Harman Kardon Enchant 900 review

The Harman Kardon Enchant 900 is a sleek soundbar that aims to enhance home audio with minimal setup complexity. Its design is modern and compact, fitting well in various living spaces, though its fabric grille may require occasional cleaning. The soundbar excels in audio performance, offering rich and immersive sound through MultiBeam™ technology. Its bass is notable for a unit without a separate subwoofer, though bass enthusiasts might seek more depth. The automatic room calibration feature adjusts sound to room acoustics, enhancing the listening experience.

In terms of connectivity, the Enchant 900 includes built-in Chromecast, Google Assistant support, HDMI eARC, optical input, USB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, although it lacks aptX and DTS support. The setup process is relatively straightforward, with intuitive controls and a user-friendly interface, though first-time users may find the manual lacking in detail.

Competitively, the Enchant 900 holds its own against rivals like Sonos Beam and Bose Smart Soundbar 300, offering a good balance of features and price. While it may not include a subwoofer, it provides quality sound and design, making it a solid choice for those seeking a mid-to-high-end soundbar. Overall, the Enchant 900 offers decent value for money, especially for users prioritizing audio quality and elegant design.

---

If you like this review, you might also like our review on the Harman Kardon Enchant 1100 or Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 1100 + Sub.

If you're on the hunt for a soundbar that packs a punch without taking up too much space, the Harman Kardon Enchant 900 might just be your next best friend. This sleek piece of tech promises to enhance your home audio experience without the hassle of a complex setup.

Soundbars have gained popularity for their ability to deliver impressive sound without the bulkiness of traditional speaker systems. The Enchant 900 fits right into this category, aiming to offer a rich audio experience that doesn't compromise on quality. Whether you're watching movies, gaming, or just chilling with some tunes, this soundbar elevates the experience with its powerful and immersive sound capabilities.

But, does it live up to the hype? It's not just about good looks and sound; we'll also take a close look at its features, connectivity options, and how user-friendly it actually is. Let's see if this soundbar can be the audio upgrade you’ve been looking for!

The design and build quality of the Harman Kardon Enchant 900 is immediately striking. This soundbar features a sleek, modern aesthetic that complements a wide range of living room setups. It has a minimalist style with clean lines and a sophisticated finish. Regarding size, it is not bulky or overwhelming for your TV stand. Instead, it balances being compact while substantial enough to deliver powerful sound.

The materials feel premium, with sturdy construction that suggests durability. It avoids any cheap, plasticky sensation. The front is covered with a fabric grille that adds a classy touch while protecting the speakers. 

The front panel is free of flashy lights or excessive buttons, featuring only a simple LED display that provides necessary information without being intrusive. One minor downside is that the fabric grille, while attractive, may attract dust over time, requiring occasional maintenance to keep it looking clean. However, this is a small trade-off for such an elegant piece of technology. Overall, if you want a soundbar that looks as good as it sounds, the Enchant 900 is an excellent choice. It blends well with most decor styles, and its build quality indicates it can withstand occasional bumps or knocks without issue.

Let's chat about the audio performance of this soundbar. The Harman Kardon Enchant 900 delivers a powerful sound experience with its MultiBeam™ technology that fills the room with immersive audio. It creates a mini theater atmosphere right in your living room. The sound is rich and immersive, making movie nights truly enjoyable.

The bass is quite impressive for a soundbar without a separate subwoofer. It produces deep lows that you can feel, which is notable for this category. The mids and highs are clear and well-balanced, ensuring vocals and dialogues come through crisp and distinct. You won’t miss a word during those intense drama scenes.

However, if you're a bass enthusiast seeking extra thump, you might find it somewhat less powerful compared to systems with dedicated subwoofers. But for most users, the bass performance is more than sufficient.

One of the standout features is the automatic room calibration. It adjusts the sound output to your room's acoustics, providing the best possible audio experience regardless of your space. This feature simplifies setup and enhances listening quality.

Overall, the Enchant 900 offers a robust audio experience capable of handling music and movies with ease. While it may not fully replace a comprehensive home theater system, it comes very close for a soundbar.

When it comes to features and connectivity, the Enchant 900 doesn’t skimp on options. First off, it’s got built-in Chromecast. This means you can stream music directly from your phone or tablet without any hassle, which is pretty handy if you ask me. Plus, there's support for Google Assistant, so you can control the soundbar with just your voice.

