When the box for this speaker landed on my desk, I was a little scared at first. It looks like it might hold a microwave (well, a smaller microwave). However, a look at the print immediately puts an end to any speculation. In front of me is a luxurious-looking speaker from Harman/Kardon. Specifically, it is the Harman/Kardon Onyx model. Studio 3. The basic information on the packaging looks tempting and the specifications look even more so. So let's see what treasure is hidden in the giant box.
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Specifications
Let's start, as usual, by looking at the official product specifications. Onyx Speaker Studio 3 is equipped with two 75mm drivery, which are supported by two 20mm tweeters. The frequency range is a very nice 50Hz-20kHz. The speaker output is 4x15W when connected directly to the mains, or 4x7,5W when powered by the integrated battery. These speakers are powered by a 2600mAh battery, whose battery life is specified for five hours. It takes the same amount of time to fully charge. Bluetooth 4.1 takes care of wireless audio transmission. The entire device weighs just over two kilograms. Onyx Studio 3 is available in several colors variacolors, specifically black, white, purple (blue), gray and pink (red).
Package contents
As for the packaging, it will tell you what you are in for. It is quite large and contains all the essential information and features of what is hidden inside. The speaker is very firmly seated inside and everything is padded with hard protective cardboard.oneInside, in addition to the speaker itself, there is a power cable with an adapter and several sheets of accompanying documentation, including a manual in Czech and Slovak. The box has a black plastic handle, so it is easy to handle.
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Execution
After unpacking, I was very surprised by the look of the speaker itself. First of all, it is a beautiful and decently modern piece of hardware. The speaker has the shape of a kind of lentil and sits very elegantly on the table thanks to its two rear legs. The entire front part is covered (in my case) with a black fabric, with the manufacturer's logo in the middle. On the top of the speaker are the controls, which we will get to later. On the back there is an integrated carrying handle, under which is the bass output. On the lower back there is a place for connecting cables. Here we find the classic power output, microUSB for updating the firmware and a 3,5mm toonewhich.
Ergonomics
The ergonomics of the device are exemplary. The buttons on the top have a short stroke accompanied by a clear response, the power button is backlit. Next to it are the volume adjustment buttons, the call acceptance button and the pairing button. This is done in a standard way here and I did not have the slightest problem with it during testing. Whether it was connecting to a PC, an iPad or an iPhone. The speaker has a built-in microphone with a noise-canceling function, which works great if you want to make a phone call and, for example, make a conference call with multiple listeners. I have no complaints about the microphone. The microphone sensor itself is located on the bottom of the device. Onyx Speaker Studio 3 also supports a very interesting pairing function with a second identical device, thanks to which you get an effective 2.0 system. Unfortunately, I only had one speaker available, so I couldn't test this specifically. Up to three devices can be connected to the device at the same time.
Audio presentation
However, the most important thing about a speaker is its high-quality sound performance, and in this case it was a success. The great design is complemented by an equally great sound performance. When testing this particular model, I tried many scenarios. From classic music listening, to using it as a system speaker for a PC, to playing movies. With all these pitfalls, Onyx Studio 3 did a great job. The music production is excellent, the speaker can produce a very strong bass line, which is complemented by perfectly legible highs and midrange. The sound itself is powerful and can perfectly fill the listening room. When listening to harder music, everything is perfectly legible and nothing is muffled.
While watching movies, the same feeling as you can know from the cinema, when the hugely powerful speakers blare with your whole body, has appeared many times. In this case, I think the combination of two speakers would make an excellent surround system for watching movies. In terms of sound, I don't have much to complain about here.
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Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 3 is a great piece of hardware. Starting from the (subjectively) great design and workmanship, which will fit into a modern apartment and perfectly complement almost any modernly furnished living room, through the excellent and powerful sound production. I honestly did not expect how powerful the sound these speakers can generate. The power is more than enough for larger rooms and I think that Onyx Studio 3 will not lose even in larger open spaces - for example, on the terrace, or in front of the house by the pool. It will ideally serve as a sound source for various parties, but its use is ultimately extremely universal. After connecting to a PC, it can very well replace system speakers (in case of good placement), or in combination with a second piece, it can easily replace the sound system for a TV. Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 3 really worked out.
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