Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 is the better pick: it ranks #24 of 112 boombox speakers by sound quality (rated 3.9/5), against #74 (rated 2.8/5) for the Demerbox DB2. If you want one new, the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 replaces the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 and is rated 4.1/5 at $184.99.
The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 is the better-sounding choice. An iconic round speaker with warm, relaxed sound and generous bass for casual indoor listening. It links with other speakers (Wireless Dual Sound), which the Demerbox DB2 cannot. Watch for: The large bass boost can mask lower-mid detail and make dense mixes muddy.
The Demerbox DB2 is the longer-running option. A nearly indestructible waterproof speaker built from a Pelican case, with a 40 hour battery and dry storage. It is rated for 40 hours of battery against 8 for the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5. The catch: Bass is not as deep as better speakers.
Buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9, which replaces the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
An iconic round speaker with warm, relaxed sound and generous bass for casual indoor listening.
A nearly indestructible waterproof speaker built from a Pelican case, with a 40 hour battery and dry storage.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 | Demerbox DB2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.99 Discontinued | $400 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #24 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #74 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wireless Dual Sound) | No |
| Power Input | DC Barrel Connector (19V/2.1A) | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes (see https://www.reddit.com/r/Bluetooth_Speakers/comments/w339x5/how_to_harman_kardon_onyx_studio_5_6_dual_sound/) | Yes |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs (3 kg) | 5.4 lbs (2.47 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| Amplifier Power | 50W | 22W RMS |
| Dimensions | 11.3” x 11.3” (285.8 x 285.8 mm) | 10.6” x 9.7” x 6.9” (270 x 246 x 175 mm) |
| Drivers | 120mm woofer + 25mm tweeter + 2x passive radiators | 2x 3” (76mm) aluminum cone full-range drivers |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | - |
| Strap | No | - |
| FM Tuner | - | No |
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