No these aren’t for a Star Wars theater — though the subwoofer conveniently looks like Darth Vader’s helmet — these are the new Cinema 300 and 500 speaker systems from JBL. Both the Cinema 300 and Cinema 500 include five satellites and a 150-watt subwoofer to produce 5.1 sound.
The big difference between the two is the 300?s lack of mid-range speakers in the satellites (other than the center speaker). The Cinema 500 comes with dual mid-range speakers in each speaker. And of course, the price: $499 for the Cinema 300 and $699 for the Cinema 500.
Press Release
STAMFORD, Conn. – HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR), today announced the newest addition to the company’s complete home theater package line-up with JBL® Cinema 300 and Cinema 500 speaker systems for movie watching at home.
With massive professional loudspeaker systems delivering stunning sound to the world’s premier movie houses, JBL engineers have been bringing movie soundtracks to life for more than 60 years. But movie lovers don’t always have to go massive to experience the same level of realism and sound at home. JBL Cinema 300 and 500 speaker systems are among the smallest and most stylish that HARMAN has ever produced. The complete 5.1 home theater package packs power as much as it does clarity, enveloping listeners with distinct dialogue, crisp, accurate music, and deep floor-rumbling bass that is easy and non-intimidating to set up in every living room.
“JBL was there when music was paired with film for the first time ever,” said David Slump, president of HARMAN Consumer Division. “With the new Cinema series speakers, we’re truly excited to showcase the same legendary technology and expertise that made JBL famous in a way that can be experienced in the comfort of your own home.”
Sculptural as it is accurate in sound, the Cinema 300 and 500 systems are designed with signature JBL Weave aesthetic styling. All of the components in each package are engineered and designed to work as an entire system for optimal performance. The four identical satellites are voice-matched to the center for consistent sound from speaker to speaker, creating a more realistic 360-degree surround-sound field throughout the room. Both series employ two PolyPlas™ cones in the center channel, but the 500 system features a lower crossover point in the surrounding satellite speakers with dual 3-inch (75mm) PolyPlas cones for even more movie-watching realism.
The Cinema series also feature a 150-watt powered subwoofer with fast-moving 8-inch (200mm) woofer. Unlike conventional front-firing drivers, the subwoofer interacts with the floor rather than nearby walls for a true entertainment experience every movie lover can feel at home.
Pricing and Availability
The JBL Cinema 300 system is available for $499 and the JBL Cinema 500 system is available for $699. For additional information or to purchase, visit www.jbl.com/cinema300 and www.jbl.com/cinema500.
About HARMAN
HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 11,800 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.5 billion for the 12 months ended December 31, 2010. The company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.
Kyle Thibaut (like “Tebo”) is an engineering stud turned writer. After U-M, Kyle worked at Car and Driver where he learned all sorts of neat stuff. It wasn’t long before he found his true calling at CrunchGear.
Email: kyle at crunchgear dot com Twitter: @kylethibaut