The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 speaker is an upgrade from its predecessor from the same series, but is the step up a necessary one, or is the 5 just a pretty repackage? Is it really a worthy purchase? Our audio team is here to answer these questions and more with a detailed review.
What We Like
- Bluetooth 4.2
- Room-filling sound
- Hands-free calls
- Rechargeable battery
- Battery lifespan up to 8 hours
- 50 watts of total power
- Wireless dual sound
- Easy carrying handle
- Unique round shape
- Deep bass suitable for bass lovers
- 2-year warranty
- Power adapter included
What We Don't Like
- It costs extra for a different color
- Not waterproof
Design
The design of the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 is perhaps the most appealing aspect of the compact Bluetooth speaker. The round silhouette somehow makes it easier to transport and is less cumbersome.
There is an integrated aluminum handle that makes it a very portable speaker, plus it is very lightweight at only 6.6 pounds. You may have to pay a little extra for the different colors, but the blue or grayish silver colors are beautiful as well.
We had all three colors in our possession during the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 assessment, and our team was really captivated by the light gold hardware on the navy blue design, which really gave it an edge.
The grille takes up most of the surface area on the Bluetooth speakers, but it only adds to the overall elegance of the Onyx Studio 5. It’s elegant and sophisticated because the fabrile grille obscures the buttons, which can sometimes take away from the overall aesthetic. You will also see an LED indicator light peeking through the grille on the portable Bluetooth speaker.
Some people may not like the semi-hidden buttons, because you would need to get a little more up close and personal to see the settings. You have a total of 4 buttons – Bluetooth pairing, volume up and down, the power button, and play. You will see the Harman Kardon logo on the button on the front side, but it is also understated and not so in-your-face, which our audio team also appreciated.
The fabric grille wraps all around the back, so there is quite a uniform look to the Bluetooth speakers. The audio cable input ports are all the way on the bottom, and also very obscure. You will find 3 input ports – the AUX, charging port, and a port for firmware updates. The input panel is the same as all the other speakers in the Harman Kardon Onyx Series.
The overall look of the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio Bluetooth speakers is undoubtedly luxurious and it’s quite obvious that it’s made from premium materials. The focus of the brand is on the aesthetics and functions and not on advertisement, which is why the Harman Kardon Logo takes a backseat to the sleek appearance.
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 Features
Now let’s get into more detail about what the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 features under the surface. The HK Onyx Studio 5 is known for deeper bass and excellent sound quality, but what really gives it an edge over its competitors and previous models from the HK Onyx Studio line?
Power
Let’s start with the power rating of the Onyx Studio 5, as it’s one of the most important aspects to get louder sound from your portable Bluetooth speaker. As listed in the pros section, the small Bluetooth speaker has a total system power of 50 watts, which is quite a bit.
If you have read our loud Bluetooth speakers review, then you will know that 50 watts packs quite a punch, especially in a speaker that has a small profile. The RMS power, or root mean square, is the rating for continuous output. The RMS of the Harman Kardon Onyx is a little lower than the 50-watt total power at 40 watts.
Just to give you an idea of how the HK Onyx Studio 5 performs, our experts say average listeners find 20 watts to be sufficient power in a regular room. With double the amount of wattage, it’s very easy to get louder sound in bigger rooms or even outdoors. As portable speakers, the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5s can bring the bass with that amount of power.
Our audio engineers caution readers to not just focus on the peak or max output power, because that rating is only for short bursts and could blow out your Bluetooth speaker if you play it at that level over long periods. The RMS power is what’s important. Luckily, the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 has a high RMS rating.
Battery
What’s a pressing characteristic in a portable device? It’s the battery power of course! How long the battery can last you will determine how long you can enjoy your favorite beats away from a power source.
The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 has a long battery life of up to 8 hours. The lithium-ion battery is rechargeable, so you can always make sure you have a full battery before leaving the house. The capacity is about 3283 mAH, which is quite a big battery. The only thing about the speaker, which our team found out during our Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 review, was the long charge time.
It’s a bit of a con, but if you’re not in a rush, the 5-hour charge time to get to maximum capacity won’t be an issue. It surely shouldn’t deter you from enjoying all the other features of the speaker, especially since many other Bluetooth speakers can take this long to charge as well.
Portability
The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 is known to be very portable. It’s small and lightweight, which are the two main criteria of a portable device. Other than the profile, how you transport it is also of utmost importance especially since the Bluetooth speaker has a round design.
The manufacturer takes portability very seriously and has integrated the carrying handle directly into the design. Our experts really enjoyed this feature, especially since the brand made it look very pleasing.
It’s easy to slap a handle on a design, but it may not always look good. Our audio engineers say portable models that have a removable handle is also a plus, but one that incorporates the handle into the design takes the cake.
There is also a power adapter and charger included, which can make the speaker even more portable if you’re close to a power source.
Sound Quality
Now for the part of our Onyx Studio review you have all been waiting for: the sound quality. This rings true for all speakers, because let’s face it, it’s all about the sound.
