Infinity of Sound: a revolutionary car audio system - how does it work?

If you've ever gotten behind the wheel of a luxury car and been amazed at how the sound surrounds you from all sides, creating the effect of a live concert, chances are you've encountered technology Infinity of Sound. This innovative audio system, developed by specialists Harman Kardon (brand owner Infinity), radically changes the idea of sound in the cabin. But how does it work, which cars are equipped with it, and is it worth overpaying for this option? In this article we will understand all the nuances - from technical features to practical tips for setting up.

Many people confuse Infinity of Sound with conventional premium audio systems, but its key difference is use of spatial sound algorithms adapted to the acoustics of a specific car. This is not just a set of powerful speakers, but a complex system that analyzes the interior, the position of passengers and even the trim material to create the ideal sound stage. Next, we will tell you how this is implemented in practice and which car models can boast of this technology.

It is worth noting that Infinity of Sound - This is not just a marketing ploy. The system has been certified THX (standard for cinemas) and is used in class cars premium and luxury. But even if your car doesn't come equipped with it from the factory, some elements of the technology can be replicated using aftermarket equipment—we'll talk about that, too.

What is Infinity of Sound and how did it come about?

Technology Infinity of Sound was presented by the company Harman International (brand owner Harman Kardon, JBL, Bang & Olufsen etc.) in the early 2010s as a response to the growing demand for high-quality sound in cars. The idea was to bring the home theater experience into the car, taking into account its unique acoustic characteristics.

Unlike traditional audio systems, where the sound is simply amplified through speakers, Infinity of Sound uses:

• 🎛️ Digital Signal Processing (DSP) — corrects the sound in real time, compensating for distortion from interior materials.
• 🔊 Multi-channel architecture - up to 20 or more speakers located according to a special pattern (including the ceiling and headrests).
• 🧠 Spatial audio algorithms — create a 3D audio effect, like in cinemas Dolby Atmos.
• 📡 Adaptive setup — the system automatically adjusts to the number of passengers and noise level.

The first cars to receive Infinity of Sound, steel models Kia K900 (2014) and Genesis G90 (2016). Today the technology is available in lines Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, as well as in some European brands such as Mercedes-Benz (in collaboration with Burmester).

Interesting fact: the name "Infinity"(infinity) is not accidental. The developers sought to create a sound that has no boundaries - it evenly fills the cabin, without “dead zones” or distortion, no matter where the listener is sitting.

Technical features: how does the system work?

Heart Infinity of Sound - this is central processing unit with proprietary software Harman Clari-Fi. It is responsible for restoring lost frequencies in compressed audio files (e.g. MP3 or streaming music) and optimization of sound for interior acoustics. Let's look at the key components of the system:

1. Acoustic calibration of the interior

Before installing the system, engineers Harman carry out 3D scanning car interior, taking into account:

• 📏 Dimensions and shape of space.
• 🪑 Finishing materials (leather, Alcantara, plastic - they all reflect sound differently).
• 🚗 Location of speakers and their direction.

Based on this data, a unique acoustic profile, which is loaded into the system. This allows you to compensate, for example, for echoes from the windshield or sound absorption in soft seats.

2. Multi-channel architecture

Depending on the car model, Infinity of Sound may include from 12 to 23 speakers, including:

• 🔈 High frequency tweeters (in the doors and on the dashboard).
• 🔊 Midrange speakers (in the doors and rear parcel shelf).
• 💥 Subwoofers (usually in the trunk or under the front seats).
• 🎧 Headrest speakers (to create a surround sound effect).

3. QuantumLogic Surround technology

This is a proprietary algorithm Harman, which converts stereo (or even mono) audio into a multi-channel format 7.1.4. For example, if you are listening to a regular song in MP3, the system will distribute instruments across different channels, creating the effect of a live performance. By comparison, standard audio systems simply duplicate the sound to all speakers.

4. Adaptive EQ

The system automatically adjusts the sound depending on:

• 🚗 Driving speeds (boosts bass at high speeds where road noise drowns out low frequencies).
• 👥 Number of passengers (changes the balance between front and rear speakers).
• 🌡️ Temperatures in the cabin (cold air changes the acoustic properties of materials).

How to check if Infinity of Sound is in your car?

Open your media settings and look for the Audio or Sound section. If there are items like “Surround Sound”, “Clari-Fi” or the Infinity logo, the system is installed. You can also view the technical specifications of your model on the manufacturer’s website.

What cars are equipped with Infinity of Sound?

