8500 Balboa Blvd.
Released 2009 Northridge, CA. 91329 Rev0 4/2010
Discontinued XXXX
GLA-55 harman/kardon
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CONTENTS
BASIC SPECIFICATIONS………………………………..1
FEATURES……..….…………………………..…………..2
PACKAGING………………………..….…………………..3
QUIC K SETUP/ C O NNECTI O NS………………………….4
OPERATION…..……………………...……………………5
EXPLODED VIEW (MASTER, RIGHT)…..….….. ……..6
MATCHING PARTS LIST (MASTER, RIGHT) …….…....7
EXPLODED VIEW (SLAVE, LEFT)………… …………..9
MATC H I NG PART S LIST (SLAVE, LEFT) …………......10
NOTE ON ELECTRONICS……………………….…..…16
ELECTRICAL PARTS LIST…….…………………….…17
PCB DRAWINGS……………………………..……….…23
SCHEMATICS……………………………………..…..…24
GLA-55 SPECIFICATIONS
Power Output 56 Watts RMS per channel
Frequency Response (–10dB) 35Hz – 20kHz (- 10dB)
Dimensions (W x D x H) 5 x 10.5” (127mm x 267mm)
Weight per Speaker 2.5lb (1.2kg)
Input Impedance 5k ohms
Signal-to-Noise Ratio 85dB A-weighted
Input Requirement Main connection – 1/8" (3.5mm) mini stereo jack
Input Sensitivity 250mV for rated power
Maximum Power Consumption 60 Watts
Driver Complement Atlas™ AL Woofer; CMMD® Lite Tweeter
Voltage Input 120V AC (US), 100V AC (Japanese), 230V AC (Europe)
harman/kardon, Inc. continually strives to update and improve existing products, as well as create new ones. The specifications and
construction details in this and related publications are therefore subject to change without notice.
Features
Compatibility
• The GLA-55 speaker system is compatible with virtually any audio device with an analog output. A stereo mini jack connection allows
you to enjoy high-quality audio from a variety of devices such as MP3 and CD players, desktop computers (all platforms), satellite radio
and laptops.
Easy-to-use music controls
• Just a touch increases or decrease the volume. Touch both volume controls simultaneously to mute the audio output. Touch again to
unmute. An LED on the front of both satellites lets you know whether the system is on, on standby, or muted.
Beauty and sound
• The GLA-55 is a stylized multimedia focal point. Not just an exceptionally high-quality audio system, it’s also – from its chrome base to
its fully visible audio engine and port – a piece of art. No detail is left unrefined. The faceted cut-glass enclosures are a first in desktop
audio systems, and will integrate beautifully with home and office décor.
Digital power and DSP
• The GLA-55 system delivers with a powerfully tuned digital audio path. The clean and compact digital amplification, coupled with
DSP (digital signal processing) equalization, efficiently provides GLA-55 transducers with cool-running power.
Subwoofer output
• The GLA-55 systems packs a powerful punch on its own but, for added bass response, the subwoofer output allows connection to most
stand-alone subwoofer systems.
Advanced technology
• GLA-55 speakers feature many proprietary technologies to provide the highest quality sound, including astonishing bass and clear,
accurate sound in any location.
• Atlas
TM
AL and CMMD® Transducers – The CMMD drivers provide accurate high frequencies but are also capable of low-frequency
extension to four octaves; the Atlas AL drivers are capable of nearly 1" peak-to-peak travel for tight, accurate bass reproduction. Their
pairing provides a full, rich frequency response from the lowest bass to the highest highs.
• Slipstream Port Design – The GLA-55 port minimizes boundary layer separation, providing high-output bass with low distortion.
• COE (Computer-Optimized Equalization) – The GLA-55 system equalization is computer-optimized to provide a rich, complete sound-
stage over a wide range of listening positions.
• OCT (Optimized Compression Topology) – GLA-55 speakers utilize a proprietary compression technology, which ensures clean,
accurate sound at high output levels.
