Table of Contents
Introduction
The Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 is an iconic speaker system known not only for its striking design but also for its superior audio performance. One of the key components that contribute to its acclaimed sound quality is its drivers. In this detailed review, we will explore the design, construction, performance, and overall impact of the drivers in the SoundSticks 4, delving deep into how they enhance the listening experience across various audio formats and environments.
1. Overview of the Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4
The Harman Kardon SoundSticks series has long been a benchmark in the realm of desktop audio systems, combining form and function in a way that few other products can match. The SoundSticks 4 continues this tradition with its transparent, futuristic design and impressive audio capabilities. The system consists of two satellite speakers and a subwoofer, all of which are equipped with high-quality drivers designed to deliver a balanced and immersive sound experience.
2. The Role of Drivers in Audio Systems
Before diving into the specifics of the SoundSticks 4, it’s essential to understand the role of drivers in any audio system. Drivers are the core components responsible for converting electrical signals into sound. Different types of drivers, such as woofers, tweeters, and midrange drivers, handle various frequency ranges, collectively covering the entire audible spectrum. The quality, size, and construction of these drivers directly impact the audio performance of the speaker system.
3. Driver Configuration in the Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4
The Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 features a unique driver configuration that sets it apart from other speaker systems in its category. Let’s break down the components:
3.1 Satellite Speakers
Each satellite speaker in the SoundSticks 4 is equipped with four full-range drivers. These drivers are 1.4 inches in diameter and are arranged vertically within the transparent enclosure. This configuration allows the satellites to cover a wide range of frequencies, particularly focusing on the midrange and treble.
- Driver Size: 1.4 inches (each driver)
- Driver Type: Full-range
- Number of Drivers per Satellite: 4
3.2 Subwoofer
The subwoofer in the SoundSticks 4 houses a large driver specifically designed to handle low frequencies. This driver is responsible for delivering the deep bass that the SoundSticks series is known for.
- Driver Size: 5.25 inches
- Driver Type: Woofer
- Enclosure Type: Down-firing, ported
4. Satellite Drivers: Detailed Analysis
The satellite drivers in the Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 play a crucial role in delivering clear and detailed audio, particularly in the midrange and treble frequencies.
4.1 Full-Range Driver Design
The decision to use full-range drivers in the satellite speakers is significant. Full-range drivers are designed to reproduce a wide range of frequencies, from low mids to high treble, without the need for additional tweeters or midrange drivers. This simplifies the design and ensures a cohesive sound signature.
- Frequency Coverage: The 1.4-inch drivers in the SoundSticks 4 satellites are engineered to handle frequencies from approximately 100 Hz to 20,000 Hz. This range covers most of the vocal and instrumental content in music, ensuring clarity and detail in these critical areas.
- Driver Material: The diaphragm material used in these drivers is lightweight yet rigid, allowing for quick response times and minimal distortion. This ensures that the drivers can accurately reproduce sound without introducing unwanted resonances.
4.2 Driver Arrangement and Sound Dispersion
The vertical arrangement of the four drivers in each satellite speaker is designed to enhance sound dispersion. This configuration allows the speakers to project sound over a wide area, ensuring that the audio remains consistent whether you are sitting directly in front of the speakers or off to the side.
- Wide Soundstage: The placement of multiple drivers in a vertical array creates a wide soundstage, making the SoundSticks 4 ideal for both near-field listening (such as at a desk) and filling a room with sound.
- Minimized Crossover Distortion: By using full-range drivers, the SoundSticks 4 minimizes the need for complex crossover networks, which can introduce phase issues and distortion. This results in a cleaner, more coherent sound.
4.3 Performance in Different Audio Formats
The performance of the satellite drivers in the SoundSticks 4 is exceptional across various audio formats:
- Music: Whether you’re listening to classical, rock, jazz, or electronic music, the satellite drivers deliver a balanced and detailed sound. Vocals are clear and present, while instruments are accurately rendered with a natural tone.
