STEREO GUIDE verdict
The Harman Kardon Luna is an all-round successful combination of stylish design and outstanding sound quality, despite not having an app control.
Pros
- Balanced sound with clean bass
- High-quality design with fabric and metal
Cons
- No app control
- Quite high price
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Practice / Connectivity8.2
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Price/performance8.8
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Sound: naturalness / transparency7.6
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Sound: Bass / Dynamics6.9
The Harman Kardon Luna aims to set an exclamation mark in design and sound quality for portable Bluetooth speakers. This model is characterized by its high-quality workmanship and the use of fine materials. Compared to other products from Harman, such as the JBL Flip 6, the Luna stands out with its more elegant, high-quality appearance. The design skillfully combines light grey or black wool fabric with matt metal to create a visually appealing yet functional mobile wireless speaker that cuts a fine figure in any living environment.
Puristic, but elegant
Technically, the Luna shares some features with the JBL Flip 6, such as the 2-way system with dome tweeter and oval bass-midrange driver with two side-mounted bass radiators. In the Luna, however, these are aesthetically concealed under a fabric, which lends the overall look additional elegance. With an output of 40 watts RMS, the speaker offers impressive sound quality. The speaker, which weighs around 700 grams, follows a concept that emphasizes both simplicity and exclusivity. The controls are made of rubberized plastic and fit seamlessly into the design, making them easy to operate. A special feature is the ability to pair two Luna speakers for a stereo sound experience, although this function is a little hidden and only accessible via a special button combination, which is explained in the operating instructions.
One weakness of the Luna is the lack of a companion app and analog input, which limits connectivity options. Nevertheless, with only one USB-C port for charging, the design remains undisturbed and focused on the essentials.
Listening test: does the Harman Kardon Luna sound good?
Harman Kardon has done a very good job in terms of sound quality. The sound tuning of the Luna is balanced and even allows the occasional enjoyment of classical music, although demanding works such as “Turandot – Nessun Dorma” by Luciano Pavarotti can sound somewhat metallic. However, this should also mean extreme use for the mobile Bluetooth speaker, which is best used indoors or on the balcony, regardless of its IP67 water and dust resistance.
With pop and rock music, however, the Luna convinces with clear, clean vocal reproduction and a precise, deep bass that is quite impressive for a speaker of this size. The volume is also excellent within this class. Let’s put it this way: The Harman Luna proved to be something like a JBL Flip 6 for adults in the review.
In stereo mode with two speakers paired via Bluetooth, the level reserves increase and the sound becomes really spacious. The fact that Harman Kardon prefers a better-resolution and more balanced 2-way mono configuration for the Luna, like its sister brand JBL or B&O for the Beosound A1, is still a sensible solution even if you listen to your music with just one speaker. After all, you shouldn’t generally expect a large sound stage or even stereo localization from a speaker that is only 24 centimetres wide. This is why the Flip also moved away from the early generations of 2-channel speakers, each with a tiny full-range speaker.
Harman Kardon Luna: Conclusion and alternatives
The Harman Kardon Luna is an all-round successful combination of stylish design and outstanding sound quality. The careful selection of materials and the elegant appearance set it apart from other models. Although the price is in the upper segment of small Bluetooth speakers, the mixture of natural materials, high-quality workmanship and balanced, natural sound justifies the investment for lovers of quality and design. The limitations in terms of connectivity and operation are largely compensated for by the sound and feel that the Luna offers. However, despite its IP67 protection against water and dust, its light gray fabric and elegant metal make it hard to imagine the Bluetooth Beau in tough outdoor use.
Technical specification: Harman Kardon Luna
- Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: 180 Euro
- Dimensions (W x H x D ): 24 x 10 x 11.5 cm
- Weight: 1.1 kg
- Battery life up to 12 hours
- Special features: AUX input, IP67 water and dust protection, stereo pairing
- More at: www.harmankardon.com
