Speakers tend to be boring. They're black boxes that we try to hide behind potted plants or shove on a shelf where they collect dust. And then there's Harman Kardon. In 2000, they created the iconic SoundSticks with Jony Ive, which found a place in the MoMA museum. Now, a quarter of a century later, the fifth generation is upon us. The Harman Kardon SoundSticks 5 are no longer just "computer speakers." With an HDMI ARC input and a serious audio upgrade, they've become a legitimate (and much sexier) alternative to your soundbar.
Let's be honest, Harman Kardon SoundSticks 5 I would buy them even if they sounded like your old transistor radio. Their design is timeless. That transparent dome, reminiscent of a space jellyfish, and the satellites that look like crystal rods from the Superman movie are simply in a category of their own. A Harman Kardon The "five" didn't just stop at aesthetics.
The system brings a revamped 3-way sound design. What does this mean for you who aren’t an audio engineer? Previously, the SoundSticks only had midrange and bass. Now, engineers have added two 25mm (1in) silk dome tweeters to each satellite. It’s like adding a turbocharger to your car—suddenly you hear details you didn’t know were there. Highs are crystal clear, and vocals are soaring and precise.
Numbers that move the air – Harman Kardon SoundSticks 5
Let's take a look under the hood of this transparent work of art. The total system output power has jumped to an impressive 190 W RMS.
- Subwoofer: A 133 mm (5.25 in) down-firing driver. This is the part that will make you feel the explosions in movies in your chest.
- Satellites: Each tower contains 4 midrange drivers (40 mm / 1.57 in) and now two tweeters.
- Frequency response: 40 Hz – 20 kHz.
This is no longer a desk toy. This is a system that can sound-fill a serious living room.
Connectivity: Goodbye Wi-Fi myths, hello HDMI ARC
Although there are rumors of “Wi-Fi” connectivity, the real star of this model is something else, something more pragmatic: HDMI ARC. Yes, you read that right. You can now connect this icon to your TV with a single cable. Forget about awkward optical cables or analog connections. When you turn on your TV, the SoundSticks wake up too. You control them with your TV remote. That's it. “Apple-esque” simplicity, which we have been waiting for years.
For wireless streaming, there’s the latest Bluetooth 5.4. This supports Auracast™, meaning you can wirelessly connect two pairs of these speakers (if you’re really eccentric) or connect to other compatible devices. The Harman Kardon One app lets you adjust the EQ and – most fun of all – control the lights.
Lighting that isn't "kitschy"
The integrated lighting in the SoundSticks 5 isn’t the aggressive RGB disco that gamers are familiar with. It’s a subtle, “breathing” light that adapts to the music. You can choose from profiles like “Ocean” or “Sunrise.” At night, the thing looks like you’ve got a piece of the Northern Lights trapped in your room. In clear or “smoky” black, it’s a statement piece you won’t want to hide.
Conclusion: Is this the speaker for you?
I would say this: “In a world where all cars have become the same SUV and all speakers have become gray bars under the TV, the SoundSticks 5 is that weird but wonderful sports two-seater that you simply have to have.”
With power 190W and the addition of tweeters makes it sound better than ever. With HDMI ARC it has become useful in the center of the home. The price is around €330 (at this link) (price may vary by market and taxes), which isn't cheap, but for that money you don't just get sound. You get a sculpture. If you're looking for pure Wi-Fi streaming (AirPlay), you might have to look elsewhere (or just use Bluetooth), but for everything else, the SoundSticks 5 are an absolute winner in style and substance.
