Onyx Studio 9 & Onyx Studio 8 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Onyx Studio 9 rather than the Onyx Studio 8.
Why Do I Recommend The Onyx Studio 9?
- The Onyx Studio 9 features Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity for faster pairing and significantly lower audio latency when watching videos, while the Onyx Studio 8 uses Bluetooth 5.2 with noticeably higher latency.
- Onyx Studio 9 supports the Harman Kardon One companion app with a 7-band graphic EQ for precise sound customization to match different music genres, whereas the Onyx Studio 8 has no app support and no adjustable EQ.
- It includes automatic power-saving mode for conserving battery during periods of inactivity, while the Onyx Studio 8 lacks an advanced auto-off feature and consumes more power when left on.
- The Onyx Studio 9 has a more compact 565 in³ enclosure for easier placement on shelves or small tables, whereas the Onyx Studio 8 uses a larger 832 in³ enclosure that occupies more space.
- Onyx Studio 9 comes with a lighter 3.4 kg body for improved portability when carrying it between rooms or outdoors, while the Onyx Studio 8 weighs about 3.6 kg.
- It features a faster charging time about 2.7 hours to reach full battery for quicker turnarounds, whereas the Onyx Studio 8 requires roughly 3.3 hours to recharge completely.
- The Onyx Studio 9 includes improved soundstage performance for a wider and more immersive stereo experience during music playback, while the Onyx Studio 8 delivers a narrower soundstage.
- Onyx Studio 9 supports stereo and party pairing through the companion app for convenient multi-speaker setups, whereas the Onyx Studio 8 relies on basic Bluetooth pairing without app-based stereo management.
Maybe the Onyx Studio 8 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Onyx Studio 9. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Onyx Studio 9 | Onyx Studio 8 |
| Physical size | Smaller overall enclosure | Larger overall enclosure |
| Bluetooth version | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Bluetooth latency (iOS) | Around 25 ms | Around 280 ms |
| Bluetooth latency (Android) | Around 120 ms | Around 300 ms |
| High-frequency extension | Up to roughly 20 kHz | Up to roughly 18.5 kHz |
| Low-frequency extension | Starts around 45 Hz | Starts around 46 Hz |
| Charge time | About 2.7 hours | About 3.3 hours |
| Power-saving auto-off | Yes | No |
| Companion app | Harman Kardon One app with 7-band EQ and presets | No app support |
| Soundstage performance | Slightly wider and more immersive | Slightly narrower |
| Maximum volume (SPL) | About 88 dB | About 91 dB |
| Design handle | Compact oval frame with integrated handle | Wrap-around aluminum handle |
| Control feedback | Buttons give firmer, more precise feedback | Buttons give softer feedback |
| Multi-speaker stereo pairing | Enabled through app | Not available |
| Firmware updates | Delivered through companion app | Not supported |
| Bass character | Warmer upper-bass emphasis | Deeper sub-bass reach |
| Housing finish | More matte, subdued | Slightly glossier |
| Weight | About 3.4 kg | About 3.6 kg |
| Price | Check Onyx Studio 9 Price | Check Onyx Studio 8 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Wireless Bluetooth Speaker: Both models function as wireless Bluetooth speakers, allowing easy streaming from smartphones, tablets, or laptops without the need for cables. This flexibility makes them convenient for indoor and outdoor listening.
- Portable Design with Carry Handle: Each speaker includes a built-in handle and a portable form factor, making it simple to move from room to room or take to outdoor gatherings. Portability is important for users who enjoy music in different spaces.
- 2-Way Speaker System (woofer + tweeter): Both use a dedicated woofer for low frequencies and a tweeter for highs, ensuring balanced audio reproduction. This design delivers clearer treble and deeper bass compared to single-driver speakers.
- Built-in Rechargeable Battery: Each has an internal rechargeable battery, so you can play music without needing to be plugged in. This is essential for outdoor or on-the-go listening sessions.
- Approx. 8-Hour Advertised Playtime: Both advertise up to eight hours of continuous playtime on a full charge, providing enough power for a full day of music during parties or travel.
- 50 Hz–20 kHz Frequency Response (approx.): Each covers roughly the same audible frequency range, delivering a full spectrum of sound from deep bass to crisp highs. This ensures a rich listening experience across all music genres.
- 120 W Peak Power Output: Both speakers are capable of producing up to about 120 watts of peak output, giving them strong volume levels for medium to large rooms.
- Integrated Microphone for Calls: Each model includes a built-in microphone for speakerphone functionality. This allows clear hands-free calls and makes the speaker useful for conference calls or quick voice chats.
- Bluetooth Multipoint Pairing (2 devices): Both can connect to two devices simultaneously, so you can switch audio sources without disconnecting and reconnecting. This feature is helpful for shared use among multiple users.
- AUX 3.5 mm Input: Each includes a 3.5 mm auxiliary input, enabling a wired connection to older devices or when you prefer a direct link for reduced latency.
- USB-C Charging Port: Both charge via modern USB-C, providing faster and more reliable charging compared to older micro-USB connections.
- Fabric Acoustic Cover: Each speaker is wrapped in a premium acoustic fabric that not only looks stylish but also allows sound to pass through with minimal interference while offering some protection against dust.
- Backlit Control Buttons: Both feature illuminated buttons on the top panel, making it easy to adjust volume or playback even in dim lighting.
- Speakerphone Noise/ Echo Cancellation: Each model incorporates echo and noise suppression for clearer voice calls. This helps maintain call quality when using the speakerphone function.
- Support for Pairing Two Units in Party Mode: Both allow linking two speakers together for true stereo or party mode, creating a wider soundstage and higher overall volume for large gatherings.
- Automatic Standby after Inactivity: Each speaker enters standby mode when not in use, conserving battery power and energy when accidentally left on.
- Compatible with Most iOS & Android Devices: Both work seamlessly with a wide variety of smartphones and tablets, ensuring easy pairing regardless of the user’s mobile platform.
Common Features
| Feature | Onyx Studio 9 | Onyx Studio 8 |
| Wireless Bluetooth Speaker | Yes | Yes |
| Portable Design with Carry Handle | Yes | Yes |
| 2-Way Speaker System (woofer + tweeter) | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Rechargeable Battery | Yes | Yes |
| Approx. 8-Hour Advertised Playtime | Yes | Yes |
| 50 Hz–20 kHz Frequency Response (approx.) | Yes | Yes |
| 120 W Peak Power Output | Yes | Yes |
| Integrated Microphone for Calls | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Multipoint Pairing (2 devices) | Yes | Yes |
| AUX 3.5 mm Input | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C Charging Port | Yes | Yes |
| Fabric Acoustic Cover | Yes | Yes |
| Backlit Control Buttons | Yes | Yes |
| Speakerphone Noise/ Echo Cancellation | Yes | Yes |
| Support for Pairing Two Units in Party Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Standby after Inactivity | Yes | Yes |
| Compatible with Most iOS & Android Devices | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check Onyx Studio 9 Price | Check Onyx Studio 8 Price |
FAQ
How long does the battery last on a single charge for both speakers? Do both models support stereo pairing for a wider soundstage? Can these speakers be used while charging? Is there an auxiliary input for wired connections? Do they have built-in microphones for calls? What kind of charging port is used on these speakers? Are they waterproof or splash resistant? How long does it take to fully charge each speaker? Can two devices connect at the same time via Bluetooth? Do they include any power-saving features? What is the maximum volume output? Is there a companion app for sound customization? What materials are used for the exterior design? Which model is more portable? |