What’s the difference between Harman Kardon Studio 2 and Aura Studio 3?

The Aura Studio 3 is a new Bluetooth speaker system from Harman Kardon. So, how does this new model compare against the older Aura Studio 2?

You can find out in this comparison guide between the two wireless speakers.

Quick Summary

The third generation Harman Kardon Aura Studio has a wider range of frequency response as its subwoofer can produce a lower bass sound when compared to the second generation speaker system.

Otherwise, the two wireless speakers are nearly identical when it comes to specs.

If you want the best sound quality, we definitely recommend getting the newer Harman Kardon Aura Studio 3 over the Harman Kardon Aura Studio 2.

Aura Studio 2 vs. Aura Studio 3 Comparison Chart

You can take a look at Seeking Tech’s comparison table between the two Bluetooth speaker systems below.

What’s in the Box

In addition to the main speaker unit, both products come with a power cable, as well as quick start guide, safety sheet and warranty documentation.

You can take a look at the contents included in each packaging below:

Harman Kardon Aura Studio 2 Bluetooth Speaker System:

• 1x Aura Studio 2 Speaker
• 1x Regional Power Cord
• 1x Quick-Start Guide
• 1x Safety & Warranty Sheet

Harman Kardon Aura Studio 3 Bluetooth Speaker System:

• 1x Harman Kardon Aura Studio 3
• 1x Power Cable
• 1x Quick Start Guide
• 1x Safety Sheet
• 1x Warranty Card

Transducers

The Aura Studio 2 uses a combination of one 112 mm Woofer in addition to six 40mm Tweeters.

The Aura Studio 3 uses a combo of one 130 mm Subwoofer along with six 40 mm Mid-High Ranges.

You can find the full breakdown below:

Harman Kardon Aura Studio 2:

• 1x  112 mm Woofer
• 6x 40mm Tweeters

Harman Kardon Aura Studio 3:

• 1x 130 mm Subwoofer
• 6x 40 mm Mid-High Ranges

Frequency Response

The Harman Kardon Aura Studio 3 Bluetooth Speaker System has a wider range of frequency response as it can reach a lower bass level when compared to the Harman Kardon Aura Studio 2 Bluetooth Speaker System.

You can take a look at the ranges below:

• Aura Studio 2: 50 Hz to 20 kHz
• Aura Studio 3: 45 Hz to 20 kHz

Signal-to-Noise Ratio

The Signal-to-Noise Ratio (or SNR for short) measures how much noise is outputted from the wireless speaker relative to the signal level. The higher the dB, the better the sound.

In this case, the Woofer and Tweeters of the Harman Kardon Aura Studio 2 Bluetooth Speaker System as well as the Subwoofer and Mid-High Ranges of the Harman Kardon Aura Studio 3 Bluetooth Speaker System all have a SNR of 80 dB.

You can find the complete breakdown below:

Aura Studio 2:

• Woofer: 80 dB at 30 W
• Tweeter: 80 dB at 15 W

Aura Studio 3:

• Subwoofer: 80 dB at 100 W
• Mid-High Range: 80 dB at 15 W

Bluetooth Transmitter Power

The second generation of the speaker has a slightly higher Bluetooth transmitter power when compared to the new third generation hardware:

• Harman Kardon Aura Studio 2: 0 dBm to 10 dBm
• Harman Kardon Aura Studio 3: 0 dBm to 9 dBm

Bluetooth Transmitter Frequency Range

Both the 2nd and 3rd gen Aura Studios use the same Bluetooth transmitter frequency range of 2.402 GHz to 2.480 GHz.

Bluetooth Transmitter Modulation

The Harman Kardon Aura Studio 2 Bluetooth Speaker System and Harman Kardon Aura Studio 3 Bluetooth Speaker System also have the same Bluetooth transmitter modulations.

You can find the full list below:

• π/4 DQPSK
• 8DPSK
• FSK

Resources:

• https://eu.harmankardon.com/AURA+STUDIO+2.html?dwvar_AURA%20STUDIO%202_color=Black-EMEA-Current&cgid=bluetooth-docks
• https://eu.harmankardon.com/AURA+STUDIO+3.html?dwvar_AURA%20STUDIO%203_color=Black-EMEA-Current&cgid=bluetooth-docks