IFA NEWS: Harman Kardon to launch 'crystal skull' GLA-55 active speakers
The GLA-55 speakers, looking eerily similar to the alien noggins in Indiana Jones and The Crystal Skull, will be available in limited numbers (only 2-3000 pairs worldwide) from October, priced at £500.
It took 11 months to perfect the manufacturing process alone, to ensure the crystal looks seamless, but these aren't meant to just be a style statement (or, thankfully, alien mind probe).
The speakers – which will hook up to your computer, iPod or anything else with a 3.5mm output – feature digital amplification (56 watts per satellite), DSP equalisation, and patented CMMD tweeters and Atlas drivers.
They also boast touch-sensitive volume controls, a subwoofer output and a chrome base. Each GLA-55 speaker measures 14x27cm and weighs 1.2Kg.
Sadly, we didn't get to hear the GLA-55s in action, but Harman promises a "serious near-field monitor performance". We'll be putting that claim to the test when we review a pair shortly...
Harman and its sister companies – including JBL, Infinity, AKG – have saved a ton of new product launches for the IFA show, so we'll be bringing you more news later: from hi-fi separates to high-end headphones, via a brand-new Blu-ray player and the first AV receivers to feature Dolby Volume sound-equalisation technology.
Comments
No stone ball chasing, Andrew, but as I handled the speakers I did get an odd desire to spout dire Lucas dialogue. Put them down again quickly....
On the subject of Indy, JVC had laughably bad lifesize models of Dr Jones on their stand, plus were suggesting the film is due on Blu-ray at the end of October. I haven't had time to follow that one up (and the skull speaker didn't have any answers).
Wow, they'd make look great on my shelf next to all my crystal figurines....
Speaker from heaven.. However this crystal is not suitable for individual use. Big companies should have them for displays
If you pick one of them up, does a huge stone ball start chasing you?