New Reference product line introduced
 

HARMAN Introduces a New Generation of Infinity Reference Series Loudspeakers -- STAMFORD, Conn., July 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

Unfortunately, I see this as further evidence of a brand that lost its way. The IRS series is THE reference and I seriously doubt this new line would hold a candle to it...

The costliest model in the line costs under $1,100 per pair. Not "Reference"-like pricing.

Models

R152 2-way 5.25" (130 mm) Bookshelf Loudspeaker MSRP: $399.95/pr
R162 2-way 6.25" (165 mm) Bookshelf Loudspeaker MSRP: $499.95/pr
R253 3-way Dual 5.25" (130 mm) Floorstanding Loudspeaker MSRP: $899.95/pr
R263 3-way Dual 6.5" (165 mm) Floorstanding Loudspeaker MSRP: $1,099.95/pr
RC252 2.5-way Dual 5.25" (130 mm) Center Channel Loudspeaker MSRP: $349.95
RC263 3-way Dual 6.5" (165 mm) Center Channel Loudspeaker MSRP: $499.95
RS152 2-way 5.25" (130 mm) On-wall Surround Loudspeaker MSRP: $499.95/pr
SUB R10 200-watt 10" (250 mm) Powered Subwoofer MSRP: $499.95
SUB R12 300-watt 12" (300 mm) Powered Subwoofer MSRP: $599.95

http://photos.prnewswire.com/prn/20140728/130656

It seems Harman has worn the brand out with mass market offerings. The last time, they tried introducing the Cascade line. I went to listen out of curiosity and they weren't even close. I would think they would do better introducing the IRS Classic, a system built on the line source concept using the driver technology they already have in house from the old EMIT-K's and EMIM's with better neodymium magnets. All they really need to improve on is the wiring and use modern electronics. The old wire was Monster and it was subject to oxidation. The old caps and other components could easily be improved upon. I use a Pass Labs XVR-1 crossover which is light years ahead of the built in crossovers. They could have 3 models again; one with all drivers in one cabinet, a second based on the prior with an outboard active crossover, and a third based on the Beta concept with an outboard woofer tower. The main difference would be the 4 piece unit would be a line source with a column of EMIM's and a column of EMIT-K's. Almost like a short IRS V. Oh well, we will see what they come up with next time.

I agree with Larry.

I'm sticking with what I have.

That includes the Pass Labs XVR1 active crossover.

Seems kind of pathetic when compared to Infinity's of yesteryear. Just put the brand out of it's misery already! Or someone should buy it and do something with it. Ivan, buy them out!

This new Infinity lineup is an embarrassment to the Infinity name. These speakers appear to be nothing more than big box store offerings for the home theater in a box crowd. Pitiful.

You're probably right about that, but Infinity has been catering to the big box crowd for quite awhile now, at least back to the original Kappa days. The "reference" description is probably more of historical nod to some of their old lines than it is meant to be some kind of reference product. I remember the last couple of Infinity Reference lines dating back to the last days of Circuit City. They sounded like a fart in a bucket. :D

- Buck

I wish that Infinity would be sold to a owner that appreciate the brands pedigree and proud history. Time to go back to the roots and introduce new Kappa and Sigma speakers that honour the predecessors!

new order.......I agree. If Infinity were under the ownership of a group interested in high-end speakers, I believe there would be a place for them in the market. Perhaps a refreshed version of the 9 Kappa would be a good place to start.


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A good idea!:thumbsup: A cousin of mine owns a pair of Kappa 9. Really good speakers even by todays standard.