Detailed technical specifications
/ GLA-55
Two-piece speaker system
Manufacturer:Harman Kardon, Inc.
Model Name:GLA-55
Available In:Clear with chrome accents
Input Requirement:Main connection – 1/8" (3.5mm)
mini stereo jack
Drivers:1 x CMMD, 1 x Atlas AL driver
per satellite
Power:56 Watts per satellite
Frequency Response:60Hz – 20kHz
Dimensions (W x H):5.5" x 10.5" (140mm x 270mm)
Weight:Approx 2.5 lb (1.2kg)
Input Impedance:5k ohms
Voltage input:120V AC (US), 100V AC (Japanese),
230V AC (Europe)
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Part Number Description
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900-0478-001 GIFT BOX, HK CRYSTAL
950-0084-002 WARRANTY CARD; GENERIC HARMAN MULTIMEDIA
905-0032-001 FOAM, CUSHION, TOP, EPE, HK CRYSTAL
905-0033-001 FOAM, CUSHION, BOTTOM, EPE, HK CRYSTAL
500-0368-001 CABLE, STEREO, 3.5MM, STRAIGHT ON ONE SIDE, RT ANGLE
700-0072-001 POWER SUPPLY, HK CRYSTAL, US
AC SUPPLY CORD NEEDED WITH 700-0072-001
AC PWR CORD US 500-0130-001
AC PWR CORD EU 500-0130-002
AC PWR CORD, UK 500-0130-003
AC PWR CORD AUSTRALIA 500-0130-004
AC PWR CORD 100V JAPAN 500-0130-005
AC PWR CORD, KOREA 500-0130-006
AC PWR CORD, CHINA 500-0130-007
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harman/kardon GLA-55
• LED’s and Auto-ON feature:
The unit has an Auto-ON/Standby feature (like many of our other home
subwoofers)
The indicator is a white LED at the front of each loudspeaker
LED operation:
• Steady ON when the unit is powered up and receiving a signal (playing).
• LED’s slowly blink: STANDBY mode. (After approx.10 minutes of no signal)
• Mute function (press both volume buttons same time) the LED will be OFF. In
this state the speaker will not respond to an incoming signal (will not play
again unless it’s unmuted).
• Volume buttons/mute function (touch switch + and – buttons) in the MASTER
speaker above the woofer.
• The optional sub out jack is a 3.5mm stereo plug; this is a full range signal (not
low freq only, but intended only to be connected to powered subwoofers.)
• There is no main AC power switch
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GLA-55 PARTS LIST (RIGHT, ACTIVE) LOUDSPEAKER
Item #Part NumberDescriptionQty
1100-0092-001HOUSING, LEFT SIDE, 1EA
2100-0093-001HOUSING, RIGHT SIDE, 1EA
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30190-0554-001SEAL, PORT TO BAFFLE, 1EA
31190-0558-001SEAL, RUBBER, VOLUME BUTTON TO BAFFLE, RIGHT2EA
32190-0558-001SEAL, RUBBER PAD, BAFFLE TO HOUSING, 1EA
400-0263-001PCB, DAUGHTER, HK GLA-55, RIGHT SAT
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34800-0048-001SCREW, MACHINE, M3 X 10MM, PAN HEAD PHILLIPS, ZINC4EA
35800-0048-009SCREW, MACHINE, M3 X 5MM, PAN HEAD PHILLIPS, ZINC3EA
36800-0149-001
37800-0150-001
38800-0151-003
39800-0152-003
40800-0155-003
41800-0156-001
42820-0016-001
43820-0016-002
44820-0016-003
45820-0016-004
46820-0016-005
SCREW, FLAT HEAD, SELF TAPPING, BRIGHT ZINC PLATE,
4MMX12MM
SCREW, MACHINE, M2.5 X 7.,5MM, FLAT HEAD, PHILLIPS DRIVE,
ZINC
SCREW, MACHINE, M2.5 X 4.0 MM LONG, SOCKET HEAD CAP,
STEEL, BRIGHT NICKEL PLATE
SCREW, LG PAN HEAD, SELF TAPPING, BRIGHT ZINC PLATE, TORX
DRIVE,TWO START, 3MM DIA. X 8MM LONG
SCREW, MACHINE, M4 X 7MM, CAP HEAD SPANNER, STEEL,
BRIGHT CHROME PLATE
SCREW, MACHINE, M3X6MM LONG, PAN HEAD, PHILLIPS, SPRING
LOCK WASHER, ZINC