Technology Infinity of Sound is not widespread - it is installed mainly on flagship models of Korean and some European brands. Below is a table with the key vehicles where this system is available (for 2026):

Brand	Model	Year of manufacture	Number of speakers	Power (W)
Genesis	G90	2016–present time	23	1200
Genesis	GV80	2020–present time	21	1050
Kia	K900 (K9)	2014–2021	17	900
Hyundai	Equus (Centennial)	2013–2016	17	900
Mercedes-Benz	S-Class (optional)	2021–present time	18 (in collaboration with Burmester)	1130

It's important to note that Infinity of Sound often offered as an option on top trim levels. For example, in Genesis G90 the system comes in the package Prestige or Eco Luxury, which increases the cost of the car by 150–250 thousand rubles.

If your car isn't on this list but you want a similar sound, here are some aftermarket solutions you might want to consider:

• 🔧 Installation of a component audio system Infinity Kappa or Reference.
• 🎛️ Connecting an external processor Harman Kardon Drive+Play (about 50,000 rubles).
• 🔊 Replacing standard speakers with models with improved acoustics (for example, Focal or More).

Infinity of Sound vs competitors: which is better?

In the premium car audio market Infinity of Sound competes with such giants as Bose, Bang & Olufsen, Burmester and Meridian. To understand why it stands out, let’s compare the key parameters:

1. Sound quality

Infinity of Sound focuses on spatial sound and restoration of lost frequencies (thanks to Clari-Fi). While Bang & Olufsen relies on the purity of high frequencies, and Burmester - for powerful bass. If you care about the volume of sound (like in a movie theater), Infinity would be preferable.

2. Adaptability

Only Infinity of Sound and Meridian (in cars Land Rover) can automatically adjust to the number of passengers and noise level. U Bose and B&O settings are fixed.

3. Format compatibility

All systems support FLAC, WAV and DSD, but Infinity copes better with streaming services (Spotify, Apple Music) thanks Clari-Fi.

4. Price

By cost Infinity of Sound located in the middle segment:

• 💰 Bose — ~80,000–120,000 rub. (optional).
• 💰 Infinity of Sound — ~150,000–250,000 rub.
• 💰 Bang & Olufsen — ~300,000–500,000 rub.
• 💰 Burmester — ~400,000–700,000 rub.

5. Reliability

According to owner reviews, Infinity of Sound fails less frequently than Bose (known problem with amplifiers) but inferior Burmester in the durability of the speakers.

How to set up Infinity of Sound for perfect sound?

Even the most advanced audio system requires proper configuration. B Infinity of Sound There are several modes and parameters that can be optimized to suit your preferences. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. Selecting a sound mode

The following presets are usually available in the audio system menu:

• 🎵 Standard - balanced sound for everyday use.
• 🎬 Cinema — emphasis on mids and highs for watching movies.
• 🎸 Live — imitation of a concert with enhanced bass and spatial effect.
• 👂 Custom — manual equalizer adjustment.

2. Calibration for the interior

In some models (for example, Genesis G90) there is a function Auto Calibration. To launch it:

1. Close all doors and windows.
2. Make sure there is no one in the salon (except you).
3. Go to Settings → Sound → Calibration.
4. Follow the voice instructions (the system will play test tones).

3. Equalizer settings

If you have selected the mode Custom, we recommend the following settings for different genres:

• 🎸 Rock/Metal: strengthen 100 Hz (bass) and 3–5 kHz (guitars/vocals).
• 🎻 Classic: lift 2–4 kHz for strings and reduce the bass to 80 Hz.
• 🎤 Vocal/Jazz: emphasis on 1–2 kHz and 10 kHz (air).

4. Optimized for streaming music

If you're listening Spotify or Apple Music, enable the function Clari-Fi in the settings. It will restore frequencies lost during compression. To do this:

1. Go to Settings → Sound → Sound enhancement.
2. Activate the option Clari-Fi.
3. Select correction level: Low, Medium or High.

Common problems and how to solve them

Despite advanced technologies, Infinity of Sound sometimes it crashes. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them:

1. No sound from some speakers

Reasons:

• 🔌 The connector has come loose (often happens after door repairs).
• 🔊 The amplifier burned out (typical for systems with a subwoofer).
• ⚙️ Balance settings are lost.

Solution:

1. Check the sound balance in the settings (should be 0 for all channels).
2. If the problem is in the amplifier, diagnostics are required at the service center (repair cost - from 20,000 rubles).

2. Rattles or distortion at high volumes

Reasons:

• 🔈 Speaker overload (especially if you listen to music with strong bass).
• 📻 Interference from other electronic systems of the car.

Solution:

• Reduce the bass level in the equalizer.
• Check for metal objects (such as coins in a cup holder) near the speakers.
• Update the audio system firmware (instructions below).

