Daniel J SaitWith the intuitively controllable Lexicon SL-1 loudspeaker system, HARMAN says it has succeeded in creating a real audio innovation.
At the HIGH END show this week, HARMAN Group will be presenting the Lexicon SL-1, a ground-breaking loudspeaker system that can be positioned in any room and use advanced beam steering technology to optimally control the sweet spot, guaranteeing the listener a high-quality music experience.
Designed as an active and completely wireless solution, HARMAN says the Lexicon SL-1 has the ability to individually optimise sound for any listening position and provides a crystal-clear, high-definition audio experience at any time, even with demanding placement options.
The loudspeaker system comprises two active floor-standing loudspeakers, each equipped with 33 loudspeaker drivers (12x 3/4in tweeters, 16x 2in midrange drivers, 4x 5.25in woofers and a 10in subwoofer) and 23 amplifier channels, each with an output of 650W (RMS) per loudspeaker.
The drivers are arranged in a 360° configuration around the Lexicon loudspeaker’s hourglass-shaped housing. A detachable four-panel grille reveals the configuration, while automatic EQ settings enhance playback for operation with or without grilles mounted.
Two LED rings integrated into the loudspeaker chassis, round off the appearance of the Lexicon SL-1 and serve to visualise the width and direction of the sound dispersion.
Now as far as EI is concerned, the world is divided into people who like their speakers on show and those who don’t. Obvs, these definitely fall into the on-show category and we really love the space age look, kind of like two friendly audio space ships have landed in the living room.
Wireless control
The Lexicon SLC-1 wireless controller complements the floor-standing loudspeakers and establishes the connection to the audio source via a variety of interfaces.
In addition to streaming via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n/ac), the Lexicon SLC-1 offers four HDMI inputs, an HDMI ARC output, a 3.5 mm jack and an optical SPDIF input. The connection to the home network can also be established via an Ethernet interface (10/100 Mbps, RJ45).
The entire speaker system supports high-definition 24-bit transmission and universal audio standards, including PCM, AAC, FLAC, MP3 and WMA (via HDMI and SPDIF). Furthermore, Lexicon SL-1 is fully compatible with Dolby Digital and DTS Digital Surround (via HDMI and SPDIF) and supports UHD video signals with up to 4K resolution (HDCP 2.2 compatible).
HARMAN directs the sound of the Lexicon SL-1 using DSP array processing to control the direction and width of the sound dispersion.
The advanced algorithm adjusts the location and size of the listening area or sweet spot in real time, giving the user the ability to individually control their listening experience.
Despite the complex calculations required for this, the Lexicon SL-1 is controlled via a mobile app. Available for Android and iOS devices, the application uses finger gestures to control the size and position of the sweet spot.
This makes it possible to overcome restrictions in positioning the loudspeakers in the room, as well as to boost playback for one or more people in the room. Programmable presets allow different configurations to be permanently stored and immediately accessed.
“With the Lexicon SL-1 we present a completely flexible all-in-one loudspeaker system of the absolute premium class,” explains Scott Campbell, Global Sales Director Luxury Audio at HARMAN. “Crafted in an iconic design, this system offers unprecedented possibilities in terms of controlling and optimizing the sound reproduction according to the personal requirements of the user and their spatial conditions. What is more, the Lexicon SL-1 is one of the most elegant and powerful solutions for a fully-fledged and future-proof home entertainment setting.”
The Lexicon SL-1 launch at the HIGH END and will become available during the fourth quarter of 2019. The recommended retail price is 43,000 EUR or £40,000 GBP (incl. VAT).
