Harman Kardon SoundSticks III
Manufacturer: Harman Kardon Part number: SOUNDSTICKS3AM
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The $170 SoundSticks III speakers offer light cosmetic upgrades (and unfortunately retain a few irritations) from the previous model, but if you're a fan of the iridescent design, this speaker system won't disappoint.
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CNET editors' review
Harman Kardon SoundSticks III price range: $121.97 - $169.00
- Reviewed by: Justin Yu
- Edited by: Rich Brown
- Reviewed on: 09/09/2011
The good: The Harman Kardon SoundSticks III 2.1 speakers equip music lovers with four drivers in each satellite and a large subwoofer to pump extra bass.
The bad: There's no external jack for plugging in headphones, the bass controls are mounted on the subwoofer itself, and there's no way to turn off the translucent lighting without powering down the entire system.
The bottom line: The $170 SoundSticks III speakers offer light cosmetic upgrades (and unfortunately retain a few irritations) from the previous model, but if you're a fan of the iridescent design, this speaker system won't disappoint.
The Harman Kardon SoundSticks III speakers don't offer much more than the first SoundSticks and their SoundSticks II sequel we've already reviewed, but who are we to argue with a design that was deemed worthy of the New York Museum of Modern Art's permanent collection? The SoundSticks III speaker system keeps the same internal components we loved about its predecessors--four 1-inch drivers mounted vertically in dual 10-watt satellite speakers and drawing power from a 20-watt subwoofer that sits on the floor. Unfortunately, Harman Kardon didn't change any of the things we found irritating about the SoundSticks' first two iterations, so you still have to reach down to the subwoofer to turn off the system, but if you can overlook some missing details and don't mind its capacitive volume buttons, the SoundSticks III speakers are sure to earn you accolades from jealous listeners.
Design
The original SoundSticks debuted back in the year 2000 around the same time that Apple introduced the clear iMac G3 computer, and there's a reason the two devices carry a similar aesthetic: both started as an image in the mind of Apple's current lead designer, Jonathan Ive.
The current SoundSticks III use the same clear plastic transparency for the subwoofer and satellite combination, and many have compared the pale light inside to the glow of a jellyfish. This time around, Harman Kardon has lowered the intensity of the internal blue lights so they aren't as distracting as on the last two models.
The two transparent, 10-watt satellite speakers each have four 1-inch drivers built into a vertical column and look almost exactly the same as the Soundstick II speakers, with the exception of a new black color for the base rings. The rings let you adjust the angle of the satellites, which helps if the height of your desk is incongruous with your chair. The satellites are wired to open ports on the bottom of the 10.2x9.2-inch subwoofer and link together using a cable wrapped in transparent housing for extra protection against pets, humans, and whatever else might be chewing up wires around your house. The sub's open 1/8-inch input jack also means that anyone with a male audio output can play music on the SoundSticks, and setting up the system to play from a computer only took us a few minutes.
Capacitive-touch volume buttons may have blown skirts up back in 2000, but the inability to view incremental volume levels is pretty irritating today, and on multiple occasions we found ourselves pumping the volume up to eardrum-piercing levels by accident as a result of the ultrasensitive buttons. We can only hope that Harman Kardon will wise up and build the next SoundSticks with a dedicated volume knob.
Another gripe is the lack of a headphone jack, although you can purchase a dual-sided 3.5-inch audio cable for the output jacket. Finally, the bass-level controls are on the subwoofer itself, and the dial also doubles as a power button, which is annoying to turn off every night if you like to sleep in total darkness.
Performance
The SoundSticks continue to garner positive marks from users after 10 years because they're not just a pretty design--the 2.1 speakers are resistant to distortion even at extremely loud volumes, and our bass-centric test track (Skrillex's "First of the Year ") sounds crisp and balanced despite a rather limited frequency-response range of 44Hz to 20Hz, compared with competing speakers like the Audioengine 2 speakers.
We also noticed zero added hissing on sibilant consonants and very little audible static between tracks. The SoundSticks III sound equally powerful when playing 192K-encoded MP3 music tracks, during PC gameplay, and most especially in scenes from the most recent silver-screen version of "King Kong." In each instance, we pushed the maximum volume up incrementally and found no degradation in sonic clarity and bass rumble.
