Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 1100 + Sub Review

Summary / TL;DR

If you're seeking to elevate your home audio experience, the Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 1100 + Sub offers a compelling option. This soundbar and subwoofer combo boasts a sleek, modern design and sturdy build quality, making it a visually appealing addition to any living space.

In terms of sound performance, it delivers rich, immersive audio with its MultiBeam technology, providing clear dialogues and deep bass. However, some distortion may occur at higher volumes, and it doesn't quite match a full surround sound system. Connectivity options are extensive, including HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Google Chromecast, and Apple AirPlay, though it lacks a dedicated Ethernet port.

The smart features, such as Google Assistant and multi-room audio, add convenience, although voice recognition can be inconsistent. Installation and setup are straightforward, aided by a user-friendly app, though the initial firmware update may take time. The overall user experience is positive, with intuitive touch controls and a well-designed remote, despite occasional app connectivity issues.

While the price is on the higher side, the combination of premium sound quality, build, and extensive features makes it a worthy investment for those seeking a high-quality audio upgrade.

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If you like this review, you might also like our review on the Harman Kardon Citation Sub S.

Introduction

Are you tired of lackluster TV sound and crave a more immersive audio experience? The Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 1100 + Sub might just be what you need. This soundbar and subwoofer combo promises to deliver powerful audio without the need for a complex setup.

From movie nights to gaming sessions, a soundbar can really elevate your home entertainment system. The Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 1100 + Sub is packed with features aimed at providing rich, room-filling sound. However, does it live up to the hype? Let's take a closer look at what this soundbar has to offer.

Design and Build Quality

The design of the Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 1100 + Sub is nothing short of sleek and modern. This soundbar boasts a minimalist aesthetic that would fit seamlessly into any contemporary living space. The fabric-covered exterior not only adds a touch of elegance but also helps with sound dispersion. As for the build quality, it's evident that Harman Kardon put a lot of thought into the materials. The soundbar feels sturdy and well-constructed, which gives you confidence in its durability. It's not just about looks; this thing is built to last.

One standout feature is the glass touch control panel on top. It’s intuitive and makes navigating settings a breeze. However, this shiny surface can be a fingerprint magnet, which might irk some neat freaks. The subwoofer is equally impressive. It’s compact yet powerful, with a design that complements the soundbar. You can easily tuck it away in a corner without sacrificing performance or style. Overall, the Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 1100 + Sub scores high marks in design and build quality. It's a beautiful blend of form and function, although the glossy control panel might require frequent cleaning to maintain its pristine look.

Sound Performance

Alright, let's talk about how this soundbar actually sounds. The sound performance of the Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 1100 + Sub is pretty impressive. You know that feeling when you're at the cinema and the sound just wraps around you? Yeah, this soundbar aims to recreate that right in your living room. With its MultiBeam technology, you get a broad, immersive soundstage without needing extra speakers scattered around the room. Dialogues come through crystal clear, making it perfect for movie nights or binge-watching your favorite series.

The subwoofer adds a lovely depth to the bass, so those action scenes really pack a punch. Music lovers aren’t left out either. Whether it's classical or hip-hop, the soundbar handles it all smoothly, offering a balanced range of frequencies. However, it's not all rainbows and butterflies. At higher volumes, you might notice a bit of distortion. It's not a deal-breaker but something to keep in mind if you like blasting your music. Also, while the soundbar does a great job creating an immersive experience, it doesn't quite match up to a full surround sound system. But, for a single-unit setup, it does a remarkable job. Overall, the Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 1100 + Sub delivers a solid sound performance that will elevate your audio experience, despite a few minor hiccups at high volumes.

Connectivity Options

The connectivity options for the Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 1100 + Sub are pretty impressive, giving you a lot of flexibility to hook it up to various devices. First off, it comes with HDMI eARC, which is a big deal if you want high-quality audio with minimal latency. This feature ensures that you get the best possible sound from your TV to the soundbar and vice versa.

For those who like streaming, the soundbar supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Wi-Fi is super handy for a more stable connection, especially if you're streaming high-res audio. Bluetooth is great for quick hookups from a smartphone or tablet. You also get Google Chromecast and Apple AirPlay; these are killer for streaming music directly from your favorite apps. Imagine just tossing your favorite playlist from Spotify or Apple Music onto the soundbar without any fuss.

There's also an optical input for those older TVs that don’t have HDMI ports, and a USB port for playing music directly from a USB drive. But that's not all; there’s an Aux-In port too, which is perfect if you have older devices that still use a headphone jack.

