Harman Kardon Soundsticks III 2.1-Channel Multimedia Speaker System with Subwoofer (Refurbished) $100 + Free Shipping
 

Decent price for good sounding computer speakers.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayIS...47&afsrc=1

Apparently these are $160 on Amazon (new).

Harman Kardon Soundsticks III 2.1-Channel Multimedia Speaker System with Subwoofer (Refurbished) $100 + Free Shipping
 

Harman Audio via eBay has Harman Kardon Soundsticks III 2.1-Channel Multimedia Speaker System with Subwoofer (Refurbished) for $100 with free shipping. Thanks Peaches123

Note, includes original factory warranty.

Price Research: Our research indicates that Harman Kardon Soundsticks III 2.1-Channel Multimedia Speaker System with Subwoofer (Refurbished) is $60 lower (38% savings) than the next best available price from a reputable merchant with prices ranging from $160 to $169 for a brand new unit. - yuugotserved

Nice, full warranty!

Decent. The price of the Soundsticks fluctuate alot though. They hit $120 new occasionally maybe even less and bounce up to beyond $160.

Is this subwoofer suppose to placed on the floor or desk ?? Not a bag fan of desk clutter,

Amazing speakers. Bought them for the husband a few months back and worked great.

Rave reviews on amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0042F3K9W/

thanks op

Here's some reviews for the Sound Sticks II:

http://www.head-fi.org/products/h...em/reviews

I have used Soundsticks 2 for years, with no problems. The two small speakers are desktop, the large one goes on the floor. One of the small ones fell on the floor and broke recently, I'm looking to upgrade and this is by far the best deal I've seen. The speakers are great, very clear and loud, shake the windows loud. Best computer speakers I've heard.

Picked one up :) Never seen so many sites all have great reviews :) The style appeal is nice on these too
Never had this many smileys in one post :)

This is a pretty good deal for them these days. I got mine for substantially cheaper but most people don't have that option. Refurbished ones went for around $75 before they got popular, but I haven't seen anything that low in over a year

I don't use them on my computer but spent a lot of time with them. They are very clear sounding and produce a well balanced stereo image. Bass doesn't extend much but does blend well and does a good job at producing what matters. There is some stiff competition at this price point but they do hold their own.

A bit fragile so proper placement is crucial. Tougher than they look, though, just not as tough as any other computer speaker.

For those concerned, Jonathan Ive, noted Apple designer, designed them from a conceptual and cosmetic stand point. Harman Kardon had all the say when it came to materials, dimensions and generally anything that would impact sound quality.

I've had these for about 6-7 years. Sound quality is excellent, and I haven't had any issues. I would definitely recommend them.

Sent from Slickdeals App for iPhone & iPod Touch.

You can ~basically~ put the sub anywhere you have enough wire. Putting it in the desk drawer then closing it might be bad :shake: but in general, there is no wrong place to put it.

Even though i had tax here in FL it still comes out ok. In for 1, needed some 2.1s thank you for sharing!

What the heck, the speakers I am using now where bought over 15 years ago and they still sound good but I will check these out.

I've had a friend who had these and he loved them! I've wanted this for awhile, but now I'm wondering... why spend so much on a 2.1 system? :dontknow: I know it's apples to oranges, but we see deals on 5.1, 5.2, etc systems all the time. Are audiophiles really happy with 2.1, even if it's the best 2.1 available? Just wondering what others think about this, as I'm on the fence about buying. :scratch:

2.1 is fine for music. If you play games or watch movies, they will sound good -- but they will not do surround sound...

My office has carpet throughout. Will the sub sound any good on carpet?

Sound quality from these is really phenomenal. Anyone in need of a 2.1 system shouldn't hesitate.

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I've had these for years and love them. Great price.

@TheEdge: I have the sub on carpet and I think it sounds very good.

Thanks. Was on the fence. Just put in an order despite having to pay GA sales tax. Not sure if others had to pay it in other states or not, but...

I decided to place MY subwoofer on a vinyl tile that I place on the carpet.

I love these. I have them and I personally would recommend anyone in the market for speakers to buy them. Will last you for years and they sound amazing.

How do these compare to Klipsch Promedia 2.1 which went for 100 during last BF. I regret skipping that deal .

These speakers are designed for use with your PC, or could be used as a alternative to a bookshelf, boombox type setup. I wouldn't consider using these as a replacement for a home audio system. The majority of audiophiles prefer using a 2 speaker system when listening to music. Arguably the best best speakers made are sold in pairs.

