Table of Contents
amazon Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 reviews
Introduction
The Harman Kardon SoundSticks series is iconic, both in terms of design and audio performance. Since the original SoundSticks were introduced over two decades ago, they’ve been celebrated not just as audio equipment but also as a piece of art. The SoundSticks 4 continues this tradition, blending cutting-edge sound technology with a design that could easily double as a centerpiece in any modern living space. This review delves into the various aspects of the Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4, from its design and build quality to its audio performance, connectivity, usability, and overall value.
Design and Build Quality
Aesthetics
The design of the Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 is both a tribute to its predecessors and a step forward in modern design. The first thing that strikes you is the transparent housing, a signature feature that has made the SoundSticks series so recognizable. However, the SoundSticks 4 refines this concept with a more streamlined and contemporary aesthetic.
The subwoofer and satellite speakers are housed in a transparent casing, showcasing the inner components and giving the system a futuristic appearance. The subwoofer, in particular, stands out with its unique hourglass shape, a departure from the more bulbous designs of previous models. The satellite speakers maintain the iconic tube-like form factor but with a more refined and minimalist approach. The absence of visible screws or joints adds to the clean and sophisticated look.
Build Quality
In terms of build quality, Harman Kardon has maintained its reputation for producing durable and well-constructed products. The SoundSticks 4 feels robust, and the use of high-quality materials is evident. The transparent plastic housing is thick and solid, resisting scratches and smudges, which helps maintain its pristine appearance over time. The base of the subwoofer is sturdy, ensuring that it remains stable even when playing bass-heavy music.
The satellite speakers, although lightweight, do not feel flimsy. They are mounted on sturdy, flexible legs that allow for easy positioning and angling to achieve the best sound dispersion. The cabling is also of high quality, with the wires being thick and well-insulated, reducing the risk of tangling or damage.
Audio Performance
Sound Quality
The Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 delivers a sound profile that is both balanced and powerful, making it suitable for a wide range of music genres and listening preferences. The system consists of two satellite speakers and a down-firing subwoofer, each contributing to a full and immersive sound experience.
Bass: The subwoofer is the heart of the SoundSticks 4’s sound system, and it delivers a deep, rich bass that is both powerful and controlled. The down-firing design helps to distribute the low frequencies evenly throughout the room, providing a solid bass foundation without overwhelming the midrange or treble. Whether you’re listening to bass-heavy electronic music or the low-end thump of a drum kit, the subwoofer performs admirably, producing a sound that is both punchy and nuanced.
Midrange: The midrange frequencies are where the SoundSticks 4 truly shines. The satellite speakers are equipped with four drivers each, allowing for a clear and detailed reproduction of vocals, guitars, and other midrange instruments. The clarity in the midrange is impressive, with vocals coming through with a natural and lifelike quality. Harman Kardon has tuned the SoundSticks 4 to ensure that the midrange is neither recessed nor too forward, striking a balance that makes the system suitable for both casual and critical listening.
Treble: The treble is crisp and clear without being overly bright or harsh. The high frequencies are well-extended, providing plenty of detail and sparkle, especially in acoustic tracks and orchestral music. Cymbals, strings, and other high-frequency instruments are rendered with precision, adding to the overall sense of realism and immersion. The treble performance is smooth and refined, ensuring that long listening sessions remain fatigue-free.
Soundstage and Imaging
One of the standout features of the SoundSticks 4 is its ability to create a wide and immersive soundstage. Despite its relatively compact size, the system manages to produce a sound field that feels expansive, making it easy to pick out individual instruments and vocals within a mix. The imaging is precise, with sounds appearing to come from distinct locations within the stereo field. This enhances the overall listening experience, whether you’re enjoying a symphony orchestra or a live recording of your favorite band.
Volume and Dynamics
The SoundSticks 4 is capable of delivering impressive volume levels without distortion. The system can fill a medium-sized room with ease, making it suitable for both personal listening and small gatherings. The dynamic range is also noteworthy, with the system handling both quiet passages and loud crescendos with equal finesse. The transition between soft and loud passages is smooth, adding to the overall sense of 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
One of the major upgrades in the SoundSticks 4 is the inclusion of Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for wireless streaming from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Pairing the SoundSticks 4 with a Bluetooth device is straightforward, with the system supporting the latest Bluetooth standards for a stable and high-quality connection. The wireless range is also impressive, with the system maintaining a strong connection even when moving around a room or between adjacent rooms.
