Does Infinity Still Make Home Speakers? The Quick Answer
Yes and no. While Harman International (a subsidiary of Samsung) still officially owns Infinity, the brand has shifted focus almost entirely toward car audio. If you are looking for brand-new, current-generation Infinity home speakers like the legendary Kappa or Reference series for your living room, they are effectively discontinued in the traditional retail market.
However, many enthusiasts still find “new old stock” or refurbished units through specific channels. To help you navigate the current landscape of this iconic brand, here is a quick Expert Summary:
Current Status: Infinity is primarily a car audio brand today; home audio production is largely dormant.
Ownership: Harman International (Samsung) manages the brand alongside JBL and Revel.
Availability: You can still buy Infinity speakers through the official Harman/Audio website (limited stock), Amazon, eBay, and specialized used gear sites like Reverb.
Legacy Quality: Vintage Infinity models remain highly sought after for their EMIT tweeters and high-end crossover designs.
Key Takeaways: The State of Infinity Audio
| Feature | Status/Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Car Audio (Primus, Reference, Kappa series) |
| Home Audio Production | Mostly ceased; limited “Reference” series stock remains |
| Parent Company | Harman International (owned by Samsung) |
| Where to Buy | eBay, Reverb, Amazon, and Crutchfield |
| Best For | Audiophiles seeking high-value vintage performance |
Step 1: Verify If Infinity Still Makes Home Speakers for Your Needs
Before you start hunting for equipment, you must understand what happened to Infinity speakers. In the 1970s and 80s, Infinity was a titan of high-end home audio. Today, Harman uses JBL for mainstream home audio and Revel for high-end luxury, leaving Infinity to dominate the mid-range car audio market.
Research Current Inventory
Check the official Harman Audio website. While they occasionally list Reference series bookshelf or floor-standing speakers, these are often clearance items or older designs.
Identify the “Ghost” Listings
You may see Infinity speakers listed on sites like Amazon. Most of these are the Reference R152 or R162 models. These were the last major home audio push by the brand. If you see these in stock, they are likely the last of the production runs.
Step 2: Source Authentic Infinity Speakers Today
Since the question of where to buy Infinity speakers is no longer as simple as visiting a local Best Buy, you need a strategic approach to finding them.
Buy New-Old-Stock (NOS)
Some retailers like Crutchfield or Harman’s direct outlet store still carry remaining inventory. This is the only way to get a manufacturer’s warranty.
Navigate the Used Market
Because Infinity was known for high-quality components, the used market is thriving. Use these platforms:
- Reverb: Best for verified functional audiophile gear.
- eBay: Great for finding specific parts (like EMIT tweeters).
- Facebook Marketplace: Ideal for heavy floor-standing speakers to avoid massive shipping costs.
Check Manufacturing Origins
If you are wondering where are Infinity speakers made, modern units are typically manufactured in China or other overseas facilities under Harman’s global supply chain. Vintage units (pre-1990s) were often made in the USA, which is a key factor for collectors.
Step 3: Evaluate Vintage Infinity Components
If you decide to buy older models because are Infinity speakers still made only in limited capacities, you must know how to inspect them. Infinity speakers from the “Golden Era” have specific failure points.
Inspect the Woofer Surrounds
Most Infinity speakers from the 90s used foam surrounds that eventually rot. This is known as “foam rot.”
Action: Gently touch the outer ring of the woofer. If it crumbles, it needs a re-foam kit.
Test the EMIT Tweeters
The Electromagnetic Induction Tweeter (EMIT) is the crown jewel of Infinity engineering. These are fragile.
Action: Play a high-frequency sweep. If you hear crackling or silence, the diaphragm may be blown. These are expensive to replace but essential for that “Infinity sound.”
Step 4: Match Your Speakers with the Right Amplification
One reason people ask who makes Infinity speakers is that they want to ensure compatibility with modern receivers. Infinity speakers, especially the Kappa series, are famous for being “amp killers.”
