Harman Kardon SoundSticks II Plug and Play Multimedia Speaker System
by JBL
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List Price: Our Price: $118.88 You Save: $51.11 (30%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $99.00 (click here) Category: CE See more product details |
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Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Harman Kardon SoundSticks II Plug and Play Multimedia Speaker System
Customer Review: Some things have changed
Summary: 5 Stars
Forget the earlier reviews that tell you there is no power switch. There is one on the back of the subwoofer, and it also serves as a bass volume control.
Anyway, I am absolutely amazed at the sound that these things put out. So much richer than the built-in speakers (on a 2007 iMac, which I had previously thought were OK). I had to turn that bass volume control on the SoundSticks a little under half to keep from rattling the floors and walls. I listen mostly to iTunes music (both purchased and ripped-from-CD), YouTube videos, and miscellaneous other things. While I don't consider myself a true audiophile, I do have some more top-end equipment elsewhere in the house. And I've also owned a lot of cheaper, inferior speakers for the computer.
One thing I noticed since I installed these speakers, and this may be a peculiarity of my own computer setup: different audio sources now seem to have widely disparate volume levels. YouTube videos, for instance, I often have to turn down. But iTunes plays like it always did before.
All things considered, though, I am extremely happy with the value received for the price.
(This review is written one month after I placed my order. So far, no issues, not even any dead flies yet.)
Customer Review: simply wonderful
Summary: 5 Stars
Having recently sold my G4 Mac complete with the original Harmon Kardon speakers and purchased the new Intel i-Mac, I had no hesitation in buying these Soundsticks II. The original were superb and these are even better.
There is ample base if you want it, what are these people talking about?
The quality of sound is simply outstanding, fully translucent throughout the range.
I did listen to a number of other speakers including the Logic equivalent but they are not in anyway comparable in sound quality.
These speakers not only offer superb sound, they are simply gorgeous to look at, the design concept is stunning and the general finish and quality of manufacture is amazing for the price.
I especially reccommend them to any mac owner as they match up particularly well.
I am not an expert technician, but everyone comments on the superb sound reproduction of these speakers and I now use my computer/soundsticks as my only source of hi-fi, with i-tunes installed and all cd's saved in the aiff format it makes for the perfect house "jukebox".
Not as special as an expensive independant hi-fi setup but good enough for most ears at a fraction of the cost.
Computer speakers? Don't even think of anything else...simply brilliant!
Customer Review: Stylish and Functional PC Speakers
Summary: 5 Stars
During a recent visit to the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan, I saw the Harmon/Kardon Soundstick II sytem for sale in their gift shop. Evidently, to both the trained eye and the tourist, these speakers were works of art. The Soundsticks were so appealing that I committed to replace my very capable Yamaha speakers with the H/Ks as soon as I returned home in California.
A quick check with Amazon indicated that the Soundsticks were not only available, but at a substantial discount to any other vendor (including, but not surprisingly, the MOMA gift shop).
The Soundsticks were quite easy to install and the sound quality matches the art quality for appeal. I have already purchased two other sets for relatives, and expect that they will make fabulous holiday gifts. While locating the volume control (nicely camouflaged at the base of the right speaker) was a bit of a challenge, it too is a clever artistic approach to blending the aesthetic with the functional.
The Soundsticks are clearly a "WOW" product but Harmon/Kardon made certain the beauty did not surpass the capability. I can not imagine anyone being disappointed with this speaker system, unless they require extremely high-volume sound with their PC.
Customer Review: NOTHING ELSE COMPARES. TEN STARS!!
Summary: 5 Stars
These are THE BEST DANG COMPUTER SPEAKERS EVER MADE. This is no joke. The absolute best sounding performing 2.1 speakers made. I have THREE sets of these in my house. I gave my parents a set to go with their laptop and now they listen to music again! I bought a set for my uncle and paired with his MP3 player, he now has the best new job-site radio ever. I had a set of them in my old car with the speakers sitting on either side of the dash with the sub behind my seat powered by an inverter. They sounded GREAT in my car. I have purchased these for a couple of the better computer setups at work. I would like to buy a few sets to keep on hand for gifts in the future. I can't believe they stopped manufacturing these. They quit selling them at Best Buy and now they sell crap that cost twice as much and truly does not sound half as good.
Ok, so the bass is incredible. INCREDIBLE!! I remember reading somewhere that this sub emits record low freq. for it's particular driver size. The highs are SO SWEET. These speakers go loud. The touch sensitive volume controls are responsive and tapping both at the same time provides a quick method to mute. I wish I could give these TEN STARS. Soundsticks?? More like SoundGates.. to audio heaven.
Customer Review: A great speaker system
Summary: 5 Stars
This item is well built, loud, clear and works as advertised. Touch both the louder and softer metal contacts at the same time and it mutes. The cord between the speakers and the subs is long enough to place the sticks most places that I put them. I dropped one of the 4 speaker sound sticks and one of the speakers dislodged. It took a bit of enginuity to get the speaker back in it's proper space without ungluing the plastic casing. It slipped right back into place and hasn't disloged since.. through several drops. The rubber base of the sticks keeps things from moving well enough for general use. I move the sticks around depending on what i'm doing and this leads to previously said drops. The cables are well built. My Lhasa Aspso(dog) had a go at chewing the cables and they survived. Additionally, a jealous neighbour had a go at the power cable with his knife. Unfortunately, he succeeded at cutting the cable. A few twists, some solder and Electric tape and it was as good as new. I would definately suggest keeping liquid away from the sub. It's top acts as a bowl that makes sure that any stray liquid finds it's way into the sub.
All in all, this is the best system that I've ever owned and worth my time to repair.