The soundbar also includes a variety of ports and connections. You’ll find an HDMI input and output with eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) capabilities. This lets you connect your TV and control the soundbar volume with your TV remote—less clutter on the coffee table! There’s also an optical input and a USB port (USB playback is available in the US version; in other regions, USB is for service only), giving you flexibility if your devices are a bit older.

Bluetooth 4.2 is part of the package too, allowing you to easily pair your devices for wireless audio streaming. However, it doesn’t support aptX, which could be a bummer for those who want higher-quality Bluetooth audio.

Wi-Fi connectivity is another plus, making sure you can stream music without interruptions. The Harman Kardon Enchant 900 also supports multi-room audio if you've got other compatible speakers around the house. This way, you can have synchronized music playing in multiple rooms.

In terms of versatility, the soundbar is compatible with both Dolby Digital and PCM formats. But, if you’re a fan of DTS audio, you might be a bit disappointed as it doesn’t support that format.

Overall, the Enchant 900 offers a solid range of connectivity options that cater to most modern setups. Just keep in mind the few limitations if you're a die-hard audiophile.

Setting up the Harman Kardon Enchant 900 is straightforward, so you don't need advanced technical skills to get it going. Once you unbox this soundbar, the first thing you'll notice is how ready it is to connect. Just plug it in, and you're halfway there.

Connecting it to your TV can be done through an HDMI eARC or optical cable, both of which are quick and reliable options. If you prefer wireless, Bluetooth setup is also available and simple to use. The soundbar provides an indicator light to show when it’s ready to pair.

The user experience is where this soundbar excels. The interface is intuitive and user-friendly. The controls on the unit itself are simple and minimalistic, so you won’t have trouble figuring out which button does what. Additionally, the LED display provides clear feedback as you adjust settings.

Now, let’s talk about the calibration feature. The Enchant 900 includes a built-in calibration microphone that analyzes your room’s acoustics and adjusts the sound output accordingly. This ensures optimal sound performance tailored to your environment.

Some users might find the initial setup slightly challenging if they are unfamiliar with soundbars. However, once you get accustomed to it, the process is smooth. One minor drawback is that the instruction manual could benefit from more detailed diagrams and clearer steps to assist first-time users.

Overall, once set up, the Enchant 900 delivers a seamless user experience. You’ll be enjoying your favorite shows and music quickly and without hassle.

1. Soundbar Unit: The star of the show, of course, is the soundbar itself. It’s sleek and sturdy, ready to take your audio experience up a notch.
2. Power Cable: You get a power cable to power your soundbar. It’s a decent length, so you shouldn’t have trouble reaching your nearest outlet.
3. HDMI Cable: They’ve included a high-speed HDMI cable, which is a nice touch. No need to buy one separately just to get started.
4. Optical Cable: An optical cable is also included, allowing you to connect via optical if preferred.
5. Wall-Mount Brackets: If you’re planning to wall-mount, you’re in luck. The brackets are included, making it easier to find the perfect spot for your setup.
6. Remote Control: A handy remote is in the box, letting you control all the essential functions without moving a muscle.
7. Quick Start Guide: The quick start guide is straightforward. It helps you get up and running without much hassle.
8. Batteries for Remote: They’ve even packed batteries for the remote. No need to search for spares.

It’s a comprehensive package, including both HDMI and optical cables, so you’re mostly set to get started right out of the box. How convenient is that?

The remote control for the Harman Kardon Enchant 900 is straightforward and user-friendly, which is a big plus if you're not a fan of overly complicated gadgets. It includes all the essential buttons such as power, volume, and source selection. The buttons are well-spaced, so you won't accidentally hit the wrong one during a late-night movie marathon. The design is sleek, matching the soundbar's modern aesthetic.

App functionality

The Harman Kardon app adds another layer of convenience. It lets you control the soundbar from your phone or tablet, which is handy if the remote has gone missing under the couch cushions. The app is intuitive, with a clean interface that makes adjusting settings easy. You can tweak the EQ settings, switch inputs, or explore different sound modes without difficulty.

