Customer Reviews

Harman Kardon Go + Play High-Performance Portable Loudspeaker System with Dock for iPod (Newest Model)

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

... unfortunately Amazon are selling it for $100 over the MRSP of $349. It is available elsewhere online for $299.

The only difference between this newer version and the old one is that this version is fully compatible with newer iPod models. It is not officially compatible with the iPhone, however it will charge it and play via the dock.

The sound really is great - clear highs, deep bass and distinct mid tones. What you can't see in the photo is another set of subwoofer speakers on the back. It really kicks out a good volume.

If you have an iPhone, you might as well get the cheaper version (or buy this new model at a more reasonable price from B&H). The iPhone works fine with both models, it simply tells you it is incompatible, but in fact works fine.

I will make this review simple....I didn't purchase this from Amazon because the old version was no longer available and the new version was just priced too high at the time. I purchased the older version (or so I thought) from B&H for $299. As it turned out, they were out of the older version so they subbed the new version (lucky me). The new version supports the 3GS iPhone for charging. The one and only con to this machine is the fact that you can not see the iPod as it is lying down unless you are right above it looking down at it. Outside of that little problem (and it is little to me) this is the best iPod player out there. Wayyyyyyy better than Bose and in my opinion better than the Zeppelin. The sound is unbelievable, it fills my living room and I do mean fills. My stereo snob coworker came over and he could not believe the bass and volume that this unit puts out. The bass is really there but the total sound is very balanced. I don't use it as a portable unit so I can not speak to that but you will not be disappointed if you purchase this item.

"The only difference between this newer version and the old one is that this version is fully compatible with newer iPod models. It is not officially compatible with the iPhone, however it will charge it and play via the dock."

Not exactly true. Just received the newer model today and upon inspection a few things have been omitted on the newer model:

1) No USB Port
2) No S-Video Port
3) No twin, rear-firing drivers anywhere to be found on this newer model. Behind one rear grill is a port for the front drivers and the other is covered up with plastic. Was there ever rear drivers that I read about in the professional reviews?

I never heard the original model so I can not make a comparison. It still is a very nice sounding unit, very balanced sound. No boomy bass and no sizzling highs. Actually it's pretty rich and warm sounding which is good.

I've had these speakers for a few years now and love them. Amazing sound, easy to connect and control, and easy to move around if necessary with the build-in handle. Fashionable design that looks classy on my desk.

I don't like to dump a ton of money into my music listening passion, I'm a bit more frugal than the audiophile that spends thousands on the perfect system. But I don't like to compromise and hear music through speakers that are muffled, tinny, or completely missing the low or high end. These speakers were totally worth the investment.

I haven't ever used the batteries for portable so can't speak to how well they work.

When our Bose Sounddock was stolen, I started looking at other options. I thought BOSE was okay - had decent sound but figured there might be something better out there. Harmon Kardon is it. I was hoping to find one with a charging feature so you don't have to plug it in to use it.... HK uses D batteries if you want to make it portable -- but the sound is too good to let that bother me. In my opinion, the lows and highs are much better than Bose, and the bass kicks butt. Don't hesitate on this one... if you got the bucks, go for it.

This portable soundsystem produces amazing sound for the size. I use eneloop batteries to power it so it keeps the weight way down because essentially, I'm using 8 AA batteries instead of 8 D batteries.

The Bass is rich and full and the highs are crisp. The only drawback that I can think of is the price. I highly recommend this item if you want to fill any room with great sound and it's perfect for outdoor barbecues and picnics as well.

-dl

Well, mine arrived today and I must say that the sound is spectacular. One reviewer stated that the sound was "rich" without overwhelming basses and trebles, and I would say this is pretty accurate. Having said that, it is a lot of sound with very rich bass for a relatively small playback device. It is definitely adequate for a small to medium sized room. I have heard the "Zeppelin" in stores and I remember it being an awesome system for a hefty price, but I would really have to hear both systems side by side for an accurate comparison.

Also, when plugging in my iPhone 4, it appears to charge and play the device, however, the stereo clearly was not made for the longer iPhone. An iPod will fit snuggly and lie flat on top of the system, whereas the iPhone will sit awkwardly at an angle, with the top resting outside of the docking compartment. In short, it does not fit at all. I have to wonder if this awkward position could damage the fragile USB docking port on the iPhone. Also, there are no included adaptors for the iPhone.

