Harman/Kardon SoundSticks II

Manufacturer: Harman Kardon Part number: SOUNDSTICKSII

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$115.59 - $135.80 at 10 online stores

CNET Editor rating:
4.0 stars Excellent
Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 57 reviews

More product information:: Editors' review; User reviews; Specifications; Manufacturer info

Bottom Line:: The Harman Kardon SoundSticks II match performance with attractive visual design, a combination that always makes our hearts beat a little faster. They're nearly perfect, save for a few design flaws.

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*Total price for the Harman/Kardon SoundSticks II are estimated and may vary slightly based on exact tax, shipping, manufacturer rebate or any sale/promotion on the merchant site.

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CNET editors' take

Harman/Kardon SoundSticks II

price range: $115.59 - $135.80

The Harman Kardon SoundSticks II match performance with attractive visual design, a combination that always makes our hearts beat a little faster. They're nearly perfect, save for a few design flaws.

The good: Ultraclear sound quality; unique design; platform-neutral minijack connector.

The bad: No headphone jack; no visual indicator of volume level.

The bottom line: The Harman Kardon SoundSticks II match performance with attractive visual design, a combination that always makes our hearts beat a little faster. They're nearly perfect, save for a few design flaws.

Read full review

Updating the unique, 2000-issue Apple-only SoundSticks, Harman Kardon has given the $200 2.1-channel SoundSticks II an equally aesthetically pleasing design. But in a diplomatic move, Harman Kardon bridges the platform gap, allowing anyone with a 1/8-inch minijack input to take advantage of the SoundSticks II and their fantastic output. The transparent, 10-watt speakers, each equipped with four 1-inch drivers, rest on sturdy, adjustable bases. Accompanying the speakers, the 20-watt subwoofer features a blue internal power indicator and a bubblelike contour, creating an appearance that's more like that of an exotic jellyfish than an audio component.

If you believe their technical specifications, the Harman Kardon SoundSticks II speakers don't look as good on paper as similar systems such as the Creative I-Trigue L3450s. With a rated frequency-response range of 44Hz to 20KHz, the SoundSticks II should strike out compared to the I-Trigue 3450s and their allegedly wider-range 30Hz low end. But that's not what we heard. On Spoon's "Everything Hits at Once" (an MP3), the drums and the bass sounded glorious. A round low end accompanied the crisp definition in the low mids and high mids to deliver some of the best sound we've heard through a 2.1 computer setup. Occasionally, the overall mix sounded a bit too bright and the vocals a bit too sibilant, but it is always better to err on the side of clarity, and you certainly can't describe the SoundSticks II's output as muddy.

The SoundSticks II speakers were similarly successful when we tested them on the Spider-Man DVD's scene 18. Although the low-end rumble during the scene's main explosion could have been more powerful, the subwoofer sounded fantastic on the Green Goblin's punches, plus the dialogue was clear, and we heard absolutely no distortion at the maximum volume level. As for gaming, when we tested the speakers on Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy, the story was the same: overall, excellent definition but occasionally lacking in the heavy low-end rumble that many would expect from a subwoofer.

Although we were impressed as much by their audio quality as we were by their design, we do have some usability gripes with the SoundSticks II--minor complaints normally, but they are amplified by the $200 price tag. The SoundSticks II features two "capacitance touch" volume control buttons on the right satellite--interesting, but hardly any easier than turning a knob, and the absence of a visual display for the volume level--easily provided by a knob--is slightly annoying. And those who like to rock out in the office will also be disappointed by the lack of a headphone jack.

If you can overlook a few missing details, you should find the Harman Kardon SoundSticks II speakers attractive, versatile, and accurate. Prepare to pay a bit more than you normally would for a 2.1 set, but the audio quality is definitely worth the price.

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User reviews

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Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 57 reviews

Showing opinion 1 to 10 out of 57

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9 stars

Holy cow! !

by themacdaddy on May 7, 2005

Pros: AMAZING sound quality! ! Really cool design, especially if you want it to match your Mac

Cons: Cost is kinda high. But for the sound quality and cool factor, it's worth it

Summary: I'm a huge music/audio fan. I know when audio sounds right, when it sounds off, when it sounds good, when it sounds bad. I can hear things none ...

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Summary: I'm a huge music/audio fan. I know when audio sounds right, when it sounds off, when it sounds good, when it sounds bad. I can hear things none of my friends pick up, except for one who's also heavy into music and audio fidelity. Having said that, I can tell you these speakers are REALLY good for sound quality. A much better range than I thought they'd have. Highs sound crisp. Bass is really full. And it's all balanced really well (bass doesn't overpower the rest of the sound range, and vice/versa). I also dig the design of these speakers. They go perfectly with my mac and they look cool. There's a dial on the sub-woofer to adjust the base level. The touch volume control is pretty darn cool too. I KINDA wish there was some visual prompts for sound level when you adjust the volume, but it's not a huge deal because I mainly adjust my volume through my Mac's interface anyway. There are better speakers out there but for computer speakers, these are pretty hard to touch!

