Short answer: the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4. It ranks #47 of 77 large speakers by sound quality at $100; the Klipsch Detroit ranks #54 and costs $274.10, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4: Balanced sound quality with deep resonant bass and crisp treble, large dynamic range. The tradeoff: 8 hour battery at medium volume.
What the Klipsch Detroit gets right: Dual 1” tweeters + 3” woofers deliver excellent sound detail and robust bass. The catch: Weird boosted upper bass, bass not very deep.
Buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Klipsch Detroit and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If battery life is a priority, the Klipsch Detroit is rated for 20 hours versus 8 hours for the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4.
If water resistance matters to you, the Klipsch Detroit at IP67 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 | Klipsch Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $100 Discontinued | $274.10 |
| Ranked | #47 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #54 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (HK Connect) | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | No |
| IP Rating | None | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Broadcast Mode) |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-C, 10W) |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 4.5 lbs / 2.06 kg | 5.5 lbs / 2.5 kg |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Power Input | DC Barrel Connector (19V/2.1A) | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.3 |
| Drivers | 2x 75mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters | 2x 76mm fullrange, 2x 25mm tweeters |
| Dimensions | 11.4" x 11.4" x 5.1" (290 x 290 x 130 mm) | 13.1" x 4.2" x 4.7" (334 x 107 x 119 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 60W | 30W RMS |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~55Hz |
| Max Volume | - | 93dB |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4: $100 Discontinued
Pros: Balanced sound quality with deep resonant bass and crisp treble, large dynamic range. Multi-host Bluetooth connectivity for 2 phones, daisy chaining up to 100 speakers. Elegant modern design with smooth curves and premium materials.
Cons: 8 hour battery at medium volume. Not at loud as others. Not as deep of bass as the newer Onyx. External AC power brick for charging. Discontinued.
Full Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 review and specifications →
| App | Yes (HK Connect) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.4" x 11.4" x 5.1" (290 x 290 x 130 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 75mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 60W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | DC Barrel Connector (19V/2.1A) |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 4.5 lbs / 2.06 kg |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Klipsch Detroit: $274.10 Amazon
Pros: Dual 1” tweeters + 3” woofers deliver excellent sound detail and robust bass. IP67 dust/waterproof rating submersible 1m for 30 min. 20-hour battery life at moderate volume (12-15 hours at high volume). USB-C fast-charge in 2 hours with two-way power for device charging.
Cons: Weird boosted upper bass, bass not very deep. Boosted lower treble, somewhat harsh sounding like most other Klipsch speakers. Not very loud.
Full Klipsch Detroit review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~55Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 13.1" x 4.2" x 4.7" (334 x 107 x 119 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 76mm fullrange, 2x 25mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 93dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 30W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Broadcast Mode) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, 10W) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs / 2.5 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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