Harman Kardon SoundSticks II 2.1 Plug and Play Multimedia Speaker System

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Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 16 x 20 x 12 inches ; 1.1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 12 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0001DBEM4
• Item model number: SoundSticks II
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (432 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #319 in Electronics (See Bestsellers in Electronics)

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  Electronics > Computers & Accessories > Computer Speakers > 2.1 Speakers

• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 23, 2006

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Harman Kardon's SoundSticks II three-piece speaker system produces high-quality stereo sound for Music, MP3s, movies and gaming experiences.

The SoundSticks II system encourages you to step out of the ordinary speaker world and offers sound in an original and unique package. The system, described as curvy, sleek and sexy, delivers sound that is loud and clear.

SoundSticks II employs a new computer-optimized multi-band parametric equalization and Harman’s unique "capacitance touch" control buttons on the right satellite allow for direct access to volume control.

Product Description

Harman Kardon’s 40-watt SoundSticks II three-piece speaker system produces high-quality stereo sound for music, MP3’s, movies and gaming experiences. The mini stereo jack connection allows you to enjoy awesome audio from a variety of devices such as digital music players, computers (all platforms), stereos and portable listening devices. Touch Volume Control – Just a touch increases or decreases the volume. Just a touch mutes or un-mutes the system. SoundSticks II also remembers your last volume setting. The SoundSticks II audio system utilizes a straightforward interconnect technology, which provides an effortless user interface with minimum desktop wiring. The powerful subwoofer provides clean, low bass. The treble and subwoofer level controls are located on the back of the subwoofer.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

362 of 369 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Crisp Clear Sound, June 25, 2004

By	J.SC "J.SC" (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews

These speakers give much better sound than my old pair of speakers. They also look much better than just about any multimedia speaker out there. Of course, they cost more too. If you are looking for a good sounding, sharp designed set of speakers and can afford the $150-$200 price, get these. If these cost too much, but you still want something unique looking, try the JBL Creature II speaker set. It ranges $60 - $100.

A few things you cannot tell from the product description:
> These speakers (Soundstick II) are compatible with PCs. The original Soundsticks were only for Apples.
> The casing, though plastic, is very solid. I can't tell how scratch resistant it is though. I have not tried to scratch them yet...
> The subwoofer has a bass adjust knob.
> One of the satellite speakers has a touch volume control.
> The system does not have an on/off button. It designed to stay on all the time.

209 of 220 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Everything sounds perfect except metal stuff......, January 1, 2005

By	L. Sion - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I set up my Soundstick in my bed room.. not with the computer, but with my iPod, I tried them with my iPod at various stores before I bought them. they sound much better than the JBL Creature 2, so if you are choosing between the two, you don't have to, go buy the Soundstick 2.

they are strongly built, very soild, they sound a little stiff brand new, but, you know, that's normal for audio speakers, especially the sub. I run them at low volume for few hours and they start singing right there, I put the satellites on the table top, about 2 feet from each other, and the sub under the table, have a lot of definition and "width" from the two tiny, and with the bass boost twist at the back of the sub, you'll be amazed how easy the balanced tone can be adjusted, and they sound very soild even in very low volume,

I tried pop stuff like Michelle Branch, Clay Aiken, sound very clean, and have a very good definition, jazz greats like Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, every instruments sound so distinct, and bands like Maroon 5, My Chemical Romance(it's esp good on trying stereophonic), Story of the Year, or even bit heavier Blink, or the D'n'B 4Hero, the Soundstick 2 still provide very good spectrum of different freq inside small area like my bedroom, thing like bassline and bass drum are audible and solid, yet highs like hihat and cymbal are clean but not ping, the overall performance is excellent, considering the price and size of the unit.

but when I turn to a even heavier side, like Pantera, Slayer, or Soilwork, Mnemic or Shadows Fall, those fast double bass rumbles are still audible, very clean, but even i boost the bass a little bit more, it still do not have enough power and air to be felt, i 'm not talking about that kinda floor shaking storm, but just not enough "heaviness", but i think it's partly due to the fact that I connected the Soundstick directly to the iPod dock.

Cons?! i'd be happier if the bass adjust knob is placed at the front of the sub, but not the back, so i can hear the difference in tone while i'm adjusting, without leaning real close to the sub, which on and off gave me the illusion of excessive bass. And they don't have any kind of indication on peak or threshold volume-wise, the touch volume control is good to use, but very often i'm worrying about if i would peak the system by turning too loud, especailly back when it's brand new.

I'd recommend everyone buying one of this for small room use, the Soundstick sound really great, and combine with artistic design, the blue LED is really a thoughtful attraction, which really add points for anyone who want their system to be more than ordinary audio speakers, but a feelie as well.

87 of 95 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good, but could do better., June 22, 2006

By	Bruno A (Rockford, IL) - See all my reviews

To begin, I mean in no way for this review to be negative, simply take it for face value and understand that there are many other satisfied people. I am somewhat of an audiophile and have invested good sums of money in quality musical and audio equiptment. During the time of my purchase I was in the market for a small set of studio monitors because they provide very clear and defined sound, the problem is that for me to have the setup I wanted it would cost about 1000$ (too much money). This situation brought me to understand my price bracket which was about 200$. Being an Apple user (powerbook G4) I saw these speakers on their website and began to do some research on the speakers in comparison to the Klipsch 2.1 and other 5.1 models. Side by side with the soundsticks and the Klipsch 2.1, I was drawn to the soundsticks because of their compact size. At the store it was hard for me to get a good idea of what the sound was like because the subwoofer was elevated on the same plane as the satellites, causing the overall sound to be much differant than what it would be in your home. In the end I ended up purchasing the soundsticks for 170$, because they had a defined sound and I liked the size. Bringing them home I was amazed with the almost effortless setup with these speakers. After plugging them in I was slightly taken back with the sharp treble response of the satellites and the lack of thump provided by the woofer. After about 15 minutes of playing with the EQ on my computer and the bass knob I found the best setting I could ( a flat mid/treble range with a rounded bass). However, I just could'nt seem to get the sound out of them that I wanted to. I think this is because the satellites only have four 1' speakers and cannot provide ample diaphram movement for a solid mid range. This is where the woofer comes in, it compensates for where the satellites lack in mid and drowns out the low bass. On a more positive note, the design of these speakers is very well done, finding a harmony between minimalism and performance. The touch sensitive volume control is also neat, and I liked the way that you could quickly mute them by simply touching but pads at the same time. Another complaint I have though is how there is no control for the bass or treble on the satellites and for a person like my self that likes to play with EQ in gets irritating to keep bending down under my desk to adjust the woofer.

Overall, I give these a three because they are good but have some problems they need to work out. that being said, if you are in the market for powerful speakers with a great design the Harmon Kardon Soundstick IIs are for you. If you are looking for something with a more balanced output and a thicker bass I would stray away from them. Again, I would like to mention that I am not trying to discourage you from purchasing this item, I am simply attemping to have you consider some of the factors that I passes by at the store.