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15 out of 15 users found this user opinion helpful.
5 stars

Beware: major manufacturing flaws!

by on January 26, 2007

Pros: stellar sound - unbeatable

Cons: Satellite speakers pop out easily; Subwoofer dies after warranty expires

Summary: The sound quality is amazing, but these were built to be disposable. After 2 years you'll need to buy another speaker system.

While under warranty, one of the satellite

...

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Summary: The sound quality is amazing, but these were built to be disposable. After 2 years you'll need to buy another speaker system.

While under warranty, one of the satellite speakers promptly popped out. Harman Kardon sent out a replacement satellite but it was a Soundstick I (not II like I had) and it looked totally different, but that's all they would send.

After the warranty expired, the subwoofer began to get fickle. The knob on these go very easily even if the knob is rarely used as in my case. Finally after 2 years the subwoofer quit altogether. HK referred me to an authorized HK repair nearby but the repairer said they had no way to get into the subwoofer to fix the problem - HK designed it so that it could not be fixed if broken.

The subwoofer is a very common problem with these - see the reviews at the apple store at apple.com (the ones rated poorly will tell you the truth).

I will not buy these again even though the sound is superb.

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12 out of 12 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 stars

PERFECT, even my PC computer works with it

by ludovic1992 on September 24, 2005

Pros: Original design, Excellent sound

Cons: A little pricey

Summary: I bought those soundsticks to go with my ipod photo 30 GB. There was no problem, I just plugged in the sound receiver (which came with the soundsticks. a +) and ...

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Summary: I bought those soundsticks to go with my ipod photo 30 GB. There was no problem, I just plugged in the sound receiver (which came with the soundsticks. a +) and the sound was INCREDIBLE.
Extremely clear and crisp sound came from the speakers and the bass made it all perfect.
I would definitely recommend this product.
Enjoy!

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9 out of 9 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 stars

As Rich as Any 2.1 Speakers You Can Buy

by PittsburghAfterDark on March 8, 2005

Pros: High end quality, great product design, incredibly rich sound from a small package.

Cons: Cons? With These? Mmmm, they require a plug!

Summary: I'm a Mac user and my primary use for these things is iTunes and internet radio, not games or movies so I can't attribute this products handling of ...

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Summary: I'm a Mac user and my primary use for these things is iTunes and internet radio, not games or movies so I can't attribute this products handling of downgrading 5.1 sound to 2.1.

However from having these for a good long while now before writing my review, anyone that hasn't listened to them before writing a review COUGH *mmilovic* COUGH, really shouldn't speak. I've been able to make neighbors complain with these things. In fact they sound as good as if not better than my bookshelf system speakers.

I'm no audiophile by any means, I can't tell you how they do on the low end, mid-range, high end or how much hissing or clipping they have. I just know that they sound great for what I use them for and I'm never out of room where I want to get to "11". When these things are cranked to 10, you can't hear yourself talk to someone next to you.

Now most times you're used to PC speakers getting flooded at high volume, distortion and the like. Not these, they sound as deep and rich at high volume as they do normal listening.

Honestly, after paying $150 from buy.com? I couldn't be happier with these things. I've seen Mac speakers come and go for nearly 3 years but nothing I've seen has topped these HK 2.1's as far as quality. At least that's what the Apple Store people and my local Mac dealer keep telling my agreeing mind.
Updated
Just to be clear, I have the USB version of this product, not the mini-jack. The product is identical in performance aspects with the exception that I can't use mine on anything other than a Mac.

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7 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 stars

Way better than Logitech!

by repeek on September 28, 2005

Pros: High Quality sound, Sleek design, neat!

Cons: no headphone jack, no remote control

Summary: The SoundSticks II is just the right PC Speakers for everyone. When compared to other highly rated speakers in CNet, like logitech, the Soundsticks is simply way better in performance. ...

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Summary: The SoundSticks II is just the right PC Speakers for everyone. When compared to other highly rated speakers in CNet, like logitech, the Soundsticks is simply way better in performance. I have tried the Logitech Z-2300 in music and there was just "no midrange" but the soundsticks deliver thick and rich sound. The only Con for this sleek set of speakers is that it doesn't include a headphone jack. However, I think it was made that way for a purpose because the input for this speakers is the headphone jack, unlike other speakers, it does not use the normal "PC Speakers" input.

