As opposed to the barebones design of the Onyx Studio, this second iteration adds multiple device support as well as deeper phone integration. FeaturesĪnother improvement over the original model is in the feature set.
Onyx 2 vs onyx 3 harman kardon upgrade#
The upgrade in color scheme and practical updates to the top buttons make this speaker feel much more modern. The addition of a phone button expands the functionality of the Onyx Studio 2, but we’ll talk more about that soon.Īll things considered, I like the look of the Onyx Studio 2 much more than the original model. The top features some similar soft-touch controls for volume, Bluetooth, and power, but are now slightly indented so they can be found without looking. The legs are now finished in a shiny copper, with black feet at the bottom, and the woofer features the same brushed finish as the Onyx Studio, but now in the same copper color.Īs opposed to the soft rubber finish on the back like on the Onyx Studio, the Studio 2 features a Tolex type finish that’s still soft to the touch, but much more textured. The circular design feels familiar, but the overall color scheme has been slightly shifting. The Onyx Studio 2 is a much more compelling option here, looking much more modern and refined than its predecessor. One of the immediate differences between the two speakers is in terms of aesthetics. However, a few new design features make this speaker feel like, at the least, a slight upgrade over the original model. When looking at the two speakers on paper, they are literally the exact same in terms of specs. Almost no other features are present, and the design makes the speaker look like a prototype of new iterations instead of a modern speaker. Still, there’s little to complain about, and it’s difficult to improve what Harman Kardon managed with the Onyx Studio. However, the overall look and feature set is dated.
Onyx 2 vs onyx 3 harman kardon Bluetooth#
The performance of this Bluetooth speaker is top-notch and, when that’s considered alone, it’s a definite winner. Overall, the Onyx Studio gives it where it counts. Still, this shouldn’t be much of a surprise considering the size and design of the Onyx Studio. Hitting the speaker at a diagonal can cause a drop in perceived low-end. So, walking around the speaker, you’ll notice a significant degradation in the top end. It should be noted that, due to the design, the sound is pretty directional. The Onyx Studio fires well above its price point in terms of its sound, providing a fruitful experience that is matched by few other speakers at this price point. This is largely due to rear-firing bass that sounds absolutely massive considering the size. Harman Kardon proves again that their products, even being multiple generations old, perform on par with modern speakers. If there’s something that is timeless about this speaker, it’s in the sound. The speaker doesn’t do much outside of producing sound, but the sound it produces is pure, rich, and deep. In this light, the Onyx Studio is a bit of a one-trick pony, but that trick is certainly a good one. The Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity means newer devices are compatible, with improved range, but other than these, there’s not much else. In fact, there’s nothing outside of actually producing sound here. Being the first model of the line, features seem omitted in favor of releasing new versions of the speaker in the future. Featuresįeature-wise, the Onyx Studio is a little barren. Overall, the design of the Onyx Studio is gorgeous, just not timeless. That’s really up to the eye of the beholder though and is only a concern when the other speakers are taken into consideration. The grille looks about the same as newer models, but a thick soft rubber ring surrounds it, killing the sleek look of the speaker. However, the main part of the speaker that makes it look like a prototype is in the front. The top features a familiar set of controls, including soft-touch controls for Bluetooth, power, and volume. On the back, there’s a convenient carrying handle for mobility and a woofer with a brushed silver dome and Harmon Kardon branding.
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![onyx 2 vs onyx 3 harman kardon onyx 2 vs onyx 3 harman kardon](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/uvh5HhJp4pg/maxresdefault.jpg)
The speaker still features the circular design, that leans back on two silver feet. However, in the context of new iterations, this version looks more like a prototype than a status symbol. The speaker that started the whole line is still beautifully designed, which shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.
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Despite not holding as smooth of an aesthetic as newer models, the original Onyx studio proves to be an incredible Bluetooth speaker, despite its age.