The addition of Bluetooth makes the SoundSticks 4 more versatile than its predecessors, which relied solely on wired connections. Whether you’re streaming music from Spotify, watching a movie on your tablet, or playing games on your computer, the wireless connectivity allows for a clutter-free setup and greater flexibility in how you use the system.
Wired Connectivity
In addition to Bluetooth, the SoundSticks 4 includes a 3.5mm auxiliary input, allowing you to connect the system to a wide range of devices, including older audio equipment that may not have Bluetooth capabilities. The auxiliary input is located on the subwoofer, along with the power input, making it easy to access and connect your devices.
While the inclusion of an auxiliary input is appreciated, some users might miss the absence of other wired options, such as RCA inputs or optical connections, which would have made the system more compatible with a broader range of home theater setups.
Usability and User Experience
Ease of Setup
Setting up the Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 is a breeze. The system is essentially plug-and-play, with minimal assembly required. The satellite speakers connect to the subwoofer using the included cables, and once connected, the system is ready to go. Pairing the system with a Bluetooth device is equally simple, with the process taking only a few seconds.
The user manual is clear and concise, providing step-by-step instructions for both wired and wireless setups. Even for those who are not tech-savvy, the SoundSticks 4 is easy to get up and running, allowing you to start enjoying your music almost immediately.
Controls and User Interface
One area where the SoundSticks 4 takes a minimalist approach is in its controls. The system features a touch-sensitive volume control located on one of the satellite speakers. The touch control is responsive and easy to use, allowing for quick adjustments to the volume. However, some users may miss the tactile feedback of traditional buttons or knobs.
The lack of a remote control might be seen as a downside for some users, particularly those who prefer to adjust the volume or skip tracks from across the room. While you can control playback and volume from your Bluetooth device, having a dedicated remote would have added an extra layer of convenience.
LED Lighting
The Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 features subtle LED lighting within the subwoofer, adding a touch of ambiance to the system’s already striking design. The lighting is not overly bright or distracting, and it adds a nice visual element when listening to music in low-light conditions. However, the lighting is purely decorative and does not change based on the music or volume, which could have been a nice additional feature.
Compatibility and Versatility
Music Genres
The Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 is a versatile audio system that excels across a wide variety of music genres. Whether you’re a fan of classical music, rock, jazz, hip-hop, or electronic dance music (EDM), the SoundSticks 4 delivers a performance that is both detailed and engaging. Here’s a closer look at how the system handles different genres:
Classical: The wide soundstage and excellent imaging make the SoundSticks 4 a joy to listen to when it comes to classical music. Orchestral pieces benefit from the system’s ability to render each instrument clearly, allowing you to hear the nuances of a symphony as if you were in the concert hall. The midrange clarity ensures that strings and woodwinds are presented with warmth and richness, while the treble provides a crisp edge to brass and percussion.
Rock: Rock music demands power and energy, and the SoundSticks 4 delivers on both fronts. The deep, punchy bass from the subwoofer gives drums and bass guitars the impact they need, while the clear midrange ensures that vocals and guitars cut through the mix without being drowned out. Whether you’re listening to classic rock, punk, or alternative, the SoundSticks 4 captures the raw energy and dynamics of the genre.
Jazz: Jazz is all about detail and subtlety, and the SoundSticks 4 handles it with finesse. The system’s ability to reproduce the intricate textures of a jazz ensemble, from the warm tones of a double bass to the shimmering highs of a cymbal, is impressive. The soundstage allows for a clear separation of instruments, making it easy to appreciate the interplay between musicians in a jazz trio or quintet.
Hip-Hop and EDM: Bass-heavy genres like hip-hop and EDM require a system that can deliver deep, controlled lows without sacrificing clarity in the mids and highs. The SoundSticks 4’s subwoofer excels in this area, providing a solid foundation for beats and bass lines. The system’s ability to handle complex rhythms and fast transitions ensures that tracks remain punchy and dynamic, while the clear treble adds sparkle to synths and vocal samples.
