Introduction

The Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 Bluetooth Speaker System in White (model number SoundSticks4White) has arrived, and it’s a striking piece of audio equipment. Its iconic design, instantly recognizable to audiophiles, has been refined for a modern audience. But does this beautiful speaker deliver on sound quality as well as aesthetics? I’ve spent the last few weeks rigorously testing the SoundSticks 4, putting it through its paces with a variety of music genres and listening volumes to bring you this comprehensive review.

Features

The SoundSticks 4 boasts a minimalist, yet powerful design. The transparent acrylic dome subwoofer houses a powerful driver, creating a visually impressive and surprisingly rich bass response. The two satellite speakers, connected to the subwoofer, provide crisp highs and clear mids. Setup is remarkably straightforward – simply connect via Bluetooth and you’re ready to enjoy your music. While lacking some advanced features like app control or multi-room audio capabilities, its ease of use is a definite plus.

Performance

The SoundSticks 4’s performance is impressive, particularly for its size. The bass response is surprisingly deep and impactful, thanks to that unique subwoofer design. I found the clarity of the highs and mids to be excellent across a range of genres, from classical music to electronic dance music. Even at higher volumes, the sound remained clean and distortion-free. However, I did notice that the soundstage could feel a bit narrow at times, lacking the expansive feel of some larger speaker systems. For a desktop or smaller room, it’s excellent, but larger spaces may benefit from a more powerful setup.

I tested the SoundSticks 4 with various audio sources, including streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, as well as high-resolution audio files. In each case, the SoundSticks 4 delivered a satisfying listening experience. The Bluetooth connectivity was rock-solid throughout my testing, with no dropouts or audio lag.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Stunning, iconic design
• Impressive bass response for its size
• Clear and crisp highs and mids
• Easy Bluetooth connectivity
• Minimalist and sleek aesthetic

Cons:

• Soundstage could be wider
• Lacks advanced features like app control
• Relatively expensive compared to some competitors

Final Verdict

The Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 (SoundSticks4White) is a premium speaker system that excels in both aesthetics and sound quality. While it may lack some of the advanced features found in more expensive systems, its ease of use, stunning design, and surprisingly impactful sound make it a compelling option for anyone looking for a stylish and high-performing speaker for their home or office. Its compact footprint also makes it perfect for desktop use. Would I recommend it? Absolutely, especially if visual appeal is as important to you as audio quality. The SoundSticks 4 is a statement piece that delivers on its promises.