amazon Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 reviews

Introduction

Harman Kardon is a well-known name, especially with SoundSticks in its portfolio, involving the whole spectrum of design and sound quality. Since the advent of the original SoundSticks more than twenty years ago, they have been revered as more than simply an audio device; these are works of art. The SoundSticks 4 maintain these ideals by incorporating just as much concert-grade sound technology into a design that could very well be the centerpiece in any modern living room. This review explores various facets of the Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4, from design and build quality to audio performance, connectivity, ease of use, and value for money.

Design and Build Quality

Aesthetics

The design of the Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 pays homage to the previous generation while growing into modern design territory. The first thing that catches the attention is the clear housing, a trademark design that has, in fact, identified the SoundSticks series. However, the SoundSticks 4 now take the idea one step further with their aggression towards a cleaned-up, current look.

The subwoofer and satellite speakers are sandwiched inside the transparent case, trickling water on their insides and bestowing upon the whole system a futuristic feel. The subwoofer is interestingly hourglass-shaped, unlike the older bulbous ones. The satellite speakers have retained the trademark tube-like form factor so now they are cleaner and more minimalist-looking. Opening visible screws or joints would, against their clean, modernistic looks.

Build Quality

Harman Kardon seemed to be living up to its name for durability and quality. The SoundSticks 4 has a wonderful feel in the hand, speaking of the quality materials used in its construction. It appears that their goal was to ensure the plastic housing stays transparent for many years to come. At the base of the subwoofer, it is sturdy enough to stand steady, irrespective of how loud the bass comes out.

These satellite speakers, while being light in weight, never feel cheap. They are mounted on strong yet flexible legs that will allow one to easily position and angle to get the best sound dispersion. The cabling is equally good, with thick, well-insulated wires that promise less tangle and damage.

Audio Performance

Sound Quality

The system offers a very balanced yet loud sound profile, which makes it perfect for almost any kind of music and for all kinds of ears. With the two satellite speakers and the down-firing subwoofer working all in tandem, there is never an empty or half-measure sound experience.

Bass: The sub-woofer is the heart of the SoundSticks 4 sound system and produces deep bass that is powerfully rich yet under control. The down-firing design distributes the lowest frequencies evenly to the entire room, thus producing heavy bass that does not in any way override the midrange or treble. Whether it is bass-heavy electronic music or the low-end thump of an electric drum kit, the subwoofer gets its job done well, producing a punchy yet very subtle sound.

Midrange: This is where the SoundSticks 4 truly shines, in the midrange frequencies. Each satellite speaker houses four drivers that clearly reproduce vocals, guitars, and other midrange instruments. Vocals suffer from no distortion and come out with a natural, lifelike clarity. Harman Kardon has tuned the SoundSticks 4 such that the midrange is never recessed but also not aggressively forward while still offering an element of compromise-all this makes it equally useful for casual listening and critical listening.

Treble: The treble is crisp and clear without being too bright or harsh. The highs have a very good extension, adding great detail and sparkle to acoustic pieces and orchestral music. Cymbals, strings, and other high-frequency instruments are embellished with precision to reinforce the realism and immersion of the entire experience. The treble, being very smooth and refined, will spare your ears from any kind of fatigue even after hours of listening.

Soundstage and Imaging

Perhaps one of the best features of the SoundSticks 4 system is an almost limitless soundstage. Although being pretty much compact, the system creates a wide sound field from which individual audio sources, vocals, or instruments can be summoned at will by a listener. The imaging remains precise; sounds move from well-defined spatial locations within the stereo field for a seemingly real experience, especially in enjoyment of a symphony orchestra or a live recording of a favorite band.

Volume and Dynamics

The SoundSticks 4 can render loud volume levels without distortion. The system can easily fill a medium-sized room and be large enough for personal listening or small parties. The system is also unique for handling extreme dynamics of quiet and loud crescendos. The transition of loud and soft passages is smooth, and this greatly adds to the perceived depth and realism.

SoundStick speakers loved by Harman Kardon followers around the world are back with the fourth generation – SoundStick 4, featuring signature sound technology.

Launching to the global fans at the Tech Show starting in early 2020, SoundStick is proud to be a new member of Harman Kardon’s most iconic speaker series.

When first released in 2000, these speakers quickly became one of the most sought-after desktop sound systems. With its completely new and distinctive design, SoundSticks 4 harmonizes with any living space thanks to its sound quality and transparent materials.

Keeping the original shape and construction materials, the SoundSticks 4’s design retains the sleek dome of these speakers, suitable for all interiors. Two powerful satellite speaker columns and subwoofer housing with a wavy inner surface design allow listeners to fully enjoy the bass and deliver realistic, vivid sound.

