Harman Kardon SoundSticks II 2.1 Speaker System

The most obvious feature of of the Harman Kardon SoundSticks II 2.1 Speaker System is the clear design of the speaker housings, even if they are rather phallic looking. Ironically, the name even rhymes (SoundSTICKS), go figure.

The clear design looks really cool and allows you to see all the inner wiring and components in both satellite speakers and the subwoofer. Each of the satellites have four one inch full range transducers.

Each satellite speaker has 10 watts per channel and measure 2" by 10". The subwoofer is a six inch transducer and puts out 20 watts. The sub weighs 4.9 pounds and measures 9 3/16" by 10 3/16".

The volume controls are interesting and work by simply laying your finger on the controls, like those old touch lamps.

Harman Kardon SoundSticks II 2.1 Speaker System in Use

In use the Harman Kardon SoundSticks II 2.1 Speaker System has great sounding mids and highs. However, I felt that even with the sub turned all the way up, the low end was a bit flat on music tracks. During gaming, the Harman Kardon SoundSticks II 2.1 Speaker System was great, curiously the low end sounds were much better in game than with music.

The volume buttons are very sensitive, but once you get used to them they work well. The most curious omission from the SoundSticks II is the lack of a power button or headphone jack. Otherwise, while a bit pricey the SoundSticks II are a great and cool looking set of speakers that take up little desk space.