The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 is a testament to Harman Kardon’s commitment to blending superior sound performance with sleek, contemporary design. This wireless speaker stands out in the market, not just for its audio capabilities but also for its eco-friendly materials and portability. In this review, we will delve deep into the various aspects of the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8, including its design, sound quality, features, and overall performance. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of what makes this speaker a worthwhile investment.
Design and Build Quality
One of the most striking features of the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 is its unique design. The speaker has a convex shape, which gives it a modern and sophisticated look, making it a perfect addition to any room’s decor. The anodized aluminum handle doubles as a sturdy base, adding to its portability and convenience. This handle design not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also makes it easy to carry the speaker from one room to another.
The materials used in the construction of the Onyx Studio 8 are of premium quality. The speaker grille fabric is woven from recycled polyester yarn, and the plastic components are made from recycled materials. This emphasis on eco-friendliness extends to the packaging as well, which is made with FSC-certified paper and printed with soy ink. These choices reflect Harman Kardon’s dedication to reducing environmental impact, making the Onyx Studio 8 a green choice for environmentally conscious consumers.
Sound Quality
Acoustic Engineering
The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 boasts unrivaled acoustic engineering, delivering rich, room-filling sound. The dual-tweeter design allows for stereo playback without downmixing to mono, ensuring that the sound quality remains high regardless of the audio source. This design feature is particularly beneficial for those who appreciate detailed and immersive sound experiences.
Balanced Sound Profile
Out of the box, the Onyx Studio 8 offers a balanced sound profile. The mid-range is relatively flat, making it ideal for podcasts and vocal-heavy content. This balance ensures that voices come through clearly and with good detail, which is perfect for listeners who prioritize clarity in speech and vocal performances. However, it is worth noting that while the speaker can get quite loud, there is some compression at maximum volume, which may affect audio quality.
Room Correction Feature
Another standout feature is the self-tuning capability of the Onyx Studio 8. Upon powering on, the speaker automatically calibrates to its environment. This ensures optimal sound performance no matter where the speaker is placed. This automatic room correction feature adjusts the audio output based on the acoustics of the surrounding space, providing a consistently high-quality listening experience.
Connectivity and Portability
Bluetooth Connectivity
The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 excels in wireless connectivity. It supports Bluetooth streaming, allowing you to pair it seamlessly with any Bluetooth-enabled device. A notable feature is its Bluetooth multipoint capability, which lets you connect up to two devices simultaneously. This means you can easily switch between different playlists from different devices without the hassle of disconnecting and reconnecting.
Battery Life
One of the key advantages of the Onyx Studio 8 is its portability, thanks in large part to its impressive battery life. The speaker offers up to eight hours of continuous playback on a single charge. This extended battery life ensures that you can enjoy your music or podcasts without needing to keep the speaker plugged in constantly. Whether you are using it indoors or taking it outdoors, the Onyx Studio 8 provides a reliable and long-lasting audio experience.
User Experience
Ease of Use
Setting up and using the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 is straightforward. The Bluetooth pairing process is quick and simple, and the controls are intuitive. The speaker does not come with a built-in voice assistant or speakerphone functionality, which may be a drawback for some users. However, its primary focus is on delivering high-quality audio, and it excels in that regard.
Portability
The lightweight and portable design of the Onyx Studio 8, combined with its durable handle, makes it easy to carry around. This portability is a significant advantage for users who want a versatile speaker that can move from room to room or even outdoors. The sleek design also means that it can blend seamlessly into different environments, whether at home or at a small gathering.
Environmental Impact
Eco-Friendly Materials
Harman Kardon has made significant efforts to ensure that the Onyx Studio 8 is environmentally friendly. The use of recycled plastic and polyester yarn for the speaker grille fabric highlights the company’s commitment to sustainability. The eco-friendly materials used in the speaker’s construction not only reduce its environmental footprint but also contribute to its overall aesthetic and build quality.
Sustainable Packaging
In addition to the use of recycled materials in the speaker itself, Harman Kardon has also focused on sustainable packaging. The packaging is made from FSC-certified paper and printed with soy ink, further reducing the environmental impact. This attention to detail in both the product and its packaging underscores Harman Kardon’s dedication to sustainability.
Performance in Different Scenarios
Music Playback
When it comes to music playback, the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 shines with its rich and dynamic sound. The stereo playback capability ensures that the audio is immersive and detailed, making it suitable for various genres of music. Whether you’re listening to classical, rock, jazz, or pop, the Onyx Studio 8 delivers a high-quality audio experience.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
For podcasts and audiobooks, the Onyx Studio 8 is an excellent choice due to its balanced mid-range response. This ensures that voices are clear and well-defined, making it easy to follow along with spoken content. The portability of the speaker also means you can take it with you and enjoy your favorite podcasts or audiobooks anywhere in your home.
Movie and TV Audio
While the Onyx Studio 8 is not specifically designed for home theater use, it can still enhance the audio experience when watching movies or TV shows. The rich and detailed sound can add depth to the viewing experience, though it may not fully replace a dedicated home theater sound system.
Comparison with Other Speakers
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 vs. Onyx Studio 8
The Onyx Studio 8 builds on the success of its predecessor, the Onyx Studio 7, with several key improvements. The addition of the self-tuning feature in the Onyx Studio 8 ensures better sound quality in different environments. The use of eco-friendly materials is also a significant upgrade, reflecting Harman Kardon’s commitment to sustainability.
Competing Brands
When compared to other premium wireless speakers on the market, the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 holds its own. Brands like Bose and Sonos offer similar high-quality audio experiences, but the Onyx Studio 8 stands out with its unique design and eco-friendly features. The portability and Bluetooth multipoint connectivity also give it an edge over some competitors.
Recommendations
Ideal Use Cases
The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 is ideal for users who prioritize high-quality audio and stylish design. It is perfect for home use, whether for casual listening, hosting gatherings, or enhancing the audio experience for movies and TV shows. Its portability also makes it suitable for outdoor use, such as picnics or small outdoor parties.
Considerations
While the Onyx Studio 8 excels in many areas, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. The lack of a built-in voice assistant and speakerphone functionality may be a drawback for some users. Additionally, the compression at maximum volume may affect audio quality for those who frequently listen at high volumes. However, these are relatively minor issues compared to the overall performance and quality of the speaker.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 is a well-rounded wireless speaker that delivers on both sound quality and design. Its balanced sound profile, portability, and eco-friendly materials make it a standout choice in the premium wireless speaker market. Whether you’re a music lover, podcast enthusiast, or someone who appreciates modern design, the Onyx Studio 8 is a speaker that is sure to impress.
Conclusion
The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 speaker is a remarkable piece of audio equipment that successfully combines superior sound performance with a sleek, modern design. Its unique aesthetic, portability, and eco-friendly materials make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their audio experience at home or on the go. With its balanced sound profile, room correction feature, and Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, the Onyx Studio 8 stands out as a top contender in the premium wireless speaker market.
In conclusion, the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 is a versatile and stylish speaker that offers exceptional sound quality and convenience. Its eco-friendly construction and sustainable packaging further enhance its appeal, making it a smart choice for environmentally conscious consumers. Whether you’re listening to music, podcasts, or watching movies, the Onyx Studio 8 delivers a consistently high-quality audio experience that is sure to impress.