Ever since the seeds of high-end audio systems were planted in the second half of the 19th century, Harman Kardon tuned in strong on the market. Nowadays, the unsophisticated, minimalistic design couldn’t be farther away from the early versions of high-tech speakers. Instead, the brand’s sound system is always one step ahead of its times.
The story of Harmon Kardon starts with Syndey Harmon. Displaying an early talent in engineering, as well as in sales, the young entrepreneur started up his own company when he partnered with Bernard Kardon, the chief engineer at the David Bogen company.
Harman Kardon – The Ultimate High-tech Sound
The starting idea was simple. The two men were to each invest $5,000 in a business catering high-fidelity sound systems for playing music at home.
Half a decade later, a New York Times reporter would write:
‘At the time, the conventional wisdom was that to listen to music on the radio, you needed a tuner to capture radio signals, a preamplifier, a power amplifier and speakers.’
The duo’s achievement was to combine all these disparate components into a singular, easily accessible unit. They named it a ‘receiver’. The technological breakthrough provided the window into building up an audio empire.
The brand’s fame may have waxed and waned in time, but Harman Kardon relearned the tech-slang of the new millennium. Just in time to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary in 2003 with a strong name that has become synonymous with innovation and state-of-the-art design.
Harman Kardon Speakers – A Room-shaking Bass & A Minimalist Design
Harman Kardon HKTS 20BQ 5.1 Home Theater Speaker System (Black)
Is it a funky work of art that belongs to the contemporary section in a museum? Or a powerful wireless speaker that allows for streaming from Bluetooth, AirPlay, and DLNA playback?
The bass is smooth, strong and room-filling. It doesn’t match a larger sound system. However, if the intent is to declutter your home and leave some space for your favorite dance moves, then the Kardon Aura is a viable alternative.
Harman Kardon SoundSticks Wireless Bluetooth Enabled 2.1 Speaker System
Why the sound sticks? They support audio from a smartphone, PC, or Mac via Bluetooth. The whole package includes a 6-inch down-firing subwoofer for deep bass, plus two satellite pods with four drivers each.
However, where the Harman Kardon Wireless System really scores in is design. It almost feels like it belongs to a mad scientist’s lab. The eight full-range transducers do not only look crystal clear, but the sound is just as pristine.
Harman Kardon HKTS 20BQ 5.1 Home Theater Speaker System (Black)
The sleek piece of cinematic experience in your home features a room shaking 5.1 satellite/subwoofer system. Six components are running the show: four two-way satellites, a center channel, and a 200 watt, 8-inch powered subwoofer.
Take center-stage in your favorite movie with a 360-degree sound system that will send ripples of excitement through your body. Wall-mount brackets are included.
Harman Kardon may find itself sometimes overwhelmed by its competitors, but this enduring and affordable brand will always score high for its exceedingly stylish and minimalistic design.
