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Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 · Black — Smart/Portable · $399
Harman Kardon

Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 · Black

Smart/Portable · $399

85
/ 100
From $399
VS
KEF LSX II · Olive wins by 7
KEF LSX II · Olive — Smart/Portable · $1399
KEF

KEF LSX II · Olive

Smart/Portable · $1399

92
/ 100
From $1,399
Specdex verdict

KEF LSX II · Olive takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 · Black lands at 85 and KEF LSX II · Olive at 92. That puts KEF LSX II · Olive ahead by 7 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 · Black if…

  • ✓Easy multi-room with ecosystem
  • ✓App EQ on modern models
  • ✓USB-C/AUX input on some

Pick KEF LSX II · Olive if…

  • ✓Easy multi-room with ecosystem
  • ✓App EQ on modern models
  • ✓USB-C/AUX input on some
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound

KEF LSX II · Olive

Compared on the sound sub-score

KEF LSX II · Olive leads on sound (92 vs 85).

Design

Tie

Compared on the design sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Features

KEF LSX II · Olive

Compared on the features sub-score

KEF LSX II · Olive leads on features (90 vs 83).

Value for money

Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 · Black

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 · Black more score per dollar ($399 vs $1,399).

Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 · Black 85
vs
92 KEF LSX II · Olive

Score breakdown

Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 · Black
85
sound 85
features 83
design 88
ecosystem 84
KEF LSX II · Olive
92
sound 92
features 90
design 88
ecosystem 84

Specs side-by-side

Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 · Black versus KEF LSX II · Olive — full spec comparison
Spec Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 · Black KEF LSX II · Olive

Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 · Black

Pros
  • +Easy multi-room with ecosystem
  • +App EQ on modern models
  • +USB-C/AUX input on some
Cons
  • −Brand ecosystem lock-in
  • −Subscription features on some
  • −Bass limits at lower sizes

KEF LSX II · Olive

Pros
  • +Easy multi-room with ecosystem
  • +App EQ on modern models
  • +USB-C/AUX input on some
Cons
  • −Brand ecosystem lock-in
  • −Subscription features on some
  • −Bass limits at lower sizes

FAQ: Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 · Black vs KEF LSX II · Olive

Which is better, Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 · Black or KEF LSX II · Olive? +

KEF LSX II · Olive scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 7. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 · Black worth the price? +

At $399, Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 · Black delivers a Specdex score of 85 — strongest in design.

Is KEF LSX II · Olive worth the price? +

At $1,399, KEF LSX II · Olive delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in sound.

Does Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 · Black or KEF LSX II · Olive last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for sound, Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 · Black or KEF LSX II · Olive? +

KEF LSX II · Olive — leads on sound (92 vs 85). Compared on the sound sub-score.

Which is better for features, Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 · Black or KEF LSX II · Olive? +

KEF LSX II · Olive — leads on features (90 vs 83). Compared on the features sub-score.