Harman Kardon Citation 200 Review: A Portable Smart Speaker with Premium Sound

Harman Kardon Citation 200 Review Harman Kardon Citation 200 Review

The Harman Kardon Citation 200 is a stylish, portable smart speaker that blends sophisticated design with premium audio quality. As part of Harman Kardon’s Citation series, the Citation 200 is designed to offer the same high-quality sound and advanced features as its larger siblings but with portability. This speaker is ideal for those who want to enjoy exceptional indoor and outdoor sound quality thanks to its built-in battery and intelligent capabilities.

This comprehensive review will explore the design, audio performance, smart features, connectivity, and overall value of the Harman Kardon Citation 200. We’ll also compare it to other portable smart speakers in its class to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your needs.

Design and Build Quality

Harman Kardon is known for its elegant and modern designs, and the Citation 200 is no exception. This speaker combines sleek aesthetics with a durable build, making it a standout piece in any environment.

Stylish and Durable Design

The Harman Kardon Citation 200 features a minimalist design with a fabric-wrapped exterior that gives it a sophisticated look. The fabric is made from a wool and polyester blend, providing both durability and a premium feel. The speaker is available in two color options: Winter Gray and Classic Black, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your style.

The speaker’s cylindrical shape and compact size make it easy to place or take in any room. The speaker’s top features a sleek aluminum handle that makes it easy to carry, while the bottom has a rubberized base for added stability. The Citation 200 is also IPX4-rated, making it resistant to water splashes and suitable for outdoor use.

Portable and Convenient

One of the critical features of the Harman Kardon Citation 200 is its portability. Unlike many other smart speakers designed to stay in one place, the Citation 200 has a rechargeable battery that provides up to 8 hours of continuous playback. This makes it perfect for taking your music from room to room or outside to the patio, garden, or poolside. The speaker comes with a charging cradle that allows you to recharge the battery when needed quickly, and it also supports USB-C charging for added convenience.

Audio Performance

Regarding sound quality, the Harman Kardon Citation 200 delivers the rich, balanced audio that the brand is known for. Whether you’re listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks, this speaker provides a premium listening experience that will impress you.

Rich and Balanced Sound

The Citation 200 has a 25mm tweeter and a 120mm woofer powered by 50 watts of amplification. This combination allows the speaker to deliver a wide frequency range with clear highs, detailed mids, and deep, punchy bass. The sound profile is well-balanced, making it suitable for various music genres, from classical and jazz to rock and hip-hop.

The speaker’s cylindrical design helps to create a 360-degree sound field, ensuring that the audio is evenly distributed throughout the room. Whether sitting directly in front of the speaker or off to the side, you’ll enjoy the same high-quality sound experience.

Adaptive Sound Technology

The Harman Kardon Citation 200 also features adaptive sound technology that automatically adjusts the audio output based on the environment’s acoustics. This ensures that the speaker delivers optimal sound quality no matter where it is placed, whether in a small room with lots of furniture or an open outdoor space.

Impressive Volume and Clarity

Despite its compact size, the Citation 200 can deliver impressive volume levels without sacrificing clarity. The speaker can quickly fill a large room with sound; even at higher volumes, the audio remains clear and distortion-free. This makes it ideal for casual listening and more immersive experiences like parties or movie nights.

Intelligent Features and Voice Assistant Integration

As a smart speaker, the Harman Kardon Citation 200 offers a range of features that make it easy to control your music, manage your smart home devices, and access information with just your voice.

Built-in Google Assistant

Citation 200 has built-in Google Assistant, allowing you to control the speaker using voice commands. You can ask Google Assistant to play your favorite songs, check the weather, set reminders, control smart home devices, and much more. The speaker’s far-field microphone array ensures it can hear your voice commands clearly, even from across the room or in noisy environments.

Multi-Room Audio with Google Home

The Citation 200 is part of the Google Home ecosystem, which means it can be grouped with other Google Home-compatible speakers for multi-room audio. You can create speaker groups using the Google Home app and play the same music throughout your home or different songs in different rooms. This feature is perfect for those who want to create a seamless audio experience across multiple rooms.

Chromecast Built-In

In addition to Google Assistant, the Harman Kardon Citation 200 also features Chromecast built-in, allowing you to stream music, podcasts, and other audio content directly from your smartphone or tablet. Chromecast supports many streaming services, including Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music. With Chromecast, you can control playback and volume directly from your device, making it easy to manage your music anywhere in your home.

AirPlay 2 Support

For Apple users, the Citation 200 also supports AirPlay 2, allowing you to stream audio directly from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. AirPlay 2 makes playing your favorite music, podcasts, or videos easy on the Citation 200 with just a tap. You can also use AirPlay 2 to create a multi-room audio setup with other AirPlay 2-compatible speakers, providing flexibility and convenience for Apple users.

Connectivity and Compatibility

The Harman Kardon Citation 200 offers a range of connectivity options that make it easy to integrate into your existing audio setup or smart home ecosystem.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity

The Citation 200 connects to your home Wi-Fi network, allowing you to stream music directly from the internet without relying on a smartphone or other device. The speaker also supports Bluetooth, allowing you to play audio from any Bluetooth-enabled device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. This dual connectivity ensures you can enjoy your music no matter where it’s stored.

Versatile Compatibility

The Citation 200 is compatible with a wide range of streaming services and smart home platforms, making it a versatile addition to any home. Whether you use Google Assistant, Apple AirPlay 2, or Chromecast, the Citation 200 seamlessly integrates with your existing setup. The speaker is also compatible with popular streaming services like Spotify, Pandora, Tidal, and more, giving you access to millions of songs and podcasts at your fingertips.

