Harman Kardon

History of Harman Kardon Products

Harman Kardon is a renowned audio equipment manufacturer, known for its innovative designs and high-quality products. Founded in 1953 by Sidney Harman and Bernard Kardon, the company has a rich history of creating exceptional audio products that have shaped the industry. Let's take a look at some of the key milestones and products in Harman Kardon's history.

1950s: Formation and Early Years

1953: Sidney Harman and Bernard Kardon, both engineers at Bogen Company, founded Harman Kardon after they disagreed with the company's focus on low-quality audio products. They aimed to create high-fidelity audio equipment that would deliver exceptional sound quality.

1954: Harman Kardon introduced the world's first compact size high-fidelity receiver, the Festival D1000. This ground-breaking product combined an AM/FM tuner, preamplifier, and power amplifier in a single unit, setting a new standard for audio equipment.

1960s: Expansion and Innovation

1960: The company released the Citation I and Citation II, the first-ever audio components to use a separate preamplifier and power amplifier. This innovative design improved audio quality and helped establish Harman Kardon as a leading audio brand.

1969: Harman Kardon was acquired by Jervis Corp (later renamed Harman International), helping the company expand its product line and distribution.

1970s: Continued Growth and New Technologies

1976: The company introduced the world's first commercial digital/analog converter, the HK 1000. This technology allowed for the conversion of digital audio signals to analog, paving the way for the digital audio revolution.

1979: Harman Kardon released the Citation XX power amplifier, which was considered one of the best amplifiers of its time. It showcased the company's commitment to high-quality audio products.

1980s: Home Theatre and Digital Audio

1985: Harman Kardon introduced the AVR10, the first-ever audio/video receiver. This product combined an audio amplifier, tuner, and video switching capabilities, allowing users to manage their entire home theatre system from a single unit.

1989: The company released the HD 710, a compact disc player that featured a 20-bit digital/analog converter, further solidifying Harman Kardon's reputation for high-quality digital audio products.

1990s: Surround Sound and New Technologies

1994: Harman Kardon launched the AVR20, the first receiver to feature Dolby Pro Logic surround sound processing. This technology allowed users to enjoy a more immersive audio experience in their home theatres.

1999: The company introduced the DPR 1001, the world's first digital path receiver. This innovative product used digital signal processing to deliver improved audio quality and performance.

2000s: Wireless Audio and Modern Design

2006: Harman Kardon released the Go + Play, a portable speaker system that combined high-quality audio performance with a sleek, modern design.

2010: The company introduced the MS 150, an all-in-one audio system that featured a CD player, FM tuner, and iPod/iPhone dock. This product showcased Harman Kardon's commitment to innovative design and versatile functionality.

2013: Harman Kardon launched the Onyx wireless speaker, featuring Bluetooth and AirPlay connectivity, allowing users to stream audio wirelessly from various devices.

2010s-Present: Smart Speakers and Continued Innovation

2017: The company released the Harman Kardon Invoke, a smart speaker featuring Microsoft's Cortana virtual assistant. This product marked Harman Kardon's entry into the growing smart speaker market.

2019: Harman Kardon introduced the Citation series, a line of premium wireless speakers that combined sophisticated design, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional audio performance.

Throughout its history, Harman Kardon has been at the forefront of audio innovation, creating products that have shaped the industry and delivered exceptional sound quality. Today, the company continues to push the boundaries of audio technology, offering a wide range of products for both home and professional use.

 For More Info Contact:

For more information on the ranges of Harman Kardon or If you have any questions or queries or would like to have a demonstration and listen to your favourite vinyl and your favourite tracks in our demonstration rooms, please get in touch with our team of experts on 02476 631707 or 02476 525200 or use our Contact Form. We would love to hear from you

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