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Harman Kardon Aura Studio 5
Harman Kardon is returning to the market with a new generation of one of its most recognisable speakers. Aura Studio 5 is the latest incarnation of the brand’s transparent audio system, designed not only to fill a room with music but also to shape the atmosphere with light that matches the moment, from a calm background glow to the visual backdrop for an evening with friends. The new model immediately stands out through its form. A slim, transparent dome with an undercut edge reveals a multi layer interior that creates a sense of depth and visually draws the eye into the centre. Light plays across the subtly tinted, slightly mirrored surface, while the whole structure sits on a soft looking base finished in a high quality acoustic fabric. As a result the iconic Aura silhouette has gained a more contemporary, slightly more substantial profile that is at home in both minimalist and more cosy interiors.
At the heart of the design is a three way driver array supported by the company’s Constant Sound Field technology. Inside there are eight drivers in total, six 40 mm mid high units, a dedicated 25 mm tweeter and a 143 mm subwoofer. They are powered by an internal amplifier rated at 2 x 20 W + 1 x 20 W + 1 x 100 W RMS, which delivers a specified frequency response from 45 Hz to 20 kHz and a healthy dynamic reserve for a speaker of this size. Constant Sound Field is intended to keep tonal balance as even as possible throughout the room so that deep bass, clear midrange and expressive high frequencies remain audible whether the listener is sitting on the sofa or moving around the space.
The manufacturer stresses that the key element of the Aura Studio 5 experience is the combination of sound and light. The speaker offers a wide range of lighting modes, from soft aquamarine glows that gently ripple like water to warm, flickering illumination reminiscent of firelight. The characteristic 360 degree ambient halo has been extended with a new light lens that projects dynamic effects above the dome and creates an even more immersive, spatial aura. Light in the Aura Studio 5 is not just decoration but an integral part of the experience. The ambient lighting can synchronise with the music, producing show like effects in which colours and motion respond to the tracks being played. Users can choose between calmer, atmospheric animations and more energetic sequences, matching the visual presentation to the mood of the music and the occasion.
Personalisation is handled through the Harman Kardon One app. This is where users can configure colours and lighting animations, adjust audio settings, work with the sound equaliser and manage all compatible Harman Kardon speakers from a single place. The app also makes it easy to update the Aura Studio 5 firmware, which in practice may bring new operating modes in future. In terms of connectivity the Aura Studio 5 focuses on simplicity. The speaker uses Bluetooth 5.4 for wireless playback from phones, tablets and laptops. Up to two mobile devices can be connected at the same time so household members or guests can easily share their playlists. A new feature for this generation is the use of Auracast, which makes it possible to link multiple Harman Kardon speakers wirelessly. Through the app users can pair two or more compatible models to fill larger spaces with synchronised sound. For those who want to reinforce stereo imaging there is also the option to configure two Aura Studio 5 units as left and right channels, which produces a wider and more precise soundstage that works well both for music and for watching films.
On the rear panel there is a USB C port used for power and service tasks. In the US version it can also be used for playback of MP3 files from USB media, while in other regional variants this feature is disabled. With dimensions of 306.4 x 234 x 234 mm and a weight of 4.2 kg the Aura Studio 5 remains relatively compact yet substantial enough to sit securely on a sideboard, coffee table or shelf. Harman Kardon also highlights the environmental aspect of the design. The speaker uses post consumer recycled plastics and recycled aluminium, and its packaging is made from FSC certified paper printed with soy based ink. In this way the Aura Studio 5 fits into a broader trend towards more responsible product design where environmental impact is considered alongside form and function. The Harman Kardon Aura Studio 5 is already available, with a suggested retail price of €329, which corresponds to international pricing in the region of €329/$349/£299 depending on market. Info and pictures by Harman Kardon.