Apparently, HK's new "micro" version is made for the iPhone and iPod. I have read in reviews that there is a considerable difference in sound between the larger "GO" and the micro version, and prior owners of the larger "Go" might be disappointed with the small sound of the micro version. Hopefully, a larger "Go" that is iPod / iPhone compatible is in the works...

P.S. After having listened to the "Go" for awhile, I must say that the sound is extraordinary. There is a remarkable clarity to the sound. My music sounds rich with lots of separation between the bass, midrange and treble. In fact, it is a HUGE sound coming from a medium sized package. While the "Zeppelin" may be a close competitor, I have to ask myself if the Zeppelin is really a $300 -$400 improvement in sound. The remote control is a hoot, as it operates via radio waves that work at a good distance and travel through walls.

While the iPhone does have an awkward fit, the tremendous sound produced by the system overrides that detail. Besides, I really don't need a snug fit (as it is for the iPod). The system will remain stationary. It's not like I will be hefting the stereo over my shoulder as I walk down the city streets. I also do NOT believe the awkward angle the iPhone sits in the dock will cause harm to the USB port on the iPhone. After all, it just sits there, resting against the the top of the docking station. No big deal, but I may call HK just to be sure.

All in all, this was a marvelous purchase and I feel like I am hearing my music for the first time, as if I just went from black and white to color. The speaker system is that good. You'll enjoy streaming some of your favorite music apps through this. Lastly, I've heard Amazon occasionally has some pretty good sales in their "Deals of the Day". You might want to wait for one of those.

I bought this portable over two years ago, and it still draws the praise of everyone that hears it. I use my iPhone with Pandora, and I pretty much run the Party at the pool.

Fantastic sound quality. Don't know if they ever fixed the iPhone issue, where it doesnt charge it, but no matter. Worth every penny. Highly recommend

I bought this iPod dock in February of 2011 and have used it pretty regularly since I received it. I love the minimalistic and symmetric design it has, however the symmetric design isn't entirely functional: The rear speaker grill that is placed behind the front left speaker is not a speaker at all. HK's faq on their website states that this rear speaker grill is placed there solely to accomplish a symmetrical design. The other rear speaker grill, however, covers an air intake port, which is where you will hear deep bass coming from.

The unit has great, detailed sound that fills a room (i.e. it has great sound stage). Its maximum volume level is not ear splitting, however it is very loud.. enough to fill a very, very large room. To anyone who is familiar with Kicker's iPod dock, the HK does not get as loud as the Kicker (I have compared the two, and HK has better sound quality and balance while the Kicker has more volume). The bass on this dock is very pleasant and adequate. Distortion is minimal, bass is not booming, but it can get very, very deep (it reaches frequencies lower than my Soundsticks III and its dedicated subwoofer).

Build quality seems outstanding. The stainless steel handle is amazing and the speaker grills seem very durable.

===SOME OTHER DETAILS AND A SMALL WARNING===

The remote is very nice and works from a range of about 30 feet and can really work through walls and does not have to be pointed at the device.

On some surfaces the unit might wobble... the rear middle leg on the unit has a screw in it that allows the user to adjust the leg's height and make the unit level.

This unit is fully compatible with my 2nd Gen. iPod Touch, even though it does not come with a docking piece specifically for the iPod Touch (it fits fine without a docking piece or with one of the iPod Classic docking pieces, with the top resting outside of the embedded docking tray).

WARNING: The title of this item says that it is the newest model, however this model is no longer in production. Rather, HK has just recently released the Go + Play II (look on their website) which is not yet available on Amazon. The sound specs look to remain the same between the two, however the Go + Play II has some minor aesthetic updates and more of a variety of ports in the rear, as well as updates to compatibility with more recent iPod/iPhone models, including a docking adapter for iPod Touches and iPhones. I bought this unit when it went on sale for two hundred dollars, so keep a heads up for a sale.

Hope this helps!

This system rocks. I could not believe the bass and clarity of the music. The unit is solid and easy to use. I have a iPod Classic and iPhone, which work fine. I've listened to the most of the iPod speaker systems and this one sounded the best. Better sound then the Bose units, more bass than most of the others.