Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 is the better pick: it ranks #12 of 112 boombox speakers by sound quality (rated 4.1/5), 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 8 and is rated 4.1/5 at $184.99.
The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 is the better-sounding option. A stylish room-to-room speaker with warm, full sound, deep bass, and app EQ in a light, easy to carry body. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Demerbox DB2 lacks. Watch for: Warm tuning with boosted bass, not as loud as others, and no water resistance rating.
The Demerbox DB2 is the longer-running, lighter pick. 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 8. At 5.4 lbs (2.47 kg) it weighs noticeably less than the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 at 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg). It is rated IP67, while the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 has no water resistance. The tradeoff: Bass is not as deep as better speakers.
Buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 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 8.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A stylish room-to-room speaker with warm, full sound, deep bass, and app EQ in a light, easy to carry body.
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 8 | Demerbox DB2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.00 Discontinued | $400 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #12 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #74 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 42ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | None | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 175ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 96dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Power Input | DC Barrel Connector (19V/2.1A) | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) | 5.4 lbs (2.47 kg) |
| App | Yes (Harman Kardon One app) | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | No |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | - |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS | 22W RMS |
| Dimensions | 10.6” x 11.9” x 6.3” (268 x 302.5 x 159.5 mm) | 10.6” x 9.7” x 6.9” (270 x 246 x 175 mm) |
| Drivers | 120mm woofer + 2x 20mm tweeters | 2x 3” (76mm) aluminum cone full-range drivers |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | - |
| FM Tuner | - | No |
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