Winter NAMM Booth #7800

For additional information, contact:

Philip Weiss Definition Branding & Marketing (212) 660-2555 Ext. 23 [email protected]

January 13, 2011 – For Immediate Release

Crown Redefines Category Performance and Price With Groundbreaking XLS Series

ANAHEIM, California – Redefining the category of affordable and high-quality power amplifiers, Crown is showcasing the next generation line of XLS Series amplifiers, The line – consisting of four models and offering an unprecedented level of performance and configuration flexibility ushers in a new era of power amplification at the entry level.

The XLS series amplifiers implement a flexible PureBand™ Crossover System. A user can select crossover points from 50 Hz to 3 kHz, allowing for precise matching of specified crossover points on most bi-amplified loud speakers. Increased Control is also highlighted by the three selectable channel modes and clip limiters designed to protect that can be turned on and off by channel.

PeakX™ limiters allow higher output levels than conventional analog limiting while providing assured driver protection, and deploy algorithms derived from the extensive research and development of the OmniDrive HD processing in Crown’s flagship I-Tech HD Series.

In another major advance, the XLS series amplifiers feature Integrated DriveCore™ Technology Regardless of AC Line sag or distortion due to other equipment such as backline or lighting gear, the user will consistently have the highest level of performance as though there is a power conditioner built directly into the . It also provides fast recovery on peaks, accurate reproduction of low-level detail, and precise tracking of low- frequencies at high power levels for maximum subwoofer output.

Further simplifying ease of use, an intuitive front panel work surface with LCD display provides fast and easy menu-based system setup and full amplifier diagnostics.

“We designed the XLS series amplifier from the ground-up to be a category-defining amplifier. We are bringing features and technology to a price point that no one else is close to offering. We set out to provide users with an amplifier that would reset the standard for power, performance, flexibility and value. Quite simply, this amplifier is a game changer,” stated Andy Flint, marketing manager for Crown.

The XLS Series amplifiers are housed in a premium industrial design chassis, featuring a cast front panel for durability. They also feature integrated rack handles and weigh under 11lbs making the XLS Series the ultimate portable amplifier.

XLS Series amplifiers conform to Harman Professional’s Green Edge™ environmental initiative. Crown’s advanced circuit components use fewer resources in manufacturing, but have also contributed to significant weight reduction in the amplifiers that result in less energy consumption. The XLS amplifier’s high operating efficiency translates into greater efficiency for each watt of output and a significantly reduced carbon footprint.

Crown is a unit of Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com). HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, ® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 11,000 people across the

Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.2 billion for the last twelve months ended March 31, 2010. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

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