However, one thing to note is that it lacks a dedicated Ethernet port. This might be a downside if you prefer a wired network connection for the most stable streaming experience. But honestly, the Wi-Fi works well enough that you might not miss it.

So, whether you're connecting it to your TV, streaming music, or hooking up some older gear, the Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 1100 + Sub has you covered. The variety and quality of its connectivity options make it a versatile choice for most users.

Smart Features

The smart features on this soundbar are designed to make your life easier and your listening experience much more enjoyable. First off, it comes equipped with Google Assistant, so you can control your music, check the weather, or even manage your smart home devices using just your voice. No more fumbling with remotes when you need to adjust the volume or switch tracks—just ask Google!

Another standout feature is the built-in Chromecast. This allows you to stream your favorite music, podcasts, and radio stations directly from your phone or tablet. Imagine chilling on your couch and effortlessly throwing a playlist from Spotify straight to the soundbar without lifting more than a finger. This makes for a seamless and enjoyable experience.

If you're an Apple user, you're in luck. The soundbar supports AirPlay 2, which means you can stream content straight from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Whether you're hosting a party or just relaxing, this feature ensures that you can easily play your preferred media without a hitch.

On the downside, the voice recognition on the Google Assistant isn't perfect. It can sometimes struggle to pick up commands, especially if there's background noise or if you're speaking from across the room. While not a deal-breaker, it’s worth mentioning if you rely heavily on voice commands.

Additionally, the soundbar supports multi-room audio. This means you can connect it with other compatible speakers throughout your home for a synchronized audio experience. Whether you're moving from the kitchen to the living room, your sound will follow you, providing a consistent and immersive audio experience.

Lastly, the firmware updates over Wi-Fi ensure that your soundbar stays up-to-date with the latest features and improvements. It’s a small but significant feature that keeps your device current without any hassle on your part.

All in all, the smart features make this soundbar not just an audio device but a key player in your smart home ecosystem. However, the occasional hiccup with voice recognition might slightly detract from its otherwise stellar performance.

What's in the Box

When you crack open the box of the Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 1100 + Sub, you’ll find everything you need to get started on your audio adventure. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s included:

• Soundbar Unit: The main attraction, of course. It’s sleek, sophisticated, and ready to deliver some serious sound.
• Wireless Subwoofer: This bad boy adds the punch you need for those deep bass notes, making your movie nights and playlists truly come alive.
• Power Cables: Both the soundbar and subwoofer come with their own power cables. No hunting around for spares here.
• Remote Control: A handy remote lets you manage volume, sound modes, and other settings from the comfort of your couch.
• Wall Mount Kit: If you prefer your soundbar up on the wall, this kit has you covered. It includes brackets and screws to make the process as smooth as possible.
• HDMI Cable: A nice touch, as not all soundbars include this. It’s essential for connecting to your TV for the best audio experience.
• User Manual: This booklet helps you navigate through setup and operation. It's straightforward, though a bit more detail wouldn’t hurt for less tech-savvy folks.

One thing to note is that the package doesn’t include an optical cable, which might be a bummer if your TV setup relies on one. However, the inclusion of the HDMI cable makes up for this to some extent. In the end, the box contains almost everything you need to get up and running quickly. Just make sure you have a couple of AAA batteries for the remote on hand. Once you’ve got everything laid out, you’re ready for an easy installation and an immersive audio experience.

Installation and Setup

Setting up the Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 1100 + Sub is a piece of cake, even if you're not a tech whiz. The soundbar and subwoofer come with a straightforward manual that guides you through the process step by step. First off, you’ll find that connecting the soundbar to the TV is as simple as plugging in an HDMI cable. The soundbar supports HDMI ARC and eARC, making it compatible with a wide range of TVs. If your TV doesn’t support HDMI ARC, no worries—an optical cable is included for your convenience.

Placement of the subwoofer is also hassle-free. The wireless connectivity means you can place it nearly anywhere in the room without worrying about messy cables. Just plug it into a power outlet, and it syncs up with the soundbar automatically. For those who like to wall-mount their soundbars, the Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 1100 + Sub comes with a wall-mount kit. The instructions are pretty clear, but you might want to have a friend around to help you with the actual mounting, especially if your TV is already wall-mounted.

