Am I really reviewing cheap computer speakers again?
Written: Aug 19 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Good sound quality for a low price.
Cons: Not for the sound enthusiast.
The Bottom Line: Decent speakers, decent price.
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| DrDad's Full Review: harman/kardon HK19.5 2 Speakers |
Yes I am, and if you are buying a new computer from Dell, I hope this review will save you a chunk of change (up to $60 to be exact). You see, the Harman/Kardon HK 19.5 speakers are one of the options for speakers that come with Dell computers. Note that they are not always the default speakers for each system. The higher priced and higher-end Dell systems are configured with high quality speakers that come with a sub-woofer. However, when you buy online at Dell, you have the option of choosing which speakers you want with your Dell system, and I am here to argue that, for some people, the Harman/Kardon HK 19.5's are the best speaker option to choose.
In this review, I will tell you about the Harman/Kardon HK speakers that came with my Dell 4100 computer, and which I've used and listened to for about a year now. I will end the review with buying recommendations based on your listening needs. The advice I give not only applies to buying a Dell computer, but to buying any computer where there is an option for selecting speakers (and other peripherals).
The Harman/Kardon HK 19.5 -- Looks
Epinions doesn't have a picture of these speakers, so I've tracked one down for you. To see what these speakers look like, visit the following URL:
http://www.harman-multimedia.com/phase_II/html/h195_overview.html
In words, the speakers are 6.75 inches tall, 4.25 inches wide, and 4.5 inches deep. Being wider than many other speakers, they take up a good amount of desktop space on either side of your monitor, and due to their shape they cannot be affixed to sides of the monitor. They come in the "attractive" colors of "pearl white" (computer beige) and "midnight grey". The midnight grey color is set to match the color of the Dell 8100 line of computers.
The Harman/Kardon HK 19.5 -- Features
These speakers have two dials knob, one for tone and one for volume. The volume knob also serves as the on/off switch. Using the volume knob as the on/off switch is much more convenient that a push button on/off switch. My speakers at work use a push button and pushing the button usually moves the speaker across the desk instead of turning it on. The headphone jack is in the front in-between the dials and a green light indicates the power status (on or off). The speakers themselves are 12 watt, 3 inch magnetically shielded speakers with a frequency response of 80Hz to 20kHz. The two satellite speakers do not come with a subwoofer. Now, all that I've said so far is a bunch of junk you could figure out by visiting the link I gave above and looking at the speakers and reading the specs. Why don't we get on to the real meat of the review and discuss sound quality?
The Harman/Kardon HK 19.5 -- Sound
For a cheap pair of satellite speakers, these HK's do a very nice job regarding sound output. I've listened to several CDs through these speakers and have never noticed anything worthy of complaint. The volume setting goes loud enough to be heard several rooms away, without a deficit in quality of sound. The tone knob adjusts the treble and when set correctly, vocals and acoustics sound clear, but not pristine. Bass sounds come through, but they won't pound out like on higher end speakers. The biggest concern about cheap computer speakers is that they will sound "tinny", but with the Harman/Kardon HK 19.5's, you need not worry. These speakers have a basic, solid sound to them that is well above the poor quality of "tinny" cheap speakers.
I visited a web site that offers sound tests that involve discriminating between sounds that differ on tone quality, loudness, noise distortion, and articulation. I found that I was able to do an adequate job on these discrimination tests using my HK 19.5s. Finally, I hooked up some headphones to the speakers and was adequately satisfied with the headphone output. Another reviewer of these speakers stated that with the headphones in, sound still leaked out of the speakers. I have not experienced this with my set of HK 19.5s.
Overall recommendation
I've only seen these speakers at the Dell web site and at the Harman/Kardon web site. They are clearly meant to be low end speakers. However, they are not the lowest of the low, and the quality of the sound is sufficient enough to satisfy most listeners. When it comes to speakers, PC buyers can be divided into three groups: (1) those who want the best sound possible, (2) those who want the cheapest speakers possible, and (3) those who don't even think about the speakers. Group 1 should avoid these speakers as they won't give you the sound quality you need. Group 2 will be happy with these, but might look at downgrading even further to the "PC speakers". It is to Group 3 that I hope to reach with this review. If you aren't specifically looking for pristine sound from your computer, but don't want sorry speakers either, then I recommend you downgrade the speakers to the Harmon/Kardon HKs. This will save you up to $60 at Dell, and you will still get a set of computer speakers that will satisfy your listening needs.
I hope this review has helped you with your purchase decision.
Bret
Here are some web sites and numbers that might be useful:
Technical Support Phone Number:
1-877-266-6202
Technical Support URL:
http://www.harmankardon.com/products/techcorner/techcorner.asp
HK 19.5 Manufacturer's description:
http://www.harman-multimedia.com/phase_II/html/h195_overview.html
Recommended:
Yes
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DrDad
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