Harman Kardon® in Mercedes-Benz® Vehicles

• Mercedes Models
  •  A-Class
  •  B-Class
  •  C-Class
  •  CL-Class
  •  CLS-Class
  •  E-Class
  •  G-Class
  •  GL-Class
  •  GLK-Class
  •  M-Class
  •  R-Class
  •  S-Class
  •  SL-Class
  •  SLK-Class

Faithful music experience for the compact class

The new generation of the Mercedes-Benz® B-Class features an extensively upgraded Harman Kardon® sound system: The 9-channel DSP amplifier with a total output of 450 watt offers an increase in output of around 40 percent in comparison with its predecessor. The compact design, however, means that the amplifier can still be stowed under the luggage-compartment lining on the right-hand side.

Discrete Logic 7 technology and DTCP signal transmission

The B-Class has 12 metal-matrix speakers. The new 2 × 50-watt 168mm double-voice-coil subwoofer used in the new generation of the B-Class produces superior low tones. The even more impulsive and spontaneously dynamic response from the new low-range speaker is particularly impressive with sudden changes in volume or intensive bass sequences. The faithful, three-dimensional surround sound is based on innovative Harman Kardon discrete Logic 7 technology. It is only with this technology that stereo recordings and 5.1 surround recordings can achieve their full potential in cars. The surround information is read out from the recording medium and distributed to optimum effect via the system architecture of the B-Class, producing a sound that remains faithful to the original. The sound source is moved away from the individual speakers, giving passengers the impression of being in a much bigger space with a broad sound platform regardless of where they are seated.

Another decisive factor in the superior quality of the sound is the digital encryption technique. Digital Transmission Content Protection (DTCP) allows high-resolution sound formats to be digitally transported from the sound carrier to the amplifier. In other words, the technology means that there is no need to convert digital signals to analog signals. This means that sound recordings in the DVD-Audio¹, DVD-Video¹ or DTS® CD formats can be transferred to the MLP, MLP 5.1, DTS 5.1, Dolby® Digital 5.1 and PCM digital standards without loss of quality.

¹ Only in combination with COMAND system
* Car models may be subject to availability in certain countries