Does anyone have any experience with these? Whats the sound quality like? Also I am looking for a used set, where would be the best place to go?
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Harmon Kardon SoundSticks II?
- Thread starter kovalchuk71
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I just picked up a mac pro that's on my sig and a 23" ACD and the harman kardon soundsticks II at the apple store.
The soundsticks looks awesome, especially the woofer and when you place all 3 (the 2 speakers and the woofer) on top of the desk the design looks freaking sweet and the sound is very loud(big sound stage), clear, detailed.
The one and ONLY gripe I have is that when the sound sticks are on the subwoofer has a blue led light that glows bright and there is no way to turn it off except unpluging the powercord.
Otherwise, perfect!
The soundsticks looks awesome, especially the woofer and when you place all 3 (the 2 speakers and the woofer) on top of the desk the design looks freaking sweet and the sound is very loud(big sound stage), clear, detailed.
The one and ONLY gripe I have is that when the sound sticks are on the subwoofer has a blue led light that glows bright and there is no way to turn it off except unpluging the powercord.
Otherwise, perfect!
I picked a pair of these up about 3 months ago. The sound quality is excellent. I also love they way they look. A few things you should know though:
1. There is no on/off button.
2. There is a blue light in the sub-woofer that is always on unless you unplug the speakers.
3. There is no visual indicator of where the volume is so if you unplug you ipod/computer while the volume of the speakers is up it will make a loud crackle. So always be sure to turn your volume all the way down before unplugging them.
4. No headphone jack.
The lack of an on/off button and volume indicator would be the only thing I can say that i dislike about the speakers. I'd definitely buy another pair though.
1. There is no on/off button.
2. There is a blue light in the sub-woofer that is always on unless you unplug the speakers.
3. There is no visual indicator of where the volume is so if you unplug you ipod/computer while the volume of the speakers is up it will make a loud crackle. So always be sure to turn your volume all the way down before unplugging them.
4. No headphone jack.
The lack of an on/off button and volume indicator would be the only thing I can say that i dislike about the speakers. I'd definitely buy another pair though.
Have used a set for a year now - excellent sound quality and very highly recommended.
eBay is probably your best bet for used - but they hold their value well so they will never be cheap.
he's summed it up for me too - other then that, great speakers, nice clear pure sound
I just bought a set today to replace my old Klipsch ProMedia speakers. I loved the ProMedias, but I had no idea how much better the Harmon/Kardon SoundSticks II were until to got them home.
I used to have the SS I, and they were excellent as well. My only gripe was that they used USB instead of an audio jack, and my usb ports are in short supply.
They're great speakers, simple as, I highly recommened them.
EDIT: I think my girlfriend has the original soundsticks, as they just use a standard audio jack, but the sound from them will be the same (very good
)
EDIT: I think my girlfriend has the original soundsticks, as they just use a standard audio jack, but the sound from them will be the same (very good
)These are excellent for the price, and stylish too. Pull the trigger - you won't be sorry. I went back and bought another set.
Actually there IS an on/off button. So simple, it might be overlooked... just press both the up volume and down volume at the same time and you mute them. Touch of class that.
Actually there IS an on/off button. So simple, it might be overlooked... just press both the up volume and down volume at the same time and you mute them. Touch of class that.
You need to tell us where you are......
There have been replies from Australia, USA, Italy, Japan, UK.......
We should be able (between us) to give you a price - in the UK they will be about £60-75 on eBay.co.uk.
I almost bought a pair of these, but then I came across the Swan M10's.
I'm not sure if you could get them anymore, but I got them [link="http://www.theaudioinsider.com/"]here[/link].
In my opinion, they're WAY better, and I would the M12's would be as well.
I'm not sure if you could get them anymore, but I got them [link="http://www.theaudioinsider.com/"]here[/link].
In my opinion, they're WAY better, and I would the M12's would be as well.
I was thinking of getting either the Soundstick II or the Bose Companion 5. I have tested the Soundstick II at the Apple Store and I must say the sound was very clear and the bass was punchy and tight.
I did not get a chance to test the Bose because some kids were playing Runescape on the Mac Pro.....but I think the Companion 5 looks better than the Soundstick II.
Sorry for the sudden intrusion with a "Bose" topic since many members HATE Bose But for the convenience of not making a new "Soundstick vs Companion 5" thread, I would kindly like to ask anyone with any experience with the Companion 5s to post their thoughts.
Anyway; you will be very well off with the Soundstick II since it is probably one of the best 2.1 speaker systems at that price point. In Australia it costs around $300. Oh, the Soundstick II have touch sensitive buttons, so becareful and don't physically try to press them like I did lol.
I did not get a chance to test the Bose because some kids were playing Runescape on the Mac Pro.....but I think the Companion 5 looks better than the Soundstick II.
Sorry for the sudden intrusion with a "Bose" topic since many members HATE Bose
But for the convenience of not making a new "Soundstick vs Companion 5" thread, I would kindly like to ask anyone with any experience with the Companion 5s to post their thoughts.Anyway; you will be very well off with the Soundstick II since it is probably one of the best 2.1 speaker systems at that price point. In Australia it costs around $300. Oh, the Soundstick II have touch sensitive buttons, so becareful and don't physically try to press them like I did lol.
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Sorry for the sudden intrusion with a "Bose" topic since many members HATE Bose
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To answer your question briefly, I used SS1 then SS2 speakers since they were originally introduced with great pleasure. Finally demoed Bose when the Companion 5s came out- a couple of days later I was over helping a friend of mine hook up his SS2 speakers I donated to him. Yep, Bose Comp. 5s and a quick trip to the "Audio Midi Setup" utility to set them up as "Multichannel" and "5.1 Surround" and there was no turning back for me!
Check your local Best Buy. I found one around 20 miles from where I live that was selling them on clearance. Apparently they needed to move stock and were willing to take the loss. I picked up my set for $98 + tax. I like these things so much that I'm considering going back for another set today!
I am wondering if everybody who loves these so much has heard anything besides traditional computer speakers hooked up to the computer?
Sure compared to the cheapo stuff these may sound adequate, but compared to Audio Engines or even Swans or M-Audios forget about it. And I didn't even mention proper bookshelf speakers or monitors.
Sure compared to the cheapo stuff these may sound adequate, but compared to Audio Engines or even Swans or M-Audios forget about it. And I didn't even mention proper bookshelf speakers or monitors.
Agreed. For my casual listening purposes = Swans M10's
I yearn for a pair of monitors, though.
I happen to love these speakers. I also have a pair of AudioEngine A2s sitting in the next room along with some Rotel gear and B&Ws. Please don't just assume that we're all ill-informed consumers with cotton stuffed in our ears. I've heard the Swans, the M-Audios, and all the other desktop computer setups. I happen to prefer the SoundSticks for my desktop at home and at work.
I have been using a set of HK's for 8 years now. Absolutely fantastic speakers, love them to bits. Would probably start crying if they broke, then would go and buy Soundsticks II
Definitely get them.
Definitely get them.