Harman Kardon Aura Studio Bluetooth 360 Degree Speaker System with 4.5" Subwoofer (White)

First time Amazon reviewer because: (1) there seems to be a lack of info on the net about this product, and (2) I love this thing.Appearance: 5 StarsThe Aura is a work of art, truly. If you were ever impressed by the neat-looking bass unit of the H/K Soundsticks then you will be blown away by this. The globe-like, glass-like, tube (reminds me of those classic tube amps in a way) glows brilliantly in low-light and creates a floating holographic ring hovering around the center opening (which I think why it is aptly named “Aura”) I could go on but I won't. If you appreciate the ascetics of your sound equipment like I do, you'll almost go for this piece on its killer looks alone.The Sound: 5 StarsEven before a complete break-in, the Aura sounds like a true beaut. Highs are clear and crisp and lows thunderclap your neighbors to misery. I always appreciate a tight, clean bass... and this 4.5” sub delivers. I am incredibly impressed by the Aura’s sub, and as always, it is definitely my favorite part (it sounds better than the dual 12” subs I have in my towers). I also love how you can adjust the base for “more spirited nights”. The 6, 1.5” transducers, placed in a radiating pattern to create omnidirectional sound (a very underrated aspect of this speaker might I add), generate a relievingly balanced mid to high end. I might actually go as far to say that there is a benefit in merging mid and high frequency responsibilities into a single set of transducers (as opposed to separate dedicated tweeter and mid-range drivers found in many higher-end speakers), in that it creates a smoother frequency response (I can’t prove this, just my impression by ear). I played all types of music on the Aura so far: acoustic, EDM, jazz, and they all sound great. There is a slight dip in volume for vocals, but nothing to fret about. To cut myself off, I really think H/K stepped up the innovation when designing the Aura and created a product that creates excellent sound, which alone is well worth the price tag.Connectivity: 4The Aura is at the forefront of audio connectivity, and the fact that it has built-in wifi makes it incredibly unique. This is my reason for choosing it over the Klipsch KMC 3, which is only Bluetooth compatible. I love the fact that I can use AirPlay to effortlessly stream my lossless music files, and the strong integration with everything Apple is a plus for me (minus for others). The problem the Aura faces is that it has perhaps TOO many connection options (Bluetooth, AUX, Optical, wifi x3). You can connect to wifi using 3 different methods, which can be confusing. By maximizing the number of connection inputs, I think H/K muddled with connection fidelity. Using my iPhone 5S, Bluetooth works flawlessly, but I experienced some problems with wifi cutting out more than I’d like. However, AirPlay works perfectly with my MacBook Air, so I worked around the issue by linking the Aura to my Mac, then using my iPhone’s Remote App to control my Mac’s iTunes (which is better anyway, the Remote app allows you to queue up music, whereas the Music App doesn't).Although it would be nice if I could rely on the Aura wifi for my iPhone, it is not too big of a deal because: (1) backup— Bluetooth works perfectly, not to mention the 2 wired connection options (2) wifi with my Mac works fine and (3) the USB port in the back holds promise of an inevitable firmware update which could solve the problem entirely. In sum, the connectivity is not a deal breaker for the Aura, despite what you might have read from other reviewers.User-Friendliness: 4As mentioned previously, connecting can take a second because of the several options, but download the user manual at harmankardon.com (which isn’t included in the packaging for some reason) and even the simple could probably figure it out. Users are directed to download the optional H/K remote app (not to be confused with Apple’s Remote App mentioned earlier), which is pretty bunk. The only feature I use it for is to control the Aura bass, though it would be nice, but not expected, to do some EQ as well. H/K should probably take a close hard look at their app, but like I said, it is not necessary at all in order to enjoy the Aura.Summary: 4.5The Aura the best compact speaker system I’ve owned, coming in at a pint-size with good looks, great sound, with up-to-date tech capabilities. Though with a few quirks around its connectivity and user-friendliness, the head-turning ascetics and ear-pleasing thumps deserves the Aura far more attention than it’s gotten and a 5 star review (rounded up).

The Aura is a unique speaker: comes with everything one might need: connectivity, quality sound, build quality, aspect and design, bass and somewhat Hi-Fi as well as 'portability.'Connectivity: Works with Bluetooth, DLNA server (you find it from your player to Aura), Wi-Fi ou Aux cable. There is also a USB but it's only for updates - that can also be made with the Wi-Fi.There is an option to customize it's name on the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, as well as I renamed mine. You can access it by your browser or the app (where you can also control volume and bass).Sound: The quality of the sound is true to the Harman Kardon brand. Crisp, clear and the specialty from Aura: big bass, controllable by the app as mentioned above. This calls for everybody's attention and it's funny to see people joking if it's a UFO until they hear a song and get wowed! Seriously, 3 friends of mine got themselves an Aura after hearing mine.Aspect and Design: The designers made a really good product. The tiny speakers are all around the Aura below a soft mesh and the subwoofer is actually upside down and the hole you see is it's entry/exist of air that it needs. There is also a LED there that shines the unit and shows the volume and state of connectivity (if or not connected). The buttons are all touch, all across the black strip that you can barely see.4 buttons: On/Off, Connectivity (switches from DLNA, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and AUX), Volume - and Volume +. The volume can be increased or decreased by sliding your finger or softly touching the - or the +. Nice detailsThe bass: This calls for my attention. I'm used to systems this small to have little to none bass but with Aura you can easily throw a party in your house! It does not distort the sound and will give some of your guests a wow, like i always do with mine.Hi-Fi: It is Hi-Fi per say. I say per say because the quality is very clear and crisp but it lacks an equalizer, at least Treble, Mid Bass and Bass in the app (can be easily adjusted if they just add this function to the app).Portability: It is kind of small, a little bigger than a basketball with external power source (110v AND 220v although it sometimes says 110v and in other times says 110/220). I take it to every party I go to and people get very happy when I get there. Or, best said, when the AURA gets there ;)Pros: Quality overall - sound, build, details, hi-fi, connectivity and whatever I can think of.Cons: The app could use an equalizer, seriously! The first time you connect it takes up to a full minute to pair with bluetooth and then another for Wi-Fi after you configure it go in your network. The LED could be brighter and have an option on the app to turn it on, off or brighter! Would look somewhat like a lavalamp, but cool.

It started simple. A friend suggested i look at the battey operated logitec EU boom 1. Its wireless. Battery op. Water resistant. Great sound. I checked it out. The EU2 boom was bigger better badder. K done deal. But hey im dropping close to $250 for the price of compact and being able to listen to music on a dock by the lake.Hang on i may be on a dock by the lake maybe once a year... if I'm lucky. The sound is loud but there is a diff btwn loud and rich.I have an amazon credit voucher for $250. I think hey why dont i see what i can get that may give me more bang for my buck? Hey how about this HK Aura ive seen forever in an apple store? I play a movie trailer (the true test) and its sounds rich. Deep base.Done deal. I get it.It arrives in a couple weeks.I plug it in. The sound is off the hook. The base is a rich incredibly deep sound, incomparable to the tiny EU. No match. How can it? Just look at the chamber on the Aura!Yes it need 120v AC but its bluetooth and airplay supported. It connects flawlessly sometimes competing with my boss mini. So 'forget it' on your ios device.Let the good times roll. Get it. You wont regret it. Its kinda a an art / heirloom piece you should be able to hand down to your kids... no its that good.