Harman Kardon is one of the oldest and respected companies out there that focus on audio devices. The onyx lineup is about portable Bluetooth speakers. Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 VS 5 are the premium devices of this bunch. These two fairly large Bluetooth speakers are perfect for home and outdoor use.
People love to hear music everywhere. Bluetooth speakers made that wish easy and affordable. Nowadays Bluetooth speakers weigh less and sound more. They are everywhere. In a small get-together or in a room alone Bluetooth speakers are useful. Bluetooth speakers will satisfy audio needs without aunty hassle.
There are some differences between onyx 5 and onyx 6. One debate which sparks between the audiophiles is onyx 5 vs onyx 6. This detailed review will help you make up your mind.
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 VS 5
Harman Kardon products are above average without any doubt. The onyx 5 portable speaker is a fan-favorite product. The previous 4 models were also good. The onyx 5 came out in 2018 but is still competing with the speakers of 2020. Evergreen design helps the products to be recognized easily and gives maximum comfort and productivity.
The onyx 6 is the newest edition to the lineup. It brings the old design and improves it even further. They added waterproofing. The bigger design means more bass and louder sound. You can connect two speakers simultaneously for a louder sound experience. Playtime of 8 hours means there is no headache of charging soon.
Harman Kardon onyx 6 vs 5: early comparison
We have analyzed some in detail tests and reviews from real users. Apparently, every user gave a positive review about the products. The main difference of the onyx 6 vs onyx 5 is-
The first difference which catches the eye is the comparison of size. The onyx 6 is bigger than the onyx 5. It also weighs more than onyx 5. Even though both onyx 6 and 5 look the same in design. Their form factor is different from each other. The onyx 6 weighs 8 lbs and comes in 3 colors (blue, black, and grey)
Onyx 5 offers a more compact size. It weighs 6.6 lbs and is easy to travel with. The first major factor in the Onyx 5 vs onyx 6 debate is the size. Some people prefer the smaller footprint while others don’t have a problem with the bigger one.
Legendary Harman Kardon
Regardless of what speakers or model you are using if it has Harman Kardon written on it then its quality is great. This company has been making audio devices for a long time. Their philosophy is about sleek design and high-quality audio. The Harman brand is owned by Samsung and subsidiaries of Harman Kardon include JBL, AKG, Infinity, etc.
Their products are used in some of the biggest automobile brands and laptop models. They always try to invent new designs and excel in sound engineering. The price of Harman Kardon products is not cheap as well. They are medium to high ranged products.
Customer satisfaction has always been a priority for Harman Kardon. They listen to what the people want and they have been in the business for a long time to understand this. Their main priority is to supply high-quality audio devices for audiophiles. Harman Kardon is a reliable source that you can trust without a doubt.
Harman Kardon onyx studio 6
With its signature round design, premium fabric cover, and aluminum handle for easy portability the onyx studio 6 stands out. It offers long battery life and a waterproof design. It can simultaneously connect 2 devices at the same time.
The onyx 6 is famous for its bass performance. The bass in music sounds clear with no distortion at all. The speaker can dish out loud sounds. Battery backup isn’t bad either. The battery runs for 8 hours with 50% volume. One problem with the onyx 6 is that it does not support an AUX cable.
Pros of onyx 6
- The biggest advantage is the IPX7 waterproof.
- It has great 8 hours of playtime
- Weight is less than onyx 5
- Incredibly lightweight and compact
- Improved sound quality over its predecessors
- Bronze handle improves portability
- Elegant design
Cons of onyx 6
- Not much difference from previous models
- More expensive
- Dual play is possible with only other onyx 6 devices
Harman Kardon onyx studio 5
The distinctive design of the onyx 5 makes it stand out from its competitors. It offers upto 8 hours of listening time. And, offers rich sound and good battery life in its class. Also, it is very portable for its light design and weight. It’s the perfect device for in-home use.
Pros of onyx 5
- Excellent sound quality
- Beautiful design
- Lower price
- Deep low frequency sound
- Rechargeable battery
- Built from high quality materials
- 8 hours of playtime
Cons of onyx 5
- Lack of IPX rating
- No built in microphone
- Slightly heavier than onyx 6
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 VS 5 : key differences
Even though both the products look similar, there are some key differences. The onyx 6 is IPX7 waterproof that means you can use it in the kitchen but be careful when you take it to the pool. There isn’t much price difference but the onyx 6 costs a little bit more. The bass system in onyx 6 is better than onyx 5. The round silhouette and fabric cover offer a premium feel.
This video below will give you an overall difference
Main features: onyx 6 vs onyx 5
Through wireless Bluetooth streaming, you can listen to music easily. Listen to music nonstop with up to 8 hours of playtime. you can wirelessly connect two Harman Kardon onyx, 6 speakers, for an elevated experience. Stop worrying about damaging the speakers as this comes with an IPX7 waterproof rating. Premium materials will provide you a rich musical feeling. Try out these 2 Waterproof speakers from Bluetooth also.
The onyx 5 offers a similar 8-hour battery life even though it’s small. You can integrate 2 devices through the dual audio feature. Total system power is 50w and 50hz-20khz response time for crisp sound. You can take your calls hands-free and Bluetooth 4.2 allows you to listen to music of the highest quality.
Onyx 5 is a good package considering its price. The model is a big upgrade from its predecessors. It will allow you to listen to crisp and loud music for a long period of time. The 2-year warranty ensures you get what you pay.
Expert advice and real-life comparison
The onyx 6 is upgraded from all the previous models. The more clear and distinctive sound makes it stand out. The onyx 5 has a more compact footprint which is liked by some people. The lower price point is also helpful.
Both the onyx 6 and onyx 5 are very close but different at the same time. The slight difference caters to different people according to their preference. Everyone doesn’t need extra bass so they can go for the onyx 5 models. The onyx 6 offers a louder sound.
