Harman/Kardon Go + Play
Manufacturer: Harman Kardon Part number: HKGOPLAY5BLK
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Harman/Kardon Go + Play is one of the best-sounding portable iPod speaker systems you can buy, but its high price and lack of compatibility with recent iPod models make it a limited recommendation.
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CNET editors' review
Harman/Kardon Go + Play price range: $449.00 - $896.70
- Reviewed by: Donald Bell
- Reviewed on: 01/23/2009
- Released on: 02/01/2007
The good: The Harman/Kardon Go + Play iPod boombox offers full, deep sound, along with an eye-catching design, RF remote control, video output, USB output, and aux input.
The bad: The Go + Play isn't yet compatible with the iPhone or many recent models of iPods, the power adapter is bulky, the dock is awkward, there's no EQ, no radio, and the design isn't for everyone.
The bottom line: The Harman/Kardon Go + Play is one of the best-sounding portable iPod speaker systems you can buy, but its high price and lack of compatibility with recent iPod models make it a limited recommendation.
(Editors' note: Harman/Kardon plans to release an updated model of the Go + Play in the spring of 2009 that may address many of the concerns expressed in this review, such as compatibility with recent models of iPods and the iPhone. If you're considering purchasing a Go + Play and you're concerned about device compatibility, we recommend waiting until a new model is released.)
The Harman/Kardon Go + Play ($350) is a stunning portable speaker system for the iPod that made its debut in early 2007. After hearing the incredible sound of the Go + Play system, we're kicking ourselves for not getting our hands on it sooner.
Design
The Go + Play's design--like its sound--is hard to ignore. The most notable design elements are the two pairs of bug-eyed, metal speaker grilles placed symmetrically on the front and back of the speaker chassis and a rounded bar of brushed steel that carries the whole thing like some kind of futuristic bowling bag. The Go + Play measures 20 inches wide, 9 inches deep, and 9.5 inches tall, and is raised up slightly by four steel legs with rubber pads that prevent scratching and rattling.
The only buttons on the entire system are for power and volume, located on the top of the matte black speaker enclosure. An elegant, arc-shaped remote control is included, offering extended control for skipping tracks, pausing playback, and jumping through menus. The remote has an outstanding operating range of 30 feet, and uses RF technology that works through walls. When not in use, a pop-out compartment on the back of the Go + Play stores the remote out of sight.
For better or worse, the Go + Play's iPod dock is also located up top, tucked awkwardly beneath the handle. Unlike most iPod speaker systems we see, Harman/Kardon's designers decided to lay the Go + Play's iPod dock horizontally, making it difficult to see your iPod's screen. We're also disappointed that the Go + Play's iPod dock isn't tall enough to fit the iPod Touch or iPhone. The dock's reliance on Firewire voltage also means that many recent generations of iPods won't recharge in the current dock. Harman/Kardon plans to release an updated version of the Go + Play in the spring of 2009 that will address these issues, but until then, the iPhone, iPod Touch, and fourth-generation iPod Nano are poor partners for the system (both iPod Classic models seemed to fit and charge fine, though).
Across the back of the Go + Play are four connections for USB output, AC power input, aux input, and S-Video output. The connections are each covered by flexible rubber flaps that protect against dirt and moisture. On the bottom of the Go + Play you'll find a battery compartment that accommodates 8 D-cell batteries, which can power the system for around 18 to 24 hours. We noticed that the Go + Play's audio playback volume isn't quite as loud using battery power as opposed to the AC adapter, so if your goal is to wake the neighbors, then you're better off plugging into the wall.
Features
The Go + Play isn't much for bells and whistles, and the few features it does include are a little out of date. There's no FM radio, no clock, no LCD to display song titles, and the S-Video output feature isn't compatible with recent iPod models. The USB output is a convenient feature for syncing your docked iPod to a nearby computer, however, as the product's name suggests, the Go + Play is built to be nomadic, not tied down to a computer desk.
If there's one feature to brag about on the Go + Play, it's the exceptional remote control. The included remote has a design that's as equally eye-catching as the speaker it controls, and the RF technology hidden inside allows you to mute, skip, and crank your music with much more freedom than the wimpy IR remotes included with most systems.
