Short answer: both are discontinued, and they are rated the same for sound quality (#13 and #12 of 113 boombox speakers). Either one is only an option used, so choose on condition and price. If you want one new, the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 replaces the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 and is rated 4.1/5 at $184.99.
The case for the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6: Oluv liked it slightly better than the newer Onyx 7. The tradeoff: 8 hour battery at medium volume.
Buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 or the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8, whichever you find used in better condition; both are discontinued. For a new speaker, buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9, which replaces the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8.
There is a real gap in water resistance: the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 at IPX7 (brief submersion) against the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8, which has no water resistance.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 | Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $130 Discontinued | $199.00 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #13 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #12 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37Hz | 35Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | None |
| Bluetooth Latency | 180ms | 175ms |
| Maximum SPL | 96dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 96dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wireless Dual Sound) | No |
| Power Input | DC Barrel Connector (19V/2A) | DC Barrel Connector (19V/2.1A) |
| Stereo | No | Partially (1 woofer) |
| 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 | 6.5 lbs (2.94 kg) | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | No | Yes (Harman Kardon One app) |
| EQ | No | Yes (App EQ) |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.2 |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS | 50W RMS |
| Dimensions | 5” x 11.5” x 11.2” (128 x 291 x 284 mm) | 10.6” x 11.9” x 6.3” (268 x 302.5 x 159.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 120mm (4.7”) woofer + 1x 25mm (1”) tweeter + 1x passive radiator | 120mm woofer + 2x 20mm tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | No |
| Aux Latency | - | 42ms |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
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