Modern design? The only words that come to mind when I see these speakers is "vacuum tubes".

Yah, they look super 2000s to me.

How come the watts on these are so low. For example Logitech Speaker System Z623 are like 150 have 200 watts compared to 40 on these. How do these compare to those?

I still have a set of the original soundsticks I got jeez nearly 13 years ago up in my closet somewhere! These look virtually the same but with updated imputs! I don't think the old ones are compatible anymore so these would be great to have! I used to have mine hooked up to an iMac in my college apt & these would bump with music from iTunes's when it first came out! LOL Wow looking at these makes me feel old!

Totally different class. Just look at the RMS power output (ie. i4 engine vs. v6). Which brings me to question why anyone would buy these if not for their aesthetics. For a similar price as this sale price (cheaper if comparing MSRP), one can pick up a substantially better performing 2.1 system in both power and audio quality: Klisch Promedia 2.1, Logitech z623 (z2300), Altec Lansing Expressionist Ultra. IMHO, these Harman Kardon's are not worth the price....but that's coming from a guy who picked up a brand new z2300 for $50 from an Amazon sale years ago :bounce: The shear power and audio quality literally blows you away (be careful of nearby windows). No need for a surround sound speaker system for my home theater with these monsters. But that's just my 2 cents.

would love to buy these mainly cuz they just look super interesting but just dont have a legit need for them

PC mag review:

Audio Performance

There's nothing really new here to discuss—I'm pretty certain we are looking at the same drivers (four in each satellite) and same subwoofer that we saw in the previous model. If you are unfamiliar, however, the SoundSticks series offers more than just looks. Like most quality 2.1 speaker systems, the sub comes equipped with a volume knob to boost or dial back the bass response, and like most subs, it performs most naturally with the volume set just at, or a little below, the halfway point. While the placement of the knob annoys me, the argument can easily be made that this is a setting you adjust once or twice and then probably never again, so it's a tolerable annoyance. At this setting, not even the Knife's "Silent Shout" (a bass-heavy song that often humbles modest subwoofers) distorts at maximum volume. Boost the sub to max, and yes, distortion artifacts appear, but this is not really the way music should be listened to—the low end, when at maximum volume, is far too intense to offer a balanced mix. Perhaps some listeners will like a heavier subwoofer setting for movies, but whether you're listening to classical, acoustic, rock, rap, or jazz, the SoundSticks III, with the sub set at reasonable levels, offers a splendidly crisp audio experience with generous, well-defined low-end.

Thanks to its stellar audio performance, the SoundSticks III retains the Editors' Choice for sub-$200 PC speakers we once bestowed upon the SoundSticks II. The good looks are simply an added bonus. If you seek audio performance and style on a grander scale—at least monetarily— check out B&W's MM-1 computer speakers ($499.95, 4 stars). That system lacks a sub, but still packs plenty of low-end power. If looks are less of a priority and sound is your primary focus, the far-more-expensive Focal XS ($599, 4 stars) is one of the best 2.1 PC speaker systems available. In the realm of the affordable, however, it's hard to go wrong with Harman Kardon's classic.

Have a pair of soundstick 2s are pretty baller.

I agree what you said, andI think there's more to the RMS. Before I say anything, I just want to point out that I own a set of lovely logitech z5500 for 8 years and they still working great.
Forgot where I read this, but normal folks dont need high RMS sub to be satisfied, that's why they make only 20W on SoundSticks3. The other logitech set z540 I owned also has 20W sub, and frankly it's enouogh. (of course they don't tremble the floor like z5500)
I can't comment on the Altec Lansin and Klisch sets because I never own them, but logitech is known for having too much bass and lack of mid and high range, which are essential for listenning music. The old Creative Megaworks (or gigaworks) are better in mid and high than logitech z5500. Maybe this HK Soundsticks has very good mids and highs just like the Creative? And dont forget SoundSticks has 4 transducers (speakers) on each satellite... and they look to be better quality than logitech's papercone..
Just some thoughts on why this set is popular.

Thanks!! I have been watching these in my amazon cart for months. Will work in my home office and the design fits well with the decor in there lol.

I've had the previous generation of these and can confirm that they are very good for the price, especially for those that like a good boom in their music/movies. I wouldn't say that the sound quality is amazing, but it's probably as good as you'll find for a 2.1 system in this price range.

can't resist. in for one.