Performance
Without a doubt, the Go + Play is the best-sounding portable iPod speaker system we've tested. Held up against systems such as the Altec Lansing iMT702, Logitech Pure-Fi Anywhere, the Go + Play blows them all away with greater power, incredibly deep lows, crisp highs and an overall sound quality better than most bookshelf speaker systems in the same price range. With 60 watts of power and an expertly tuned speaker enclosure, the Go + Play is loud enough to fill even the largest room in your house.
The Go + Play even held up well against small, nonportable, high-performance iPod speaker systems, such as the Griffin Amplifi, and Kicker iK500, pumping out richer, louder sound and looking good while doing it, too. Specifically, the Go + Play offers better low end than the Bose SoundDock, more treble clarity than the Griffin Amplifi, and tighter (but no less dramatic) low frequency performance than the Kicker.
The Go + Play is a powerful little system with quality construction, and a sound that can hold up to the toughest scrutiny, but it comes with a price tag to match. For $350, you could buy a very tasteful little bookshelf system with a CD player, iPod dock, and FM radio. That's not to say the Go + Play doesn't prove its value, but you're dropping a healthy chunk of change for what is ostensibly an iPod boombox. If you like the idea of a battery-powered iPod speaker system, but sound quality and design aesthetics aren't the most important criteria, you could save some serious money going with a system from Altec Lansing, Griffin, or Logitech. And if you're really adventurous, there's always Lasonic.
User reviews
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One of the best in a crowded field
by GlennCaton on December 15, 2007
Pros: Great Sound, Unbeatable Construction
Cons: Made in China, Subwoofer Rolloff Should Be Adjustable, Badly Promoted
Summary: I bought mine nearly a year ago from the Apple Store in Jacksonville, Florida. They had some in stock, but none on display. It was quickly appearant why. While I ...
Summary: I bought mine nearly a year ago from the Apple Store in Jacksonville, Florida. They had some in stock, but none on display. It was quickly appearant why. While I was testing it with music from my iPod, its phenominally good sound drew a crowd. It really put eveything like it to shame. Had they displayed it they would have rapidly stopped selling all of the "competing" iPod speaker systems.
Sadly, over a year down the road Harmon/Kardon still seems unable to put the kind of promotional oomf behind this outstanding product that it deserves. They never advertised it adequately, or came out with updated versions. It works like a champ with my old 80 gig iPod Video. It even works well with my iPhone 3G minus the charging bit. I saw an adapter to make it work with the iPhone, but the iPod Video is such a good match and holds so much more music that I rarely use it with my iPhone.
The bass can be a little boomy, but you can clean that up by using the iPod's Bass Reducer EQ Setting.
Since I have been taking it to work with me, two of my coworkers have also bought their own. We have to take turns in playing our Go + Plays, as they are so strong. They are easily heard for a good distance in a very noisy production environment.
They also use the same radio frequency for the remotes and the same command codes. This means that your remote will control all of the Go + Plays in the area. They need to incorporate alternative codes with a switch in the battery compartment.
Small rubbery doors that cover the receptacles for power, S-video, and USB tend to break off. Harmon Kardon needs to make their replacements available from their web site.
All in all, still the best product in this field.
Updated on Feb 7, 2009
Harmon/Kardon has created or bought so many clever iPod accessories that they failed to commit to. A failure of corporate vision. Sad.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great peice of Audio
by johnyrue on August 6, 2007
Pros: Great sound, No Distortion, Remote will work in any room.,Easy to setup.
Cons: Little heavy with the batteries in it, but still managable.
Summary: This thing blew me away, I have several random players and when I heard my Ipod play on this it sounded like a walked around with a home surround sound ...
Summary: This thing blew me away, I have several random players and when I heard my Ipod play on this it sounded like a walked around with a home surround sound system. No distortion what so ever,clear, loud, user friendly, I could not find a flaw. well worth the money. I hook my Xbox to it, my Ipod and my tv it does it all well.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Harman/Kardon Go + Play ...Amazing
by dekonbleu on November 4, 2009
Pros: Good selection of inputs and outputs, stylish design, remote, but it was the incredible bass response coupled with very nice highs and lows.
