The cube look lives: Harman/Kardon puts on Soundsticks in version 5

Everything so nice and colorful here-and not just transparent: the now part of Samsung electronics manufacturer Harman/Kardon has announced the fifth generation of its well-known sound sticks speakers. The combination of subwoofer and two stick-shaped high and mid-tongue arrays goes into the next round: Since 2000, the audio device has been put on in new versions. It was initially published in connection with the IMAC G3 and the Power Mac G4 Cube. The subwoofer once called ISUB is said to have been developed by Apple’s former design chief Jony Ive.

Desktop, standalone, on the television

The Soundsticks 5, which among other things already Listed in the Otto Group’s shop will continue to be intended primarily for desktop operation on the computer, but can also be used as a Bluetooth standstalone device or for a stereo-based home entertainment system. The main renewal is two color variants: the standard version in transparent white and a black with a smoke glass look.

LEDs are also integrated for the first time, with which light effects can be generated. They are in both the high and midrange and in the subwoofer. The manufacturer speaks of an “integrated light show” that is possible.

Classic 2.1 sound, control via app

The speakers coming to the trade for 330 euros by the beginning of December will come with Bluetooth 5.4, but also understand themselves on HDMI audio with ARC to connect them to a television. It stays with the 2.1 sound, there is no Dolby Atmos here. In total, a subwoofer, six midrange and two tweeters are installed. Airplay does not seem to be intended at first, with Auracast you can combine several speakers. An app serves to control the equalizer and the light setting used.

A setting of the speakers is also possible via a “touch control panel”. What has happened on the sound remains to be seen. Harman/Kardon speaks from 190 watts of power with a frequency response from 40 Hertz to 20 kilohertz. Most recently, the sound sticks were on offer as a special submission of the hipstery brand Supreme. They are only used For almost 2000 euros to have.