3. The system does not turn on Surround mode

Reasons:

• 🎵 The audio source does not support multi-channel format (for example, normal MP3).
• ⚙️ Disabled in settings QuantumLogic Surround.

Solution:

1. Turn on the mode Surround manually (Settings → Sound → Modes).
2. Use music in format FLAC or DSD for better effect.

4. After updating the firmware, the sound disappeared

This is one of the most annoying problems. If the sound disappears after updating the multimedia system:

1. Try resetting your audio system to factory settings (Settings → System → Reset).
2. If this does not help, a flashing is required in the service (cost - from 10,000 rubles).

5. Noise or whistle when the system is running

This may be caused by:

• 📡 Interference from LTE modem or radar detector.
• 🔋 Malfunction of the amplifier power supply.

Solution:

1. Turn off all external devices (phone, radar detector).
2. If the whistle remains, contact the service to check the amplifier.

How to update the audio system firmware?

1. Download the latest firmware from the car manufacturer's website.

2. Save the file to a USB drive (FAT32 format).

3. Insert the flash drive into the multimedia connector and go to Settings → Software Update.

4. Follow the instructions on the screen. Do not remove the USB until the process is complete!

Is it worth paying extra for Infinity of Sound?

The question of price and justification for overpaying for Infinity of Sound concerns many buyers of premium cars. Let's figure out who really needs this system and who can save money.

1. Who is Infinity of Sound suitable for?

• 🎬 Movie buffs - If you often watch movies in the car, spatial sound will create a cinematic effect.
• 🎵 Music lovers — the system perfectly conveys the nuances of live music (especially jazz and classical).
• 🚗 For owners of premium cars — Infinity of Sound harmoniously complements the image of luxury models.

2. Who can save money?

• 🎧 For those who listen to music through headphones — the difference with a conventional system will not be obvious.
• 🚕 Taxi drivers or those who spend little time in the car - overpayment is not justified.
• 🔊 For lovers of bass music (rap, electronic) — it is better to consider systems with subwoofers (for example, JL Audio).

3. Alternatives for budget cars

If your car is not equipped Infinity of Soundbut want to improve the sound, consider these options:

• 🔧 Replacing standard speakers into component ones (for example, Infinity Kappa 60.11cs - about 20,000 rubles. per set).
• 🎛️ Installing an External Processor (for example, Helix DSP or Audison Bit One).
• 🔊 Adding a subwoofer (for example, Infinity BassLink — compact option for the trunk).

4. How much does it cost to install an analogue?

Complete replacement of the standard system with an analogue one Infinity of Sound will cost 150,000–300,000 rub., including:

• 🔊 Speakers (RUB 50,000–100,000).
• 🎛️ Amplifier and processor (RUB 70,000–150,000).
• 🔧 Installation and configuration (RUB 30,000–50,000).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

❓ Is it possible to install Infinity of Sound on any car?

Theoretically yes, but this would require a complete replacement of the audio system, including wiring, amplifiers and speakers. In practice, it is easier and cheaper to choose a car where the system is already installed from the factory. For aftermarket installation, it is better to consider similar solutions from Harman Kardon or Focal.

❓ How to distinguish real Infinity of Sound from a fake?

This system has:

• Logo Infinity on the speakers and control panel.
• Function Auto Calibration on the menu.
• Technology support Clari-Fi.
• Certificate THX (specified in the documentation).

Counterfeits are often revealed by the lack of adaptive settings and the low quality of speaker materials.

❓ Does Infinity of Sound affect the resale value of a car?

Yes, but only slightly. According to Autostat, having a premium audio system can increase the cost of a used car by 3–5%. However, the main influence on the price is mileage, condition of the body and engine. Buyers of premium cars usually expect a good audio system, so the absence of one can reduce interest.

❓ Is it possible to disable Infinity of Sound and use the standard system?

Technically yes, but this will require reflashing the multimedia system or physically unplugging the amplifiers. However, standard speakers in cars with Infinity of Sound usually of low quality (since they are designed to work with a processor), so the sound will become worse. Better configure Infinity according to your preferences.

❓ Which music formats sound better in Infinity of Sound?

The system is optimized for high quality formats:

• 🎵 FLAC (up to 24bit/192kHz) is the best choice.
• 🎵 WAV - no loss, but takes up a lot of space.
• 🎵 DSD (for example, DSD64 or DSD128) - ideal for classical music.
• 🎵 AAC (256-320 kbps) - Acceptable quality for streaming music.

MP3 (even 320 kbps) will sound worse due to compression losses, but Clari-Fi partially compensates for this.