Onyx Studio 5 vs. Onyx Studio 6: Which One is Best for You?

Onyx Studio 5 vs. Onyx Studio 6, which is the best for you?

Thanks to their distinctive circular design, Harman Kardon Onyx speakers are well-known and easily recognizable. All the previous models from 1 to 4 show that Onyx models have various features that appeal to audiophiles. As we compare the latest 2 models, Onyx Studio 5 v. Onyx Studio 6, we will analyze their basic features to help you decide which one would work better for you.

Our Pick – The Onyx Studio 6

Before we break down the best features of both the Studio 5 and Studio 6, for those of you in a hurry, due to the narrow price difference, the ability to daisy chain, improved sound quality and a finer tuned bass, we recommend the Onyx Studio 6.

Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 Review

Harman Kardon has earned itself a reputation of offering top of the line speakers, and this model is just another proof of what this company can do. With premium materials and popular design, the Onyx Studio 6 offers audiophiles another exceptional audio experience.

This speaker is the number one choice for a real audiophile, allowing you to enjoy your favorite music tracks in various settings. It is designed to deliver exceptional bass without jeopardizing the quality of other frequencies at any volume.

Delivering room-filling sound, the speaker comes with the new IPX7 rating that guarantees outstanding performance in any setting. Thanks to this feature, listening to your music next to the pool or in any room will never be a problem.

The speaker is crafted from lightweight yet durable aluminum and comes with an aluminum handle to help you carry it around. It measures 11 inches in diameter and comes with 2 small legs that can help you set it up securely. It is a little lighter than the previous Studio 5.

General Features

The Onyx Studio 6 is an upgrade from all previous models with some outstanding features.

Minimalist Design

Just like its predecessors, Studio 6 is a portable speaker with easy to use buttons and inputs. It comes with an elegant black fabric that features the logo of Harman Kardon at the front, reminding you of the legacy of this brand.

Besides a power port and a micro USB port, there is no other way you can connect this speaker to your device. This adds to its portability but can be a bit limiting if you need an AUX.

The micro USB port is used for firmware upgrades that guarantee the best performance. Unlike the previous model, the Studio 6 speaker has two 3-inch woofers and two 0.75-inch tweeters.

Performance

The impressive bass response of the Studio 6 is no surprise, but the sub-bass synths sound incredibly clear at the highest volumes with no distortion at all. Mid, and especially low-mids, get some of the attention being exceptionally warm, making this an excellent speaker if you want to focus on the lows. However, audiophiles who prefer a flat response might feel that the higher frequencies lack some character.

With the Bluetooth feature, you can stream audio from 2 devices to take turns playing your favorite music. Studio 6 is compatible with any operating system, just like the previous Studio 5 model.

The battery has not changed either and it still works up to 8 hours at a 50% volume, which might be disappointing for someone who wants to enjoy their favorite tracks for longer. You can daisy chain 2 Studio 6 speakers to enjoy an elevated audio experience.

Waterproof

In order to appeal to a larger segment, this speaker is designed to be waterproof. The IPX7 rating allows you to safely use the speaker when there is a chance of it getting wet. This opens new opportunities to use your speaker next to the pool, on the beach, in the kitchen where you are cooking your favorite meal or in the bathroom while you have a shower.

• ✓ High-quality speaker with a minimalist design.
• ✓ Can be paired to 2 devices to play music simultaneously.
• ✓ Strong bass and low ends with no distortion.
• ✓ Powerful and full sound.
• ✓ Waterproof IPX7 rating.
• ✓ Width: 11.5 inches.
• ✓ Height: 11.2 inches.
• ✓ Depth: 5 inches.
• ✓ Weight: 6.4 pounds.
• ✓ Woofer: two 3-inch woofers.
• ✓ Tweeter: two 0.75-inch tweeters.
• ✓ Battery: Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery.
• ✓ Playtime: Up to 8 hours at 50% volume.
• ✓ Recharge time: Up to 5 hours.
• ✓ Connections: Bluetooth and USB port.
• ✓ Frequency response: 50Hz to 20kHz.
• ✓ SNR: 80dB
• ‍
• ✗ No AUX.
• ✗ High ends are not that crisp.
• ✗ Could be lighter.

Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 Review

Like other Onyx models, the Onyx Studio 5 features the recognizable circular model but comes with a wider base for better stability. It also comes with an elegant aluminum handle that makes it easier to carry around, so you can enjoy your beats wherever you like. Accessing the control panel is straightforward because the buttons are located on the top of the front panel, making them easy to use in any setting.

As an upgrade from previous models, the Onyx Studio 5 has a single 5-inch woofer and one tweeter, unlike older models that had 2 of each driver. This speaker will have a deeper bass for real bass fans.

The Onyx Studio 5 looks elegant and sophisticated, thanks to its portable design and the aluminum handle. The elegant fabric grille gives it a little edge wherever you decide to use it. With the HK logo at the bottom and the LED status indicator at the top, this speaker reflects its price.

General Features

Here are some of the cool features of this portable speaker.

Portability

The elegant design and handle make this speaker an excellent choice for active audiophiles who want to enjoy their favorite tracks wherever they go. The Onyx Studio 5 comes with a chargeable lithium-ion battery that can be recharged for 5 hours to last for up to 8 hours when played at a 50% volume.

Moreover, you can connect up to 2 devices with the speaker. However, it does not offer NFC pairing, which is a bit disappointing given the price.

Performance

Just like other Onyx Studio models, this one is designed to deliver excellent performance in any setting. You can stream music via Bluetooth up to 50 feet without obstacles. You can also pair 2 speakers for a louder sound. However, you cannot pair an older model with the Studio 5 version.

Sound Quality

With the impressive bass boost, especially at low volumes, the Onyx Studio 5 is a real bargain for bass lovers. At the same time, it delivers exceptional performance for mids and vocals, offering an incredible experience for audio lovers. Even at a loud volume, noise and distortion are minimized, outperforming some of the more expensive models while delivering highly detailed sounds.

• ✓ Portable minimalist design.
• ✓ Easy pairing, even at a long-range.
• ✓ Excellent bass.
• ✓ Multi-host connections.
• ✓ Bluetooth and Aux connectivity.
• ✓ Width: 11.5 inches.
• ✓ Height: 11.2 inches.
• ✓ Depth: 5 inches.
• ✓ Weight: 6.6 pounds.
• ✓ Woofer: One 4.7-inch woofer.
• ✓ Tweeter: One 1-inch tweeter.
• ✓ Battery: rechargeable Lithium-ion battery.
• ✓ Playtime: Up to 8 hours at 50% volume.
• ✓ Recharge time: Up to 5 hours.
• ✓ Connections: Bluetooth and AUX.
• ✓ Frequency response: 50Hz to 20kHz
• ✓ SNR: 80dB
• ‍
• ✗ Not waterproof.
• ✗ Cannot be paired with other speakers from the Onyx Studio series.
• ✗ No stereo separation.
• ✗ Battery does not last for long.

Final Verdict

Onyx Studio 5 vs. Onyx Studio 6 – Here is the final beat.

Both Studio 5 and Studio 6 models combine high-quality materials with a minimalist design that allows for better portability. They are also available at the same price range to deliver high-quality audio in every possible setting.

The Studio 6 model has a waterproof IPX7 rating and can be used near water safely. The sound quality is also more impressive to appeal to avid audiophiles. If you are looking for these extra features, you might want to upgrade to the Studio 6 model. However, if you already have the Studio 5 speaker, you might want to wait for a new model before considering an upgrade.