- Movies: The clarity of dialogue and the detailed rendering of sound effects make the SoundSticks 4 a great choice for movie watching. The satellite drivers handle everything from subtle background noises to explosive action scenes with equal competence.
- Gaming: For gamers, the satellite drivers offer precise sound localization, making it easier to detect in-game cues such as footsteps or enemy fire. This adds to the immersive experience and can even provide a competitive advantage in certain games.
5. Subwoofer Driver: Detailed Analysis
The subwoofer driver in the Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 is responsible for delivering the low-end frequencies that provide depth and impact to the audio experience.
5.1 Woofer Design
The 5.25-inch woofer in the SoundSticks 4 is specifically designed to handle low frequencies, ranging from approximately 40 Hz to 300 Hz. This covers the bass and sub-bass regions, which are crucial for adding weight and power to music, movies, and games.
- Driver Size and Material: The woofer is larger than the drivers in the satellite speakers, allowing it to move more air and produce deeper bass. The diaphragm material is designed for durability and stiffness, ensuring that the woofer can deliver powerful bass without distortion.
- Down-Firing Design: The down-firing design of the subwoofer helps in distributing the bass evenly throughout the room. This configuration also enhances the tactile feel of the bass, making it more immersive.
5.2 Ported Enclosure
The subwoofer is housed in a ported enclosure, which is designed to enhance the low-frequency response by allowing air to move in and out of the cabinet more freely. This results in deeper bass and a more resonant sound.
- Extended Low-End Response: The ported design helps the subwoofer reach lower frequencies than it could in a sealed enclosure. This makes the SoundSticks 4 particularly effective in reproducing the rumble of explosions in movies or the thump of bass-heavy music genres like EDM or hip-hop.
- Controlled Bass: Despite its powerful output, the subwoofer remains controlled and avoids becoming boomy or overwhelming. This balance is crucial for maintaining clarity in the midrange and treble, ensuring that the bass does not overpower the rest of the audio spectrum.
5.3 Integration with Satellite Drivers
One of the key strengths of the Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 is the seamless integration between the subwoofer and the satellite drivers. The crossover point between the subwoofer and satellites is carefully chosen to ensure a smooth transition between the low and midrange frequencies.
- Crossover Design: The crossover is set at a frequency that allows the subwoofer to handle the deepest bass, while the satellites take over the midrange and treble. This ensures that there are no gaps or overlaps in the frequency response, resulting in a cohesive and balanced sound.
- Blended Sound Signature: The integration between the subwoofer and satellite drivers is so well-executed that the sound appears to come from a single source, rather than two distinct components. This enhances the overall listening experience, making it more immersive and natural.
6. Comparison with Previous Versions
The SoundSticks 4 is the latest iteration in the SoundSticks series, and it brings several improvements over its predecessors in terms of driver performance.
6.1 SoundSticks 3 vs. SoundSticks 4
- Driver Enhancements: While the SoundSticks 3 also featured full-range drivers in its satellite speakers, the SoundSticks 4 benefits from improved materials and construction techniques. This results in better clarity and a more refined sound, particularly in the midrange and treble.
- Subwoofer Improvements: The subwoofer in the SoundSticks 4 is more powerful and capable of delivering deeper bass than the one in the SoundSticks 3. The ported design and enhanced driver allow for a more immersive low-end experience.
6.2 SoundSticks II vs. SoundSticks 4
- Evolution in Driver Technology: Compared to the SoundSticks II, the SoundSticks 4 represents a significant leap in driver technology. The full-range drivers in the satellites are more capable, delivering a wider frequency response with better detail and accuracy.
- Bass Performance: The subwoofer in the SoundSticks 4 offers a much more substantial bass response than the SoundSticks II, which had a smaller and less powerful woofer. This makes the SoundSticks 4 a more versatile system, suitable for a wider range of audio content.
7. Practical Considerations and User Experience
When evaluating the Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4, it’s important to consider not only the technical aspects of the drivers but also how they contribute to the overall user experience.
