Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 8 Speaker–50W Output, Bluetooth 5.2

The Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 8 Speaker is a powerful Bluetooth speaker designed for those who appreciate high-quality sound. Released on July 17, 2023, this speaker offers premium audio performance combined with sleek design and portability. Whether you’re hosting an outdoor party or simply enjoying music at home, the Onyx Studio 8 provides the audio experience you need. In this article, we will take a detailed look at this speaker, its specifications, and features, and compare it with other market options to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Quick Highlights

  • Release Date: July 17, 2023
  • Maximum Output Power: 50W
  • Bluetooth Version: 5.2
  • Battery Life: 6.7 hours
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth and auxiliary input
  • Weight: 7.8 lbs (3.6 kg)
  • Price: $249.00

These key features make the Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 8 a standout in the portable Bluetooth speaker market.

Release Date

The Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 8 Speaker was officially launched on July 17, 2023, marking the latest edition of the Onyx Studio line. It brings updated features, improved sound quality, and modern design to cater to the growing demand for premium audio solutions. Since its release, it has received positive reviews for its high-quality sound, portability, and ease of use.

Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 8 Unboxing

When you unbox the Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 8, you will find the following contents:

  • Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 8 Speaker
  • Power cable for charging
  • Quick start guide for easy setup

Notably, it does not come with a charger, so you will need to use your power outlet. The unboxing experience is straightforward, and you’ll be ready to start enjoying music in no time.

Quick Specs

  • Dimensions: 6.45″D x 12.28″W x 10.86″H
  • Weight: 7.8 lbs (3.6 kg)
  • Maximum Output Power: 50W
  • Bluetooth Version: 5.2
  • Battery Life: 6.7 hours
  • Charging Time: 3.3 hours
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth, Auxiliary input
  • Power Source: AC & Battery
  • No RGB Lights: Ensures a more minimalist design

See Full Specifications

Design and Display

The Onyx Studio 8 speaker has a sophisticated design with a circular shape that is both aesthetically pleasing and practical. Measuring 6.45 inches deep, 12.28 inches wide, and 10.86 inches high, it can fit easily into various settings. Material quality is excellent, providing a durable yet stylish finish. Its design is minimalist, lacking unnecessary RGB lights or flashy features, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments. Weighing 7.8 lbs (3.6 kg), it’s light enough to be portable, while still offering impressive sound.

Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 8 Speaker Controls

controls-1controls-2

The controls on the Onyx Studio 8 are designed for ease of use. It includes:

  • Volume Up/Down buttons
  • Play/Pause Music button
  • Track Next/Previous buttons
  • Call Answer/End button

Each of these controls is physical, which ensures reliability and ease of use. However, it does lack features like microphone support or voice assistants (such as Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant). Despite this, the physical controls ensure seamless interaction with the speaker.

Differences Between Sizes and Variants

The Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 8 comes in a singular model with one size and variant, meaning it doesn’t offer multiple size options like other products in its category. The design is streamlined, and it comes in one color (discussed later). However, it competes well with similarly priced Bluetooth speakers that may offer size or variant choices.

Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 8 Speaker Colors

Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 8 Speaker Colors

Unlike some Bluetooth speakers with a wide range of colors, the Onyx Studio 8 comes in a refined, classic color scheme. The speaker is available in black, which makes it easy to match with various home or outdoor settings. The lack of other color choices might limit personalization for some users, but its minimalist design works in many environments.

Features: Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 8

  1. The Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 8 Sound Quality

The Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 8 excels in sound quality, offering 50W output power and deep bass. Whether you’re playing high-energy music or subtle instrumental tunes, the speaker delivers crisp, clear audio. It’s optimized for outdoor environments, where loud, clean sound can carry over long distances.

  1. The Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 8 Connectivity

The Onyx Studio 8 features Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, allowing it to connect to devices from a distance of up to 334.6 feet (102 meters). This is a significant advantage for those who want to control the music from across a large area, such as a backyard or living room. It can also pair with up to two devices simultaneously, enabling multiple people to share control over the music.

  1. The Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 8 Battery Life

The Onyx Studio 8 offers 6.7 hours of playback time, which should be sufficient for most listening sessions. Charging the speaker takes 3.3 hours, making it quick to get back to enjoying music. It’s worth noting that the speaker does not feature a power-saving mode, so battery management is important.

  1. Additional Features

  • Aux Input: Allows for wired connection when needed.
  • No Voice Assistant: Lacks integration with Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant, focusing on pure sound performance.
  • Physical Controls: Offers simple control for volume, track change, and calls.

Price and Availability

The Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 8 Speaker is priced at $249.00, making it a mid-range option among premium Bluetooth speakers. It’s available for purchase online and in select stores. This pricing offers great value for the sound quality, connectivity options, and portability it provides.

