologies. Harman Luxury Audio expects the relatively affordable HDI series, with its exceptional sound engineering and elegant good looks, will appeal to a new generation of music lovers and design aficionados alike.
The HDI Series is led by the flagship triple 8-inch, 2.5-way HDI-3800 floorstanding loudspeaker, while the range also includes the triple 6.5-inch, 2.5-way HDI-3600 floorstanding loudspeaker, the 6.5-inch, 2-way HDI-1600 bookshelf loudspeaker with HDI-FS floor stand accessory, the quad 5.25-inch, 2.5-way HDI-4500 center channel loudspeaker and the 12-inch, 1000W rms HDI-1200P powered subwoofer.
“This series is an icon that will be looked back upon by a generation as the speaker system that introduced them to quality sound,” states Jim Garrett, Senior Director, Product Strategy and Planning, Harman Luxury Audio. “Designed on mathematics that no other manufacturer has graduated to and built with components that few can match, the JBL HDI Series sets the new standard for the category.”
The four full-range models of the JBL HDI Series are based on JBL’s patented 2410H-2 compression driver and benefit from advanced research and applications from JBL Professional’s D2 transducers. Each HDI full-range model features equally impressive woofers complete with cast aluminum frames, cutting-edge motor structures and Advanced Aluminum Matrix cones. Taking advantage of core JBL engineering techniques, the HDI woofers ensure high output with low distortion. The HDI powered subwoofer model carries the same engineering prowess with a high-density Poly-Plas cone and a 3-inch voice coil.
Aside from exceptional sound delivery, the JBL HDI Series offers a platform for discerning home entertainment. Flush-mount woofer trim rings, a lack of visible fasteners, and magnetically attached grilles results in a clean, contemporary design. The bookshelf and floor-standing models feature a gloss black plinth integrated into the base of the cabinet. A choice of three beautiful finishes are available on all models: painted high-gloss black, satin walnut wood veneer, and satin gray oak wood veneer.
"The HDI Series is a prime example of how we are incorporating quality sound performance with modern speaker design to deliver the ultimate home listening experience," Garrett adds. "We have received positive feedback on this line and look forward to it gracing more homes, wherever music and home entertainment is appreciated and enjoyed."
JBL’s HDI waveguide geometry is the result of intense research into the nuances of waveguide design, in search of high-frequency detail and uniform directivity, combined with an overall neutral frequency response both on- and off-axis. The speaker designs also provide a seamless transition between the high and low frequency drivers. The high frequency drivers are derived from JBL Professional’s “D2” range of transducers, featuring a lightweight, polymer, annular diaphragm that improves high-frequency extension by reducing diaphragm mass. The V-shaped geometry of the annular diaphragm reduces breakup modes, eliminating time smear and reducing distortion.
The HDI series woofers take advantage of core JBL engineering techniques to ensure very high output with low distortion. The long-throw voice coil in conjunction with the symmetrical field motor design, flux stabilization ring, and copper shorting ring guarantee maximum output with significantly reduced distortion. Advanced Aluminum Matrix cones, provide a lightweight, rigid diaphragm and eliminate breakup modes ensuring proper pistonic motion throughout the operating band.
The new HDI-1200P powered subwoofer features a 12-inch (300mm) Poly-plas cone woofer driven by a 1,000 Watt amplifier in a bass-reflex tuned enclosure, and offers a solid foundation of a complete HDI Series surround system. The subwoofer driver in the HDI-1200P takes advantage of the core JBL transducer DNA found in the HDI woofers, delivering maximum output with significantly reduced distortion. The powerful 12-inch driver is based on a cast-aluminum frame that supports a large Symmetrical Field design ceramic motor structure with a vented pole using flared exits. A 3-inch long-throw voice coil drives the high-density Poly-plas cone. The entire assembly has been Klippel and FEA optimized to extract maximum performance in system. In combination with the 1,000 Watt amplifier and the bass-reflex tuned enclosure, the HDI-1200P plumbs the depths of low frequencies adding a solid foundation and visceral realism to movies and modern music.
The HDI Series is currently available for purchase with retail pricing of $5,000/pair for the flagship HDI-3800 floorstanding loudspeaker, $3,800/pair for the HDI-3600 floorstanding loudspeaker, $1,800/pair for the HDI-1600 bookshelf loudspeaker, $1,750/each for the HDI-4500 center channel loudspeaker, and $3,000/each for the HDI-1200P powered subwoofer. Additionally, the HDI-FS floor stands are available at $400/pair.
www.jblsynthesis.com/products/loudspeakers/series/hdi-series/
www.harman.com
