Harman introduces beautiful new retro audio with innovative new technology at CES

If you haven’t been living under a rock in recent years, you know that vinyl records have enjoyed an almost miraculous resurgence in popularity. Although vinyl was once almost extinct, it is back and turntables are more popular than ever.

Harman today announced that it will be showcasing the JBL Spinner BT turntable at HARMAN Explore, being held January 4-7 as part of CES 2023 at the Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas. The vibrant design of the Bluetooth-enabled turntable allows listeners to enjoy vinyl records wirelessly without compromising audio quality.

The JBL Spinner BT easily pairs with portable speakers, soundbars and headphones via Bluetooth for wireless vinyl playback. There is support for aptX HD encoding to ensure the authentic sound of the vinyl is not compromised.

For a wired connection, the turntable features an analog output with a switchable moving magnet phono stage, ideal for use with traditional component audio systems or powered speakers. The unit features an aluminum platter and tonearm, a black MDF base, orange JBL accents, a modern front panel and a hinged dust cover.

The JBL Spinner can play 33 1/3 RPM records for LPs and 45 RPM records. Speeds are locked with a speed sensor to ensure perfect pitch from the belt-driven aluminum platter. The tonearm features a high-quality Audio-Technica Moving Magnet cartridge preinstalled on a detachable headshell for easy replacement or upgrade. The turntable feet are cushioned to reduce vibration.

Prices & Availability: The JBL SPINNER BT will be available in Q3 2023 at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $399/£375/€425.

Also presented at CES 2023 are the latest additions to JBL’s Classic Series. Harman introduces its new SA550 Classic integrated amplifier, MP350 Classic streaming media player, CD350 Classic CD player and TT350 Classic turntable.

JBL’s Classic Series combines timeless design with the latest technology to create a unique range of speakers and components. The components announced today continue that tradition and complement Harman’s award-winning range of passive and active Classic Series loudspeakers, including the legendary L100 Classic.

Inspired by the JBL SA600 amplifier from the 1960s and the exclusive SA750 integrated amplifier introduced to celebrate JBL’s 75th anniversary in 2021, the new components have a retro design with the same natural walnut wood veneers as the speakers of the Classic series and machined aluminum front panels and controls.

Harman says the new products, which incorporate the latest high-resolution digital and analog audio electronics, deliver “an unmatched listening experience.” By adding these new models to the range, music lovers can create a complete Classic Series audio system with a beautiful retro design, modern technology and excellent acoustic performance.

“Whether streaming audio from a mobile device or enjoying a CD or vinyl, the latest additions to our Classic Series create immersive listener experiences that bring music to life,” said Jim Garrett, senior director, product strategy and planning, at Harman Luxury Audio.” And they look as amazing as they sound. With their retro styling, they pair perfectly with each other and the JBL Classic and Studio Monitor speakers for a sleek, cohesive look in any setting. Harmans SA550 Classic integrated amplifier and MP350 Classic music player make it easy for users to stream music services and personal libraries from their smartphones and tablets.”

Equipped with an advanced high-output Class G amplifier topology and the latest Bluetooth AptX Adaptive technology for high-resolution wireless audio and low latency, the SA550 Classic can be instantly paired with mobile devices for instant high-quality music delivery.

Once the Roon-enabled MP350 Classic Music Player is connected to a home network via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, listeners can enjoy music directly from Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect, as well as a variety of additional music services via Google Chromecast or Apple Airplay ecosystems. Both components render digital audio using a high-resolution reference DAC with time-domain jitter elimination for perfect sound every time.

Harman’s CD350 Classic and TT350 Classic for listening to CDs and vinyl add a modern retro touch to CD players and turntables. Supporting CD, CD-R and CD-RW playback and FLAC, WAV, MP3, AAC and WMA file formats, the CD350 Classic features a robust loading mechanism and a USB-A input with advanced high-resolution digital technology for bit – perfect sound.

The TT350 Classic features a direct drive motor with speeds of 33 1/3 rpm and 45 rpm. The speeds are locked with a sensor for perfect pitch. The turntable features a curved aluminum tonearm with a high quality moving magnet cartridge preinstalled on a detachable headshell. Cushioned and adjustable feet reduce vibration while allowing for positioning on uneven surfaces. The TT350 also has a tinted hinged dust cover to match its walnut wood body and complete the retro look.

Prices & Availability: The JBL SA550 Classic, CD350 Classic, MP350 Classic and TT350 Classic will be available in Q2 2023 with manufacturer suggested retail prices of $2,000 / £1,599 / €1,899, $700 / £799 / €899, $800 / £875 / €999 or $1,000 / £925 / €1,049.

More info: www.harmanluxuryaudio.com

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