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Harman Kardon has created the SoundSticks II Computer Speaker System. The curvy and sleek design provides consumers with sound that is loud and clear and that will fit into any decor. This three-piece speaker system produces high-quality stereo sound for music, MP3s, movies and gaming experiences. SoundSticks II employs a new computer-optimized multi-band parametric equalization. The control buttons on the right satellite allow for direct access to volume control.
| System | |
|---|---|
| Power Rating | 40W RMS |
| Configuration | 2x Satellite speakers and a Subwoofer |
| Frequency Response | 44Hz to 20kHz |
| Maximum Sound Pressure Level (SPL) | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Crossover | None |
| Shielded | Magnetically |
| Controls | Volume |
| Ideal Application | PC, Multimedia |
| Satellite Speaker (each) | |
|---|---|
| Driver Diameter | (4) 1" full range per channel (2.54cm each) |
| Power Output | 10W |
| Nominal Sensitivity | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Impedance | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Sub-Woofer | |
|---|---|
| Driver Diameter | 6" (15.24cm) |
| Power Output | 20W |
| Nominal Sensitivity | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Impedance | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Input/Output Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Phono (1/4") | No |
| RCA | No |
| Mini | Stereo Mini |
| Coaxial | No |
| Optical | No |
| Other | No |
| Pass Through | No |
| Headphone Jack | No |
| Standards Specification | Class UL |
| Electrical Power | |
|---|---|
| Source | AC: 110-220VAC |
| Consumption | 4W idle, 65W maximum |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Enclosure Material | Clear Plastic |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | |
|---|---|
| Satellite Speaker | 2 x 10 x 2" (5.1 x 25.4 x 5.1cm) |
| Sub-Woofer | 9.2 x 10.16 x 9.2" (23.3 x 25.8 x 23.3cm) |
| Other | None |
| Weight | |
|---|---|
| Satellite Speaker | 1.50 lb (0.7kg) |
| Sub-Woofer | 4.9 lb (2.2kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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Most Liked Positive Review
Everything sounds perfect except metal s
I set up my Soundstick in my bed room.. not with the computer, but with my iPod, I tried them with my iPod at various stores before I bought them. they sound much...Read complete review
I set up my Soundstick in my bed room.. not with the computer, but with my iPod, I tried them with my iPod at various stores before I bought them. they sound much better than the JBL Creature 2, so if you are choosing between the two, you don't have to, go buy the Soundstick 2.
they are strongly built, very soild, they sound a little stiff brand new, but, you know, that's normal for audio speakers, especially the sub. I run them at low volume for few hours and they start singing right there, I put the satellites on the table top, about 2 feet from each other, and the sub under the table, have a lot of definition and "width" from the two tiny, and with the bass boost twist at the back of the sub, you'll be amazed how easy the balanced tone can be adjusted, and they sound very soild even in very low volume,
I tried pop stuff like Michelle Branch, Clay Aiken, sound very clean, and have a very good definition, jazz greats like Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, every instruments sound so distinct, and bands like Maroon 5, My Chemical Romance(it's esp good on trying stereophonic), Story of the Year, or even bit heavier Blink, or the D'n'B 4Hero, the Soundstick 2 still provide very good spectrum of different freq inside small area like my bedroom, thing like bassline and bass drum are audible and solid, yet highs like hihat and cymbal are clean but not ping, the overall performance is excellent, considering the price and size of the unit.
but when I turn to a even heavier side, like Pantera, Slayer, or Soilwork, Mnemic or Shadows Fall, those fast double bass rumbles are still audible, very clean, but even i boost the bass a little bit more, it still do not have enough power and air to be felt, i 'm not talking about that kinda floor shaking storm, but just not enough "heaviness", but i think it's partly due to the fact that I connected the Soundstick directly to the iPod dock.
Cons?! i'd be happier if the bass adjust knob is placed at the front of the sub, but not the back, so i can hear the difference in tone while i'm adjusting, without leaning real close to the sub, which on and off gave me the illusion of excessive bass. And they don't have any kind of indication on peak or threshold volume-wise, the touch volume control is good to use, but very often i'm worrying about if i would peak the system by turning too loud, especailly back when it's brand new.
I'd recommend everyone buying one of this for small room use, the Soundstick sound really great, and combine with artistic design, the blue LED is really a thoughtful attraction, which really add points for anyone who want their system to be more than ordinary audio speakers, but a feelie as well.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Stylish, not great sounding...
