Harman Kardon SoundSticks 5 Wi-Fi, 2.1 Hi-Res Audio Sound System

At the beginning of the year, Harman Kardon introduced the SoundSticks 5 Wi-Fi sound system, the latest evolution of its eponymous speaker system. Compared to the SoundSticks 5, the major upgrade lies in the [abc]Wi-Fi[/abc] compatibility of this pack, along with numerous other features. Harman Kardon SoundSticks 5 Wi-Fi, high-resolution streaming and multiroom. With Wi-Fi come many new specifications, most notably Qobuz Connect, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, [abc]AirPlay[/abc], and [abc]Chromecast (integrated)[/abc]. Not to mention the Roon Ready label and [abc]Hi-Res Audio[/abc] certification. Similarly, high-resolution multiroom, in addition to Auracast (see below), is now possible via most of the protocols mentioned above. Otherwise, the features of the Harman Kardon SoundSticks 5 Wi-Fi remain identical to those of the Harman Kardon SoundSticks 5 already mentioned in our articles and detailed below. Harman Kardon SoundSticks 5 Wi-Fi, acoustic package. The Harman Kardon SoundSticks 5 sound package includes two 25mm silk dome tweeters specially calibrated for optimal vocal clarity and integrated into each satellite speaker for a 3-way architecture, accompanied by six 40mm midrange drivers and a downward-firing 133mm woofer topped with a transparent dome that is undeniably eye-catching. All this for a total power of 190W RMS. Harman Kardon SoundSticks 5 Wi-Fi, Sound and Light Show; Aesthetically, the subwoofer and its dome feature elegant new ambient lighting with five nature-inspired presets: soothing, relaxing, or energizing, as well as the option to choose a static color via the Harman Kardon One app. The app allows for other adjustments such as equalization. These settings are also accessible via the discreet touch controls, now located at the base of the right satellite speaker. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.4, while the Auracast function allows for easy multi-speaker pairing. We also note an HDMI 1.4 connector with HDCP and ARC functionality for enhancing TV sound, and a 3.5 mm mini-jack auxiliary input for connecting an external audio source. The USB-C port is dedicated to maintenance. Carsten Olesen, President of Consumer Audio at Harman, says, “The SoundSticks system has always represented the meeting of sophisticated design and high-level audio performance, with the original being part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.” With the SoundSticks 5, the visionary spirit of the original is honored while introducing significant innovations in sound and user experience. Available in transparent white or smoked glass black from March to October. Suggested retail price: €379.99. Key features of the Harman Kardon SoundSticks 5 Wi-Fi: • Type: 2.1 • Tweeters: 2 x 25 mm • Woofer: 13.33 mm • Midrange: 6 x 40 mm • Power: 190 W RMS • Connectivity: 1 HDMI, 1 3.5 mm mini-jack • Frequency response: 40-20,000 Hz • Wi-Fi compatibility • Spotify Connect compatibility • AirPlay compatibility • Roon Ready compatibility • Chromecast compatibility (built-in) Tidal Connect compatibility; • Qobuz Connect compatibility; • Auracast Bluetooth compatibility; • Bluetooth 5.4 LE compatibility; • ARC compatibility; • HDCP 1.4 compatibility; • Dimensions (W x D x H): 237.5 x 283.4 x 237.5 mm for the subwoofer, 95.5 x 281.1 x 95.5 mm for the speakers; • Weight: 5.3 kg (3.7 kg for the subwoofer, 0.8 kg per speaker)