Check Impedance: Many classic Infinity models drop to 2 ohms. Most modern entry-level receivers will overheat.
Power Requirements: Use a dedicated power amplifier if you are running vintage towers. Harman Kardon or Adcom amps are historically great matches.
Modern Receivers: If you have the newer Reference R162 series, any standard Denon or Yamaha AVR will work perfectly as they are 8-ohm compatible.
Step 5: Set Up for Maximum Imaging
Infinity speakers are renowned for their wide soundstage. To get the most out of your investment, follow these placement rules:
- The Rule of Thirds: Place the speakers at least 2-3 feet away from the back wall to prevent “boomy” bass.
- Toe-In: Angle the speakers slightly toward your listening position.
- Tweeter Height: Ensure the EMIT or dome tweeters are at ear level when seated.
Tools & Materials for Maintaining Infinity Speakers
| Tool/Item | Purpose | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Re-foam Kit | Repairing rotted woofer surrounds | $25 – $50 |
| DeoxIT D5 | Cleaning oxidized wire terminals and pots | $15 – $20 |
| Multimeter | Testing voice coil continuity | $20 – $40 |
| Speaker Grille Cloth | Replacing faded or torn covers | $15 |
Expert Pro Tips for Infinity Owners
Avoid “White Van” Scams: If you see “Infinity” speakers being sold out of a truck or on a sketchy website for “90% off,” they are likely fakes. Real Infinity gear is branded with the distinct Harman logo.
Check the Serial Numbers: On vintage models, the serial number can tell you if the unit was made in the California factory or later Harman facilities.
Capacitor Upgrades: If you buy a pair of 30-year-old speakers, the capacitors in the crossover have likely drifted. Replacing them with modern polypropylene caps can dramatically “wake up” the sound.
Car vs. Home: Don’t confuse the two. If you search for does Infinity still make speakers, 90% of your results will be for 6.5-inch car door speakers. Always specify “Home Audio” in your search.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Underpowering the Speakers: Using a weak amp with high-end Infinity towers can cause “clipping,” which will blow the delicate EMIT tweeters.
Ignoring Foam Rot: Running a speaker with rotted foam will eventually cause the voice coil to rub against the magnet, destroying the driver permanently.
Mixing Brands: For a home theater, try to keep your front three speakers (Left, Right, Center) within the Infinity Reference family to maintain a consistent “timber” or sound signature.
FAQs About Infinity Speakers
Who owns Infinity speakers now?
Infinity is currently owned by Harman International Industries, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics. This is why you often see Infinity, JBL, and AKG products marketed together.
Does Infinity still make home speakers for 5.1 systems?
While they no longer produce full 5.1 “home theater in a box” systems, you can still piece together a system using the Infinity Reference bookshelf and center channel speakers found on the secondary market or through Harman’s outlet.
Are Infinity speakers better than JBL?
This depends on your preference. Historically, Infinity was known for clinical accuracy and high-end ribbon tweeters, whereas JBL focuses on high sensitivity, “pro sound,” and powerful bass. Both are excellent but offer different sound profiles.
Where can I find replacement parts for old Infinity speakers?
The best source for parts is Simply Speakers or Midwest Speaker Repair. For original EMIT diaphragms, you will likely need to scavenge parts from “donor” speakers on eBay.
Conclusion
While the golden age of Infinity home audio has transitioned into a legacy phase, the brand remains a powerhouse in the car audio sector. If you are asking does infinity still make home speakers, the reality is that you are likely looking at a brand in transition. You can still enjoy that legendary sound by sourcing the Reference series or diving into the rewarding world of vintage audio restoration.
Whether you are upgrading your car’s sound system or hunting for a pair of classic Kappa towers, Infinity represents a standard of engineering that few brands can match for the price. Start your search on verified platforms like Reverb or the Harman Outlet to ensure you are getting the genuine article.
