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Harman Kardon SoundSticks II

Discontinued

Reviewed

August 2010

by ConsumerSearch

Pros

Clear, detailed sound
Affordable
No distortion at high volumes
Artistic design

Cons

Bass weak on some tracks
Highs overwhelming on some tracks
No headphones jack
No auxiliary input port

Where to Buy

for $169.99

Our Analysis
Specs
640 Amazon Reviews

Reviewers say the Harman Kardon SoundSticks II 2.1-channel speaker system delivers a sharp performance at a very reasonable price. You can crank these up because you'll get no distortion at high volumes. The 20-watt subwoofer, however, can't match Creative GigaWorks T3 (*Est. $250) 50-watt, tri-directional subwoofer, and some types of music might sound a little too bright. Still, the SoundSticks II has been satisfying users since 2004, perhaps partly because of its attractive futuristic design. This speaker system lacks a headphones jack and an auxiliary port for hooking up other devices, such as MP3 players.

PCMag.com recently updated its detailed review of the Harman Kardon SoundSticks II PC speaker system. Macworld also provides updated coverage, though its report isn't quite as meaty. CNET's report is older, but still a worthwhile read. More than 500 owners at Amazon.com give feedback on these speakers as well.

Creative GigaWorks T3 2.1 Multimedia Speaker System

from Amazon.com

New: $368.00 $140.00

In Stock.

Average Customer Review:

Where To Buy

Harman Kardon SoundSticks II Plug and Play Multimedia Speaker System
(640 reviews) Buy new: $169.99 4 Used from $127.00

Our Sources

1. PCMag.com

PCMag.com editors updated their 2004 review of the Harmon Kardon SoundSticks II computer speakers and are impressed with the system's clarity, detail and design. It lacks auxiliary input, headphone jack and remote control, which makes it less competitive with newer models.

Review: Harman Kardon SoundSticks II, March 3, 2010, March 3, 2010

2. Macworld

Like PCMag.com, Macworld's Dan Frakes updates Macworld's review of Harman Kardon's SoundSticks II PC speakers, which he says give a lively performance, especially when the subwoofer knob is kept at a low setting. He says these speakers sound their best at close range.

Review: Harman Kardon SoundSticks II, Dan Frakes, Oct. 16, 2009

3. CNET

In this older and uncharacteristically short review, Tim Gideon praises the definition and crispness of Harman Kardon's 2.1-channel SoundSticks II. Maybe it's a little too sharp at times, Gideon says, adding that these speakers lack a headphone jack.

Review: SoundSticks II 3-Piece Speaker System, Tim Gideon, Aug. 26, 2004

4. Amazon.com

Most posters on Amazon.com are satisfied with the Harman Kardon SoundSticks II PC speaker system, giving it an impressive 4.5 star rating. It's a great value, they say, although some complain about the hidden volume buttons and lack of headphone jack.

Review: Harman Kardon SoundSticks II 2.1 Plug and Play Multimedia Speaker System, Contributors to Amazon.com

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