harman

In an odd case of backflow, Lotus will be providing automotive infotainment system manufacturer Harman Becker with a variety of audio technologies. Harman Becker, a division of Harman International, is behind a large number of audio brands found among major automakers, including Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon, and Mark Levinson. With that kind of portfolio, it is surprising to find the company needs help with audio technology.

The deal also highlights Lotus' hidden side. Known for unique-looking sports cars marked by excellent handling, Lotus also engages in pure engineering, developing efficient power trains, crash safety gear, and suspension systems.

Lotus … Read more

It may be over 2 years old, but Harman/Kardon's Go+Play is still one of the best-sounding portable iPod speaker systems money can buy. Unfortunately, the $350 price tag has kept this luxury boombox far out of reach for much people--that is, until now.

Amazon slashed $140 off the Go+Play's price Friday, putting the oldie-but-goodie down to an affordable $210 (also available as a refurb, should the sale expire).

Realize that this is an older iPod accessory, and today's iPhones, Nanos, and iPod Touches might not charge or fit properly in the dock. It's … Read more

Donald and Jasmine are back and ready to catch up on FLAC-compatible MP3 players, speakers that use "twoofers," headphones that use speakers, and a handy way to control your iPod while keeping your eyes on the road.

Plus, Jasmine offers some tips for taking your iTunes music collection to a non-Apple MP3 player, and Donald reviews an oldie but goodie.

Listen now: Download today's podcast… Read more

The Harman/Kardon GO + PLAY is an oldie-but-goodie and its review is long overdue. It was worth the wait, though, since I can't think of a single other portable iPod speaker that's come through CNET's doors that matches the GO + PLAY's sound quality. But then, few can match its $350 price tag, either.

It's a little disappointing that the GO + PLAY hasn't yet been updated to accommodate the iPhone and iPod Touch--nor can it charge many of the newer generations of iPods. With any luck, we'll see an update to the GO + PLAY … Read more

Just came across this hot little number on Amazon: a set of Harman Kardon PC speakers made out of glass. They don't appear to be available quite yet, but Amazon is taking pre-orders at $999.99.

Harman's made other clear speakers in the past, including the well-received SoundSticks II system, but these are the first to use glass--and the GLA-55s really make a statement. From some angles they have a gem-like quality, from others--namely in profile--they look almost alien in nature.

While these speakers are obviously about design, Harman's also touting the GLA-55s' "impeccable" sound … Read more

Today's audiovisual receivers are complicated things. They can be a real pain to use, have excruciatingly complicated menu systems, and many don't even accommodate turntables! Point is if you're mostly interested in playing music do yourself a big favor and buy a stereo receiver.

Like Harman Kardon's new HK 3490 two times 120 watt receiver ($449). In my opinion Harman makes the best sounding AV receivers, and I have every reason to expect their stereo models to be even better. The engineers invested in a high-performance phono preamp, pre-out/main-in jacks, and high-current amplification. You also … Read more

While most audio manufacturers trot out a new line of AV receivers every year, Harman Kardon generally sits out of the "feature war" and lets its models stay in the product line longer. That's why it's a big deal that the company has announced three new receivers, bringing many cutting-edge features that were previously missing from the company's lineup. As always, these new receivers have Harman's typically refined look, and now that some of the models include updated features--like high-resolution audio decoding, a high-def graphical user interface, and video upconversion--you won't have to settle for beauty without brains. Let's take an in-depth look at the new line.

Harman Kardon 154

Key features of the Harman Kardon 154:

Harman Kardon is releasing the second iteration of its iPod bridge dock, which connects the media player to a home sound system, but it seems like a case of too little too late. For one thing, the "Bridge II" is apparently designed specifically for other Harmon Kardon equipment. Second, there's no indication that it can work wirelessly, as do other products such as Monster's "iSoniCast," which also provides similar remote functions. And it's more expensive at $129, as listed on iLounge. But if you're already eyeing Harman's new AVR-354 receiver, you … Read more

At the 2008 New York auto show, Subaru announced the addition of Harman/Kardon audio systems to its Legacy and Outback models. We take a look at, and a listen to, the new stereos at the show.

Click here for photos of the Harman/Kardon audio system in the Subaru Legacy and Outback.

Click here for more 2008 New York auto show coverage.