Bought these recently. Sent them back. The sub and satellites are great looking, well constructed, etc. etc., but the sound was not up to par. I was replacing an Altec Lansing ...Read complete review
Bought these recently. Sent them back. The sub and satellites are great looking, well constructed, etc. etc., but the sound was not up to par. I was replacing an Altec Lansing MX5021 set (discontinued) which was at roughly the price point of the HK-SSIIs while they were still in production. The MX5021s blew the sound sticks out of the water in terms of sound. The sound sticks had a really poor mid range compared to the altec lansings. Also, the satellites are extremely directional which leads to poor sound when you move relative to the speakers. Overall, I was looking for sound comparable to the MX5021 set and these did not fit the bill.
I wish my MX5021 sub hadn't given up.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 66 customers
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Comments about Harman Kardon SoundSticks II Computer Speaker System:
Received as Xmas gift. Hooked up at home office where I connect it to either my Macbook or my PC work laptop.
Sound is amazing, crisp and clear. And they look very cool.
Only issue is that when plugged in to my Macbook, the connection is a little problematic (if I wiggle the cord the music cuts out or crackles). Does not happen with my other laptop and my prior speakers did not do that with my Macbook.
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Comments about Harman Kardon SoundSticks II Computer Speaker System:
Quality sound using MP3 and computer to play songs
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Comments about Harman Kardon SoundSticks II Computer Speaker System:
The Sound Sticks ll are great, they have wonderful sound and great bass, and work well in a large room.You will love the sound!
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Comments about Harman Kardon SoundSticks II Computer Speaker System:
I have had a pair for 2-3 years and really like the sound. I learned later that the sticks actually are hinged and can be tilted to get the sound more direct -- nice feature. They have good bass and have good overall sound. They are not bulky on the desk and look good too. I would highly recommend -- I bought another set for my son this Christmas. The only downside is the bass is not as tight as I would like, it can be muddy at times, but not sure it is not the placement under a desk that could be causing that.
Overall -- highly recommend for the price ~ $130
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Comments about Harman Kardon SoundSticks II Computer Speaker System:
IN the office we are using our Sound Sticks for video production and they work great. Beautiful sound[...]
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Comments about Harman Kardon SoundSticks II Computer Speaker System:
The Sound Sticks are completely versatile and give incredible sound quality. I recommend to anyone. I can plug them into my computer, iPhone, and tv. The bass is SWEET!
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Comments about Harman Kardon SoundSticks II Computer Speaker System:
Very innovative design that complements my glass computer desk. The sound quality is very good for computer speakers but not in the same league as true high fidelity equipment. The directionality of the speakers is a bit too narrow and not good for filling a room... but great for sitting in front of your monitor.
It would be better if the off/on switch was on the satellites and not the sub-woofer. I don't like reaching down and to the back to switch them on/off.
Overall I'm very happy with these speakers.
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Comments about Harman Kardon SoundSticks II Computer Speaker System:
The Soundsticks are connected to our Apple computerand deliver great sound!!!!Easy to install and even easier to listen to. Thanks B&H!!!!
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Comments about Harman Kardon SoundSticks II Computer Speaker System:
I have them on my computer, but I've used them on my personal CD player! The woofer adjusts to my preference and the sound of the set is just about all I could ask for! I LOVE them and I just bought another set for my daughter and her husband! It took me a while to find the volume control and I felt really silly when I did finally find it! It's on one of the "tweeters"!
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Comments about Harman Kardon SoundSticks II Computer Speaker System:
I am using these speakers with my IMAC 27 and I must say it works Great and the hookup is very easy. Only thing keeping me from rating this Level 5 is the volume control. Music and Movies sound great with just enough base and in some cases more base than I need. Overall I am truly HAPPY WITH MY PURCHASE and BH Photo is the ONLY Place I will continue to make all my purchases.....THANKS BH Photo
Pros
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Comments about Harman Kardon SoundSticks II Computer Speaker System:
Bought these recently. Sent them back. The sub and satellites are great looking, well constructed, etc. etc., but the sound was not up to par. I was replacing an Altec Lansing MX5021 set (discontinued) which was at roughly the price point of the HK-SSIIs while they were still in production. The MX5021s blew the sound sticks out of the water in terms of sound. The sound sticks had a really poor mid range compared to the altec lansings. Also, the satellites are extremely directional which leads to poor sound when you move relative to the speakers. Overall, I was looking for sound comparable to the MX5021 set and these did not fit the bill.