BOLT, MACHINE, M4 X 10.00 INTERNAL THREAD, CAP HEAD
SPANNER, STEEL, BRIGHT CHROME PLATE
BOLT, MACHINE, M4 X 22.70 INTERNAL THREAD, CAP HEAD
SPANNER, STEEL, BRIGHT CHROME PLATE
BOLT, MACHINE, M4 X 21.00 INTERNAL THREAD, CAP HEAD
SPANNER, STEEL, BRIGHT CHROME PLATE
BOLT, MACHINE, M4 X 20.30 INTERNAL THREAD, CAP HEAD
SPANNER, STEEL, BRIGHT CHROME PLATE
BOLT, MACHINE, M4 X 7.00 INTERNAL THREAD, CAP HEAD
SPANNER, STEEL, BRIGHT CHROME PLATE
IMPORTANT NOTE:
There a number of pads, gaskets, adhesive, and surfaces with double-sided tape on this
product. Attention must be paid to these areas when the GLA-55 is disassembled. If these
materials are damaged, removed, or disturbed, they must be replaced in their original location,
or the air integrity of the product will be compromised and fidelity may suffer.
I Replacing the Silver-Braided Connecting Cord On The GLA-55 Slave speaker
• Follow steps 1-5 in the procedure below “GLA-55 disassembly Slave speaker (w/ cord)”
II GLA-55 disassembly Left, Slave speaker (w/ cord)
1) Support the loudspeaker with one half section of the packing foam with the base facing upwards.
Alternately, if the packing foam is not available, the speaker must be supported so the base faces
upwards in a clamp so it can be worked on easily, taking care to pad the clamp so the enclosure will not
be scratched.
2) Peel off the four rubber pads on the base cover.
3) Remove the (4) Phillips screws that are now exposed
4) Remove the base cover from the loudspeaker and slide the cord grommet out of the notch
5) Unplug the six pin Molex connector from the small circuit board and set the cord aside.
6) Remove the (3) Torx size T10 screws from the small circuit board
7) There are (4) connections that need to be desoldered (they appear as blobs of solder). Desolder and
remove all excess solder with braided wick or a desoldering tool.
8) Remove the small circuit board; detach and watch for the small, loose “light pipe” that you do not lose it.
9) Remove the (10) Torx size T10 or Phillips screws holding the silver main base on.
10) Remove the single Torx size T10 or Phillips screw (for port tube)
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11) Remove the (2) black two-hole grommets by sliding them off the conductors; any adhesive present will
need to be removed with an exacto knife.
12) Remove the silver base.
13) Remove the loudspeaker from the packing foam (or clamp); remove the (5) spanner screws holding the
enclosure together. These screws consist of a spanner head threaded post and screw. WARNING
these are all different lengths, and you should mark of keep track of each screw as they are removed.
14) Separate the two enclosure halves, along with the front faceplate.
15) To access the drivers, pull the front chrome bezel off the front baffle; grasp it by the protective bars over
the tweeter dome and pull outward. The bezel is attached to the front baffle with double-sided tape.
16) The woofer screws are now exposed. Remove as needed.
17) Unplug the Faston connectors and buss wire from the woofer terminals.
18) For the tweeter, remove the black trim surrounding the tweeter dome. It can be pried out of the cavity
using a sharp tool at the relief holes at the top of the trim. Remove the (3) screws as needed. CAUTION
the tweeter screws also hold the port tube in place, remove as needed.
