Harmon Kardon Onyx Studio 9: Review

Harmon Kardon knows a thing or two about delivering sophisticated looking gear.

From the sleek look of the Go + Play 3 to the compact polish of the Luna speaker, the company's certainly been aiming for a high-end look with its products - even if some of the companion app side of things has been somewhat lacking.

However, the Onyx Studio 9 appears to put a lot of those concerns to one side, even if the Onyx Studio 9 looks like a larger Amazon Echo Studio.

This circular-looking speaker is a heft device that is both weighty (close to 4.25kg) and delivers a bass rumble that makes it feel like a horde of monster trucks is passing nearby.

But what a sound it delivers.

Encased in a gun-metal grey loop and with a base that allows for standing, the device's portability is not without question, and the fact it can be left anywhere (although a lack of IP rating suggests it's not waterproof or dustproof, meaning it has to be a crystal-clear day to be used) means that it's great for parties or for different ends of the house.

With a 5.3 Bluetooth connection, the device takes a little time to connect initially and pair, but once it's done, the connection doesn't slip at all. And while the battery life is somewhat low - an 8-hour duration, perhaps a little disappointing, the device works powerfully on a 4-hour charge through a wired plug.

Coming with a companion app to fiddle with the EQ, there's a chance for audiophiles to tinker to their heart's content - but a basic output more than serves what's needed for this.

As for the sound output, it's ever-so slightly incredible. With 1 120mm Woofer and 3 20mm Tweeters, there's enough capacity to push out a decent sound. (And with each volume increase or decrease, a flashing light on the front of the speaker lets you know the message has been received.)

In terms of clarity, the speaker provides crystal-clear vocals - a simple guitar song from the likes of Bruce Springsteen or UK singer Boo Hewerdine more than delivers. And given the way the woofer and tweeters work, the acoustics of the guitar sing from the speaker.

But it's in the bass that the speaker proves its worth. The Stone Roses' bass-heavy Fools Gold and The Smiths' How Soon is Now positively rumble, making the floor shake and the pit of your stomach feel like someone's giving it a real going over. However, not once does it distort, providing superlative sound from wherever the speaker is. 

While there's a little compression at higher volume, it's barely discernible and in truth, the Onyx Studio 9 can more than service plenty of rooms of a house - or outside, covered at an event - with ease.

Ultimately, the Onyx Studio 9 stands out in terms of its look and its sound quality. At around $300 for the device, Harmon Kardon seems to make a compelling argument for this kind of price point - taking into account some of the complaints over apps previous speakers have had, this feels like the kind of speaker you buy once and don't ever need another one to replace it.