The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 stands out in the portable Bluetooth speaker market, offering a blend of artistic design and powerful acoustic performance. This latest model builds on its predecessors by incorporating enhanced sound clarity and a refined aesthetic. While it excels in delivering vibrant and engaging audio, suitable for diverse musical tastes, it notably lacks weather resistance and smart functionalities, positioning it as a dedicated audio device rather than an all-in-one smart hub. Its key features include an extended battery life, convenient charging options, and the ability to customize sound through a dedicated application, making it an attractive option for users prioritizing style and robust sound quality in indoor settings.
The Onyx Studio 9, the newest iteration in Harman Kardon's acclaimed portable speaker series, continues the brand's tradition of seamlessly integrating sophisticated design with superior acoustic engineering. Introduced after the Studio 8 in 2022, this model brings significant advancements, including the addition of a third tweeter to boost high-frequency clarity and an innovative self-tuning equalization system. Priced at £229.29 in the UK, $299.95 in the US, and AU$360 in Australia, it occupies the upper-mid range of the Bluetooth speaker market, offering substantial value through its premium aesthetics and sound performance.
Aesthetically, the Onyx Studio 9 features a chic, circular design with a premium fabric finish. Its integrated gunmetal grey loop, crafted from recycled aluminum, ingeniously serves as both a stable stand and a comfortable carrying handle, enhancing its portability without compromising its sleek appearance. However, this speaker is not built for outdoor adventures; it lacks an IP rating, meaning it's vulnerable to water and dust. This makes it more suitable for indoor environments like living rooms or kitchens, rather than poolside gatherings or camping trips. The speaker's compact dimensions of 289.2 x 287.5 x 130mm, combined with an internal power supply, ensure a tidy setup without bulky external components.
In terms of connectivity, the Onyx Studio 9 utilizes Bluetooth 5.3 for a reliable wireless connection and supports multipoint pairing, allowing two devices to connect simultaneously. While it does not feature Wi-Fi, limiting smart functionalities like voice assistants or casting, it compensates with the ability to pair with multiple Onyx Studio 9 speakers for an expanded audio experience. This includes stereo pairing for a dedicated left/right soundstage or grouping up to four speakers for a Party Mode, enhanced by Auracast compliance. It also includes a 3.5mm stereo minijack for older audio sources and a USB-C port that doubles as a power bank for charging smartphones, adding a practical utility. The speaker runs on a 4722mAh battery, providing approximately 8 hours of playback on a full charge, and can be configured via the Harman Kardon app with various audio presets and a 7-band EQ.
The sound quality of the Onyx Studio 9 is characterized by its energetic bass, emphasized highs, and impressive volume capabilities. It's designed for an engaging listening experience, prioritizing vibrancy over clinical neutrality. While it features a recessed mid-range, this characteristic contributes to its fun and lively sound profile, ideal for setting a festive mood. The speaker handles a wide range of genres with confidence, from the driving rhythms of rockabilly to the synthetic pulses of electronic music, without distortion even at high volumes. Its ability to reproduce deep bass, quoted at 50Hz, adds a rich foundation to the audio, making it particularly effective for bass-heavy tracks.
Ultimately, the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 is a remarkable, relatively compact, and stylish Bluetooth speaker that produces a sound far grander than its physical presence might imply. Despite its limitations, such as the absence of outdoor suitability and a perfectly balanced sonic output, it excels in delivering an enjoyable and dynamic listening experience for everyday use across various content, from music to podcasts. Its striking visual appeal further complements its strong performance, making it a desirable choice for consumers who appreciate both form and function in their audio devices.
