Lexus NX SUV first to get Harman Clari-Fi processing

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The Lexus NX SUV will be the first car to incorporate Harman’s Clari-Fi technology, which analyzes and improves the audio quality of compressed music files.

How we store and play our songs have shifted in the last decade – CDs are out, and our music is now compressed and stored on portable devices or even streamed over the internet through services such as Spotify or Infogo. Not many people listen to uncompressed FLAC files as they require a bomb in terms of storage space to keep a sizeable library.

Harman says compressing audio can discard up to 90 percent of the original audio content captured in the studio. As a result, consumers cannot experience music in the way the artist originally intended. It’s claimed that the Clari-Fi algorithms can analyze the signals in real time and rebuild them during playback.

clarifi

Harman says it does not simply add equalization and boost bass, or mask the effects of heavy compression by adding new effects.

Clari-Fi will be a feature of the NX’s Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound Audio System, which includes 14 speakers in 12 locations, powered by a 10-channel 835 watt ML5 amp.

Mark Levinson is a brand under the Harman group, which also includes AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL and Lexicon. Clari-Fi is already included in Harman’s JBL Authentics Series wireless sound systems.

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Paul Tan

After dabbling for years in the IT industry, Paul Tan initially began this site as a general blog covering various topics of personal interest. With an increasing number of readers paying rapt attention to the motoring stories, one thing led to another and the rest, as they say, is history.

 

Comments

  • Semi-Value (Member) on Sep 29, 2014 at 10:22 am

    not even as good as my B&O – says audi fans

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 20
    • Bang & Olufsen is known for its geekiness, such as the raising tweeter near the A-pillars, and its wide-range performance while Mark Levinson is famous for its amplifiers and innovation in digital audio processing. It’s hard to compare both, as both are too good for our normal ears to compare.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 0
  • Obviously (Member) on Sep 29, 2014 at 10:36 am

    Mmmm….intriguing. Audiophiles take note.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
    • Obviously (Member) on Sep 29, 2014 at 10:37 am

      Take note because such a system exists. The applications of this will go far beyond automobiles.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Sonyman on Sep 29, 2014 at 12:02 pm

    As far as audio is concern, rubbish in rubbish out. Means compressed audio will reproduce in a compress sound, missing imformation.

    Funny, not many ppl listen to flac, must be kidding, Lexus, don’t think uncle no nothing about high quality audio ok. They can still listen.

    What rubbish!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 11
  • mehmeh on Sep 29, 2014 at 12:08 pm

    Though it’s not technically wrong to call vehicles of this class “SUV”, the term “CUV” should suit them better.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
  • Jimmy on Sep 29, 2014 at 12:55 pm

    Improve your interior design first.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 9
 

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