Comparison: Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 8 vs. Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 7

Comparison

The Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 8 and Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 7 are both high-performance Bluetooth speakers designed to deliver premium sound, but they have distinct differences. The Onyx Studio 8, released in July 2023, boasts a 50W output, offering powerful sound and deep bass for music lovers. It’s also equipped with Bluetooth 5.2 for seamless connectivity, supporting a range of 334.6 feet and allowing multi-device pairing for up to two devices simultaneously. The Onyx Studio 8 features a portable design weighing 7.8 lbs (3.6 kg), perfect for both indoor and outdoor settings. It is powered by both AC and battery and offers 6.7 hours of battery life with a quick 3.3-hour charge time.

Key Features Comparison:

Feature Onyx Studio 8 Onyx Studio 7
Output Power 50W 50W
Bluetooth Version 5.2 4.2
Bluetooth Range 334.6 feet (102 meters) 100 feet (30 meters)
Battery Life 6.7 hours 8 hours
Charging Time 3.3 hours 3.5 hours
Weight 7.8 lbs (3.6 kg) 8 lbs (3.6 kg)
Voice Assistants No No
Water Resistance No No
Design Modern, sleek design with portability Slightly bulkier design, but still portable
Multi-Device Pairing Yes (2 devices) No

Side By Side Analysis

  1. Bluetooth Version & Range:

    • The Onyx Studio 8 comes with the newer Bluetooth 5.2 technology, offering better range (334.6 feet) and more stable connectivity. This allows you to stay connected over longer distances.
    • The Onyx Studio 7 uses Bluetooth 4.2, which has a shorter range (100 feet) and is not as efficient in handling multiple connections, which may limit its flexibility.
  1. Battery Life:

    • The Onyx Studio 7 outshines the Onyx Studio 8 with a longer battery life of 8 hours. This makes it ideal for longer listening sessions without needing to recharge.
    • The Onyx Studio 8 has a 6.7-hour battery life, which is still impressive but slightly shorter than the Studio 7.
  2. Multi-Device Pairing:

    • One significant advantage of the Onyx Studio 8 is its ability to pair with two devices simultaneously, which is ideal for users who need to quickly switch between devices.
    • The Onyx Studio 7 does not support multi-device pairing, limiting it to one device at a time.
  3. Charging Time:

    • The Onyx Studio 8 features a faster charging time of 3.3 hours, making it more convenient for quick top-ups.
    • The Onyx Studio 7 has a slightly longer charging time of 3.5 hours, which is not a major difference but still notable.
  4. Design & Weight:

    • The Onyx Studio 8 is lighter and more portable with a sleek, modern design, making it easier to carry around for outdoor activities.
    • The Onyx Studio 7, while also portable, is slightly heavier and has a bulkier design, which may not be as convenient for those seeking a lightweight speaker.

Which One is Better?

  • The Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 8 is the better option for those seeking modern Bluetooth technology, longer range, and the convenience of multi-device pairing. Its slimmer design and faster charging time also add to its appeal to mobile users. Additionally, if you plan to use the speaker outdoors or on the go frequently, the Onyx Studio 8’s lightweight build makes it a more versatile choice.
  • On the other hand, the Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 7 is still a fantastic speaker, offering better battery life and slightly more affordable pricing. It’s a solid choice for those who prioritize extended playback time and don’t mind the older Bluetooth technology.

Which is Better?

While both speakers offer high-quality sound and portability, the Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 8 edges out the Onyx Studio 7 due to its upgraded Bluetooth 5.2 technology, providing better range and the ability to pair two devices simultaneously. Its slightly lighter weight and improved connectivity make it a more suitable choice for those seeking an enhanced user experience. If battery life is your main concern, however, the Onyx Studio 7 offers a slightly longer playback time of 8 hours. Nonetheless, for those prioritizing modern features and more efficient Bluetooth performance, the Onyx Studio 8 is the better option.

Should You Buy the Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 8 Speaker?

The Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 8 is a fantastic choice for those who value premium sound in a portable form. However, if you need features like waterproofing or voice assistant integration, you may want to explore other options. For pure audio performance, the Onyx Studio 8 excels and is worth considering.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 8 Speaker offers exceptional sound quality, portability, and reliable Bluetooth connectivity. It’s designed for users who prioritize high-quality audio over additional features like voice assistants or waterproofing. While it has a few limitations, such as its battery life and lack of advanced features, the Onyx Studio 8 remains a top choice for music lovers. If you seek an excellent speaker that delivers powerful sound and solid performance, the Onyx Studio 8 is worth the investment.

Yes, you can use the speaker while it is plugged in and charging.

It takes approximately 3.3 hours to fully charge the Onyx Studio 8.

No, the Onyx Studio 8 is not waterproof. Be careful to keep it dry in outdoor conditions.

Qaisar Abbas
WhatSpeaker.Com
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