Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 1100 soundbar packs Dolby Atmos audio

Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 1100 soundbar brings Dolby Atmos to the home cinema party
(Image credit: Harman Kardon)

If you're looking for a new soundbar, Harman Kardon has just the thing. The Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 1100 succeeds the MultiBeam 700, and adds Dolby Atmos to the mix.

Dolby Atmos is a surround-sound technology that builds on the usual 5.1 or 7.1 systems by adding overhead audio channels to envelop the viewer, making the experience more immersive.

In this case, it's achieved through the MultiBeam 1100's 11 drivers, including two up-firing height channels.

But that's not the only string to its bow. Music streaming comes courtesy of Apple AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music and Chromecast built-in, while an HDMI eARC socket is also provided.

Automatic room calibration also comes as standard – the 1100 analyses your room layout and adjusts its audio output to suit its surroundings.

Struggling to hear that mumbled dialogue that pervades so many 'moody' films? The PureVoice technology might help. This is Harman Kardon's proprietary tech that aims to clarify speech through the centre channel at any volume. So you should be able to make out what the characters are saying and not disturb the neighbours.

The MultiBeam 1100 can also pair with other Citation separates like the Sub S subwoofer and Surround speakers to create up to a 5.1.2-channel system. What you lose in the convenience and space-saving of a soundbar you gain in added audio heft.

The MultiBeam 1100 comes in either grey or black, featuring real wool fabric from acoustic textiles experts Kvadrat. It will go on sale in May for £799.99 (about $1000, AU$1400).

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Joe Svetlik

Joe has been writing about tech for 17 years, first on staff at T3 magazine, then in a freelance capacity for Stuff, The Sunday Times Travel Magazine, Men's Health, GQ, The Mirror, Trusted Reviews, TechRadar and many more (including What Hi-Fi?). His specialities include all things mobile, headphones and speakers that he can't justifying spending money on.