Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 vs. 7 Worth the Upgrade

Summary

The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio series has long been a popular choice for portable speakers, and with the 7th iteration now on offer, it can be difficult to decide whether it is necessary or worthwhile to upgrade.

Considering that there have not been enough remarkable improvements between versions 6 and 7 of this model, consumers may find more value in opting for the newer one if they are currently looking into buying a new speaker while having similar prices.

The Onyx 7 offers users a higher-definition audio experience with its dual tweeter design, ensuring strong and sharp sound and an improved soundstage. However, this comes at the cost of losing out on the speaker’s waterproof rating in Onyx 6.

We will provide extensive analysis to give you a complete insight into all characteristics so you can decide which model best suits your requirements. We will cover the aspects such as quality of audio output, product aesthetics/design, robustness & battery life capabilities and software compatibility.

Sound

Two of Harman Kardon’s latest Bluetooth speakers, Onyx Studio 6 and 7, offer excellent sound. Both boast 50 watts of power output with comparable volume levels. However, the upgraded model has two tweeters rather than one in its predecessor.

This produces a brighter mid-frequency range providing improved clarity as well as an apparent wider soundstage, though this difference may be less pronounced without side-by-side testing to compare them directly. Additionally, while bass notes on the newer device are punchier overall, some users might find these tones overwhelming due to their resonance characteristics being slightly more ‘boomy’.

Seeking portable audio excellence? Look no further than these two speakers. Both are capable of matching the sound quality of similarly-priced competitors and may offer a deal if you hunt around.

But be warned; with full MSRP, there is better value to be found elsewhere!

Design

The latest iteration of the new design has ushered in a sea change, with some viewing its aesthetic as an improvement while others remain unconvinced. Ultimately, it is left to personal preference.

Onyx Studio 6 offers convenient portability in an unassuming package; its built-in handle ensures it can be easily carried like a clutch purse. Meanwhile, Onyx Studio 7 steps up the style with a distinctive ringed design that resembles a planet – making maximum portability ultra chic!

The Onyx Studio 7 offers a more advantageous interface in terms of stationary use, while the Onyx 6 is superior for its lighter form factor and portability. Both models come with aux inputs and feature Harman Kardon’s distinctive logo. The control scheme on the latter has been updated to provide better ease of use than before – something that makes it especially worth considering if you’re expecting to move around often with your device.

Durability

Onyx Studio 6 offers higher durability than its newer counterpart, Onyx Studio 7. Its capacity to resist water damage is validated by an IPX7 rating — making it a safe option for recreational events on land or in the water alike.

Despite both speakers featuring plastic and aluminum construction with fabric speaker covering, these features alone do not protect against potential exposure to moisture; only the certified waterproofing of an IPX7 rating can guarantee this level of safety assurance.

Battery

Though Onyx Studio 6 is praised for its sound quality, it falls short when also considering battery life and portability. This Bluetooth speaker features a 3,250 mAh battery rated at 8 hours of playback on 50% volume—far lower than competitors like JBL Charge 5 or Soundcore Motion+

At nearly four pounds in weight, this device disappoints customers looking for a more portable option with extended playtime. Other speakers, such as the far lighter Flip series, offer up to 12+ hours from their 4,800mAh batteries, highlighting just how much better those solutions are.

Despite high hopes for a significant upgrade, the Onyx 7 failed to deliver. Its 3,250 mAh battery maintains only 8 hours of playtime when set at low volume levels (50%), further reducing as power increases. For average listening volumes (70-90%), you can expect around 5 hours from either speaker before reaching for the included power adapter or aux input device.

It appears that the Onyx Studio was intentionally designed not to have a power bank, which would allow users to charge their phones or other devices. The absence of this feature is likely due to its limited battery life in comparison with models featuring larger batteries.

However most consumers expect these products to include such capabilities. Interestingly, despite having a USB-C port on board, it merely serves as an interface for firmware updates instead of charging other items.

Software

The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 and the 6 share a decent software system, with Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity supporting stable connections. Unfortunately, both speakers lack an equalizer or aptX compatibility.

However, firmware updates are supported by USB connection ports. These devices’ greatest asset is their ability to pair closely together for wireless sound quality – basic but reliable audio that won’t be hampered by interference should serve you well if you are not looking for bells and whistles

Final Thoughts

For those looking for optimal sound quality, the Onyx Studio 7 offers a clear and dynamic music experience. However, if you are after something with more durability that meets IPX7 waterproof standards, then its predecessor – the Onyx Studio 6 – will be your go-to model as it offers this feature yet still maintains excellent clarity of sound and powerful bass response points in comparison.

The Onyx Studio 7 has great sound quality. However, its battery life is lacking compared to other competitors. Additionally, it lacks Bluetooth 4 or later technology and doesn’t support aptX or AAC codecs, which would enhance the listening experience significantly.

Furthermore, unlike the previous generation model, there is no waterproof rating deeming it a downgrade in comparison when factoring cost into consideration. While this speaker might not be worth an MSRP price tag for many buyers regardless of excellent audio output potential, if available on sale, these speakers could prove ideal for those primarily concerned with pure sound performance within their budget range.