Short answer: the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7, if you are buying new. The Aiwa Exos-9 ranks higher than it (#9 vs #14 of 91 boombox speakers, 4.2/5 vs 4.1/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 is still sold new at $248.90.
Why pick the Aiwa Exos-9: It still sounds great against current models. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 lacks.
The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 is the deeper-bass, lighter option. The addition of dual tweeters gives the Studio 7 a wider, more spacious presentation than older Onyx models. Its bass reaches about 37Hz before falling 10dB, against 44Hz for the Aiwa Exos-9. At 6.4 lbs (2.9 kg) it weighs much less than the Aiwa Exos-9 at 15.2 lbs (6.9 kg). It links with other speakers (Wireless Dual Sound), which the Aiwa Exos-9 cannot. Watch for: Consumer Reports finds the bass prominent and boomy, mids hazy, treble slightly smeared and the soundstage congested.
Buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 if you want one new; the Aiwa Exos-9 is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Aiwa Exos-9 | Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $250 Discontinued | $248.90 |
| Ranked | #9 of 91 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #14 of 91 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44Hz | 37Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (5-band graphic EQ + 4 presets) | No |
| IP Rating | None | None |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Wireless Dual Sound) |
| Power Input | AC Power cable | DC Barrel Connector (19V/2.1A) |
| Stereo | Yes | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 15.2 lbs (6.9 kg) | 6.4 lbs (2.9 kg) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | No |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| FM Tuner | No | - |
| Microphone Input | Yes (with adapter) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 200W | 50W RMS |
| Dimensions | 19.4” x 7.5” x 11.7” (492.8 x 190.5 x 297.2 mm) | 11.3” x 11.3” (285.8 x 285.8 mm) (round design) |
| Drivers | 6.5” dual voice coil woofer + 2x 3” midwoofers + 2x 1” silk dome tweeters | 120mm woofer + 2x 25mm tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Aux Latency | - | 0ms |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 266ms |
| Maximum SPL | - | 96dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Strap | - | No |
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- JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs Aiwa Exos-9
- JBL PartyBox On-The-Go 2 Plus vs Aiwa Exos-9
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 vs Aiwa Exos-9
- Aiwa Exos-9 vs JBL Partybox Encore
Prices on this page were last checked October 4, 2026 at 9:58 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Aiwa Exos-9: $250 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Aiwa Exos-10, ranked lower, rated 3.5/5.
Pros: Aiwa Exos-9 uses 6.5” dual voice coil woofer + 2x 3” midwoofers + 2x 1” silk dome tweeters. Its 6.9 kg, claimed 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, aux input and stereo playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. It still sounds great against current models. Measured bass extension of 44Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 44Hz specification. There is no companion app. Discontinued.
Full Aiwa Exos-9 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 200W |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 19.4” x 7.5” x 11.7” (492.8 x 190.5 x 297.2 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5” dual voice coil woofer + 2x 3” midwoofers + 2x 1” silk dome tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (5-band graphic EQ + 4 presets) |
| FM Tuner | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Microphone Input | Yes (with adapter) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cable |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 15.2 lbs (6.9 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- Aiwa Exos-9 vs JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2
- Aiwa Exos-9 vs JBL PartyBox On-The-Go 2 Plus
- Aiwa Exos-9 vs JBL Partybox Encore 2
- Aiwa Exos-9 vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9
- See all 30 comparisons
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7: $248.90 Amazon eBay
Newer model: the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9, ranked lower, rated 4.1/5.
Pros: The addition of dual tweeters gives the Studio 7 a wider, more spacious presentation than older Onyx models. It delivers strong, deep bass, useful large-room volume and can pair with a second Studio 7 for stereo. Measured bass extension of 37Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Consumer Reports finds the bass prominent and boomy, mids hazy, treble slightly smeared and the soundstage congested. Battery life remains only about eight hours, it has no water rating or advanced codecs, and it is not an especially loud outdoor speaker.
Full Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 0ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 266ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.3” x 11.3” (285.8 x 285.8 mm) (round design) |
| Drivers | 120mm woofer + 2x 25mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Maximum SPL | 96dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wireless Dual Sound) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | DC Barrel Connector (19V/2.1A) |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 6.4 lbs (2.9 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL Boombox 2 vs Onyx Studio 7 big bass battle 💋 More from alanrossreviews →
- Alan Ross Reviews: Onyx Studio 7 vs Onyx Studio 6 - massive deep bass battle 😁
- Geri’s Collection: Harman Kardon Onyx 7 vs Onyx 4
- KULAS TECH SHOW: Harman / Kardon Onyx Studio 5 vs Onyx Studio 7 - Close battle🔥🔥 More from KULASTECHSHOW20 →
- Alan Ross Reviews: Ultimate HK Onyx Studio speaker review and comparison! 8 speakers!
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