Cons: The price was something that almost keep me from purchasing this unit, but you get what you pay for. I still have an iPod classic so compatibility is a non-factor, True there's no EQ, but it's not missed nor is the radio.
Summary: From Prince to EPMD to Bowie to Johnny Lee to Steely Dan to Santana this box rocks! The bass is booming and the highs and lows kick.The remote is ...
Summary: From Prince to EPMD to Bowie to Johnny Lee to Steely Dan to Santana this box rocks! The bass is booming and the highs and lows kick.The remote is simplistic and the the entire systems retro style hardens back to an era of portable cassette players. I've had my unit for 3 years now and it still amazes me how good it sounds. I listened to this system side by side with others and it stood out...way out from the rest.
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Amazing sound quality, Perfectly portable.
by nazoory on October 27, 2009
Pros: ~ Very portable
~ Full and easy-to-use controls on the iPod
~ Amazing sound quality
~ Has a deep smooth bass
~ Can connect the iPod to a computer or TV for syncing, or playing a movie!Cons: Weird design doesn't allow you to see the iPod screen.
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Pros FAR outweigh the Cons
by roadkill53129 on August 21, 2009
Pros: SOUND! This thing sounds incredible for it's size and compared to the overpriced Bose Wave system. I now have had both and th HK system rocks. You can run this on batteries and take it to the beach or camping with you.
Cons: NO FM Tuner - the only real drawback. The lame EQ that comes on your iPod is the only way to EQ the sound. Acoustically balanced, but a tad bass heavy. When was that last time that you had a music system this small be generous with bass output?
Summary: For the people that want a clock - wear a watch. For the people that want an LCD readout of the song playing - look a the iPod in the ...
Summary: For the people that want a clock - wear a watch. For the people that want an LCD readout of the song playing - look a the iPod in the cradle! For the people that want an FM tuner - that, in my opinion is the only drawback to this system. It's portability and awesome sound make it superior to ANY boombox and most, if not all small music systems.
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Excellent Sound, simple operation
by dvalente on August 5, 2009
Pros: Excellent Sound at all volume levels
SimpleCons: None at this time
Summary: I wanted a great sounding product that was simple and could be used with many devices (TV, computer, cd player, mp3 etc). I researched a lot of reviews and listened ...
Summary: I wanted a great sounding product that was simple and could be used with many devices (TV, computer, cd player, mp3 etc). I researched a lot of reviews and listened most of the go and plays competition. The go and play can't be found anywhere near me. Because of the great reviews, I bought it and am glad I did.
This is a very good fit for me. My home stereo sounds great. However, I get tired of dealing with the stereos settings when I simply want to press a button and hear something. I love quality products and this is great quality (form and function). It is the newer version 2 unit.
I bought this from B&H photo for $299 which included shipping. It's been an all around winner. -
This is the best sound iPod dock under $500... PERIOD
by psustud4331 on August 4, 2009
Pros: Best sounding ipod dock under $500 PERIOD!
Amazingly deep & REFINED bass four something the size of a toaster.
Its performance on the full audio spectrum (yes thats midrange too) is also best in its class!
Its portableCons: #1 - When powered by batteries the volume and bass is noticebly reduced.
#3. The remote is fragile. As amazing as the RF feature is, I have had to replace the remote once every year in my 3 years of ownership.Summary: First off I have to address the price issue. I, for the most part, think that the "made for Ipod" logo is license to over price. Almost no Ipod dock ...
Summary: First off I have to address the price issue. I, for the most part, think that the "made for Ipod" logo is license to over price. Almost no Ipod dock is truly worth it's price and I believe for what they do and what they sound like, the are **ALL** over-priced.
The Go + Plan is no exception. Where the $300 Bose is truly only worth $180 and the $400 portable version is only worth $220 to me the $350 Go + Play is worth about $285.
That being said, amongst the myriad of overpriced ipod docks, this one is THE ***MOST WORTHY*** OF IT'S PRICE TAG.
