These are the best looking computer speakers money can buy. That said, if you're considering picking up a set of Harman/Kardon Soundsticks, read a little further before plunking down the cash if you're looking for about $200 worth of sound.
I found out about the H/K Soundsticks because I owned their iSub, which I have reviewed here on epinions
The sound that jellyfish pumped out was impressive indeed. Worth every penny and entirely changed they way I used my computer. I started enjoying music on my Mac more than on my traditional stereo, I rented DVDs, and started listening to RealAudio streaming regularly. The iSub does everything a subwoofer is supposed to do.
So, with my great H/K iSub experience I didn't hesitate to pick up their Soundsticks for my Apple Cube. Of course, I love the way these look, but I bought the Soundsticks based upon the iSub's performance. Well, I made a huge error in judgment. I should have listened to these in person before buying them.
Where the iSub shook the room, the subwoofer component of the three piece Soundsticks (subwoofer and two satellites) shook my desk. The bass experience was significantly less impressive. Basically the problem is due to the watt rating for the three piece set. Where the iSub had all the watts to itself, the Soundsticks essentially divide the same wattage between three pieces. The result is, naturally, less overall sound.
The other problem with the Soundsticks is the sound quality, or sound character. It's tinny and digital-like. I feel that this is due to the lack of bass, but that's entirely subjective. Another way to put this is to say that the sound seems to come from plastic rather than wood, like sound from floor speakers. That sound is rich and warm. The Soundsticks are really clinical sounding. Again, that's my opinion.
HK's packaging is tops. Quality all the way down to the foam inserts. Keep the original box around for future storage or shipping. It's a keeper. Set-up is the usual Mac-easy. Entirely plug-and-play. Within about three minutes you'll be listening to DVDs, MP3s, CDs, etc..
The Soundsticks uses your Mac's system software to control the sound level. There's no software to install, and I presume any future updates will be handled by Apple automatically, so that's one less peripheral to worry about. The sound adjustments for the satellites can be done through the Sound Control Panel, using independent slide levers. The subwoofer has its own physical knob adjustment, but it's basically worthless. I keep it all the way up and it's still not enough bass.
Bottom line: This is a fantastically designed product that needs some sound improvement: very ironic given that among the best audio manufacturers on the planet put their name on this product. If you're looking for passable sound, grab these. You won't hate the Soundsticks, rather, you'll be left wanting more out of them.
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