Our audio engineers are always honest in our reviews, which is why they said the Harmon Kardon Onyx Studio 5 is very bass-heavy. In fact, it even has a bass boost to increase the quality of the low tones. This is a definite pro for lovers of bass, but it can affect the mids and the highs since the low notes can be a little overpowering at times.
A way to compensate for this fact is the bass controls featured in the Bluetooth speaker. There are 2 bass modes – high and low. High bass, which is the factory setting when you receive your Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5, is the setting that really propels the bass.
You can switch it to the low setting, but the brand does not recommend this over a long period for the Harman Kardon speakers because they weren’t designed to be set at this mode for regular playing. Our audiophiles say that just because the Harman Kardon speakers are more bass-heavy, it doesn’t mean the mids and highs are any less accurate.
You will also be happy to know that there is no audio distortion, at least any that is detectable, at any volume level. You can attempt to get stereo sound by connecting a second Harman Kardon speaker by pressing the Bluetooth button on both for about 5 seconds. When the LED lights start to flash, you will know your device is in dual sound mode.
Be aware that dual sound is not the same as stereo mode, and you will still be getting mono sound. With the Studio 4, it was possible to pair two speakers together and choose from party or stereo mode. This makes it clear that Studio 5 is more suitable for those who are looking for bass-focused sound with the added bass boost.
During the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 review, our team members also found that having it on a main power source really elevated the sound compared to Bluetooth.
Frequency Response
The frequency response from the Bluetooth speaker really brings great sound to your home and outdoor gatherings. The frequency range is from 50Hz to 20kHz, which is the same as the Onyx Studio 4 and the Onyx Studio 6. Since the human audible range is within 20Hz to 20kHz, which means the frequency range of the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 is within this spectrum.
Driver Configuration
The driver configuration of the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 is just 2 drivers, a tweeter and a mega woofer, which contributes to the bigger and richer bass. When compared to the previous model, which consisted of separate woofers and tweeters, the bass-heavy design of the Studio 5 became more prominent than ever.
The Studio 5 has 2 passive radiators that help boost the bass sound quality even further. The Onyx Studio 5 Bluetooth speaker is the best choice for those who were craving more bass from the Onyx 4. Our team thinks the brand likes the 2-driver configuration because this design was carried over to the Onyx 6.
Bluetooth Version
The Bluetooth connection in the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4, 5 and 6 is 4.2. The 4.2 Bluetooth version is pretty stable and allows for a good range. However, there is no debate that the 5.0 Bluetooth connectivity, which is the latest as of now, is the more desirable.
As for the Bluetooth profiles, the Onyx Studio 5 features A2DP, or Advanced Audio Distribution Profile, and AVRCP, the Audio/Video Remote Control Profile. For those wondering what Bluetooth profiles are, our experts say they are the specs of the devices that can connect to your speaker and how they “speak” to each other.
Playtime and Range
As mentioned, the Bluetooth version is 4.2, which gives a range of about 33 feet. This means if the distance between the two devices is further than that, you will start to experience Bluetooth drops and spottiness. Our audio team always recommends keeping devices closer together when using Bluetooth speakers for the best sound quality.
As for the playtime, it does hinge on battery life, but the rest of the functions can affect it as well, such as connecting two Onyx Studio speakers together. If you have your device at max volume, you will definitely get less out of your Bluetooth speaker. Continuous playing at 50% volume will give you about 8 hours of playtime.
Performance
One of the biggest complaints we have had from our team during their Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 reviews was the IP rating, or lack thereof. The IP rating [1] of a device is the level of solid and liquid protection/resistance it has. For example, a device with a high IP rating will be protected against dust, debris, and water submersion.
The first figure after IP is for solids, and the second is for liquids. The higher the number, the more protection it has. The Onyx Studio 5 speakers are not waterproof and doesn’t feature any special dust and debris protection. The Onyx Studio 6 is your biggest solution if you are looking for a waterproof Bluetooth speaker. It has an IPX7 rating, which means it can be immersed in water up to 1m deep.
The IP rating is definitely something good to have, but our experts brought our Onyx Studio 5s out and about, and it didn’t affect their performance. The Bluetooth was stable, and even exceeded 33 feet in some cases, much to our surprise. But this really depended on the streaming location. You definitely do not want any obstacles between the two devices.
Pairing two speakers together was super easy as the brand made it very straightforward. You can pair two Onyx Studio devices together from the same series and enjoy dual sound by pressing the Bluetooth button for around 5 seconds, or when the LED lights start to blink.
Our experts say you cannot pair two Onyx Studio speakers together from a different series. We tried to link the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 with 4s and 6s, but it does not allow connection. You can only pair two Onyx Studio speakers in the same series. They only allow 2-speaker connections at the same time, which means you cannot have a multi-room setup with more than 2.
Although the controls weren’t very visible, they were highly intuitive. They are sensitive buttons that are responsive and clearly labeled. Our team of audio professionals will be honest and say they wish there was longer battery life in the speaker at full volume, which only had a maximum music playing time of 3 to 4 hours, but it is enough to make do for most events.
Connectivity and Inputs
The minimalism of the Onyx Studio 5 seeps into the connectivity and inputs as well. You will only find Bluetooth and an auxiliary input on the device. The aux is being slowly phased out of many Bluetooth speaker designs, so the fact that it still remains in the Onyx Studio 5 is a huge plus for our team.