Conclusion
Harman Kardon drops the price of the SoundSticks III from $200 down to just $170, earning our buying recommendation for music fans and dedicated Ive followers alike. Despite a few shortcomings, the SoundSticks system remains one of the best-sounding, and best-looking, PC speaker systems under $200.
User reviews
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Disregard reviews by newbie owners--good for one date.
by caponsacchi on September 22, 2011
Pros: Pretty to look at. Make a good first impression. The looks enhance the sound, which is quite lovely if not striking (lacking a rich mid-range). The common mini-plug for the whole unit is handy.
Cons: User inaccessible parts. Delicate wiring that shorts out in a few months, leaving you with one satellite speaker or worse. Delicate tiny 4-pin connector for one of the satellites. Pointless "touch" volume control (and impractical). Good for playing on
Summary: Ultimately, these are going to lead to Harman Industries shooting itself in the foot. The first impression, infatuation has worn out, and consumers are unlikely to keep coming back and ...
Summary: Ultimately, these are going to lead to Harman Industries shooting itself in the foot. The first impression, infatuation has worn out, and consumers are unlikely to keep coming back and buying these (at ever inflated prices) as frequently as some replace their Apple gadgets. But Harman keeps raising the price without attending to durability and practical issues. I refuse to be seduced into buying a 3rd pair, and I've never ended up with a unit worth trying to sell to someone. You'll get the same sound from Harman's ugly but much less expensive JBL Creature speakers. But you'd do better to pick up Cyber-Acoustics ]3:1 computer speakers n the $30-40 range.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best computer speakers I've ever owned
by Stacyx on April 18, 2011
Pros: Beautiful looks, fantastic sound, well-built, price
Cons: nothing major
Summary: I got rid of my Bose computer speakers after the cat ate through the wires and after reading some reviews I decided to go with the Soundstick III. First, the ...
Summary: I got rid of my Bose computer speakers after the cat ate through the wires and after reading some reviews I decided to go with the Soundstick III. First, the only difference between these and the last version (II) is the color of the base of the satellite speakers and there is a white light in the subwoofer. For the price of these speakers, the sound can't be beat- they sound better than computer speakers that cost almost twice as much. I was pleasantly surprised at the build quality- they are very, very solid. The down-firing subwoofer provides deep, rich bass but note- it's a pretty good sized sub so if space is an issue- either on top of or below your desk, keep that in mind. It works best on the floor but right now I have it on top.
My only complaint and it is so minor it's hardly worth mentioning, but I will- the volume controls on the right satellite are a bit annoying. It's not a huge issue because I mainly use my computer volume control and itunes volume control but I am used to 2.1 systems having a little volume pod as opposed to having to reach over and adjust the volume on a satellite. But really, it's not a huge issue at all.
Uses- all types of music, movies. I am not a gamer so I can't speak to how they sound with games.
I really would recommend these speakers without any hesitation.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Sounds, Could listen for Hours...
by ryokusanagi on March 28, 2011
Pros: Non-fatiguing sound.
Cons: My only complaint is no remote control I guess. But what the hey, I need the exercise anyway. ^_^
Summary: I first tested this with my xfi2. Fell with it. First song I did not even need to use the EQ (its a pop song), I only needed to tweak ...
Summary: I first tested this with my xfi2. Fell with it. First song I did not even need to use the EQ (its a pop song), I only needed to tweak it on low quality MP3s that are metal songs.
I definitely recommend it.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Jaw dropping! Eye opening!
by kurek412 on March 9, 2011
Pros: Magnificent sound, Gut busting clarity. truly a design marval.
Cons: i didn't design them.
Summary: Magnificent sound, im serious, I've had many different speakers in my life from Bose to Technic sound systems. None match to the clarity and bass accuracy of these speakers, ...