19) Unplug the Faston connectors and buss wire from the tweeter terminals.
20) When replacing the woofer, decorative cover part # 190-0528-001 should be ordered and applied to
the woofer magnet with adhesive.
Re-assembly takes place in reverse order, with these tips:
• SEE
• If you have bent the protective bars on the front chrome bezel when removing it, and they will no longer
• (2) black two-hole grommets (#29 on the drawing/parts list) will need adhesive added to seat them, and
IMPORTANT NOTE PAGE 1 OF DISASSEMBLY REGARDING GASKETS
seat in the three holes, the bars may have to be straightened into the correct position again.
to seal the buss wires threading through the holes; use silicon sealer or similar adherent.
III GLA-55 disassembly Right, Master speaker (w/amplifier)
1) Support the loudspeaker with one half section of the packing foam with the base facing upwards.
Alternately, if this packing foam is not available, the speaker must be supported so the base faces up in
a clamp so it can be worked on easily, taking care to pad any tools so the enclosure will not be
scratched.
2) Peel off the four rubber pads on the base cover.
3) Remove the (4) Phillips screws that are now exposed
4) Lift the base cover off the enclosure – warning: lift straight up or you may damage a connector.
5) If needed to replace the Main PCB (amplifier) from the base cover, remove the (7) Phillips screws.
6) Remove the (3) Torx size T10 screws from the small circuit board
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7) There are (6) connections that need to be desoldered (they appear as blobs of solder). Desolder and
remove all excess solder with braided wick or a desoldering tool.
8) Remove the small circuit board; detach and watch for the small, loose “light pipe” that you do not lose it.
9) Remove the (10) Torx size T10 or Phillips screws holding the silver main base on.
10) Remove the single Torx size T10 or Phillips screw (for port tube)
11) Remove the (2) black three-hole grommets by sliding them off the conductors; any adhesive present
will need to be removed with an exacto knife.
12) Remove the silver base.
13) Remove the loudspeaker from the packing foam (or clamp); remove the (5) spanner screws holding the
enclosure together. These screws consist of a spanner head threaded post and screw. WARNING
these are all different lengths, and you should mark of keep track of each screw as they are removed.
14) Separate the two enclosure halves, along with the front faceplate.
15) To access the drivers, pull the front chrome bezel off the front baffle; grasp it by the protective bars over
the tweeter dome and pull outward. The bezel is attached to the front baffle with double-sided tape.
16) Two of the woofer screws are now exposed. Two more are underneath the volume buttons. Remove
the two Faston connectors from the rear of the buttons, then push the buttons out of the front baffle.
This should expose the two remaining woofer screws; remove as needed.
17) Unplug the Faston connectors and buss wire from the woofer terminals.
18) For the tweeter, remove the black trim surrounding the tweeter dome. It can be pried out of the cavity
using a sharp tool at the relief holes at the top of the trim. Remove the (3) screws as needed. CAUTION
the tweeter screws also hold the port tube in place, remove as needed.
19) Unplug the Faston connectors and buss wire from the tweeter terminals.
20) When replacing the woofer, decorative cover part # 190-0528-001 should be ordered and applied to
the woofer magnet with adhesive.
Re-assembly takes place in reverse order, with these tips:
• SEE
• If you have bent the protective bars on the front chrome bezel when removing it, and they will no longer
• (2) black three-hole grommets (#29 on the drawing/parts list) will need adhesive added to seat them,
IMPORTANT NOTE PAGE 1 OF DISASSEMBLY REGARDING GASKETS
seat in the three holes, the bars may have to be straightened into the correct position again.
and to seal the buss wires threading through the holes; use silicon sealer or similar adherent.
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The electronics in the GLA-55 should be
replaced in its entirety with MAIN PCB
part# 400-0190-001. Should this part become
unavailable, the schematic and parts list are
included for reference only. Individual
components are not stocked. For assistance in
obtaining substitutes, contact Harman/kardon