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4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 stars

its all about the sound

by gridrunner on December 23, 2005

Pros: clean, clean sound - great form factor on a 2.1 system

Cons: If yu don't tweak the system through your sound card, it has a lack of controls on the speaker system itself - otherwise - awesome.

Summary: bit of background - I am into quality sound systems - from WAY back. At many times I hav had no transport - but DID have good sound. 'nuff said. ...

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Summary: bit of background - I am into quality sound systems - from WAY back. At many times I hav had no transport - but DID have good sound. 'nuff said. This was a purchase for my computer rig, a lightweight system - Dell Dimension 8400 P4 @ 3.4 GHz 1Gig RAM - Audiology 2ZS sound card. Now a hard core gamer I am not - into an ecclectic mix ranging from Classical throuygh techno and rap with a good shot of Euro and a Rock library raging from 60's through yesterday. Bottom line - it's all about the sound. This speaker system's SOUND OUTPUT is clear, clean, balanced, responsive - and out of all proportion to price, size, or what I thought I would get. I had been trying everything from Bose systems through the usual Klipsch, Creative, Logitech, JBL event Altec Lansing... These ones kick - not for sheer "break the house volume"... this isn't what they're designed to deliver... but clean, clear, solid sound with balanced bass (and I used to PLAY bass) at levels appropriate to a 120-150 square foot room or so... terrific.

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3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 stars

Simply Amazing

by fishkeeper87 on October 20, 2006

Pros: Clear quality w/o distortion

Cons: Sub adustment on back

Summary: These speakers are simply amazing. They reproduce everything with impeccable quality. It is always good to be clear and crisp rather than muddy and cheap sounding. Style goes well with ...

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Summary: These speakers are simply amazing. They reproduce everything with impeccable quality. It is always good to be clear and crisp rather than muddy and cheap sounding. Style goes well with Macs which was their first design purpose. Amazing build quality which will last for decades. Been around a while, but there is a reason for that. They obviously still sell well. Heck, the system is #2 for Cnet and its been 2 years since they reviewed. A classic timepiece.

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2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 stars

High in design, audio quality, and no fuzzing at reaaallly high volumes (from my test at least)

by Caunn on June 13, 2006

Pros: The best audio quality i've heard out of a system like this.

Cons: I can't think of any, except that the manual suggests that the base unit be put under the desk, but i didn't since it's so attractive, why hide it??

Summary: This is fantastic audio quality that i don't think you can find any where else out of a system like this. Very clean sound and the base isn't ...

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Summary: This is fantastic audio quality that i don't think you can find any where else out of a system like this. Very clean sound and the base isn't overwhelming. Great design on all the pieces too. I recommend.

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2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
6 stars

stylish, but no on/off switch

by johnpfree on October 10, 2006

Pros: beautiful to look at and good sound

Cons: no on/off button!

Summary: It was love at first sight when I saw these, and they do sound nice, but how hard would it be to put a on-off switch somewhere?

Every time I

...

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Summary: It was love at first sight when I saw these, and they do sound nice, but how hard would it be to put a on-off switch somewhere?

Every time I plug/unplug my mp3 player I get a giant FARP!!! really dumb.

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1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 stars

Best deal ever

by WhiteIce89 on December 15, 2005

Pros: Price; Bass is tight; Awesome sound on varied music genres; Stylish, different

Cons: They're best used directionally (as in, you, the person sitting in front of the computer, will get the best sound)

Summary: When I bought these speakers about a week ago, I had the "bang for the buck" mindset. I bought these for $110 from Amazon.com, and I find that price ...

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Summary: When I bought these speakers about a week ago, I had the "bang for the buck" mindset. I bought these for $110 from Amazon.com, and I find that price to be more than fair for a pair of awesome-sounding speakers. These speakers are for anyone. From the tight bass to the crisp sound, you will truly appreciate the Soundsticks.

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1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.

Showing opinion 1 to 10 out of 57

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Specifications

Manufacturer: Harman Kardon
Part number: SOUNDSTICKSII

General
Product Type PC multimedia speaker system
Dimensions (WxDxH) / Weight Details Satellite speaker : 10 in Diameter 2 in / 1.5 lbs, Subwoofer : 10.2 in Diameter 9.1 in / 4.9 lbs
Speaker System
System Components Subwoofer, 2 speakers
Nominal Output Power (Total) 40 Watt
Response Bandwidth 44 - 20000 Hz
Audio Amplifier Integrated
Connectivity Technology Wired
Speaker System Details
Speakers Included 2 x Satellite speaker - 10 Watt - Wired, 1 x Subwoofer - 20 Watt - Wired
Driver Details Subwoofer : 1 x Subwoofer driver - 6"
Connections
Connector Type

Harman/Kardon SoundSticks II

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