However, while the app is useful, it could be more feature-rich. It lacks some advanced options found in apps for other soundbars. For example, some users might miss a customizable sound profile feature or more detailed audio controls.

Overall, the remote and app combination is solid, offering a good balance of simplicity and functionality. It is sufficient to keep most users satisfied without overwhelming them with unnecessary features.

In the crowded market of soundbars, the Harman Kardon Enchant 900 faces strong competition. Let's see how it compares to a few popular contenders.

Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is a popular choice for those seeking a compact yet powerful soundbar. It offers an impressive soundstage and integrates seamlessly with other Sonos products. However, unlike the Enchant 900, it does not have a built-in subwoofer, so you might need additional hardware for deeper bass.

Bose Smart Soundbar 300

Bose is known for rich audio quality, and the Smart Soundbar 300 delivers clear dialogue and solid build quality. While it supports voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, it generally does not provide the same level of immersive sound as the Enchant 900, especially for music and action-packed movies.

Samsung HW-Q800A

Samsung's HW-Q800A is a strong competitor featuring Dolby Atmos support and Q-Symphony, which syncs with compatible Samsung TVs for enhanced immersion. It is priced higher than the Enchant 900. If budget is a concern, the Harman Kardon may offer better value, though it lacks some features like Samsung’s SpaceFit Sound.

Yamaha YAS-209

The Yamaha YAS-209 is praised for its built-in Alexa and wireless subwoofer. It provides reliable performance but does not match the Enchant 900’s premium design and build quality. The Harman Kardon offers a more refined aesthetic and generally better audio performance, especially in larger rooms.

Overall, while each competitor has its strengths, the Harman Kardon Enchant 900 holds its own with a solid balance of features and price. It is ideal for those wanting an all-in-one solution without extra components. However, if specific features like Dolby Atmos or smart home integration are priorities, some alternatives may be more suitable. Consider your needs carefully when choosing.

Video by: Harman Kardon

The Harman Kardon Enchant 900 is positioned in the mid-to-high-end soundbar market, offering a premium audio experience that justifies its price for many users. While it is not a budget option, it is priced reasonably within its category, making it accessible without being prohibitively expensive.

For the price, the Enchant 900 delivers a robust build and a comprehensive set of features. It offers high-quality audio performance with a multi-dimensional sound experience that can effectively transform your living room into a cinematic environment. However, if budget constraints are a priority, there are less expensive alternatives that provide decent sound quality, though they may lack the advanced features and premium design of the Enchant 900.

When compared to competitors such as Sonos and Bose, the Enchant 900 strikes a good balance between cost and performance. While some competing models may be priced higher, they do not always offer a significant improvement in sound quality. For those seeking additional features, higher-end models may come at a steeper price.

Regarding value for money, the Enchant 900 is an excellent choice for those who value superior audio quality and elegant design. It may not be the absolute best in terms of cost efficiency, but it holds its own in the premium soundbar segment. Note that extras like the subwoofer are sold separately, so you should consider this in your budget if you want the complete surround sound experience.

Wrapping it all up, the Harman Kardon Enchant 900 is a solid choice for anyone looking to boost their home audio setup without diving into a full-blown home theater system. Its sleek design and impressive audio performance make it a standout option. The soundbar delivers rich, immersive sound that can fill any room, making movie nights and music sessions a real treat.

On the connectivity front, it offers a range of options, ensuring you can hook up your devices with ease. While the setup process is mostly straightforward, some users might find the initial configuration a bit tricky, especially if you're not tech-savvy. But once it's up and running, the user experience is smooth sailing. The Enchant 900 includes nine drivers, featuring two 2.5" up-firing height channels that provide true Dolby Atmos effects, creating a 3D surround sound experience without the need for a separate subwoofer. 

While bass enthusiasts might miss a dedicated subwoofer, the soundbar delivers a full, rich sound on its own. And while the price might seem steep at first glance, considering the quality and features it brings to the table, it offers decent value for money. In a nutshell, if you're after a soundbar that's both stylish and powerful, the Enchant 900 is worth considering. Just be prepared to fiddle a bit with the setup if you're not familiar with audio equipment. Overall, it's a great buy that can elevate your audio experience without breaking the bank.

---

---

Before buying any product, check all details of this product on the website or in the store where you purchase it. Aspects and specifications mentioned in the text above might differ.