I wish my MX5021 sub hadn't given up.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Harman Kardon SoundSticks II Computer Speaker System:
Upon hookig up and trying these speakers there was alot of noise and distortion. Defective right out the box. I was expecting more from JBL/Harmsn Kardon. Sent it back for refund will try another brand. [...]
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Comments about Harman Kardon SoundSticks II Computer Speaker System:
I've been using this compact, but robust, 3-piece speaker system for almost 10 years on several home built PCs. Having built an additional computer for backup I had no hesitation in buying a new Sound Sticks II speaker set. I'm only glad they are still available.
Sound quality is excellent; installation has been a breeze in everything from Windows 98 thru Vista. The desktop speakers are sturdy and their footprint very small.
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Comments about Harman Kardon SoundSticks II Computer Speaker System:
Brought these home, plugged them into my Macbook Pro, which I love but it has fairly weak speakers. Easy to set up, and they look incredible in the room (I love the clear plastic and blue light... but then, I have a very modern room with a glass desk -- they might look a little weird if you have a lot of antiques or a dark space). The sound is terrific for the price. Really, really pleased. I love the way you can adjust the volume by just tapping one stick, although I wish there was a way to "see" the volume level, as it can be a bit confusing to set it.
Just wish I'd bought them sooner! My only "complaint" is that the bass is so powerful, I have to keep it turned all the way down, so that I don't drive my apartment building neighbors crazy. But if you don't have that problem, enjoy.
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Comments about Harman Kardon SoundSticks II Computer Speaker System:
It looks great, a bit heavy though because it is glass made, but at least it isn't plastic!! Sound is decent, when you want to control the volume; one doesn't have to press hard, just a slight touch will do. I don't have any other comments besides it looks great next to my TV... there is one thing though, I recommend these soundsticks to someone who will be using it on a desk, there isn't a remote control where you can control the volume. So one will have to get up from the sofa, towards the speakers in order to control the volume each and every time. Hey, I'm not complaining.. helps me lose that extra 5 calories.
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Comments about Harman Kardon SoundSticks II Computer Speaker System:
I mostly use this speaker with my TV and sometime with laptop. And the sound quality is just awesome.
Before buying- I was thinking this speaker is quite old (based on when they got launched in market), there are many new models- would it be good to go for these speakers. But I'm glad I bought it. Sound quality is far batter than BOSE-Comp.
I was getting confused between this (HK) and
Logitech (Z-2300). Z2300 has got more bass- but again I have put my HK only at 40% BASS and the sound quality is better than my expectation. More BASS gives me headache, so good that I didn't go with Logitech (Z-2300).
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Comments about Harman Kardon SoundSticks II Computer Speaker System:
This small, stylish sound system fits perfectly in my desk and makes any type of music sound better. I don't see anything bad about it.
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Comments about Harman Kardon SoundSticks II Computer Speaker System:
I bought it basically to use for my PS3 cuz I've been using a monitor and there is no speaker on it. Now I've already got a TV, but I'm still using this speaker system.The look of this product is the biggest reason that made me bought it. Especially the blue light of the subwoofer, it looks beautiful at night. There are tons of 2.1 speakers with better price in the market, but I just couldn't help. If you have a PS3, then you don't need to worry about getting another piece of cable to connect this product to your monitor or TV since the RCA and computer connect are both ready.For now, I haven't found anything bad about its quality yet. I've tried switching the sound output between this and my TV speaker and this product still works pretty good. If I have to find some disadvantages, I will say that the price for this product is not cheap comparing to other 2.1 system. You could definitely get something else for $30-50. However, if you really like this, it's still cheaper than buying from apple store or its official website, even after adding the shipping and handling fee.
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Comments about Harman Kardon SoundSticks II Computer Speaker System:
Great sound,Great Asthertics everything is great for the price
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Comments about Harman Kardon SoundSticks II Computer Speaker System:
Very impressed with the well balanced sound quality. Great addition and I am very pleased with the purchase. Cord lengths ( speaker to speaker & to sub) which were a concern, are long enough to place speakers on desk and sub on floor. Bass is solid and certainly enough for music. Might be not quite enough for some hard core gamers that really want to emphasize the bass. Overall an excellent choice! Can't be beat. Enjoy!
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