Dave Rogers, President of the Lifestyle Audio Department at Harman said: “SoundSticks 4 follows our commitment with an iconic design and superb sound quality. One of the world’s most recognizable loudspeakers, SoundSticks 4 is a crystallization of technical expertise gathered over decades to deliver a flawless listening experience and allow listeners to reflect on the beauty of music.”

SoundSticks 4 features

Unique dome structure, two satellite columns, and subwoofer cover with a rippled inner surface

– The dome subwoofer provides vivid treble and superb bass

Two columns of satellite speakers, each with four drivers for crisp, clear sound that fills the room

– A 100 Watt subwoofer produces vivid trebles and wonderful bass

– Stream music via wireless Bluetooth technology

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Connectivity and Setup

Wireless Connectivity

Another major upgrade in SoundSticks 4 is Bluetooth wireless connectivity that allows streaming from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Pairing SoundSticks 4 with a Bluetooth device is simple, and it supports all newer Bluetooth standards for a lossless and high-quality connection. It offers a very good wireless range, and one may maintain connection strong while wandering across a room or even an adjacent room.

The addition of Bluetooth makes SoundSticks 4 that extra bit versatile than the ones before it, which only accepted wired connections. Streaming Spotify tunes, watching a movie on your tablet, or playing games on your computer with wireless connectivity will just add to a clutter-free setting, thus affording you greater flexibility when using the system.

Wired Connectivity

In addition to Bluetooth, the SoundSticks 4 comes with an aux input so that you may hook the system into a myriad of devices, even older audio devices that mightn’t have a Bluetooth interface. The aux input is located on the sub, along with the power, making it easy for you to plug in your gadgets anytime.

The aux input is definitely appreciated, although some users may complain that more wired solutions such as RCA inputs or an optical connection could have been incorporated for a little bit more compatibility with other home theater managements.

Usability and User Experience

Ease of Setup

Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 is a snappy setup. The system is almost plug-and-play with a little assembly involved. Essentially, the satellite speakers were connected to the subwoofer with the included cables, and as soon as they were connected, the system was ready to be used. Pairing the system with the Bluetooth device is another extremely easy task-the whole thing takes hardly a couple of seconds.

The user guide is lucid and concise, providing stepwise instructions for setup, either wired or wireless. Setting up the system is straightforward; SoundSticks 4 can be set up in no time, and you are immediately ready to enjoy your favorite music.

Controls and User Interface

The SoundSticks 4 very much follows a minimalist approach when it comes to controls. Touch-sensitive volume control placed on one of the satellite speakers constitutes a single adjustment feature. It responds accurately and quickly adjusts the volume when touched; however, one does miss the tactile feedback given by buttons or knobs of yore.

There is no remote control included, which will likely bother many users who would want to dim the sound or skip a track in the comfort of their sofa. Of course, one can always do that via one’s Bluetooth device, but keeping one more remote under control would have been nice.

LED Lighting

There is a dim LED light in the subwoofer of the Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 that lends some ambiance to an already-stylish design. The light is neither overpowering nor distractive, and it adds a nice glow to a location where you may be listening to mellow tracks with dim lights. That said, the lighting might have added to the experience a lot more if it somehow reacted to the music or changes in volume.

Compatibility and Versatility

Music genres

Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 is a highly versatile audio system that excels in performing for nearly all music genres. Whether that classical schtick is your style, whether rock and jazz, hip-hop, or EDM, SoundSticks 4 delivers a performance that is both detailed and engaging. Let’s get deeper into the performance of this system with different genres:

Classical: Those SoundSticks 4 present a joy to listen to with the wide soundstage and excellent imaging drapes that come with it. Orchestral pieces deserve the ability of the system to clearly render each instrument so as to hear the nuances of a symphony as if one were inside the concert hall. Cameo from midrange clarity, strings, and wood though are warm and rich, the edge of treble goes crisp to brass and percussion.

Rock: Rock music demands power and energy, and the SoundSticks 4 delivers on both. Punchy bass from the subwoofer provides the right amount of impact for the drums and bass guitars, whereas vocals and guitars are conveyed clearly in the midrange but not forced in front of the mix. Whether you are listening to classic rock, punk, or alternative, the SoundSticks 4 festers raw energy and dynamics of the genres.

Jazz: Detail and subtlety constitute jazz, and the SoundSticks 4 delivers all of that with really good grace. The system can pretty well reproduce all the details of a jazz ensemble, from the low double bass to the very high crashing sounding of a single cymbal. A good separation of instruments exists in the soundstage, which is crucial for appreciating a vocal or very good interplay of musicians in a jazz trio or quintet.

