Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9

Name: Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9
Brand: Harman Kardon
SKU: 93900

Manufacturer: Harman Kardon

The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 is a portable speaker designed for those seeking high-quality sound in a compact package. With its sleek design and wireless capabilities, it offers convenience and mobility without sacrificing audio performance. One standout feature is its audio output power of 4 x 12.5W, delivering clear sound for a variety of environments.

Equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, the Onyx Studio 9 supports a maximum Bluetooth range of 10 meters and features a rechargeable 4722 mAh battery that offers up to 8 hours of playback. Additionally, it includes a detachable cable for wired connectivity and supports stereo pairing for an immersive audio experience.

Pros

Supports stereo pairing for enhanced sound experience.
Wireless functionality allows for more flexible placement and easier setup.
Includes a 2-meter cable for wired connectivity if needed.

Cons

Does not support NFC pairing for quicker Bluetooth connection.
Lacks water resistance, limiting its suitability for outdoor or wet environments.
Does not include features like voice commands, fast pairing, or a mute function.

Who is this for?

The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 is ideal for users looking for a portable, wireless audio solution for indoor or controlled environments. Its wireless connectivity and support for stereo pairing make it a great choice for home or small gathering settings where high-quality audio and convenience are key. With a decent battery life of 8 hours, it is suitable for casual listening or background music during events or activities that do not require extensive outdoor use.

Who is this NOT for?

This speaker is not ideal for users who need a rugged, outdoor-friendly speaker, as it lacks water resistance and is quite heavy at 3330 g. It also lacks features like fast pairing and a mute function, making it less convenient for quick, hassle-free setup or frequent adjustments in dynamic environments. Users seeking a speaker for high-energy, on-the-go activities or those requiring voice controls or advanced Bluetooth codecs may find it lacking in functionality.

Design:

volume	10808.85 cm³
drivers count	3
driver unit size	20 mm
has a neodymium magnet	✕
water resistance	None
travel bag is included	✕
has a touch screen	✕
has RGB lighting	✕
has a detachable cable	✓
is a neckband speaker	✕
has a remote control	✕
weight	3330 g
height	287.5 mm
width	289.2 mm
thickness	130 mm

The design of the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 features a compact and portable structure with a volume of 10808.85 cm³, making it easy to carry around. It includes three drivers with a 20 mm driver unit size for audio playback, though it does not use a neodymium magnet. While it lacks water resistance and RGB lighting, it does offer a detachable cable for flexible connectivity. The speaker has a weight of 3330 g and dimensions of 287.5 mm in height, 289.2 mm in width, and 130 mm in thickness, providing a sturdy yet manageable form.

Sound quality:

has stereo speakers	✕
has a subwoofer	✕
highest frequency	20000 Hz
lowest frequency	50 Hz
audio output power	4 x 12.5W
Has a passive radiator	✕
has a noise-canceling microphone	✕
Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)	80 dB
has a magnetic shielding	✕

The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 delivers clear audio performance with an audio output power of 4 x 12.5W, though it does not feature stereo speakers or a subwoofer. Its frequency range spans from a lowest frequency of 50 Hz to a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz, ensuring a broad sound spectrum. The speaker also has a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 80 dB, providing quality sound with minimal interference, but it does not include a passive radiator or noise-canceling microphone.

Power:

battery power	4722 mAh
Battery life	8 hours
charge time	4 hours
has a battery level indicator	✕
has a rechargeable battery	✓
has a removable battery	✕
has wireless charging	✕

The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 is powered by a 4722 mAh rechargeable battery, providing up to 8 hours of playback on a full charge. Charging the speaker takes approximately 4 hours, though it does not support wireless charging or include a battery level indicator. Additionally, the battery is not removable, ensuring continuous power but without the option for easy replacement.

Connectivity:

Bluetooth version	5.3
supports Bluetooth pairing using NFC	✕
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack	✕
has an AUX input	✕
has aptX Lossless	✕
has LDAC	✕
has aptX Adaptive	✕
has aptX HD	✕
has aptX	✕
has aptX Low Latency	✕
has AAC	✕
has AirPlay	✕
has Chromecast built-in	✕
has Auracast	✓
has Bluetooth LE Audio	✕
maximum Bluetooth range	10 m
supports Wi-Fi	✕
Has USB Type-C	✓
has a 3.5mm male connector	✕
has an external memory slot	✕
is DLNA-certified	✕
supports Ethernet	✕
has a microphone input	✕

The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 offers Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, with a maximum Bluetooth range of 10 meters. While it does not support NFC pairing, AUX input, or other high-definition Bluetooth codecs like aptX or LDAC, it does feature Auracast for enhanced wireless audio streaming. Additionally, it includes a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer, but lacks support for Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity.

Features:

release date	January 2025
Can be used wirelessly	✓
supports a remote smartphone	✓
has fast pairing	✕
has voice commands	✕
Has a radio	✕
Has voice prompts	✓
has a mute function	✕
works as a power bank	✕

The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 is designed for wireless use, allowing you to enjoy music without the need for physical connections. It supports remote control via a smartphone and provides voice prompts to guide you through the setup and usage. However, it does not include features like fast pairing, voice commands, or a mute function, and it does not support radio playback or function as a power bank.

Miscellaneous:

supports pairing for stereo sound	✓
cable length	2 m

The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 supports stereo pairing, allowing you to connect two speakers for enhanced sound. It also includes a 2-meter cable for wired connections, offering flexibility in setup and use, though it does not include additional features like external memory slots or other advanced connectivity options.

Final Verdict

The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 is a solid choice for users seeking a wireless speaker with a strong audio output and the ability to pair for stereo sound. Its wireless functionality and good battery life of 8 hours make it well-suited for casual indoor use, home settings, or small gatherings. However, its lack of water resistance, advanced Bluetooth features, and convenience features like fast pairing or a mute function may limit its appeal for more demanding or outdoor environments. Overall, it provides good value for those who prioritize straightforward, reliable audio in a portable form factor.