Harman Kardon Esquire Mini Bluetooth Portable Speaker

We reviewed the Harman Kardon Esquire a short time ago and were impressed; it sounds as gorgeous as it looks. I was thrilled to see that the company was releasing the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini Bluetooth Portable Speaker. This smaller version of the Esquire is under $150, and it has the same refined look and feel as its big brother.It is, I am happy to report, the most gorgeous, most refined, and most substantial mini Bluetooth speaker for under $150. It looks like something that costs much more. Oh, and yes, it sounds great too!

Harman Kardon Esquire Mini Bluetooth Portable Speaker

Inside the box I found Esquire Mini wireless speaker, a USB cable, a leather wrist strap and paperwork.

Harman Kardon Esquire Mini Bluetooth Portable Speaker

I was surprised- shocked actually- that the speaker didn’t come with any sort of protective carrying bag or punch. After all, this speaker is designed for portability and makes a great traveling companion. Keeping it looking as sharp as it does is something pretty much anyone buying this speaker is going to want to do. Sadly I can see it getting pretty scratched up after just a few trips if you aren’t careful.

From Harman Kardon:

The Harman Kardon Esquire Mini is a bold, state-of-the-art solution exceeding the needs of the on-the-go professional. No attention-to-detail has been spared – from the lineup of premium materials utilized by master craftsmanship to the chic urban styling of its sublime, uni-body design. Completely portable and wireless, it provides exceptional sound from its dual, high-performance drivers and enhanced bass port design – for the best quality sound in its category. Esquire Mini is also Bluetooth-enabled, for full stereo streaming with your favorite devices. It’s the must-have accessory for your audio style. It doubles as a conference phone system with dual-microphone and built-in echo and noise cancellation technology for superb sound and USB access to recharge your favorite devices. An 8-hour, rechargeable Li-ion battery promises remote accessibility while its runway-ready, head-turning appearance translates to an indispensible travel companion for work or play. This is one Harman Kardon designed to deliver surprising levels of style-conscious satisfaction and workhorse levels of professional purpose to enhance what you do in a manner to which you’ll likely grow accustomed.


 

The speaker itself is absolutely gorgeous. A metal grill on the front comes in one of three different colors. The Harman Kardon name and logo is splashed across the front. A silver colored metal ring runs completely around the speaker and gives it both a refined look and a rigidity that belies its low-cost. One end of the speaker houses the “dual-microphone and built-in echo and noise cancellation technology” for use making calls and a five LED power indicator. The other end of the speaker is a bit busier and houses the anchor for the included wrist strap, the microUSB charging port, a 3.5mm AUX-IN port and a full-size USB port that allows the speaker to serve as an external battery for your smartphone.

Esquire Mini is both thin and durable – built to go everywhere you go – and to places you’ve never been before. With its slim, uni-body design and reliance on premium materials – featuring real leather-backing, aluminum finish and, scratch-resistant, ceramic-coated speaker grill – you’ll find yourself in upscale company

The back of the speaker is beautifully wrapped in leather. It is only interrupted by a silver strip that serves as a built-in stand for the speaker. When open it holds the speaker at a perfect angle for listening when placed in front of you on a desk. It also provides a convenient way to use the speaker as a hands-free speakerphone.

The look and feel are refined, solid and more reminiscent of fine jewelry than portable technology.

Video Review of the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini Bluetooth Portable Speaker:

The speaker has two 27mm transducers and puts out 4W per channel. The 2000mAh battery inside the speaker charges in three to five hours and can power the speaker for up to 8 hours.

The speaker puts out excellent sound that is bigger… And better… Than one would expect from something this small and inexpensive. Add in the dual-microphone conferencing system and its echo and noise cancellation and you realize that this is a rare animal indeed… Yes, this small Bluetooth speaker was designed for adults!

Good looks. Great sound. Quality design. Under $150. Can you say “Home Run”? I knew you could. And you should because the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini Bluetooth Portable Speaker is one. Learn more and order yours here.

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample Harman Kardon Esquire Mini Bluetooth Portable Speaker

What I Like: Small size; Good sound; Built-in stand; Easy controls; Works with Bluetooth connection or a wired one; Excellent speakerphone thanks to dual-microphones; Solid build

What Needs Improvement: No included protective pouch; Battery life is okay but not great

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About the Author

Dan Cohen
Having a father who was heavily involved in early laser and fiber-optical research, Dan grew up surrounded by technology and gadgets. Dan’s father brought home one of the very first video games when he was young and Dan remembers seeing a “pre-release” touchtone phone. (When he asked his father what the “#” and “*” buttons were his dad said, “Some day, far in the future, we’ll have some use for them.”) Technology seemed to be in Dan’s blood but at some point he took a different path and ended up in the clergy. His passion for technology and gadgets never left him. Dan is married to Raina Goldberg who is also an avid user of Apple products. They live in New Jersey with their golden doodle Nava.