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Harman-Kardon last year announced the iSub for Apple's iMac line. The two companies
collaborated on the speaker design, which was intended to appeal to both iMac customer's
eyes and ears alike. Harman-Kardon's latest Mac product takes the idea a step further.
The Sound Sticks is designed for any Mac with a USB interface and Mac OS 9.0.4. The
original iSub was designed specifically for the the new iMacs, which incorporated
Harman-Kardon speakers. The iSub worked in tandem with the iMac's built in speakers to build a sound field
using the universal serial bus.
When the iSub was first announced, many Mac users were wishing
they could use the "jellyfish" subwoofer. Harman-Kardon heard the pleas,
and encouraged by the response of the iSub, began work on the SoundSticks. The SoundSticks
is a three piece speaker system featuring two satellite speakers and an updated iSub
subwoofer.
USB Connection
Using USB for audio offers some challenges. The original iSub requires the iMac's
speakers to synchronize the Mac's audio with the USB subwoofer. For the SoundSticks,
Harman-Kardon achieved this by passing the high and midrange frequencies through
the iSub to a set of speakers. The SoundSticks' iSub has an attached RCA-style stereo
connector. The two satellite speakers, which are not USB driven themselves, deliver
the higher range sounds that the iSub leaves out. The result is quality sound that
is in sync between the two types of speakers.
The advantages of USB sound is sort of a mixed bag. On one hand, you have improved
audio, but on the other, it raises some issues. Since the sound is delivered to the
speakers digitally, there's less opportunity for interference. Often around computers,
speaker wires will pick up hum from the various power cables laying about. The further
the speakers reside, the more room there is for interference. The SoundSticks help
here by offering USB sound to the subwoofer. The good news is the subwoofer is where
you'd be most likely to notice power-induced hum. The bad news is that everything's
up for grabs after the subwoofer. Since the SoundSticks' satellite speakers are analog,
there's a possibility to introduce some problems. In reality, however, the wires
are fairly short and likely won't cause any problems.
The problems of USB audio is that your Mac relies on software to deliver sound.
The SoundSticks use Apple's Mac OS 9.0.4 for support, so operating system conflicts
shouldn't be expected. There is, however, a possibility of other conflicts. The
SoundSticks may behave differently with other USB devices or sound equipment. One
known issues deals with hardware DVD decoders like equipped with older PowerBooks
and Power Macs. Other issues could be evident with any other audio function that's
not available for the Mac's USB.
Analog Alternative
When you buy the SoundSticks, you pay for the sound as much as the design. The speaker
set retails for $199 U.S. When I reviewed the iSub earlier this year, I said it was
a great value at $99. The subwoofer adds dramatic range to the iMac, while at the
same time getting more punch out of the built in speakers. The SoundSticks offer
even better sound, but at a greater price.
There's a crowded arena in the $150 to $250 speakers price range. Speakers can offer
anything from spiffy MP3 sound to THX certified surround sound. There are many 3
or 5 speaker sets out there that compete with the SoundSticks. While the SoundSticks
may not be the best sound for your money, they offer great sound and a cool design.
We've been using a speaker set from Klipsch for a few months. This is a five speaker
set with THX sound for $250. The up side is that you get five surround sound speakers
for a little more. The down side is that they're plain black boxes.
Bottom Line
Harman-Kardon's SoundSticks is a unique product. If you're the type that likes to
stick your Mac under the desk and forget about it, you may want to look elsewhere.
The SoundSticks is a complete package. You're buying both the quality sound and design.
If you want to complement your Mac's design with great looking speakers, the SoundSticks
is where it's at. On the other hand, if you're just looking for great sound from
a nondescript box, shop around.
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