Harman to launch headrest speakers in cars soon

The Seat Sonic system is part of Harman's 'Ready Together System', which aims to offer each occupant the option to experience different audios.

According to reports, Audio company Harman recently demonstrated a new audio innovation called the "Seat Sonic" system, which basically integrates speakers into the headrests of cars. The new Seat Sonic system from Harman ensures a more surround sound experience.

Commenting on the demonstration, Harman stated, "Why build sound systems from the outside in, projecting soundwaves from the doors, pillars, dash, trunk, and ceiling inward toward the occupants, when you could perhaps more efficiently generate the sound right by each listener’s ears?” Miata owners may roll their eyes and ask, “what’s new?” to which we answer, “real backrest bass (not the vague simulation from the obscure BodySonic seatback bass transducers), and a novel roadmap toward expansion into the branded audio space."

The new headrest speaker system will be conventional 8-watt nearfield speakers, capable of reproducing sound frequencies between 200 Hz and 20kHz. The system will also offer a 70-watt compact woofer sealed rigidly to each seat frame, ensuring the vibrations are transmitted directly to the listener's body.

Reports state that the Seat Sonic hardware could cost more, as it integrates the speakers and woofers into the seats. However, it saves costs by simplifying the door, dash and pillar assembly.

The Seat Sonic system is part of Harman's 'Ready Together System', which aims to offer each occupant the option to experience different audios. This means the rear passengers could be listening to movies, while the driver listens to songs, and the front passenger is on a phone call.

Harman is said to be working with Adient to supply Seat Sonic. However, details of when the system will make it to an actual production car are yet to be revealed.

Source: Motortrend