Compared to all of the other premium ipod docks this one is absolutely amazing. I can say that with confidence because I shopped around for MONTHS before I settled on this one. The only dock that sounds better in this price range is the Geneva Lab Model M which cost $499 (also worth it), which is NOT portable. (little do most consumers know, there are ipod docks that now cost up to $5,000 and more!!!)
This thing is the life of the party EVERYWHERE I bring it!! I've been called a "hero" when having this thing on me when attending tailgates (GO PSU), pool parties and BBQs
The sound the Go + Play emits is the most refined and robust (for what is essentially an iiPod Boombox) when compared to any ipod dock you would find at the Apple store or any bigbox retailer. The only way you can find anything better is to look at items sold on-line (Geneva Lab) or at very High-End retailers. There probably is no other *PORTABLE* dock that sounds any better. But don't let the word 'portable' fool you. It sounds the best when compared to ANY dock under $500
I was very surprised at how great this sounds in a noisy Apple store, but wait until you get it home!
WARNING: If you plan on using this thing in a small room with four walls it's Bass may be a bit too strong for you! DO NOT mistake this for BOOMY bass. There's just A LOT of strong deep bass, and BOY IS IT WAAAAYYYY DEEP for something that is about the size of a large toaster!!! Instead of boomy crappy bass, in a small room, this just sounds like you have a nice mid-priced subwoofer in a very nice home theater set turned up a bit too high. This is NOT a problem if you like a lot of bass, as it isn't for me.
What separates the Go + Play from other docks is that it's not just good at Bass (it's better than all of the others at that, by the way), but it's great at covering the full audio spectrum. It actually has a strong midrange presentation and really nice highs/treble as well. So many other ipod docks (as well the entire BOSE product line) impress consumers with large amounts of bass (notice I didn't say good bass) and simply decent performance on the rest of the audio spectrum. By the way, this is probably the only dock that actually gets up to 20,000 Hz (20kHz), for those of you who know what this means. Do not expect that out of the Bose, Altech Lansing or Apple docks.
I would definitely say that this is the Audiophile's Ipod Dock *in this price range* for sure!!!! (if an audiophile would ever, first of all, use an iPod and then proceed to use an 'iPod sound dock' at all).
Expansion on the cons:
#1 - Y0u WILL NOT get the same amazing sound with this is operating on it's battery power. This is VERY VERY loud when plugged in, but the volume is limited when unplugged (still no distortion, however, until the batteries begin to run on fumes). The bass extension and quantity is also, noticeably, cut by about 1/2. I am sure this is done in order to have it last 18 hours on the 8 D batteries as advertise (it actually does last a very long time by the way). Make no mistake though, you still get a ton of bass for something you can carry around in your hand anywhere. You're peers will still be impressed . Note that nothing else is lost. It's treble and midrange performance remains the same.
#2 Your ipod faces up when docked in this dock and you cannot see the screen from afar. This is not a problem me, but may be for others. I tend to just make large play lists and have play in "shuffle" mode anyway. -
The BEST "boom-box", still performs perfectly after 2 y
by BurlingtonAndrew on June 17, 2009
Pros: Clear, controlled, powerful sound and REALLY SOLID construction, just small enough to fit in a pannier bag on the side of my bicycle, and will play almost all weekend camping on 1 set of Nimh D-cells. It was a steal at 276 Cdn Dollars 2 yrs ago!
Cons: will not charge Ipod Touch 2g, the "floor wart" electrical cord is heavy/awkward at times.
Summary: The sound is still all there after 2 yrs of being played (often at full volume) and mostly outside. and bass is still tight, nothing has loosened or fallen off, ...
Summary: The sound is still all there after 2 yrs of being played (often at full volume) and mostly outside. and bass is still tight, nothing has loosened or fallen off, and my only vehicle is a hard tail mountain bike! I do suggest keeping it on AC power if you have batteries in it, the Standby mode it is always in when powered will drain batteries without warning. I found out that my Touch would not charge on it, and knew why it was taken off market so quickly, but the new version is for sale now. But, if I am using it with batteries, my Ipod is on it's own power too and the battery life for both is similar. The EQ in the Ipod is on flat, and unecessary to adjust if your music files are good quality. It is worth every penny, and should be selling better than it's more pricey rival (also American, and with very little low end output or "crankability" at all. This is THE Only portable speaker to buy!!!