The reviews from users of Harman Kardon products are most of the time positive. There is a loyal fanbase that Harman Kardon cares about. These products are tried and tested by the best. You can keep your faith and choose the one you desire. And if you’re still confused, try out these Bluetooth Speakers Under $30.
Key factors Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 VS 5
Performance
The Harman Kardon studio lineup is always up to the benchmark quality. Both onyx 6 and 5 will give audiophiles something to cherish about. The speakers can be played from a 50m distance without any obstacle. You can also pair 2 speakers for a louder sound.
Both the models perform similarly but the onyx 6 is louder with more bass output. The onyx 6 is also waterproof which is a big advantage in real life. The Bluetooth speaker industry is moving forward fast, so to keep up with the trend you should choose the latest one with more features.
If we compare it with other Bluetooth speakers on the market we can see that the onyx studio models are better performing than most others. The premium sound quality and build materials will surely make you feel special.
5 Best Bluetooth Speaker
Portability
Even though the onyx lineup is not that heavy but the onyx 6 is slightly larger and heavier than onyx 5. The slight 40 grams more weight of onyx is almost impossible to find out with bare hands. Because the onyx 6 is water-resistant you can take it to the poolside and kitchen and enjoy the music carefree. Marshall Kilburn II and Stanmore Which One are the most portable speakers out their.
Sound quality
Harman Kardon didn’t leave any stone unturned for the perfection of onyx studio speakers. The bass is unparalleled at this price point. The easy control features will help in a smooth performance. The drivers are well-performing and tested in the lab of Harman Kardon. They sound very good even to the harshest critic.
Even though they share almost similar specifications, the onyx 6 sounds more vibrant and rich. Both the onyx 5 and 6 are built with premium components. There will be no doubt about its sound quality.
Take a peek at these Axess Bluetooth Speakers for better sound quality.
Connectivity
Onyx 5 comes with Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity. This speaker doesn’t have NFC but the Bluetooth range is 33 feet. There is no built-in mic so you can’t take your calls. You can connect more than one device with onyx 5.
Onyx 6 has the same Bluetooth and power unit. The difference is you have to pull out the water protective cover to plug in your AUX or charger. You can pair two onyx 6 at the same time for a louder experience.
Specifications
The main focus on the onyx 6 is how much better it is from the last models. The battery is 3283mah which is similar to its predecessor. There are a lot of similarities between onyx 5 and 6. The design also looks like it. So, the biggest difference is the IPX7 waterproofing which allows it to be submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 mins.
The woofer and tweeter is also powered by the same power unit. They both have a frequency of 50hz to 20 kHz. Apart from waterproofing, they share almost similar specifications. Which makes you wonder if you should upgrade.
Design
In terms of design, there isn’t much to separate the two. They both look stunning with a round-shaped body and elegant handle on top for carrying it easily. The one significant difference is the cover on ports for onyx 6. The cover ensures an IPX7 rating and provides waterproofing.
The overall build of the products is made with premium materials. When you hold or touch the speakers you can feel the good quality fabric and handle. The offered colors are also very elegant. You can choose from 3 colors as Blue, Grey, and black. The minimalistic Harman Kardon logo looks sophisticated.
The buttons and placement remain the same but the weight of onyx 5 is 40 grams more which is not significant. Nonetheless, both the onyx 5 and 6 are easily carryable. Thus this is a great portable speaker.
Alternative Options
JBL Boombox 2
The JBL Boombox 2 outperforms the Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 6 or 5 in terms of sound quality. The JBL performs well in terms of soundstage and can play stereo material without downmixing it to mono. It also gets quieter and lasts longer on a single charge.
JBL Xtreme 2
The overall performances of the JBL Xtreme 2 and the Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 6 or 5 are close, and based on your listening preferences, you may choose one to the other. Out of the rack, the Harman/Kardon has a more neutral, natural sound profile. Unlike the Harman/Kardon, the JBL has a superior soundstage, a longer battery life, and it supports voice assistants from your smartphone.
Sony SRS-XB43
You may choose theSony SRS-XB43 or the Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 6 or 5 depending on your listening habits. The Sony is more durable and has a longer battery life. It even works with voice assistants from your smartphone. Its companion software also includes a visual EQ for customizing the sound profile. The Harman/Kardon, on the other hand, has a more natural sound profile right out of the box.
FAQs
Is it possible to attach two Onyx speakers?
At any given time, you can connect up to four devices to the speakers.
Is it possible to bind the Harman Kardon Onyx to a television?
Yes, really. An RCA to AUX adapter can be used to attach the Onyx Studio 5 or 6 to your Vizio smart TV. Attach the auxilliray cable to your Onyx Studio 5 or 6 and plug the RCA to Aux adapter into the audio output of your TV.
What is the best way to tell if my Harman Kardon Onyx is absolutely charged?
The “on” light will glow before the unit is completely charged if you press the “on” button. I hope you like yours as much as I do. Outside, it has fantastic bass, inside, it will blow your mind, and it will work for the entire 5 hours on battery.
What is the life expectancy of a Harman Kardon battery?
Battery life is estimated to be up to eight hours by Harman/Kardon, although your performance can vary depending on your volume levels.
Decision time
Even though it looks like a tough decision to make. The above review of Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 VS 5 will help you make up your mind. If water resistance and louder sound are very important to you then you should consider buying the onyx 6.
If budget is an issue and you are a casual listener who likes crisp music and stream movies on your Bluetooth speakers then go for the onyx 5. You won’t notice much significant difference between them. If you already own the onyx 5 then wait for another year until the onyx 7 comes out.
Our Pick – The Onyx Studio 6
Freelance tech journalist & author of soundboxlab.com …Read More
