Harman Kardon's 70th anniversary Bluetooth speaker gets a modern twist — I want 1

Harman Kardon's 70th anniversary Bluetooth speaker gets a modern twist — I want 1

Harman Kardon is celebrating its 70th anniversary with the release of three new Bluetooth speakers, with one new home speaker and two new portable models joining the lineup next month.

First, the most eye-catching design of the three new models is the Aura Studio 4 (pictured above), which joins Harman's home speaker family. Based on the previous model, this next-generation model follows the same tried-and-true transparent cabinet design as the company's Soundsticks Bluetooth speaker system.

The next-generation transparent speaker enclosure is said to be made from 85% post-consumer recycled plastic, and features a 5.2-inch down-firing subwoofer and a six-speaker array for 360-degree sound. The fabric for the speaker grilles is woven from 100% recycled polyester yarn, and the aluminum used for the speaker drivers is all 100% recycled.

Many of the best Bluetooth devices, including the best headphones and wireless earbuds, currently support Bluetooth version 5.3, although there is no mention of which Bluetooth version the Aura Studio 4 will support, it is expected to be a step up from the Bluetooth 4.2 version in the older Aura Studio 3, which will replace the next generation of speakers.

The Aura Studio 4 uses a parametric arrangement on the bottom of the speaker dome and an upgraded light palette with 324 crystals to create a mesmerizing light show. Users can choose from Polar Light (said to stimulate imagination and fantasy), Universe (infinite universe theme), Rain Drops (recommended for calming the mood), Cloud (aids relaxation), Fire (enchanting), and other animated light Fire (enchanting), and more.

Harman Kardon's Aura Studio 4 will be available on September 15 for about $360/£300/540 AUD.

The Go + Play 3, the latest addition to Harman Kardon's lineup of portable speakers, has a more traditional style than the funky-looking Aura Studio 4 featured above. the Go + Play 3's semi-circular silhouette is made from recycled features a practical carry handle made from aluminum.

Internally, the Bluetooth speaker is considered a three-way stereo driver configuration with a down-firing subwoofer driver. Harman does not specify the weight of the speaker, so it is not known how much it weighs when carried around, but wherever it is placed, the sound balance is automatically optimized on the spot and compensated according to the surrounding environment.

There are touch controls along the top panel, and while it claims an 8-hour battery life, this is not the strongest, and some of the best inexpensive Bluetooth speakers go longer. Additionally, there is a USB charging port to keep the device supplied with battery power. There is a built-in dual long-distance microphone for calls.

The Go + Play 3 will be available on September 15 and is expected to cost about $380 / £299 / $670 AUD.

Finally, the Harman Kardon Luna portable Bluetooth speaker has a more conservative style compared to the other two models: it is IP67-compliant, waterproof and dustproof, and can withstand a brief dip in the pool; the Luna has a two-way Like the Go + Play 3, two Luna speakers can be paired together for true stereo sound.

The soft-touch fabric that wraps the speaker enclosure is available in black or gray, and is set to cost approximately $195 / £149 / AU$295 when available from September 15, 2023.

All models will be available for purchase on Harman Kardon's website starting mid-September. Stay tuned as our review will be posted as soon as they are available and we will find out if they rank among the best Bluetooth speakers overall.

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