I have the SoundSticks II like others have mentioned. Never had any problems, they sound GREAT. Very good sound response for what they are.

My brother has these and they sound awesome.

These are pretty nice computer speakers. Got the newer version with bluetooth for $92 new because I have reletive works for Harman kardon. Bought these for my friends a few years back and his still running fine.

Are these modable? Like put sound activated led's inside or something like that.

So it in MoMA (probably was the first version though). Definately a good deal, but I must resist

http://www.moma.org/collection/br...rt_order=1

love my soundsticks :cool:

I ordered them, even though the speakers I have probably sound just as good?
These [amazon.com]

I have the version II ones for about 4 years now for my computer. Awesome speakers.

I will take the logitechs off your hand

Sure if you are in CO, otherwise they would be a beast to ship.

i remember these when comp usa was around and they were on display near the new iMacs ...the days of 56K modems and those colored apple computers G3 or G4...these are still made, or these these old stock....

I think those were the JBL creatures.

"just as good" is a huge understatement

http://forums.logitech.com/t5/Spe...d-p/500830

So the Z-2300's are better? But they aren't as pretty! :)

These are still around?

An audiophile would not even consider these.

Real audiophiles never use any PC speakers.

Nobody can touch my Z-680's.......Nobody! Still going STRONG 10 years later.

I got this deal last year. A great buy on some great speakers. Reviews for them are great and better than most speakers that cost more. Remember these are refurbished by Harmon-Kardon and they offer a warranty. Hard to beat.

Obetz! Need to get down to Ohio Deli for a Dagwood. Go Bucks - big game tonight.

Yours will sound better, with much better bass. But as far as appearance, the SSIII win.
If you want a really kicking set of PC speakers, there's a set of refurbished ones for $109 shipped. I have a set, plus a set of M-Audio AV40's. I prefer the Z's.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-li...dition=all

Been using a pair of b2030's as computer speakers, but need some desk space back. In for 1, thanks OP.

would the SSIII be a downgrade coming form AV40s?

I live in Colorado, can I take them off your hands? ;P

Got 2. For each of my mac minis.

Reading a few responses on this thread... RMS doesn't mean squat for sound quality. Anyone who thinks their Logitech speakers sound good has never heard good speakers. They produce high peak RMS, which means they get loud, but with cheap drivers all that sound is muddy compared to clear speakers.

For something like this, you're looking at pure sound quality. Even though you can't crank it up as high as a Logitech set, if you actually like listening to music you'll notice the difference right away. Bass will be sharp, mids more focused and highs more clear. Logitechs have muddy bass and overemphasized highs.

Of course, these aren't great audio either. If you have a $50 set of earbuds, chances are you've heard better sound reproduction already. But to get great desktop sound, you're looking at $200+ range for speakers, or a custom setup.

I have this sony shelf system http://www.fixya.com/support/p224...elf_system

i have been pre-approved to purchase speakers and have been looking around for sometime now. I know these sound sticks III computer 2.1 speaker system will not out do this type of shelf system. I am not looking for anything to be extremely loud but enough to hear some good bump.

These new speakers could also save me a bunch of space on my desk and remove this bulky shelf system.

I did enjoy the http://www.bose.com/controller?ur.../index.jsp back when they were 500 bucks.. but i couldnt justify spending that kind of money on speakers. I know the price difference between the between the sound sticks III and the Bose is big so im assuming the Bose ones so i cant really make a comparison.

im tempted to pick these up...

Oh yeah. The AV40's are a studio monitor, but they are nearfield. So they must be used on a desk, and never off axis. To fill a room, you don't want to use monitors.

You'll be surprised. It won't be as loud or as powerful, but the music will sound so much better on a premium system. Also, while those Bose look nice, the Harmon Kardons will probably sound very similar. Bose is expensive but not necessarily high quality. They easily charge 2-3x what other companies will charge for the same sound quality. You're paying for the furniture.

Thank you for the reply.. buying one now!

I think the sets you mentioned are better for the average user but I must disagree about the sound quality.

I like the Klipsch Pro well enough and I think they are the best consumer sub $100 set around for a family. What I mean is that they are what I would feel comfortable suggesting to anyone for the price.

I'm a fan of Altecs computer speakers but I can't remember exactly what I thought about the Altec Expressionist 2.1. I don't believe I was impressed but since I don't remember I won't say for certain which I think is better.