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Great Sound from small package
by suren69 on April 17, 2009
Pros: This is a best buy. Sound is warm and rich.
Cons: Only thing that might be mising is a re-chargeable battery
Summary: I tried Altec lansing IM7, Griffin Amplifi, Bose sounddock, Altec Lansing IMV712 etc but this beats them all. Remote is exceptionally useful as I can control from across rooms. Rich ...
Summary: I tried Altec lansing IM7, Griffin Amplifi, Bose sounddock, Altec Lansing IMV712 etc but this beats them all. Remote is exceptionally useful as I can control from across rooms. Rich Sound. Good detailed treble, good bass.
I stopped using my Denon 3805 Receiver which has great sound due to the convenience of changing songs on the ipod from the remote. -
Best on the market.
by s_moth on November 7, 2008
Pros: Amazing sound, huge bass, no distortion.
Cons: Wish it had rechargeable batteries instead of 8 d cells. However lasts about 10 hours on a fresh set.
Summary: I did not want to spend $400 on an ipod dock but after I heard the go + play i was hooked. While shopping at best buy I spent a fair ...
Summary: I did not want to spend $400 on an ipod dock but after I heard the go + play i was hooked. While shopping at best buy I spent a fair amount of time listening to the HK, the Bose, and Apples' sound dock. All sold for the same price. No comparison. The Harman Kardon produced crisp, sharp sound and its' bass has to be heard to be believed. It drew quite a crowd while I was listening to it. The RF remote works from anywhere in my home and is very handy when using the unit outdoors. As stated above It would be great if the unit had built in rechargeable batteries but it does last a very long time running on battery power. As the batteries fade the unit adjusts volume levels such that distortion never exists. The unit has a port for a usb cable so that you can leave your ipod in the dock when syncing, and a line in so you can use it with a laptop or other device. It also has a video out so you can play videos from your ipod on your tv. All in all this is an excellent product.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Harman Kardon
- Part number: HKGOPLAY5BLK
- Description: Understated, sublimely functional industrial design. Unsurpassed performance and ease of use. From its flat, protective iPod cradle and smart RF remote to its arching stainless-steel handle, this is the portable loudspeaker dock that only Harman Kardon could build. Harman Kardon Go + Play delivers tight, thunderous bass from high-excursion low-frequency drivers. Just as important, the highs are distinct and crystal clear. Go + Play is AC- or battery-operated, so it will go anywhere your iPod or other music player goes - and make your favorite music sound better when it arrives. And as a multimedia entertainment center, it even sends your iPod photos and video to a TV monitor. But however and wherever you use it, it's the sound that sets Go + Play apart.
General
- Product Type Portable speakers with digital player dock
- Width 9 in
- Depth 20 in
- Height 9.5 in
- Weight 4 lbs
Speaker System
- Speaker Type Active
- Response Bandwidth 40 - 20000 Hz
- Input Impedance 10 KOhm
- Signal-To-Noise Ratio 85 dB
- Audio Amplifier Integrated
- Connectivity Technology Wired
Speaker System Details
- Speakers Included 2 x Right/left channel speaker - 2-way - 60 Watt - 40 - 20000 Hz - Wired
- Driver Details Right/left channel speaker : 1 x Woofer driver - Atlas, Right/left channel speaker : 1 x Tweeter driver - Ridge
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x Audio line-in ( Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm ), 1 x S-Video output, 1 x IPod docking
Miscellaneous
- MP3 Player Compatibility iPod (3G), iPod (4G), iPod mini, iPod nano, iPod with video (5G), iPod with color display
- Remote Control Remote control - Radio
Manufacturer info
- Harman Kardon
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Harman Kardon products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.harman.com
- Address:
1101 Pennsylvania Ave, Washington, DC - Phone: 202-393-1101
- Fax: 202-393-3064
