Few brands have successfully merged sound and sculptural elements quite like Harman Kardon. For decades, the New York-based company has treated speakers not merely as audio devices but as design objects. More than just audio accessories, they are pieces that add emotion and visual rhythm to any interior space. From the transparent SoundSticks that became a millennial desktop icon to the elegantly curved Aura series, every release has carried that distinctive harmony of sublime clarity and unique form.
The newly introduced Aura Studio 5 builds on that legacy, reinterpreting Harman Kardon’s classic dome aesthetic for a generation that values both sensory immersion and timeless design. Its combination of audio performance, ambient lighting, and sculptural form positions it not just as a speaker but as an artful centerpiece for modern interiors. In the age of portable sound and smart assistants, the Aura Studio 5 stands apart by focusing on the audio and visual experience. The sculptural speaker is designed to fill a room not only with rich sound but with presence. For longtime admirers of Harman Kardon’s design language, this evolution feels like a thoughtful homage. One that reconnects with the brand’s expressive past while embracing a distinctly modern sensibility.
Designer: Harman Kardon
At first glance, the Aura Studio 5 feels familiar yet freshly refined. The transparent dome remains its signature feature, offering a glimpse of the internal architecture while softly diffusing light. On the Inside, there’s a carefully engineered 360-degree sound system that combines a 25 mm tweeter, six 40 mm mid-range drivers, and a 143 mm subwoofer driven by a powerful 160-watt amplifier. Together, they deliver Harman Kardon’s “Constant Sound Field” experience, balancing acoustics that maintain their character no matter where you sit in the room. With a frequency response from 45 Hz to 20 kHz, the speaker captures both the warmth of low-end depth and the sparkle of treble detail with remarkable precision.
This new model, replacing the Aura 4, introduces a refreshed layer of sensory engagement through its ambient light projection system. Nature-inspired themes like Snowy Fireplace, Sunrise, Blossom, Aurora, and Ocean, cast subtle, dynamic visuals across walls and ceilings, transforming listening sessions into immersive environments. Through the companion Harman Kardon app, users can control lighting effects, adjust brightness, fine-tune the equalizer, install firmware updates, or even link two Aura Studio 5 units for a stereophonic setup.
Modern connectivity keeps the overall experience seamless. Bluetooth 5.4 ensures stable wireless streaming with minimal latency, while the 3.5 mm auxiliary input offers a wired alternative for traditional audio sources. This versatility makes the speaker equally at home in a contemporary living space, creative studio, or office setting. The Aura Studio 5 debuted in Japan at around 46,200 Yen (approximately $300) with sales starting on 13 November. Availability in other markets such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe is expected soon.
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