Short answer: the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9. It ranks #15 of 112 boombox speakers by sound quality (rated 4.1/5) at $184.99 and is still sold new; the Demerbox DB2 ranks #74 (rated 2.8/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 is the better-sounding option. An elegant living room portable with balanced, smooth, non-fatiguing sound, app EQ, and stereo pairing for music lovers. It links with other speakers (Auracast), which the Demerbox DB2 cannot. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Demerbox DB2 lacks. Watch for: It has no water resistance, aux input or USB playback, and its eight-hour claimed battery life is short for an outdoor portable.
The Demerbox DB2 is the longer-running, lighter 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 9. At 5.4 lbs (2.47 kg) it weighs much less than the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 at 9.3 lbs (4.2 kg). It is rated IP67, while the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 has no water resistance. The catch: Bass is not as deep as better speakers.
Buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Demerbox DB2 is discontinued.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
An elegant living room portable with balanced, smooth, non-fatiguing sound, app EQ, and stereo pairing for music lovers.
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 9 | Demerbox DB2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $184.99 | $400 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #15 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #74 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz | - |
| Maximum SPL | 101dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| IP Rating | None | IP67 |
| Power Input | AC Power Cable (2-Prong) | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 9.3 lbs (4.2 kg) | 5.4 lbs (2.47 kg) |
| App | Yes (Harman Kardon One app) | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | - |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS | 22W RMS |
| Dimensions | 11.4” x 11.3” x 5.1” (289.2 x 287.5 x 130 mm) | 10.6” x 9.7” x 6.9” (270 x 246 x 175 mm) |
| Drivers | 120mm woofer + 3x 20mm tweeters | 2x 3” (76mm) aluminum cone full-range drivers |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Strap | No | - |
| Power Bank | - | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
| FM Tuner | - | No |
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