Harman Kardon SoundSticks II
An advanced 3-piece multimedia speaker system, the SoundSticks II offer easy plug-and-play with any existing audio device that has a standard mini stereo speaker jack.
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Overview
Employing computer-optimized multi-band parametric equalization, the SoundSticks II also offer Harman's unique “capacitance touch” control buttons on the right satellite that allow for direct access to volume control. Just a touch increases or decreases the volume. A single touch also mutes or un-mutes the system. In addition, the SoundSticks II remember your last volume setting.
The SoundSticks II audio system uses a straightforward interconnect technology, which provides an effortless user interface with minimum desktop wiring. The powerful subwoofer provides clean, low bass. And treble and subwoofer level controls are located on the back of the subwoofer.
Specifications
General
- Frequency range: 44Hz-20kHz
- Power consumption: 4W idle, 65W maximum
- Input: 1/8 in./3.5 mm mini stereo jack
- Transducer: Four 1-in. full range per channel
- Amplifier output power: 10W RMS per channel
- Dimensions (Diam. x Ht.): 2.0 x 10.0 in./5.1 x 25.4 cm
- Weight: 1.5 lb./0.67 kg
- Transducer: One 6-in. woofer (subwoofer
- Amplifier output power: 20W RMS per channel
- Dimensions (Diam. x Ht.): 9.19 x 10.19 in./23.2 x 25.8 cm (subwoofer)
- Weight: 4.9 lb./2.2 kg
One year
Mfr. Part No.: SOUNDSTICKS II
Note: Products sold through this website that do not bear the Apple Brand name are serviced and supported exclusively by their manufacturers in accordance with terms and conditions packaged with the products. Apple's Limited Warranty does not apply to products that are not Apple-branded, even if packaged or sold with Apple products. Please contact the manufacturer directly for technical support and customer service.
Most Useful Reviews
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Harman Kardon SoundSticks II
Perfection Personification
Written by BR from Bridgewater
Jan 6, 2007
You have no idea how much I agonized over choosing the correct speakers to match my new 24" Imac. I did all the prerequisite research on the weeb and listened to a dozen systems, from the inexpensive cool looking Creatures to the high end clunky Bose. When I learned about these, they were like a gift from God. They were designed by HK engineers in conjunction with Apple, and so equal the coolness factor of the Imac and as Steve Jobs would probably say- makes computers sexy again. That subwoofer is just too good lookin' to sit under a desk! Having said that, the sound experience took me by surprise, even though that is why most people buy them. Very crisp, clean highs with a smooth midtone. Adjust bass to annoy spouse or neighbours. Final word: other more expensive systems are for audiogeeks. These will satisfy your pocketbook and your aesthetics. Enjoy. …More
1079 of 1342 people found this useful
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Harman Kardon SoundSticks II
You can get better for less
Written by KK from Lafayette
Aug 2, 2005
This system is sub-par for what you can get from Altec or Klipsch for the same price. The 150 dollar Promedia 2.1's are superior to this Harmon Kardon overpriced plastic junk. The sats have very little midrange and pretty much hang on 200hz leaving that job up to the subwoofer. This makes for extremely distorted and muddy mid-bass as well as a horrible transition to the subwoofer which in turn causes undesired localization of the subwoofer itself. The sub is small, underpowered and over ported. It doest have a whisper below 50hz so don't actually expect any real bass out of this thing, and the port is conveniently facing upward to allow dust to enter at will - great design there!
Seriously, this system would be ok at 70 (edit: 50) dollars, but for this price, you can get some serious power from Klipsch or Altec Lansing. Don't consider this product.
Scan the user reviews.. Not one person has actually compared this to an equivalent 150 dollar system. What's to review if you have no experience in the rest of the market? I do and the market puts this mishap to shame. The GMX 2.1, THX 2.1 or Altec MX5021, all would lay waste this little HK junker. Have you ever heard of a plastic subwoofer? Anything with modest build quality uses MDF which all of the above do. Please, this system is not for anyone who takes audio seriously. If you own a Mac or iPod you already take it too serious to consider this awful conglomeration of a speaker system.
In all fairness, I don't own the product; however, I tested it at my cousin's house and felt a need to report my opinion. …More1262 of 1907 people found this useful
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Harman Kardon SoundSticks II
Excellent sound quality with high volume potential
Written by TC from Purchase
Jul 29, 2005
The quality of acoustics of this speaker set is extremely high. The speaker set can be hooked up to a desktop computer, laptop computer or only to an iPod. It is important to note that this is not a highly portable speaker set, as compared to a one-piece speaker system; it obviously can be transported, but with some care and bulkiness. One of the SoundSticks has volume (+) and volume (-) buttons, and the subwoofer has its own volume knob. Also, the wires connecting the SoundSticks to the subwoofer are very long, allowing for a proper "spreading" of the sound. There is no need to ever buy an old fashioned component stereo system any longer with equipment like this available. …More
759 of 1036 people found this useful
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Most Recent Reviews
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Harman Kardon SoundSticks II
Quirky but Great Sound!
