Some of the first fruits of Samsung’s acquisition of Harman Kardon assets last year materialized Wednesday in the form of two co-branded premium soundbars – the HW-N950 and HW-N850 — due to hit stores next week.
According to Samsung, what this means is the new soundbars were for the most part designed and developed by Samsung with Harman Kardon certifying the audio dynamics using “sophisticated sound quality testing.”
When Samsung first acquired certain Harman International assets in March 2017, it was widely believed the deal was executed to build Samsung’s mobile electronics technologies.
The new announcement reveals that Samsung also intends to use the popular Harman Kardon brand for AV marketing in Samsung product lines. The Harmon Kardon moniker also has been used for the past couple of years embellishing the sound capabilities in step-up televisions and soundbars from arch rival LG Electronics. LG has since discontinued its collaboration with Harman Kardon and now collaborates with Meridian.
The sound by HK moniker continues to be used by other TV makers including Hisense and others.
Samsung said the HW-N950 ($1,699.99) and HW-N850 ($1,197.99) will hit store shelves August 20th with both models sporting the dual Samsung and Harman Kardon logos to identify the partnership.
According to a statement announcing the products, Harman Kardon tested and certified the units from “both the objective and subjective perspectives. The objective tests have been conducted through an anechoic chamber and mock home environments, while the subjective tests have been carried out by listening to and assessing different audio formats and music genres. The tests are done to ensure that products meet Harman Kardon’s quality and performance standards.”
Samsung said both soundbars produce “immersive and rich three-dimensional sound” using DTS’ proprietary DTS:X and Dolby Atmos object-based surround sound technologies.
Both units will pass through 3D, 4K and HDR video signals and are equipped with up- and side-firing speakers designed to move sound naturally above and around listeners, Samsung said. They also support connectivity with Alexa voice control, and Samsung’s Bluetooth-based “TV Sound Connect” that allows wireless connection to Samsung TVs.
The HW-N950, which retails for $1,699.99 on Amazon, (pictured at top) is an upgrade over the previous HW-K950 Dolby Atmos soundbar. The new version supports a 7.1.4-channel with 512 Watts of total power (4 representing overhead channels) surround sound experience from a main unit, four speakers and two wireless surround sound speakers. It also includes a built-in wireless subwoofer and rear wireless speaker kit to properly setup and deliver the intended effect.
Amazon’s Camera, Photo & Video Deals
Amazon Fire TV 4K Ultra HD Set-Top Media Adapter with Alexa
Amazon Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote
Amazon Echo Plus Voice Controlled Wireless Speaker and Home System Interface
Amazon Echo Dot Voice Controlled Home System Interface
Amazon Echo Spot with Alexa and Screen
4K Ultra HDTV Specials From Abt
Best Selling Soundbars and 5.1 Surround Systems
Other supported features include: 2 HDMI inputs, 1 HDMI output, HDMI-CEC interoperability, HDMI ARC, Alexa 3PDA, WiFi (2.4/5GHz), Bluetooth 4.0, SmartThings support, wall mounting capability.
Supported audio formats include: Dolby 5.1, Dolby DD+, Dolby True HD, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS 5.1, DTS HD, AAC, MP3, WAV, OGG, FLAC, ALAC, and AIFF.
The HW-N850 will sells for $1,197.99 on Amazon (pictured above) is described as “a more simplified version of the HW-N950” providing a 5.1.2-channel experince using a main unit speaker and woofer and 372 Watts of total power.
Other supported features include: 2 HDMI inputs, 1 HDMI output, HDMI-CEC interoperability, HDMI ARC, Alexa 3PDA, WiFi (2.4/5GHz), Bluetooth 4.0, SmartThings support, wall mounting capability.
Supported audio formats include: Dolby 5.1, Dolby DD+, Dolby True HD, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS 5.1, DTS HD, AAC, MP3, WAV, OGG, FLAC, ALAC, and AIFF.
Samsung said it has been working with Harman International on mobile products including the AKG headphones bundled with certain Samsung mobile phones and tablets tuned by AKG, as well as professional solutions for cinemas with the JBL Professional brand.
In a statement announcing the first co-produced audio products, Jongsuk Chu, Samsung Visual Display Business senior VP, said: “Our collaboration with Harman Kardon – an audio leader for 65 years – is a major leap forward as we continue to push the boundaries of premium sound and design for our consumers. Samsung’s market leading display technology and design paired with premium sound quality of Harman Kardon products is a winning combination for consumers.”
“Samsung is the world leader in sound bars and we are extremely proud that they are enlisting Harman to enhance their audio quality and play a key role in growing their premium soundbar business,” stated Dave Rogers, Harman Consumer Audio president. “Partnering with Samsung, one of the most admired brands in the world, will broaden the reach and appeal of Harman Kardon and help us build our business in other consumer and car audio branded solutions. Introducing the new co-branded Samsung Harman Kardon premium soundbars is a win for Samsung, Harman and consumers, who now will have the best of video, sound and design altogether in one striking package.”
By Greg Tarr
Have a question for the HD Guru? HD GURU|Email
Copyright ©2018 HD Guru Inc. All rights reserved. HD GURU is a registered trademark.
Stay connected