Short answer: the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7. It ranks #14 of 112 boombox speakers by sound quality, rated 4.1/5, at $248.90. The Skullcandy Barrel ranks #60, rated 3.2/5, at $157.40, $91.50 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass choice. An elegant home portable with warm, spacious sound, strong deep bass, and stereo pairing with a second unit. Its bass reaches about 37Hz before falling 10dB, against 50Hz for the Skullcandy Barrel. At 6.4 lbs (2.9 kg) it weighs much less than the Skullcandy Barrel at 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg). It links with other speakers (Wireless Dual Sound), which the Skullcandy Barrel cannot. The catch: Consumer Reports finds the bass prominent and boomy, mids hazy, treble slightly smeared and the soundstage congested.
The Skullcandy Barrel is the longer-running, tougher pick. A water resistant party speaker with a synced light show, bass boost and linking for many speakers. It is rated for 12 hours of battery against 8 for the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7. It is rated IP67, while the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 has no water resistance. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 lacks. The catch: Not as deep bass as the top ranked speakers.
Buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $91.50 saving on the Skullcandy Barrel is not enough to make up the difference.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
An elegant home portable with warm, spacious sound, strong deep bass, and stereo pairing with a second unit.
A water resistant party speaker with a synced light show, bass boost and linking for many speakers.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 | Skullcandy Barrel | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $248.90 | $157.40 |
| Ranked | #14 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #60 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 0ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37Hz | ~50Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | None | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 266ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 96dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 104dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wireless Dual Sound) | No |
| Power Input | DC Barrel Connector (19V/2.1A) | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Weight | 6.4 lbs (2.9 kg) | 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | No | Yes (Skullcandy app) |
| EQ | No | Yes (App EQ) |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS | 60W |
| Dimensions | 11.3” x 11.3” (285.8 x 285.8 mm) (round design) | 11.8” x 22.1” x 9.6” (300 x 560.1 x 243.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 120mm woofer + 2x 25mm tweeters | 2x 20mm drivers |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.3 |
| Strap | No | - |
| FM Tuner | - | No |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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