Hip-Hop and EDM: Bass-heavy systems require that they produce deep and tightly controlled lows along with sufficient clarity in the mids and highs for hip-hop and EDM. That is the great area of the SoundSticks 4 subwoofer, supplying the bones for the beats and bass lines. This system keeps tracks punchy and dynamic as it deals with complex rhythms and fast transitions; meanwhile, clear trebles sparkle synths and vocal samples.

Pop: Pop music is usually a mix of electronic and acoustic elements and stands really well balanced by the SoundSticks 4. Clarity and detail place the vocals right in the front on this system, while the bass with treble serve to energize and brighten that pop style. The SoundSticks 4 provides a lively and enjoyable listening experience, whether you’re listening to today’s hits or timeless classics.

Home Theater and Gaming Performance

While originally intended as a music system, the Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 can perform well for home theater and gaming purposes. Movies dialogues are so clear due to the granules of middles and trebles that hit your ear, and then the subwoofer steps in for punches on the action and fun special effects.

With their enormous soundstage and pinpoint imaging, these are an ideal choice for gaming and provide an easy immersion technique since one has to listen very carefully to detect sounds like footsteps or faraway gunshots. The speakers also possess a very wide dynamic range such that even the very soft moments and loud bursts of action go all the way to the heart.

It would be wise to consider that the SoundSticks 4 is a 2.1-channel stereo system. Hence, it is devoid of the surround sound options featured by the more specialised home theatre systems. Should you be an ardent movie enthusiast or hardcore gamer requiring a full-fledged surround sound system, well, then, getting a dedicated home theatre system may just be worth considering for you. Otherwise, these SoundSticks 4 will serve as a blissful medium of entertainment for those who love to casually watch movies or play games, putting to shame most built-in speakers housed in TVs or monitors.

Comparisons with Previous Models

The Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 improves upon the legacy of its elder siblings, with particular emphasis on fine design and improved performance standards. The SoundSticks 4 carries a less ornate finish compared to the SoundSticks III, with sleeker subwoofers and updated satellite speakers. The addition of Bluetooth connectivity is a welcome feature, thereby dramatically improving the system’s overall flexibility and ease of use in modern wireless life.

For audio performance, the SoundSticks 4 promises further refinements on bass control and middle frequencies balancing. The whole sound becomes much smoother and more detailed, hence offering a more versatile solution for different music genres and listening preferences. While SoundSticks III will still be a good option for those on a limited budget, SoundSticks 4 is a true leap in design, function, and capabilities.

Value for Money

When pricing the Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4, one should consider the audio quality, style, build, and heritage of that brand. Set at a mid-range price, the SoundSticks 4 presents a captivating interplay of style and substance that few systems under that price point can offer.

A speaker system will not only give sound but also offer fine aesthetics for the room. Its iconic design, combined with the assurance of truly beautiful sound by Harman Kardon, will make the purchase worth it for any person aiming to upgrade their audio experience. Other speakers may, in fact, possess more features or perhaps offer better performance in one parameter or another. Still, very few can really compete with those precious attributes the SoundSticks 4 offers: design, sound, and prestige of the brand.

Potential Drawbacks

While the Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 also have many advantages, some users may find a few issues less agreeable:

Limited Connectivity: The addition of Bluetooth is very much appreciated, but the lack of other wired inputs such as RCA may deter some users from integrating the SoundSticks 4 into a more complex home-audio setup.

No Remote Control: It may be inconvenient for some users to adjust the volume or skip tracks without a remote, having to reach for their connected device or use the touch controls on the satellite speaker.
No Multi-channel Support: For users aiming for a full surround sound experience for home-theater use, the SoundSticks 4 will not do because it is a 2.1 system.

Lack of App Integration: Some modern speaker systems support app integration for advanced control and customization. Downsides for users who want to work on sound settings or have more control over system features could be the lack of such options in SoundSticks 4.

No Voice Assistant Support: With the current trend of smart speakers and voice assistants, one might consider it a missed opportunity not to integrate with platforms like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

Conclusion

The Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 is a worthy successor to an iconic line with an elegant amalgamation of form and function whose very transparent design, coupled with good sound, makes it a worthy consideration for anyone looking to assist their listening enjoyment with some stylish presence.

Suitability-wise, the system fits well for all kinds of music genres, given a fairly balanced sound profile, deep bass, and wide soundstage, and easy use plus wireless connectivity add to attraction. Of course, it does not boast of all the tricks up a more feature-rich speaker system might, but in the basic aspects that count, SoundSticks 4 delights-their own great sound and a visual language that is simultaneously timeless and innovative.

Lovers of great design and hi-fi sound can hardly go wrong with the Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4, which is yet another milestone in the company’s legacy of innovation and excellence. Whether you have been a long-time believer of SoundSticks or are just beginning to learn about Harman Kardon, it should be easy for the SoundSticks 4 to win your interest with its blend of style, substance, and excellent sound.