The Harman Kardon Aura Studio 4: a captivating blend of aesthetics and acoustics? This review delves into the latest iteration of Harman Kardon's iconic Aura Studio speaker, examining its design, features, and overall audio performance. Released in late 2023 at a price point competitive with its class, the Aura Studio 4 boasts a striking transparent dome, enhanced with 223 light crystals that dynamically react to music. This visually stunning speaker promises a premium audio experience, but does it deliver on its considerable price tag? We explore its strengths and weaknesses, including its intuitive touch controls, connectivity options, and sound quality.This in-depth analysis will uncover whether the Aura Studio 4 justifies its premium cost. We’ll examine the speaker's impressive sound capabilities, considering its bass response, mid-range clarity, and high-frequency precision. Furthermore, we address the limitations of its Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity and the absence of a dedicated app, weighing these drawbacks against its undeniably stunning design and rich audio output. Ultimately, we determine if the Harman Kardon Aura Studio 4 is a worthwhile investment for discerning audiophiles and design enthusiasts alike.
Pros And Cons
- Stylish and beautiful design
- Enhanced lighting effects with 223 light crystals
- Multicolor ambient lighting
- Sleek and modern look
- Premium feel with fabric mesh
- Touch-responsive buttons that work well
- Room-filling sound
- Tight and punchy bass
- Clear and crisp mid-range frequencies
- Impressive overall sound quality
- Supports multi-point pairing (two devices)
- No battery; requires constant power cable connection
- Uses Bluetooth 4.1 (older technology)
- No app functionality for controlling features or EQ adjustments
- Hidden button combinations for bass/treble adjustments are inconvenient
Read more: Top 5 Best Bluetooth Speakers 2025: Ultimate Guide & Reviews
Unboxing and Price
The Harman Kardon Aura Studio 4 arrived in a sleek package containing the speaker itself, a quick start guide, power cord, safety information, and warranty details. The design of the box is in line with the premium feel of the product. The speaker's price point, around $293 USD or $279 GBP, makes it competitive within its class, particularly considering its release in late 2023. Note that pricing may vary over time.
Design and Features: A Stylish Statement
Harman Kardon's signature transparent dome is immediately striking. This fourth-generation Aura Studio boasts an enhanced lighting effect with 223 light crystals that react dynamically to the music, creating a captivating visual display, especially in low-light settings. The multicolor ambient lighting is a new addition. The speaker's fabric mesh and overall form factor give it a premium, modern aesthetic.
Controls and Connectivity
Intuitive touch-sensitive controls are located on the speaker's side. These include volume up/down, lighting effect control, LED brightness adjustment, power, and Bluetooth pairing. However, a significant drawback is the lack of a battery; it requires constant power via the included cable, limiting its portability. Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity is also somewhat disappointing given the release year; while functional, it lacks the advanced features of newer versions.
The speaker does offer multi-point pairing for simultaneous connection to two devices, enabling seamless switching between music sources. Auxiliary input via a 3.5mm port is also available for wired connections.
Sound Quality Test and Analysis
The Harman Kardon Aura Studio 4 delivers a remarkably impressive audio experience. The bass is tight, punchy, and well-integrated; not overpowering but adds depth to the sound. The mid-range and high frequencies are clear and crisp, creating a balanced and detailed soundscape. While similar to its predecessor, the Aura Studio 3, the Aura Studio 4 sounds slightly crisper, especially in the high frequencies.
Shortcomings and Considerations
The use of Bluetooth 4.1 technology is a noticeable shortcoming. For a premium speaker, the latest Bluetooth versions (5.2 or later) and better codec support would have been expected. The lack of a companion app is another significant drawback. An app could provide more granular control over features like LED lighting effects, EQ settings, and preset management. While some controls are accessible via button combinations on the speaker, it would be more intuitive and user-friendly via a dedicated app.
Conclusion: Is the Harman Kardon Aura Studio 4 Worth It?
Despite its flaws, the Harman Kardon Aura Studio 4 remains a compelling speaker. The remarkable sound quality and stylish design are its strongest points. However, the higher price point and omission of features like a dedicated app and newer Bluetooth technology might make it less appealing to some. If you prioritize a room-filling sound, excellent audio quality, and a visually striking design, this speaker will impress. If you are looking for a more feature-rich or portable speaker, you may want to look at competitors. Overall, it's a fusion of art and audio engineering, but perhaps not perfect for the price.