Sadly, I didn’t win the chance to become an AKG Insider and be at the IFA 2013 RIGHT NOW playing with all the audio porn, but I’ve got the second best thing – some press releases, WOOOOO! Still, I must admit, I’m kinda geeking out at all the fabulous products Harman Kardon, AKG and JBL have launched today. Bottom line is, I want it ALL – NOW! Rather than spew out 3 large press releases full of audio delight, I’ve picked three products, one from each brand that I’d stamp on a (toy) kitten to get my hands on and written a few thoughts. Obviously I can’t review them yet as I’ve not got them (although I *might* soon – *smiles sweetly at the PR people*).
The JBL Spark
From the release –
The JBL Spark is a wireless portable speaker that is a unique combination of outstanding sound, distinctive design and bright, fun colours.
The unique megaphone-like shape is functional and playful: excellence in speaker enclosure design stripped down to its essentials. JBL Spark puts the megaphone shape to good use, with two high-performance JBL drivers and a tuned bass port. The result is crisp, clean sound with a warm, rich bass response in a versatile shape that you can take anywhere. Available in five colours, the JBL Spark adds a splash of sound and colour to any room, whether you hang it on a wall, set it on a table, stash it on a shelf or lay it handy on a couch or cushion. Wireless Bluetooth streaming gets the sound from the player to the speaker, and JBL Spark fills the room with true, rich sound.
Availability: September 2013
Pricing: £109.99
Kip says – I had to pick this because it looks so flipping crazy, love the megaphone styling, and would be interested to hear how it sounds, especially the stereo separation (assuming there is?!). I like the fact it’s like nothing else available, kudos to JBL for designing something a little ‘away’ from the norm!
AKG K845 BT
The K845 BT offers AKG’s reference sound quality in a sleek wireless package, providing instant connectivity via NFC to a wide range of Bluetooth enabled smartphones and other portable devices.
The ear cups luxuriously cushioned to enable comfortable long-listening sessions and feature acoustic dampening which further extends bass response from the two 50mm (2 inch) drivers. Controls are conveniently located on the ear cups, while a cable is also provided for wired connection to other devices that aren’t Bluetooth enabled.
The AKG K845 BT headphones are powered by a Lithium battery which provides up to 8-hours wireless music enjoyment and is charged via a mini USB to USB charging cable so you’ll never be out of juice.
Available in black and white finishes, the headphones fold completely flat thanks to the 2D Axis folding system.
Availability: November 2013
Pricing: £249.99
Kip says – I must admit, since trying the Nokia Monster Purity Pro Headset, I’m definitely a big fan of the large, over-ear headphones, the little earbuds just seem rubbish. Despite the boring name, the K845 look beautiful, I want a black pair of these, AKG do headphones very well, and the addition of Bluetooth and NFC Pairing really are the icing on the cake.
Harman Kardon Sabre SB 35
The Harman Kardon Sabre SB 35 soundbar redefines what a home entertainment system should be across modern form, function and design. The 8.1 system is ultra-thin. The soundbar perfectly complements any flat TV, measuring just 1.25” in depth while the wireless subwoofer is also extremely slender at just 3.5” so it won’t encroach on living space and could even easily slip behind or underneath a sofa. As a centerpiece, the system boasts a striking look featuring premium aluminium finish in a combination that makes bulky audio equipment look and sound passé.
A powerful performer, the soundbar houses eight independent channels of performance-tuned 1.75” drivers and 1” tweeters for rich sound clarity, with the subwoofer delivering 100W bass response.
With custom developed Harman Kardon drivers tuned to perfection and maximum processing power for the latest high definition Dolby and DTS audio technologies, the Harman Kardon Sabre SB 35 doesn’t just look the part – it sounds it as well. Enjoy a rich, multi-channel listening experience for your home entertainment system while, with one quick and easy install via HDMI, the new Harman Kardon Sabre SB 35 upgrades your entire home theatre experience to the level of cutting-edge.
Extensive connectivity options allow multiple devices to be connected simultaneously courtesy of the three HDMI inputs, optical digital and stereo analogue audio inputs and also Bluetooth® wireless connectivity.
Availability: Begin November 2013
Pricing: £849.99
Kip says – WANT THIS NOW! I’m interested to hear just how good this is, and if such a tiny sound bar
packed with 8 Speakers can give anywhere near the sound quality and separation that 8 individual speakers can. Harman are wizards at stuff like this, so I’ve a feeling they can. Love the tiny Subwoofer too, 100w in such a small unit is crazy! I want this gracing my ears as soon as possible. Also I think Mrs Kip will appreciate a single soundbar and a tiny subwoofer over the 6 speakers dotted around the lounge at the moment. Awesome, just awesome.
