KARLSBAD, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Harman Kardon^® discrete Logic 7 surround sound system now also provides a unique sound in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class convertible. This means that the premium music system from the Harman Automotive Division, a business unit of Harman International, is now available for all variants of high-end model.

The crystal-clear treble tones, powerful base tones and the unique, pristine sound of the Harman Kardon sound system in the E-Class models are the result of long and intensive cooperation between Harman Kardon and Mercedes-Benz. During the design phase, long before the prototype for a new vehicle model is available, the acoustic experts from Karlsbad develop the new system architecture using a virtual model. The acoustic conditions in the sedan, T-Model, coupé and convertible could hardly be more different. That’s why the speakers have not just been placed in different positions, but also different speaker types have been used, depending on the body of the particular model. The result is a truly authentic sound that sets new standards in this vehicle class.

The digital multi-channel amplifier from Harman Kardon with discrete Logic 7 provides the sound signals for every speaker, ensuring 360-degree surround sound in every seat. The surround sound system accurately reproduces the spatial quality of stereo recordings on CD and 5.1 multi-channel recordings, DVD-Audio¹, DVD-Video² and DTS-CD. Even MP3 files can be reproduced in high fidelity.

The Harman Kardon acoustic specialists developed a separate solution for each of the four E-Class model variants.

The basis for the unique, authentic sound experience in the E-Class models is the discrete Logic 7 technology from Harman Kardon. The discrete Logic 7 surround technology, which was originally developed for professional sound studios, also allows 5.1 surround recordings to attain their full potential within the automobile environment. The surround information is read out from the recording medium and distributed to optimum effect, just as intended in the original, via the system architecture of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class models. The original recording is always the standard here. The sound source is moved away from the individual loudspeakers, which means it can no longer be located. This has the effect of making the interior seem larger and the sound platform broader. Instead of a single sweet spot, the discrete Logic 7 technology produces optimum playback in every seat and from every recording.

A total of fourteen high-performance loudspeakers are installed in the E-Class sedan and T-Model, while the more compact E-Class coupé and convertible models have a total of twelve metal matrix high-performance loudspeakers. The convertible posed some real challenges for the Harman Kardon acoustic specialists. To ensure that the music sounds great even when the top is down, the amplifier receives a signal from the central electronics system as soon as the roof is opened. Sound reproduction is automatically adjusted to the altered conditions in the open car.

The high-performance amplifier in all four models is equipped with a digital signal processor (DSP) whose high computational power controls the frequency response for all speakers separately. The Speed-Sensitive Volume Adjustment (SSVA) increases the volume as the vehicle picks up speed. The result is a perfect spatial sound experience for every passenger wherever they are seated.

Audio 50 APS navigations system: the stress-free way to travel

All E-Class models sold in European markets are available with the Audio 50 APS navigation system as an option, which was specially developed for Mercedes-Benz by the Harman International Automotive Division. A key feature of the infotainment system is the generously proportioned 5.8 inch 16:9 TFT color monitor. Navigation data for a total of 32 European countries is available. All data is combined in an integrated 4 GB iNand flash memory.

Benefits at a glance

• Optimized for the E-Class Sedan, T-Model, Coupé and Convertible. Every single detail of the Harman Kardon surround sound system is specially designed and precisely tailored to the interior of the respective E-Class model.
• Power on the move. Output of 610 watts in the sedan and T-Model (main amplifier + booster) and DSP amplifier output of 450 watts in the coupé and convertible maximize the fun factor.
• Optimum performance. 14 high-end loudspeakers in the Sedan and T-Model and 12 high-end loudspeakers in the coupé and convertible guarantee precise, authentic dynamism and excellent sound balance.

• Maximum quality. Digital Transmission Content Protection (DTCP) via MOST guarantees loss-free processing of the audio information.

• 360-degree sound with every recording. Unrivalled surround sound with every recording, whether stereo or 5.1, from CD or DVD.
• Every seat is the best. Brilliant sound in every seat, without any complicated adjustment.
• 100 percent authentic. Authentic listening pleasure - as realistic, atmospheric, and rich in detail as a live performance.
• Continuous listening pleasure. Speed-Sensitive Volume Adjustment (SSVA) ensures that the sound heard by the listener always remains the same, thanks to the continuous adaptation of the volume to the vehicle speed.

Technical details at a glance

Speakers

12 or 14 Harman Kardon high-performance speakers positioned around the car for optimum effect

1. 1 x 80 mm metal-matrix center loudspeakers, in the instrument panel (sedan, T-Model, coupé and convertible)

2. 2 x 80 mm metal matrix midrange loudspeakers in the front doors (sedan and T-Model)

3. 4 x 43 mm treble speakers are installed in the mirror triangles and in the rear doors (Sedan, T-Model) or in the rear cladding panels (coupé and convertible)

4. 4 x 165 mm metal-matrix low/mid-range speakers are installed in the front doors and in the rear doors (sedan, T-Model) or in the rear cladding panels (coupé and convertible)

5. 2 x 80 mm metal-matrix surround loudspeakers, in the parcel shelf (sedan, T-Model, coupé), the D-pillars (T-Model) or top cover (convertible)

6. 1 x 200 x 320 mm double voice coil subwoofer, in the parcel shelf (sedan)

1 x 200 x 270 mm double voice coil subwoofer, parcel shelf (coupé)

1 x 200 mm double voice coil subwoofer in enclosed box under the loadspace floor (T-Model)

1 x 165 mm double voice coil speaker between the seat backs in the rear (convertible)

Amplifier

7. 610 Watt total output, distributed to a Harman Kardon DSP-

main amplifier with 450 Watt and a booster with 160 Watt,

(sedan and T-Model)

Harman Kardon DSP amplifier with 450 Watt output (coupé and convertible)

DSP with discrete Logic 7 audio processing, Digital Transmission Content Protection (DTCP), and Speed-Sensitive Volume Adjustment (SSVA)

Media and Formate

• DVD-Audio³ (MLP, MLP 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1)
• DVD-Video⁴ (DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1, Linear PCM)
• Audio-CD (DTS 5.1, Linear PCM)
• MP3 on CD (minimum 128 kBit/s)

Harman International Industries Incorporated (NYSE:HAR) (www.harman.com) develops, produces, markets and distributes a wide range of high-end audio and infotainment systems for the automotive, consumer and professional sector. The Harman International family includes internationally renowned brands such as AKG^®, Becker^®, BSS^®, Crown^®, dbx^®, DigiTech^®, DOD^®, Harman Kardon^®, Infinity^®, JBL^®, JBL Professional^®, Lexicon^®, Mark Levinson^®, Revel^®, Soundcraft^®, and Studer^®.