While the aux may provide more stable and balanced sound quality, the Bluetooth connection always takes precedence. The aux connection is also highly useful if you’re looking to preserve the battery lifespan. It can help you prolong the hours of playing music outside.
Controls
There are 5 control buttons you can find on the Onyx Studio 5. They are responsive buttons that make controlling your device very simple. They are located on the top on the front side of your Bluetooth speakers. There are no remotes nor a compatible app that can allow you to gain access to the settings.
You will see a Bluetooth pairing button, which is the basic icon that we see in all our devices with this feature. You can also make out volume up and down buttons, and a power button that can also help you skip to the next track if you press it twice quickly. Then there is the play/skip/pause button.
The no remote aspect of the Onyx Studio 5 is a little discouraging, as well as the lack of a compatible app. However, our experts say that a lot of Bluetooth speakers focus control on just the front panel.
There is also an LED indicator light that peeks through the fabric grille, and our team feels it’s important to know the settings. Blinking means Bluetooth pairing mode is activated, but slow blinking means the Bluetooth is not in use. Rapid blinking means the dual sound mode is activated and the light will become solid when both wireless devices are linked.
A red blinking LED light signals low power, which means you should recharge your battery or get to a power source as soon as possible. A solid right light means your device is charging.
Accessories
What comes in the box? We’re happy to say that the Onyx Studio 5 comes with most things you would need. You get the speaker itself, a power adaptor, a power cord, and a plug that works within most major regions.
You also get the 2-year warranty card, which you will need just in case anything goes wrong with the device, and the safety sheet. The safety sheet will show important guidelines when using the Onyx Studio 5, but it’s pretty straightforward and operates like any average speaker.
There is, of course, also a user manual, which you can refer to in case you have any questions. However, you may never need it because the Onyx Studio 5 is so easy to use.
Updates
You need to upgrade the firmware on your Onyx Studio 5 to keep it in tip-top shape. The update can be done via Bluetooth or a cabled connection. It’s very easy to start the update. Just head into settings by pressing the start button, then choose “Update and Security” and then click “Check for Updates”.
The method may vary depending on where you purchased your Onyx Studio 5 device. You can always refer to the user manual in case the above outlined steps do not work for you.
Pairing and Setup
As our team mentioned many times, the pairing and overall setup of the Onyx Studio 5 is incredibly easy. For pairing, all it takes is to enable Bluetooth in both of your devices. The process for pairing your Onyx Studio 5 to your phone is the same as with any other device. Put your devices into discoverable mode, located the speaker on your phone, and voila!
Dual sound can be activated with another Onyx Studio 5 speaker if you press the Bluetooth icon on both for about 5 seconds. Once the devices are connected to each other, the white LED light will turn solid.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Onyx Studio 5 will turn itself off after 30 minutes if you activate the auto shut-off function. When the speaker shuts itself down, it will also disconnect from an already-paired device, so you will need to reconnect it.
Even if you do not have auto shut-off activated, your Onyx Studio 5 speaker will automatically turn off after 30 minutes if it doesn’t discover another device.
Price and Warranty
For the price, the Onyx Studio 5 is a decent speaker, but our audio professionals did mention that they wished there were other functions. Something else that our team didn’t necessarily like but says it’s quite common is that different color options command different price points.
The different colors do not guarantee more balanced sound, so why should you pay more for a blue or silver Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5? Our team says it’s purely personal preference. As we also mentioned before, the blue option is beautiful with gold-toned handles and Harman Kardon logo.
There are many of us that want a streamlined look in a speaker with the rest of our devices and choose the silver color, but if you have a mostly black system or you don’t care about the appearance, then the black option will cost you the least. In fact, the basic black can cost you less than half of the price of the silver, which is the most expensive.
The warranty is for 2 years, and it covers most device issues, so definitely keep the warranty card handy. Also, our team recommended above to not play the Bluetooth speaker in low bass mode, because doing so will damage your speaker over time and void the warranty.
FAQ
Is the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 waterproof?
No, the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 is not waterproof. This is an unfortunate fact, but this series from the brand is not protected against liquids or solids. This isn’t a big problem if you don’t plan on taking the speakers with you anywhere near the water.
How long does it take to charge Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5?
It will take about 5 hours to charge the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5. It does take a while, but not much longer than average Bluetooth speakers. This isn’t an issue if you’re not in a hurry, and it can yield around 8 hours of playing time at 50% volume.
What is the difference between Onyx Studio 5 and 6?
The difference between the Onyx Studio 5 and 6 is the water resistance. The Studio 6 has an IPX7 rating, which means it can even be immersed in water 1m deep for 30 min at most. It also makes it immune to water splashes and jets.
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 Review Conclusion
The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 is an excellent speaker in terms of appearance and richer sound quality. You can experience more elevated levels of bass and connect 2 Studio 5 speakers at the same time for dual sound. The signature design from the Harman Kardon Onyx series is one of the most appealing aspects with a lithium-ion battery embedded within that is rechargeable and offers up to 8 hours of playtime.
