HK Citation multiroom

Back in the day, harman-kardon used the Citation name for some serious amplification, but now it’s to become the banner under which the company is launching an ambitious and wide-ranging set of multiroom audio products, using Chromecast as their kicking-off point for wireless connections. While they start with the standalone wireless speakers and soundbars that you’d expect from a multiroom range, they top out with the impressive Tower model, a full-size floorstanding design carrying 2 × 200W of power, capable of 24-bit/96kHz streaming, and incorporating both Google Chromecast and Voice Assistant. It also uses the clever WiSA wireless technology which aims to simplify set-up, room placement and expansion — throughout the range there are options to use the speakers individually or build a system up to 5.1-channel surround.

Linking the designs is the use of aluminium detailing with a dirt-repellant and flame-retardant wool fabric in Winter Gray or Classic Black — the Kvadrat fabric uses New Zealand wool, we were told by Harman’s Michael Sherman at IFA, though Kvadrat itself is a Danish firm. We have Euro pricing for the standalone speakers, which are the tabletop One (€199), 100 (€299), 300 (€399) and 500 (€649, pictured below), all with both Google Assistant and Chromecast built in, and with useful high-quality displays. The Bar (€899) has three 4K-compatible HDMI inputs in addition to WiSA, Chromecast and Google Assistant. A Citation subwoofer, again with WiSA, will be available at €799. Finally there’s that tall Tower (€2499) and a Surround model also using WiSA, at €449. The Sub and the Surround don’t have their own Chromecast, since they work in conjunction with either the Tower or the Bar. More information as it happens, local pricing etc., from www.harmankardon.com.au