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US distributor Harman Luxury Audio Group has confirmed its new JBL DA Series distribution amplifiers are about to go on sale in the UK. Engineered to work with any existing JBL architectural loudspeaker, the 8-channel DA850 and 16-channel DA1650 provide four and eight zones of audio, respectively, in a compact 1U design while offering bridgeable outputs to meet high-power requirements.

Both the DA850 and DA1650 offer a claimed 50W for each of their Class D channels into 8ohm loads and 110W into 4ohm. By bridging their outputs, rated power increases to 185W into 8ohm loads. For additional flexibility, each audio zone can feature an independent source or a single source can be shared across all zones using the global audio input. In addition, zones sharing an audio source can be expanded across multiple amplifiers using the global audio output.

The DA amplifiers offer three power mode control options – 12V trigger, audio-sensing inputs and always on – plus over current and thermal protection to prevent potential speaker damage. The amplifiers feature local and bus inputs and channel output level controls.

The DA850 and DA1650 are priced at £1,300 and £1,600 respectively.

Harman has also announced the arrival of the JBL L42ms integrated music system offering a variety of wired and wireless connectivity options in a single-cabinet setup.

The company says the JBL L42m: “showcases the signature sound of a pair of JBL loudspeakers in a sleek, compact cabinet featuring an iconic JBL Quadrex curved grille, tapered side edges and a black or natural walnut real-wood veneer finish”. Inside the cabinet are a pair of dual 102mm bass drivers and dual 19mm aluminium dome tweeters with waveguides positioned to the left and right to create a wide and even soundfield. The L42ms features 200W RMS total system power built-in and a 24-bit/96-kHz DAC.

The integrated music system offers two sets of analogue stereo inputs (RCA and 3.5mm) and HDMI-ARC for easy connection to a TV screen. For streaming audio, the L42ms provides wired or wireless network connection via Ethernet, Apple AirPlay2 and Google Chromecast Built-in alongside Bluetooth. The L42ms routes all audio signals through its advanced DSP engine, where content is contoured and output to the speakers via an integrated four-channel amplifier.

A Sound Field Expansion (SFX) mode can be accessed from the remote control to add a sense of increased spaciousness and a wider soundstage. The company says that, while the L42ms is quite capable of powerful dynamic bass on its own, it also includes a signal-sensing subwoofer output that implements an internal 80Hz high-pass filter, making for a connection with the JBL L10cs Classic Series powered sub.

The L42ms features built-in access to Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect streaming audio services and users can also access music on compatible UPnP network storage devices on local networks or a USB drive connected via the USB-A input. It’s priced at £1,000.