Harman/Kardon makes home theater and multimedia speakers. Their parent company, Harman International, owns almost two dozen audio brand names, including JBL, Crown and Infinity. Harman/Kardon’s speaker line includes a boombox-style loudspeaker and dock for the iPod (HK GO + PLAY) and their popular jellyfish-style SoundsticksII.

Since 1953, Harman/Kardon has pumped out an impressive line of unilinear consumer audio gear. They introduced the hi-fi and stereo receivers, pioneered the use of Dolby technologies, and even helped establish universal color-coded connectors. Today, their home theater speaker systems can get you up to 7.1 surround sound.

You might already own a Harman/Kardon product and not even know it. They contract with several high-end car manufacturers and are relatively common in living rooms and attics.

Harman/Kardon surround speaker systems start at $499 and go up to $899. Their multimedia loudspeakers go at $170 for the HK GO iPod system and about $350 for the SoundsticksII. They’re available at Best Buy stores or you can find local dealers through their website. You can also order directly from HarmanAudio.com.