Summary: Magnificent sound, im serious, I've had many different speakers in my life from Bose to Technic sound systems. None match to the clarity and bass accuracy of these speakers, some people say that these miss strong bass cues in some songs, but the reason some people think this is because they are brain washed with those hard hitting sound systems and expect huge bass drops, but they're not hearing the actuality and accuracy of the real low notes, these truly capture the true colors of all music genres. Trust me, im an industrial designer, these speakers are worth ever penny. All in all these are fantastic speakers, if you want room filling clarity and accurate bass lines, these speakers are worth the money!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Speakers!
by okaygo on September 13, 2011
Pros: Good sound, fills a room, chalk resistant
Cons: Sensitive volume adjustments (though for my purposes no matter)
Summary: So we have a set of these speakers currently in our climbing gym. We used to have a surround sound system, but as we found out, chalk (you use it ...
Summary: So we have a set of these speakers currently in our climbing gym. We used to have a surround sound system, but as we found out, chalk (you use it to keep your hands dry while climbing) does not play well with open vents and subsequently destroyed our receiver. Thus the Harmon Kardon system. We usually just plug in a laptop or iPod, and blast the tunes away. It sounds great, and fills our racquetball court sized bouldering gym with more than enough sound without sounding hollow or weak. Also, all of the speakers are unorganized and sitting in the corner while playing amazing sound. On a side note, they continue to be highly chalk resistant.
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These speakers though beautiful didn't last long!
by cognac77 on September 13, 2011
Pros: The speakers are beautiful and they sound great. Their size makes them easy to hide if you have little space on your desk.
Cons: The volume buttons on the speakers are too sensitive and it's hard to control the volume. Also I had problems with the left speaker not playing more than 65% of the time which meant I had to turn the speakers on and off until they stayed on. I had that pr
Summary: Buy these speakers at your own risk. Even though they are beautiful, doesn't mean they are going to last.
Summary: Buy these speakers at your own risk. Even though they are beautiful, doesn't mean they are going to last.
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Great for any size room.
by Da_Badguy on September 13, 2011
Pros: Light weight.. quick setup..great sound!
Cons: Looks awkward.
Summary: I'm hoping that they re-up and make a new version with more sticks..
Summary: I'm hoping that they re-up and make a new version with more sticks..
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THE WORST, WORST , WORST SPEAKERS I'VE EVER OWNED! EVER
by 1924942ekim on March 7, 2011
Pros: The sound is awful. They are clearly the most beautifully designed computer speakers I've ever seen. I'd seen them in Europe and couldn't order them fast enough. Unfortunately, the sound is without a doubt the WORST I've ever hear. SO dissappointed.
Cons: The sound is completely distorted even at the lowest levels. There IS NO clarity whatsoever. HORRENDOUS. I question the competence of any 'editor' who claims to have even listened to these and says they liked them.
Summary: Don't buy the hype or the speakers!
Summary: Don't buy the hype or the speakers!
0 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Harman Kardon
- Part number: SOUNDSTICKS3AM
- Description: A 6-inch downward-firing powered subwoofer. Eight 1-inch full-range transducers. Plug-and-Play compatibility with virtually any multimedia device. And stunning industrial design that perfectly matches the clarity of the sound. The Harman Kardon SoundSticks III desktop sound system brings a new level of excitement to music, games and movies with a minimum of wiring - and looks spectacular doing it.
General
- Product Type 2.1-channel PC multimedia speaker system
- Speakers included 2 speakers,
Subwoofer Speaker Features
- Speaker Type Active subwoofer, passive satellites
- Woofer size (inches) 1 in
- Nominal Output Power (Total) 40 Watt
- Response Bandwidth 44 - 20000 Hz
- Audio Amplifier Integrated
- Connectivity Technology Wired
Speaker Details
- Features 2 x Satellite speaker - 10 Watt - Wired,
1 x Subwoofer - 20 Watt - Wired - Driver Details Satellite speaker : 4 x Full-range driver - 1 in
- Driver Details Subwoofer : 1 x Subwoofer driver - 6"
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x Audio line-in ( Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm )
PC Speakers (Extended Specs)
- Power Consumption Operational 65 Watt
- Component height 10.2 in,
10 in - Component weight 4.9 lbs,
1.5 lbs - Power device form factor External
- Power device type Power adapter
Power
- Power Device Power adapter - External
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Harman Kardon products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Harman Kardon
- Address:
400 Atlantic Street, Stamford, CT 06901