In my opinion, the z623, or really any Logitech speakers for that matter, are highly over rated. Their speakers in particular are the one area that Logitech hasn't evolved past a cheap peripherals company. I don't find their speakers particularly coloring but they always somehow sound like a cheap boombox . They get loud and they might do that without too much distortion but they have to be pumped full of watts to the point of blaring in order to produce a descent stereo image.

That's my point problem with Logitech. Listening to their speakers makes it clear that they aren't a speaker company. They make loud, descent computer speakers. They don't worry about tuning them and they use a generic driver design that produces inefficient, power hungry speakers that don't open up and produce a true stereo image until they are blasting. Not a fan

As for Harman, I can see why people would choose another brand. If comparing side to side the Soundsticks would probably sound inferior. They just don't blast or rumble like many other pc speakers are expected to at this price point. "Though they do get pretty loud, they shouldn't be used like that) The Soundstickers are truly meant for your desktop, designed to be placed in front and to the sides of you.

But I can say without a doubt that the Harman Kardon speakers are a far superior instrument. Their detail and stereo imaging ability is so far ahead of Logitech that after listening to them for a week a set of z623 sound like built in tv speakers on full blast. Logitech get loud but lack dimension. That's my take anyways.

I agree.

A good amp/receiver and set a speakers would beat this any day. Even at the same price point (not including amp/receiver unless you buy used probably)

For what they are the Harman Kardon is superior in every way other than sheer volume. I genuinely dislike Logitech and think they sound like tv speakers--loud and hollow

It should also be noted that Harman Kardon has always been very conservative in their watt measurement methodology.

Electronics companies (and most audio companies) measure a channel or a speaker at a time and quote the wattage of each speaker as if you would only be using one and at full blast. Harman has always measured a system as a whole, doesn't matter if it is a stereo receiver, 5.1 speaker system or set of computer speakers.
Measuring like this produces far more realistic measurements but far lower numbers than most companies quote. Example: my Harman Kardon 150w stereo amplifier is more powerful than my 250w stereo amp from another brand

is there a place I can plug my headphones into if I want to switch to that simply? I can't find a pic or a demo video that talk about that. the website said it does but can anyone confirm?

This could not be MORE wrong

What do you mean drivers? Also, love my logitech z-2300's, I think they are leaps and bounds ahead of these - the bass here is weak.

Disagree. Sub placement isn't a huge deal, except for audiophiles. Sure, it makes a slight difference, but a subwoofer isn't nearly as directional as a speaker....

Bummer. OOS

He means the tweeters and woofer. The HK's are just as cheap as the Logitechs. Believe me - they aren't putting Morel woofers and HiVi fabric tweeters in either. Most pc speakers have a massive hole in the midrange, favoring the highs and upper bass. The best are the monitor style speakers, but those don't come with sub's, so while you'll get the midrange, you miss out on the bass (not that pc subwoofers are putting out anything useful below 50Hz).

Subwoofer placement in a home theater room is extremely important. Corner load a subwoofer, and you may have spikes at a certain frequency that destroy the sound. Too far from a corner or wall, and you could lose half the efficiency. Subwoofers produce waves, and the distance they travel, or objects they run into, effect the final result. Try putting your sub in a corner, about 6 inches from each wall. Then compare that to putting it out in the middle of the room.

Lol subwoofer isn't nearly as directional as a speaker but its placement definitely has effects on the way you hear it depending on it's position relative to different walls. You don't have to be an audiophile to notice this. The way vibration works and how air moves given subwoofer displacement and it's size, it is actually a very big factor. There are lots of common misconceptions about it as well.

I agree with everything here, guess I just didn't agree w/ how you said "Couldn't be MORE wrong", because he could have been more wrong..lol

Worth it?

They relisted them:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI....685wt_1032

I couldn't resist this time. I tried so hard the first time, I cracked. I am buyer #8.

Just hooked my set up. They sound great. Thanks, OP!

couldnt resist either... they sound way better than any logitech speaker. i originally git these in the bluettoth version - amazing clarity, but i wasnt happy because the bluetooth signal would cut out regularly. the sound on these is amazing. cant beat it for $100!

received mine a few days ago. Set them up.

Bumping some music and the sound is good. Dont forget to tilt them up a bit so you can point the music to your direction. :) sound good so far. The sub is a bit tough on the bass.. its not soft.. but im not really complaining for 100 bucks. so far so good. :)