Easy Setup and Control

Setting up the Harman Kardon Citation 200 is quick and easy, thanks to the Google Home app. The app guides you through the setup process, helping you connect the speaker to your Wi-Fi network and configure your Google Assistant settings. Once set up, you can use the Google Home app to control the speaker, manage multi-room audio groups, and adjust settings to suit your preferences.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the key features of the Harman Kardon Citation 200 is its portability, which is made possible by its built-in rechargeable battery. This section will explore the speaker’s battery life and charging options.

Long Battery Life

The Citation 200 has a rechargeable battery that provides up to 8 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. This makes it ideal for taking your music around the house, to the garden, or on the go. Whether hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a relaxing day at the beach, the Citation 200 ensures that your music keeps playing.

Charging Cradle and USB-C

The Harman Kardon Citation 200 has a convenient charging cradle that makes it easy to recharge the speaker. Place the speaker on the cradle, and it will begin charging automatically. The cradle is designed to be discreet and stylish, matching the speaker’s aesthetic. For added convenience, the Citation 200 also supports USB-C charging, allowing you to charge the speaker using a USB-C cable if the cradle is unavailable.

Battery Management Features

The Citation 200 includes battery management features that help extend the battery’s life. When not in use, the speaker automatically enters a low-power mode, conserving battery life until you’re ready to listen again. The Google Home app also provides battery status information, so you can quickly check how much charge is left and plan your charging accordingly.

Comparison with Competitors

The Harman Kardon Citation 200 competes with several other portable smart speakers, including the Sonos Move, Bose Portable Smart Speaker, and Apple HomePod Mini. Here’s how it stacks up against its competitors:

Sonos Move

The Sonos Move is a popular portable smart speaker known for its robust sound quality and durable design. While the Sonos Move offers similar features, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, the Citation 200 stands out with its more stylish design and better portability, thanks to its lighter weight and convenient handle. Both speakers offer excellent sound quality, but the Citation 200’s 360-degree sound field provides a more immersive audio experience.

Bose Portable Smart Speaker

The Bose Portable Smart Speaker is another strong competitor, offering impressive sound quality and intelligent features. The Citation 200 and Bose Portable Smart Speaker both support Google Assistant and Apple AirPlay 2, making them versatile choices for smart home integration. However, the Citation 200’s fabric-wrapped design and charging cradle give it a more premium feel, while the Bose speaker’s rugged build is better suited for outdoor use.

Apple HomePod Mini

The Apple HomePod Mini is a compact smart speaker that offers deep integration with the Apple ecosystem. While the HomePod Mini is more affordable, the Citation 200 offers superior sound quality and the added benefit of portability. The Citation 200’s larger size and more robust drivers make it a better choice for those who prioritize audio performance. At the same time, the HomePod Mini is ideal for Apple users looking for a smaller, more affordable option.

Pricing and Availability

The Harman Kardon Citation 200 is priced competitively for a premium portable smart speaker, reflecting its high-quality design, sound performance, and intelligent features. It is available for purchase directly from Harman Kardon, as well as from major retailers and online stores. While it may be more expensive than some competitors, the Citation 200 offers excellent value for those who demand style and substance in their audio equipment.

Conclusion

The Harman Kardon Citation 200 is an exceptional portable smart speaker combining premium sound quality, modern design, and advanced intelligent features. Whether listening to music at home or on the go, the Citation 200 delivers a rich, immersive audio experience that will impress you. Its portability, stylish design, and versatility make it a standout choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home audio setup or add a high-quality speaker to their outdoor adventures.

Summary of Harman Kardon Citation 200 Features

Feature
Description
Design and Build Quality
Sleek, minimalist design with a durable fabric-wrapped exterior and IPX4 water resistance.
Audio Performance
Rich, balanced sound with 360-degree audio and adaptive sound technology.
Smart Features
Built-in Google Assistant, multi-room audio with Google Home, Chromecast, and AirPlay 2 support.
Connectivity
Supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, and versatile compatibility with various streaming services and smart home platforms.
Battery Life
Up to 8 hours of continuous playback with a convenient charging cradle and USB-C charging.
Comparison
Outperforms competitors like Sonos Move, Bose Portable Smart Speaker, and Apple HomePod Mini in design and portability.
Pricing and Availability
Competitively priced, available through Harman Kardon and major retailers.

The Harman Kardon Citation 200 is a top-tier portable smart speaker that offers exceptional value for anyone looking to enjoy high-quality sound wherever they go. Its superior audio performance, intelligent features, and elegant design make it a standout choice in the crowded smart speaker market.

Harman Kardon Citation 200 FAQ

How long does the battery last on the Harman Kardon Citation 200?

The Harman Kardon Citation 200 offers up to 8 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, making it ideal for indoor and outdoor use. Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or taking the speaker on the go, the battery life ensures that your music will keep playing throughout the day. You can quickly recharge the speaker using the included charging cradle or a USB-C cable when the battery runs low.

Is the Harman Kardon Citation 200 water-resistant?

Yes, the Harman Kardon Citation 200 is IPX4-rated, which means it is resistant to water splashes. This makes it suitable for outdoor use, such as by the pool or in the garden, and in areas of the home where it might be exposed to moisture, like the kitchen or bathroom. However, it’s important to note that while the speaker can handle light splashes, it should not be fully submerged in water.

Can I use the Harman Kardon Citation 200 with Google Assistant and Apple AirPlay 2?

Absolutely. The Harman Kardon Citation 200 is designed to be versatile, supporting both Google Assistant and Apple AirPlay 2. With Google Assistant built-in, you can control the speaker using voice commands, manage smart home devices, and access information hands-free. Additionally, AirPlay 2 support allows you to stream music directly from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, making integrating the speaker into your Apple ecosystem easy. This dual compatibility ensures you can enjoy a seamless smart home experience, regardless of your preferred platform.