Software setup is equally painless. The Harman Kardon app, available for both iOS and Android, walks you through connecting to your Wi-Fi network. This step is essential for enabling smart features like Google Assistant and Chromecast. Once connected, the app also allows for some pretty nifty fine-tuning. Here, you can adjust the EQ settings, manage multi-room audio, and update the firmware. The app interface is user-friendly, so you won’t feel overwhelmed. One minor hiccup is that the initial firmware update can take a bit of time. Patience is key here, but it's a one-time thing, so it shouldn't be a deal-breaker. In summary, the installation and setup process for the Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 1100 + Sub is mostly smooth sailing. The intuitive design, clear instructions, and helpful app support make it accessible for users of all tech levels.

User Experience

The overall user experience with this soundbar and subwoofer combo is quite impressive. From the moment you unbox it, the setup process is straightforward and hassle-free. The included manual is clear, and the intuitive design makes it easy to get everything up and running quickly.

One of the best features is the MultiBeam technology, which delivers an immersive surround sound experience without the need for additional speakers. This means you can enjoy rich, room-filling audio without cluttering your space with multiple devices.

The soundbar's touch-sensitive controls are a nice touch, quite literally. They respond quickly and are conveniently located on the top of the unit. If you prefer a more traditional approach, the remote control is well-designed and user-friendly, with all the essential functions clearly labeled. Using the accompanying app adds another layer of convenience. You can easily tweak sound settings, switch between different modes, and even stream music from your favorite services. But, there’s a slight hiccup: the app occasionally experiences minor connectivity issues. While these glitches are infrequent, they can be a bit annoying when they happen. Voice control with Google Assistant is a game-changer. You can adjust the volume, change tracks, or even ask about the weather without lifting a finger. However, voice commands sometimes don’t get recognized if there's too much background noise, which can be a bit frustrating. On the whole, the Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 1100 + Sub makes for a user-friendly and enjoyable experience. Just be prepared for the occasional app hiccup and ensure your space is quiet for optimal voice control performance.

Video by: TotallydubbedHD

Price and Value

The price of the Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 1100 + Sub might give you some sticker shock at first glance. This soundbar and subwoofer combo isn't exactly cheap, but let's break down whether it’s worth the investment. First off, the sound quality is pretty spectacular. You’re getting crisp highs, rich mids, and deep lows that really make movies, music, and even podcasts come to life. For audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts, the premium sound experience may justify the cost. Now, let’s consider the build quality. The materials used are top-notch, and the design is sleek and modern. It’s a piece that not only sounds good but also looks good in your living room, blending well with most decor styles.

In terms of features, this model is packed with smart capabilities, multiple connectivity options, and a user-friendly interface. These features make the device versatile and convenient to use, which adds to its overall value proposition. However, if you’re on a tight budget, this soundbar might feel a bit out of reach. There are other options available that might not offer the same level of performance but still deliver good sound quality at a lower price point. Let’s put it into perspective with a simple table:

Aspect	Value
Sound Quality	Excellent
Build Quality	Premium
Features	Extensive
Price	High

You have to weigh these factors and decide if the high initial cost aligns with your priorities and budget. If you value top-tier sound and advanced features, the Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 1100 + Sub could be a great investment. But if you're looking for something more budget-friendly, you might have to compromise on some of the bells and whistles.

Conclusion

The Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 1100 + Sub is a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home audio system without too much hassle. Its sleek design and sturdy build quality make it a visually appealing addition to any setup. Plus, the sound performance is exceptional, delivering rich and immersive audio that's great for movies, music, and games.

Connectivity options are generous, allowing for both modern and traditional connections. Whether you're streaming via Bluetooth or plugging in with HDMI, this soundbar has got you covered. Smart features like voice assistant compatibility make it even more convenient, letting you control your entertainment with just your voice. Setting up the system is relatively straightforward, though it might take a bit of time if you're not tech-savvy. The included instructions and app support help a lot, but a little patience will go a long way. Once it's up and running, the user experience is generally smooth, although some might find the remote a bit limited. On the downside, the price might be a bit steep for some budgets. However, considering the quality and features you're getting, it's a worthy investment. If you're after a soundbar that combines style, functionality, and top-notch sound, this one ticks almost all the boxes.

In conclusion, while it isn't perfect, the Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 1100 + Sub is a fantastic addition to any home theater setup. It offers impressive audio performance, a sleek design, and a host of smart features that make it stand out in its price range. If you're ready to elevate your sound experience, this soundbar is definitely worth considering.

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Pros & cons

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Technical specifications