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This slick wireless speaker catches eyes and ears wherever you take it

By Ryan Waniata Dec 16, 2019 2:19 PM

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There are certainly no lack of options to choose from as you shop for a wireless speaker, but it can be tough to find a portable sonic companion that both catches the eye, and offers the power and performance your ears crave. For an intriguing and attractive new take on old design, we suggest checking out the Onyx Studio, from Harman Kardon.

With its satellite dish-inspired frame, the Onyx Studio strikes a form that looks almost as if it were a piece of audio gear pulled right out of a sci-fi comic. Yet its sleek, minimalist exterior brings just enough elegance to make it look at home wherever you take it, from the kitchen to the backyard deck. Thanks to its convenient handle, five-hour battery, and simple two-pronged stand fashioned from shimmering chrome, it’s also extremely easy to take it along for the ride.

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The speaker looks great with its rigid front screen in place, but pulling the cover away reveals a gorgeous driver configuration, including dual 3-inch woofers, a pair of 3/4-inch tweeters, and a large passive radiator at the center. Another passive radiator capped in silver at the back helps the unit dig deep into the bass, vibrating along with the groove.

However, perhaps most enticing is the Onyx Studio’s solid sound performance. There are few speakers this size that can offer a sound so big and full, and thanks to that well matched array of speakers at its spherical core, the unit emits smooth and lyrical lines that provide well balanced sound throughout the frequency spectrum. Whether you’re bumping 80’s hip hop or streaming your favorite jazz tune, the speaker hits all notes with clarity and plenty of power. And we can pretty much guarantee that, wherever you place it, the speaker will be a conversation starter. Right now the Onyx Studio is only available at Sprint wireless retail locations, and it will cost you $400 to take one home.

Ryan Waniata is a multi-year veteran of the digital media industry, a lover of all things tech, audio, and TV, and a… Read Full Bio

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