Pop: Pop music often features a mix of electronic and acoustic elements, and the SoundSticks 4 balances these elements beautifully. The system’s overall clarity and detail ensure that vocals are front and center, while the bass and treble provide the energy and brightness that pop music demands. Whether you’re listening to the latest chart-toppers or timeless hits, the SoundSticks 4 delivers a lively and enjoyable listening experience.
Home Theater and Gaming Performance
While the Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 is primarily designed as a music system, it also performs well in home theater and gaming applications. The system’s clear midrange and treble ensure that dialogue in movies is easily intelligible, while the subwoofer provides the necessary punch for action scenes and special effects.
For gaming, the SoundSticks 4’s wide soundstage and precise imaging help create an immersive experience, allowing you to hear subtle audio cues like footsteps or distant gunfire. The system’s dynamic range also ensures that both quiet moments and intense action sequences are reproduced with impact.
However, it’s worth noting that the SoundSticks 4 is a 2.1 system, meaning it lacks the multi-channel surround sound capabilities of more specialized home theater systems. If you’re a serious movie buff or gamer looking for a fully immersive surround sound experience, you might want to consider a dedicated home theater system. But for casual movie watching and gaming, the SoundSticks 4 offers a significant upgrade over most built-in TV or monitor speakers.
Comparisons to Previous Models
The Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 builds upon the legacy of its predecessors, offering several key improvements in both design and performance. Compared to the SoundSticks III, the SoundSticks 4 features a more modern and streamlined design, with a sleeker subwoofer and updated satellite speakers. The inclusion of Bluetooth connectivity is another major upgrade, making the system more versatile and user-friendly in today’s wireless world.
In terms of audio performance, the SoundSticks 4 offers a more refined sound with better bass control and a more balanced midrange. The overall sound quality is smoother and more detailed, making it a better choice for a wider range of music genres and listening preferences. While the SoundSticks III remains a solid choice for those on a budget, the SoundSticks 4 represents a significant step forward in both form and function.
Value for Money
When considering the value of the Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4, it’s important to take into account not only its audio performance but also its design, build quality, and brand heritage. Priced in the mid-range category, the SoundSticks 4 offers a compelling combination of style and substance that is difficult to find in other systems at this price point.
The SoundSticks 4 is not just a speaker system; it’s a statement piece that can enhance the aesthetics of any room. Its iconic design, coupled with Harman Kardon’s reputation for high-quality audio, makes it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to elevate their listening experience. While there are other speakers on the market that may offer more features or better performance in specific areas, few can match the SoundSticks 4’s blend of design, sound quality, and brand prestige.
Potential Drawbacks
While the Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 has many strengths, there are a few areas where some users might find it lacking:
- Limited Connectivity Options: While the inclusion of Bluetooth is a welcome addition, the lack of other wired inputs such as RCA or optical connections might be a limitation for some users who want to integrate the SoundSticks 4 into a more complex home audio setup.
- No Remote Control: The absence of a remote control may be inconvenient for users who prefer to adjust volume or skip tracks without having to reach for their connected device or the touch controls on the satellite speaker.
- No Multi-Channel Support: As a 2.1 system, the SoundSticks 4 is not ideal for users looking for a full surround sound experience for home theater use.
- No App Integration: Unlike some modern speaker systems, the SoundSticks 4 does not offer app integration for advanced control or customization. This could be a downside for users who enjoy tweaking their audio settings or want more control over the system’s features.
- No Voice Assistant Support: In an era where smart speakers and voice assistants are becoming increasingly common, the lack of integration with platforms like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant might be seen as a missed opportunity.
Conclusion
The Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 is a worthy successor to the iconic SoundSticks lineage, offering a beautiful blend of form and function. Its transparent design, coupled with excellent audio performance, makes it a standout choice for anyone looking to enhance their listening experience while adding a touch of elegance to their space.
The system’s balanced sound profile, deep bass, and wide soundstage make it suitable for a wide range of music genres, while its ease of use and wireless connectivity add to its versatility. While it may not offer all the bells and whistles of more feature-rich speaker systems, the SoundSticks 4 excels where it matters most—delivering high-quality audio in a design that is both timeless and forward-thinking.
For those who appreciate great design and high-fidelity sound, the Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 is a compelling option that continues to build on the brand’s legacy of innovation and excellence. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the SoundSticks series or new to the world of Harman Kardon, the SoundSticks 4 is sure to impress with its combination of style, substance, and superior sound quality.