7.1 Setup and Placement
- Ease of Setup: Setting up the SoundSticks 4 is straightforward, with clearly labeled connections and intuitive controls. The satellite speakers can be positioned on a desk or shelf, while the subwoofer is typically placed on the floor.
- Satellite Placement: The satellite speakers should be positioned at ear level for the best listening experience. Their vertical driver arrangement allows for a broad soundstage, so even if the satellites are placed slightly off-axis from the listening position, the audio will still be well-distributed.
7.2 Adjusting for Different Environments
- Room Size and Acoustics: The Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 is versatile enough to perform well in different room sizes, but like all speaker systems, room acoustics play a significant role in sound quality. In smaller rooms, the bass might feel more pronounced due to the confined space, while in larger rooms, the system might require higher volume levels to fill the space adequately.
- Bass Adjustment: The subwoofer’s bass output can be adjusted by altering its position relative to walls and corners. Placing the subwoofer closer to a wall or in a corner can enhance the bass response, while moving it away from walls can reduce the bass intensity for a more balanced sound.
7.3 Connectivity and Compatibility
- Wired and Wireless Options: The SoundSticks 4 offers both wired (via a 3.5mm aux input) and wireless (via Bluetooth) connectivity. The choice between these options depends on your preference and the devices you intend to connect. Wired connections typically provide slightly better sound quality due to the absence of compression inherent in Bluetooth transmission, but the difference is minimal and might only be noticeable to audiophiles.
- Device Compatibility: The system is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and TVs. This makes the SoundSticks 4 a versatile addition to any audio setup, whether for casual listening, gaming, or watching movies.
8. Long-Term Durability and Build Quality
The build quality of the Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 is another area where the drivers play a crucial role. The longevity and consistent performance of a speaker system depend significantly on the materials and construction of its drivers.
8.1 High-Quality Materials
- Driver Diaphragms: The diaphragms of both the satellite drivers and the subwoofer are made from high-quality materials designed to resist wear and tear over time. The rigidity and durability of these materials ensure that the drivers maintain their shape and performance even after extended use.
- Enclosure Construction: The transparent plastic enclosures are not just aesthetically pleasing but also practical. They protect the internal components, including the drivers, from dust and potential damage. Despite their plastic construction, these enclosures are designed to be robust and resistant to cracking or yellowing with age.
8.2 Reliability in Various Conditions
- Temperature and Humidity Resistance: The materials used in the SoundSticks 4 drivers are chosen for their resistance to environmental factors such as temperature changes and humidity. This makes the system reliable in various climates and reduces the risk of performance degradation due to environmental stress.
- Longevity of Performance: Over time, many speakers can suffer from issues like driver fatigue, where the performance diminishes as the materials degrade. The SoundSticks 4’s drivers are engineered to withstand long-term use without significant loss of sound quality, making them a solid investment for users seeking a durable and reliable speaker system.
9. Audio Performance in Detail
The Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 excels in providing a balanced, dynamic audio experience across various genres and use cases. Here, we’ll take a closer look at the system’s performance with different types of content.
9.1 Music Listening Experience
- Highs and Trebles: The full-range drivers in the satellite speakers deliver clear and crisp treble, making high-frequency sounds like cymbals, strings, and vocals shine. The absence of separate tweeters does not detract from the clarity, thanks to the well-engineered full-range drivers.
- Midrange Clarity: The midrange, where most vocal and instrumental content resides, is particularly well-handled by the satellite drivers. Whether listening to acoustic tracks, orchestral music, or pop, the SoundSticks 4 offers a rich and detailed midrange, with vocals standing out without being harsh or sibilant.
- Bass Performance: The subwoofer’s performance is particularly impressive with bass-heavy genres like EDM, hip-hop, and rock. The bass is deep and powerful but remains controlled, providing a solid foundation without overshadowing the midrange and treble. The integration between the subwoofer and satellites ensures that bass transitions smoothly, adding depth without muddiness.
9.2 Movie Watching Experience
- Dialogue Clarity: For movie watching, the clarity of dialogue is crucial, and the SoundSticks 4 delivers in this regard. The satellite drivers ensure that dialogue remains clear and intelligible, even during scenes with heavy sound effects or background music.
