Harman Kardon Aura Plus Reviews: See Why 0 Shoppers Rated It 0 Stars!

Harman Kardon Aura Plus: A Refined Bluetooth Speaker for Home Listening

When it comes to premium Bluetooth speakers designed for home use, the Harman Kardon Aura Plus stands out as an intriguing option. Designed for indoor use, this cylinder-shaped speaker combines a metal chassis for durability with a powerful audio setup that delivers immersive sound across a 360-degree radius. Introduced in 2017, it continues to attract audiophiles familiar with the brand by combining style with sound fidelity built on its well-engineered specifications. 

Detailed Specs & Features

On paper, the Aura Plus is crafted with precision. Measuring approximately 8.46 inches in width and depth, alongside a 10.63-inch height, it is wrapped in a metal body finished with a matte look; an aesthetic that suggests both resilience and elegance. Weighing 5.4 pounds, it is relatively portable but clearly designed more for home placement than travel convenience. While it doesn't feature waterproof or dustproof protection, its temperature resistance, rated at 104 degrees, ensures stability in typical indoor climates. 

From an audio performance perspective, the speaker pumps out a consistent 60 watts RMS of power, which is substantial for a device of this size. It supports a wide frequency range from 50 Hz to 20,000 Hz, ensuring coverage from deep bass to crisp treble. This range is complemented by seven drivers, including a 4.5-inch woofer and multiple smaller drivers for mids and highs, contributing to the 360-degree sound support that the speaker boasts. Distortion rates hover around a low 0.3%, meaning the device maintains clarity even at louder volumes. 

The inclusion of advanced digital signal processing (DSP) further enhances sound refinement. In the connectivity realm, the Aura Plus features Bluetooth 4.2 with a reliable 33-foot range, supporting common codecs such as SBC and AAC. It also offers robust Wi-Fi capabilities, including 802.11b and 802.11g standards, and supports popular wireless protocols such as AirPlay, Chromecast, and DLNA, which extend multi-platform streaming flexibility. 

However, it notably lacks NFC pairing, USB playback, or stereo and multi-speaker pairing features, which could limit multiroom setups for some users. In terms of power, the Aura Plus is an AC-powered speaker without a built-in rechargeable battery, relying on an AC adapter with a USB-C charging port for energy supply. Though it includes an energy-saving mode that minimizes power consumption when idle, it is less versatile in portability compared to fully wireless competitors. 

User Experience & Performance (Based on Specs)

Design & Build

Visually and physically, the Aura Plus commands attention with its tubular cylindrical form factor wrapped in a robust metal enclosure. This choice not only protects internal components but also lends a premium feel that aligns with Harman Kardon's audiophile heritage. However, the absence of an IP rating and shockproof features means it is best kept away from high-risk environments. 

Performance

Given its 60 watts RMS output power and seven-driver configuration, the speaker promises room-filling sound capable of high volume without distortion. The frequency response extending down to 50 Hz indicates decent bass depth, while the high-frequency ceiling at 20 kHz ensures clarity in the treble range. What stands out most is the 360-degree sound delivery, which makes it well-suited for living room settings where even sound dispersion is critical. 

Audio Quality & Connectivity

The inclusion of DSP technology fine-tunes audio to reduce noise and enhances fidelity, while an 80 dB signal-to-noise ratio supports a clear listening experience with minimal background hiss. Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi capabilities expand compatibility with various devices and streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. Yet, the lack of NFC and multi-speaker pairing may feel like a drawback for users wanting quick pairing or more complex audio setups. The supported codecs (SBC and AAC) are decent but fall short compared to aptX or LDAC standards in some other models.

Extra Features

Smart features include multi-room support, smart home integration, and over-the-air firmware updates, all managed through a proprietary app with an intuitive interface for sound presets and EQ control. For a device released in 2017, these amenities highlight Harman Kardon's commitment to software longevity and user experience refinement. However, the absence of a battery level indicator, charging indicator, or voice prompts means users will rely on manual checks and app notifications for status updates.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Impressive 360-degree sound with strong bass and clear treble supported by advanced DSP processing
• Sturdy metal cylindrical design offering temperature resistance, suitable for indoor use
• Multi-room smart home compatibility with app-managed customizable controls and firmware updates
• Comprehensive safety certification,s including CE, FCC, UL, and RoHS,  provides trust and reliability. ity

Cons

• Lack of battery life or portability features limits use exclusively to home or stationary setups.
• No multi-speaker pairing or stereo pairing, restricting more complex audio configurations
• Absence of waterproofing or dustproofing reduces durability for outdoor or rough usage.
• No built-in microphone or hands-free calling capabilities

Price & Value for Money

Priced at $302.5 at HarmanKardon.com, the Aura Plus sits in the upper mid-range bracket of home Bluetooth speakers. Considering it offers a 2-year limited warranty along with a warranty card and repair service availability, its investment in consumer support is reassuring. The relatively high power consumption at 57 watts underscores its focus on volume and fidelity rather than energy efficiency typical of battery-powered alternatives. 

Quick Take

In short, the Harman Kardon Aura Plus presents itself as a meticulously designed home speaker with strong sound output and smart integrations. Its signature 360-degree audio combined with a robust metallic build makes it a solid choice for static living spaces. If we look at the numbers alone, this speaker caters most confidently to those valuing immersive sound experiences over mobile convenience.

Closing Recommendation

For users who want a dependable, stylish Bluetooth speaker with thoughtful smart features and no compromises on audio quality within a home environment, the Aura Plus may be ideal. Its strengths in audio clarity, multi-room support, and app-based controls help users achieve a versatile entertainment setup. 

Verdict

Rating: Based on the specifications and overall feature set, we believe the Harman Kardon Aura Plus deserves 4.2 out of 5.

• Winner Feature => Exceptional 360-degree immersive sound paired with advanced DSP ensures clarity and bass depth.
• Needs Improvement => Lack of portability and multi-speaker pairing options constrain usability for active or multi-room setups.