Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 Review – Powerful Sound in a Compact Bluetooth Speaker

Experience mighty, balanced audio from the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9, a compact Bluetooth speaker ideal for indoor and light outdoor use.

First Impressions: More Than Just a Plug-In Speaker

When the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 arrived, I initially assumed it was a speaker meant solely for plugged-in use. It looks sleek and sophisticated, charging via a figure-eight cable without any quick-release dock station, which is typical for a stationary speaker.

But the Onyx Studio 9 surprised me. The companion app quickly reminded me it actually has a built-in rechargeable battery. Plus, there's a cleverly hidden handle that’s almost invisible at first glance. These features make this Bluetooth speaker perfect for moving around the house with ease.

Taking It Outdoors: How Does It Compare?

After enjoying the Onyx Studio 9 in my home office for several days, I moved it out to the garden. That’s when the question hit me: "Could this be better than the Sonos Move 2?" It certainly feels like one of the best portable Bluetooth speakers that not many people know about.

Price and Availability

I’m quite impressed with the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9, and the price only adds to its appeal. Officially priced at $299.95 in the US, it’s currently available for roughly $185-$220 during sales. That’s a very reasonable deal considering what you get.

Prices in other markets are similar, offering great value for an elegant and powerful Bluetooth speaker.

What’s New in the Onyx Studio 9?

Harman Kardon has released many Onyx speakers, and the Studio 9 resembles the Onyx Studio 6 from 2020. Visually, the new model is more refined, making it even more appealing for indoor use—whether that’s your office, kitchen, or living room.

Unlike the Onyx Studio 6, which had an IPX7 water resistance rating allowing immersion in water, the Onyx Studio 9 lacks weatherproof certification. This shift likely reflects its design focus on style and indoor usability rather than rugged outdoor use.

Size-wise, the Studio 9 is roughly similar to its predecessor—imagine a speaker just under the size of a 12-inch vinyl record. It retains the 120mm woofer but triples the number of tweeters to three, delivering a more balanced and rich sound.

The battery is heftier too: 4722mAh compared to the 3283mAh in the previous model, offering about 8 hours of playback. It supports Bluetooth 5.3 for better connectivity and quick 4-hour recharging. Bonus: the rear USB-C port lets you use the speaker’s battery to charge your phone or other devices.

Portability: Easy to Move Around the House

If you plan to move the Onyx Studio 9 around the house, the lack of a charging dock is its biggest downside. Detaching the power cable is straightforward but less elegant than a quick-release dock. This is surprising since older Harman Kardon models, like the Citation 200 I’ve used for years, featured such docks.

Still, once unplugged, the speaker is easy to carry thanks to its hidden "shelf" handle right under the logo. It balances well in hand, weighing 3.3 kg (around 7.3 lbs), making it light enough to move but heavy enough not to topple easily. The wavy rubber base keeps it stable on surfaces.

Physical controls sit on top: power, independent volume up/down, play/pause, Bluetooth pairing, and a unique Auracast button for syncing multiple speakers (compatible with Onyx Studio 9 and Enchant Speaker only).

Sound Quality: Punchy Bass Meets Balanced Highs

Right from the first play, I was blown away by the bass coming from such a compact speaker. The 120mm woofer works alongside a passive radiator to deliver deep lows. Meanwhile, the three tweeters handle high frequencies crisply. The mids sound smooth and confident, creating a full, balanced soundscape.

The app offers various presets including Signature Sound, Vocal, Energetic, Chill, and a customizable 7-band equalizer that lets you fine-tune frequencies from under 120Hz up to 8kHz with +/-12 dB adjustment. After minor tweaks, the speaker sounded sensational for my taste.

Even placed alone on a table, the speaker pumps out impressive volume and power thanks to its 50W output and auto-tuning feature that adapts sound based on its environment.

Although it supports Auracast, this speaker is mainly stereo—don’t expect surround or spatial audio effects. But with angled tweeters hidden behind the fabric grille, sound disperses nicely with ample width.

It’s important to note that the Onyx Studio 9 only works over Bluetooth—there’s no Wi-Fi support. That means no Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, or AirPlay, so it might not fit your needs if you stream music from network storage or want smart home features.

Battery life held up well, giving me around 6-7 hours on loud listening sessions. The 8-hour claim feels optimistic if you like your tunes cranked up. The only letdown was the battery percentage indicator in the app, which dropped from 20% to 10% quickly, offering little warning before shutdown.

Final Thoughts on the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9

The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 pleasantly surprised and delighted me. Its sleek design almost masks how portable it really is.

For the price, I didn’t expect such rich sound quality. The deep bass hits with enthusiasm, while the trio of tweeters delivers balanced highs and a broad stereo soundstage.

Compared to pricier options like the Sonos Move 2, which costs about twice as much, the Onyx Studio 9 quietly occupies a niche below the Wi-Fi-enabled speakers, outperforming many portable Bluetooth models—particularly the more rugged, pocket-sized, waterproof types. That said, it’s not waterproof, so it’s best kept indoors or in mild outdoor conditions.

Yet, I still thoroughly enjoyed using it in my garden, where the combination of rich sound and bright sunshine made for a genuinely uplifting listening experience.

Other Options to Consider

• Sonos Move 2. If you want a full Wi-Fi system usable indoors and outdoors with a richer ecosystem, the Sonos Move 2 is a top pick. It’s pricier but offers premium sound and seamless integration with other Sonos products.
• JBL Charge 6. For a budget-friendly, bass-heavy, rugged, and waterproof speaker with a carrying strap, JBL Charge 6 is a strong alternative. It’s perfect for outdoor adventures but has a different style and use case compared to the Onyx Studio 9.

“Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 knows how to enthusiastically deliver low frequencies while providing a confident and balanced overall mix.”

What makes the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 stand out in the crowded portable Bluetooth speaker market?

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long does the battery last on a full charge?
  Typically around 6-7 hours during loud playback, with a maximum of 8 hours at moderate volumes.
• Is the Onyx Studio 9 waterproof?
  No, unlike its predecessor, the Onyx Studio 9 does not have a water resistance rating and is best used indoors or in dry environments.
• Can I connect multiple Onyx Studio 9 speakers together?
  Yes, using the Auracast button, you can pair multiple Onyx Studio 9 speakers for synchronized playback.
• Does the speaker support Wi-Fi or streaming services like Spotify Connect?
  No, it’s Bluetooth-only, so it doesn’t support Wi-Fi or smart streaming protocols.
• What devices can I charge using the Onyx Studio 9 USB-C port?
  You can use the rear USB-C port to charge phones or other small USB-powered devices.

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