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Harman Kardon Aura Studio 4 Review

Wednesday, December 06, 2023

 

The Harman Kardon Aura Studio 4 offers amazing sound and looks stunning, giving you an experience that's more than just a regular speaker. Its see-through dome has a beautiful diamond pattern and lights up in a charming way, moving to the beat of your music.

Designed with sustainability at its core, the Aura Studio 4 incorporates recycled materials into its construction. The fabric mesh covering the lower part of the speaker, featuring a strategically placed 6-speaker array, is crafted from recycled materials. The translucent dome is constructed from plastic. Touch control buttons are housed within a recycled aluminum ring trim on the speaker.

The bottom is equipped with rubber feet for stability, providing both grip and elevation to allow clearance for the downward-facing 5.2-inch subwoofer speaker. The rear of the speaker features a figure-8 power port and a 3.5mm audio port. The 6 speaker array configuration, each measures 40 mm for the Mid-high range, along with a singular 130 mm subwoofer. The combined power output is 2 x 15 W RMS for the Mid-high range and 1 x 100 W RMS for the Subwoofer, making it well-balanced and powerful bass sound output.

Covering a broad frequency range from 45 Hz to 20 kHz (-6 dB), the Aura Studio 4 speaker captures an extensive spectrum of tones with precision. With a signal to noise ratio of 80 dB at 15 W for the Mid-high range and 80 dB at 100 W for the Subwoofer, the Aura Studio 4 provides audio clarity and detail. In terms of power supply, the Aura Studio 4 speaker is versatile, compatible with a range of 100 – 240 V at 50/60 Hz, making it adaptable to various electrical systems and regions.

The measurements for the Aura Studio 4 speaker are as follows: The base has a diameter of 23cm, the top measures 19cm in diameter, the subwoofer is 13cm in diameter, the feet stand at a height of 1cm, the fabric mesh grill is 8cm high, and the total height is 27cm. The weight of the speaker is 3.6kg.

Effortless wireless streaming is made possible via Bluetooth, enabling simple pairing with any mobile device to share playlists and elevate the overall user experience. The Aura Studio 4 guarantees exceptional sound performance, accurately reproducing music with precision. Distinct channels and dedicated amplifiers bring forth every nuance with stunning clarity. The 5.2" down-firing subwoofer generates profound, rich bass tones, delivering an immersive listening experience. The expansive soundstage created by the 6-speaker array replicates the feeling of attending a live performance.

The speaker effortlessly blends with the living room decor, imparting a stylish touch. Its role as a home audio system is commended, with the sound seamlessly filling the room. The synchronized colorful lights contribute a delightful touch to the overall ambiance. Users report easy Bluetooth pairing with an iPhone, highlighting a smooth experience without audio hiccups or disconnections.

While the Aura Studio 4 earns praise, certain limitations are observed. It operates on Bluetooth 4.2, considered somewhat dated technology. Additionally, it lacks RCA, HDMI, or WiFi connectivity. An identified limitation is the apparent inability to customize the treble/bass balance, potentially impacting user preferences for sound adjustment. The Aura Studio 4 comes with advanced Bluetooth support, incorporating A2DP 1.3 and AVRCP 1.6 to enhance the streaming of audio.


Selling points
  • Stunning transparent dome
  • Captivating diamond pattern lighting effect
  • Eco-friendly build
  • 3.5mm audio port
  • Dedicated amplifiers
  • 6-speaker array
  • No built in battery
  • 5.2-inch down-firing subwoofer
  • Deep, rich bass tones
  • Wide soundstage
  • Onboard control for light effects
  • Integrates seamlessly into living room decor
  • Works well as a home audio system
  • Intuitive and easy-to-use interface
  • Dancing colorful lights synced to music enhance

Potential deal breakers
  • Old Bluetooth 4.2 version
  • No RCA
  • No HDMI
  • No EQ app
  • No built-in battery
  • No multipoint connection
  • No AAC codec
  • No WiFi connectivity
  • No treble/bass tone controls
  • No built-in mic for calls
  • Limited light effects
  • No RGBs
Inside the box, you get the usual user manual and warranty, as well as a branded figure8 power cable (2 meters long). The packaging is made using FSC certified paper and printed with soy based ink. You can buy the Aura Studio 4 from amazon.

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