- Dynamic Range: The system handles the dynamic range of movie soundtracks well, from the quietest whispers to the loudest explosions. The subwoofer adds impact to action scenes, while the satellite drivers handle the subtleties of sound design, making for an immersive cinematic experience.
9.3 Gaming Experience
- Sound Localization: In gaming, the ability to accurately localize sound is vital, and the SoundSticks 4’s wide soundstage excels here. Whether in a first-person shooter or an open-world adventure, the system’s drivers allow for precise sound placement, helping gamers react to in-game events with greater awareness.
- Immersive Soundscapes: The combination of deep bass from the subwoofer and detailed highs from the satellites creates an immersive soundscape, enhancing the gaming experience. Environmental sounds, such as the rustling of leaves or the distant rumble of thunder, are rendered with realism, drawing players deeper into the game world.
10. Aesthetic Appeal and Design Integration
The Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 is as much a visual statement as it is an audio device. The design of the system, particularly the drivers, plays a significant role in its appeal.
10.1 Transparent Enclosures
- Visible Drivers: One of the standout features of the SoundSticks 4 is its transparent enclosures, which reveal the drivers within. This not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also serves as a conversation piece. The visibility of the drivers gives the system a futuristic look that complements modern interior design.
- Minimalist Aesthetics: The minimalist design, with its clean lines and lack of unnecessary embellishments, allows the SoundSticks 4 to blend seamlessly into various environments, from home offices to living rooms. The transparent enclosures and visible drivers make the system an art piece as much as a functional audio device.
10.2 LED Lighting
- Subtle Illumination: The subwoofer features subtle LED lighting, which enhances the visual appeal without being distracting. This lighting adds a touch of elegance and can create a pleasant ambiance in a dimly lit room.
- Design Harmony: The design of the drivers and enclosures is consistent with Harman Kardon’s commitment to combining form and function. The LED lighting complements the overall design, highlighting the drivers and adding to the system’s futuristic look.
11. Competitive Landscape
When comparing the Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 to other speaker systems in its price range, the quality and performance of its drivers are key differentiators.
11.1 Comparison with Competitors
- Bose Companion 2 Series III: While the Bose Companion 2 Series III offers excellent sound quality, it lacks the visual appeal and bass performance of the SoundSticks 4. The Harman Kardon system’s subwoofer provides a deeper bass response, and its transparent design is far more striking.
- Creative Pebble Plus: The Creative Pebble Plus is a budget-friendly alternative, but it cannot match the SoundSticks 4 in terms of audio fidelity or design. The SoundSticks 4’s drivers deliver a more balanced and refined sound, particularly in the midrange and bass.
- Logitech Z623: The Logitech Z623 offers powerful bass but at the expense of clarity and balance. The SoundSticks 4, with its well-integrated drivers, provides a more cohesive sound that is suitable for a wider range of content, from music to movies to gaming.
11.2 Value Proposition
- Design and Performance: The Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 offers a unique combination of striking design and high-quality audio performance. Its drivers are engineered to provide a balanced and immersive listening experience, making it a standout choice for those who value both aesthetics and sound quality.
- Longevity and Durability: Given the quality of its drivers and materials, the SoundSticks 4 is likely to offer years of reliable performance. This long-term value, combined with its distinctive design, makes it a worthwhile investment for audiophiles and design-conscious consumers alike.
12. Conclusion
The Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 is a testament to the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of audio design and performance. Its drivers play a crucial role in delivering the balanced, immersive sound that has made the SoundSticks series iconic. Whether for music, movies, or gaming, the SoundSticks 4 offers a rich and detailed audio experience, enhanced by its futuristic design.
From the full-range drivers in the satellite speakers to the powerful woofer in the subwoofer, every component is carefully engineered to provide optimal performance. The transparent enclosures not only showcase the high-quality drivers but also add to the system’s aesthetic appeal, making the Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 a piece of functional art that can enhance any room it occupies.