Written by KR from Worth
Nov 11, 2009
After almost two years, the Harman Kardon SoundSticks II are still my favorite speakers in the house.
The styling is quirky, the controls are annoying and the sound fantastic.
The clear and curvaceous styling would probably have gone with the Macs of a few years ago best, maybe the G4 era. They look a little bit out of place in the modern brushed-aluminum world of Mac but not excessively so.
The controls are few and awkward.
There is only a Bass adjust knob on the subwoofer and two metal touchpads on the right-hand "stick" to adjust volume. There isn't even a "Power" switch of any sort.
Worse, adjusting the volume is hit-or-miss as there is no tactile feedback, no "tick" or "beep" no anything at all to indicate what volume level might be expected or even if the touchpad press was registered.
But the sound is Awesome with a Capital "A"!
The sound is so good that I'm willing to forgive the awful controls and the dated styling.
Just use your keyboard's volume buttons and either hide or show off the unique SoundStick style. There is no need at all to hide the sound they produce.... it's still amazing.
If what you want is outstandingly clear sound at a very reasonable cost, buy these speakers. …More5 of 5 people found this useful
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Harman Kardon SoundSticks II
Best 2.1 speakers I've set ears on
Written by HM from Ottawa
Oct 30, 2009
These speakers are amazing, hands down, at least for 2.1 speakers (2 speakers and a sub). I was going to go for the Bose 5.1 but realized I didn't have the right sized office for it at home, so it wasn't practical. But these were a great solution, and I applaud everyone's exclamation that the subwoofer is too beautiful to have stashed under a desk -- the blue light inside is an aesthetic pleasure, and the see-through design makes the blue reflect through the surfaces quite nice. Quality wise, you can't ask for much more. There are audio buffs out there in the blogs comparing these to 2.1 speakers that cost thousands of dollars, so for this price point it says something about what I'm trying to tell ya... they rock my iTunes! Very rich through all of the low, mid and high ranges, and it boasts a presence in visual and sound quality that will not leave you dissatisfied in its marriage with the rest of the sound qualities. I took a chance on an entry-level upper end, and these pay off quite nicely. Very nice Mac look to my desktop setup, too. It's worth noting -- I've cranked these puppies up high, short of my head exploding, and they won't give off any distortion, which would be awesome for parties. …More
14 of 15 people found this useful
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Harman Kardon SoundSticks II
Great Speakers
Written by TH from Blaine
Oct 25, 2009
these are the best speakers in the market. they sound as amazing as they look. the bass is my favorite, it puts out beats like no other and fills the room. these speakers are a must. …More
11 of 12 people found this useful
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Questions & Answers
Most Interesting
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how to connect speakers to computer
- Asked by SS from Billings
- Oct 10, 2009
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does it charges your ipod touch? and if it does, does it has a way so i can still listen to the music using it without charging my ipod??
- Asked by CB from Formiga
- Oct 13, 2009
Best Answer
This model does not come with a docking station to play and charge your device. It only comes with the aux. jack.
That being said, if you buy the universal dock from Apple, if has an aux. output for external speakers and if it is plugged in to a wall with the wall adapter over USB, you will be able to play and charge at the same time! …More- Answered by JL from Rigaud
- Oct 20, 2009
- 5 of 5 people found this useful
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can you use these for mac book pro
- Asked by JG from GONZALES
- Oct 11, 2009
Best Answer
yes
- Answered by RM from Sewickley
- Oct 13, 2009
- 5 of 5 people found this useful
Most Recent
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Can you just buy one speaker? I've had this set and have been please with it but one of the speakers is cracked.
- Asked by FH from Maywood
- Nov 13, 2009
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does it charges your ipod touch? and if it does, does it has a way so i can still listen to the music using it without charging my ipod??
- Asked by CB from Formiga
- Oct 13, 2009
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My power chord is gone! Can I purchase a replacement please?
- Asked by DM from Hesperia
- Oct 13, 2009
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The mini Sterio Jack connection, do you plug this into your iPod Touch for it to work with the remote on the Ipod
- Asked by EG from Driffield
- Oct 10, 2009
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Can I use these speakers with the iPod touch remote, without a sterio
- Asked by EG from Driffield
- Oct 10, 2009
