Audio history flows through every floor... JBL and Bowers & Wilkins anniversary exhibition opens on the 24th

[Financial News] “This exhibition offers a chance to experience the iconic designs and histories of JBL and Bowers & Wilkins, as well as innovations in audio.”
David Globke, communications director for professional and luxury audio at Harman, made the remarks during a preview tour of the exhibition held on the 21st at Project Space LINE in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. The aim is to bring together the histories and iconic designs the two brands have built, along with innovations in audio technology.
Samsung Electronics will hold an exhibition here from the 24th through the 31st to mark JBL’s 80th anniversary, Bowers & Wilkins’ 60th anniversary, and the 10th anniversary of Samsung Electronics’ announcement that it would acquire Harman. Part of the JBL Playback Gallery, which is touring major cities around the world, the exhibition will showcase representative products from different eras alongside the brands’ latest models, with listening experiences also available.

The first and second floors of the exhibition space trace JBL’s history. Exhibits include the Jackson-Bell Radio, which showcases founder James B. Lansing’s early achievements in speaker development; the Paragon, released in 1957; and the L100 Century, introduced in 1970. The Paragon is a stereo speaker that integrates the left and right channels into a single large cabinet. The L100 Century is a prime example of studio monitor technology being applied to home audio products.
The latest high-end speaker, the Summit K2, was unveiled in Korea for the first time at the exhibition. Adele’s songs played through the speaker, which combines the brand’s traditional design philosophy with the latest technology.
The third floor presents the 60-year history of Bowers & Wilkins, which has pursued “True Sound” faithful to the original recording. Exhibits include the uniquely designed Nautilus and the latest flagship, the 800 Series Diamond D5. The D5 series enhances sound reproduction through features including diamond-dome tweeters and vibration-control structures. Visitors can also explore the brand’s history of collaboration with Abbey Road Studios and its audio technology extended to wireless headphones and earphones.
Samsung Electronics plans to strengthen its product competitiveness by incorporating Harman’s and Bowers & Wilkins’ audio technologies into smartphones, TVs, soundbars, and other products. Harman’s revenue last year was 15.8 trillion won, at least double its revenue in 2017, the year immediately after the acquisition. Its operating profit last year reached a record 1.5 trillion won.
Samsung Electronics adviser Young Sohn, who chairs Harman’s board, said, “This is an opportunity to experience in one place the history of sound JBL has built over 80 years and Bowers & Wilkins’ 60-year legacy.” He added, “Samsung Electronics, together with Harman, will continue to innovate in audio technology so that customers around the world can enjoy the best possible sound in every moment of their daily lives.”

[email protected] Park Ji-yeon Reporter