Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 Review, A Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

When talking about audio, there is no doubt that Harmon Kardon is one of the most reputable brands you can find today. It brags a large array of headphones and speakers that aim to satisfy different kinds of listeners – regardless if it will be intended for outdoor or indoor use.

In this review, we will be tackling the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6, a wireless Bluetooth speaker that features an IPX7 waterproof extra bass sound system. This incredible model guarantees to provide a consolidation of portability and incredible sound quality.

Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 Specs

• Height: 11.2 inches
• Width: 11.5 inches
• Depth: 5 inches
• Woofers: 4.7-inch x 1
• Tweeters: 1-inch x 1
• Battery Type: Lithium-iron, rechargeable
• Playtime: Maximum of 8 hours at 50 percent volume
• Capacity: 3,283mAh/3.6V
• Connections: Bluetooth, AUX
• Bluetooth Version: 4.2
• Supported Bluetooth profiles: A2DP 1.3, AVRCP 1.6
• Bluetooth Range: Maximum of 33 feet
• Frequency Response: 50Hz to 20,000Hz
• RMS output power: 40W
• SNR: 80dB
• Additional Features: Fully waterproof IPX7-certified, Aluminum handle

Additional Features: Fully waterproof IPX7-certified, Aluminum handle

The Onyx Studio 6 is not extremely huge that I would describe it as bulky. However, this speaker is large enough that it can make a perfect addition to your living room as an art piece. It weighs 2,940 grams which is quite manageable when moving it around.

Review Methodology

Buying your own Onyx Studio 6, you will see that it well-packed in a beautiful, nice-looking box. Inside the box, you will have the Onyx Studio 6 wireless Bluetooth speaker, a power adapter, a warranty card, and a quick-start guide. It would be fair to say that Harman Kardon really deserves the recognition it gets as it is very particular even in the packaging of their products. The speaker is beautifully packed as it is secured with foam. The adapter is placed in a separate box.

We made this review after conducting a thorough investigation and testing on the product. We wanted to incorporate useful information into this review so we made sure that we get enough experience of Onyx Studio 6. What you will learn here is true and unbiased, thus, making this review a credible one.

Related: Blackweb wireless speaker review

Product Features and Rate Performance

Onyx Studio 6 has a more powerful and gripping bass response as compared to the older speakers. The mids are natural and adequately balanced. It is also noticeable that the vocals are clear and crisp. You will also notice that the highs are a bit elevated but adequately consistent. Even the treble is neither fatiguing nor too bright. Generally, it is fun and engaging to listen to.

Design - 4 out of 5

Onyx Studio 6 exhibits a noticeable design as it comes with a similar design to the Onyx Studio 5. Onyx Studio 6 has a similar circular shape. Its base is thick and its top portion has a beautiful aluminum handle. The speaker cabinet is built from plastic and it is covered with a waterproof fabric. There are three available colors for Onyx Studio 6 – charcoal black accentuated with a black handle, steel blue accentuated with a gold-plated handle, and space gray also accentuated with a gold-plated handle. Mine is steel blue and I love it!

You can find the Harman Kardon logo at the lower part of the front panel. The control panel is situated at the top. You will find a small silicone flap at the lower back part which aims to secure the 3.5mm audio input, micro USB service port, and power input. There are five buttons in the control panel, namely: Bluetooth/pairing, power button, play/pause button, and volume controls.

Features - 4 out of 5

Harman Kardon has brought its expertise to a higher level by making Onyx Studio 6 with a completely waterproof IPX-7. The Onyx Studio 6 has one 4.7-inch woofer, one 1-inch tweeter, and a passive bass radiator. All speakers, along with the bass radiator, are kept on the front panel.

Furthermore, this speaker features Bluetooth 4.2. It only takes several seconds for the pairing to take place. All you have to do is press the Bluetooth to turn it on and start pairing. The range of connection reaches more than 50 feet outdoors and around 33 feet indoors. After pairing with a certain Bluetooth device, Onyx Studio 6 will remember it and shall automatically pair it the next time.

If you do not like to utilize the Bluetooth feature or if the audio source does not have the option for Bluetooth connectivity, then you can choose to plug in the 3.5mm audio input. However, you should know that the Bluetooth connection is prioritized over AUX.

Value for Money - 4 out of 5

Onyx Studio 6 offers great value for money. There are no major complaints about its performance. The construction is unblemished. I tried it in heavy use and I am amazed to see how it managed to survive the pressure of extreme use. I can say that I can also survive a few unintentional drops.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of the Product

Pros

• Great frequency response accuracy
• Supports the multiple-device pairing
• The waterproof feature makes it perfect for outdoor use.

Cons

• Lacks low-bass
• Downmixes the stereo content into mono
• It has a short battery life of 8 hours

Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 Alternatives

The following Bluetooth speakers can be great alternatives to the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6:

• JBL Boombox 2

The JBL Boombox 2 provides high volumes and great bass depth. Its carved highs and enhanced bass may not interest the purists. However, big sound fanatics will surely love its booming output.

• Sony SRS-XB41

The Sony SRS-XB41 is reasonably priced for the quality of audio firepower it gives. Aside from its powerful sound, this speaker also features adjustable EQ and built-in LEDs.

Verdict

The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 can do well for thump bass lovers and it is a favorable choice according to the current demands. The primary selling point of this speaker is its gonzo bass response. You should be very happy to own an Onyx Studio 6 if this is what you are after.