Harman Kardon Citation One MKII vs. Google Nest Audio: A Clash of Titans
What To Know
- The Citation One MKII offers a more premium experience with its superior sound quality, wider connectivity options, and Sonos integration, but the Nest Audio provides excellent value for money with its compact design, powerful sound, and Google Assistant integration.
- The Harman Kardon Citation One MKII and the Google Nest Audio are both excellent smart speakers that offer a unique blend of features and capabilities.
- However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option with a compact design and seamless Google Assistant integration, the Google Nest Audio is an excellent choice.
The world of smart speakers is abuzz with the release of two new heavyweights: the Harman Kardon Citation One MKII and the Google Nest Audio. Both devices offer a compelling blend of sound quality, smart features, and stylish design, but which one reigns supreme? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Harman Kardon Citation One MKII against the Google Nest Audio to determine which speaker delivers the ultimate audio experience.
Sound Quality: Precision vs. Power
The Harman Kardon Citation One MKII boasts a custom-designed, full-range 5.25-inch woofer and a 20mm tweeter, promising a balanced and immersive soundstage. Its 40W RMS output provides ample power to fill even larger rooms with a rich and detailed audio experience.
In contrast, the Google Nest Audio features a 75mm woofer and a 19mm tweeter, delivering a more compact yet surprisingly powerful sound. Its 30W RMS output is slightly lower than the Citation One MKII, but it still produces a full and clear sound that belies its size.
Smart Features: Google Assistant vs. Amazon Alexa
The Harman Kardon Citation One MKII supports both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, providing users with a wide range of voice control options. You can use either assistant to play music, set alarms, control smart home devices, and access information.
The Google Nest Audio, as its name suggests, is powered by Google Assistant exclusively. While it lacks Amazon Alexa compatibility, it offers a more tightly integrated Google ecosystem experience, allowing for seamless control of Nest devices and other Google products.
Design: Sophistication vs. Simplicity
The Harman Kardon Citation One MKII exudes sophistication with its premium wool fabric exterior, available in a range of colors to complement any decor. Its sleek, cylindrical design and brushed aluminum base add a touch of elegance to any room.
The Google Nest Audio, on the other hand, opts for simplicity with its understated, pebble-like shape. Its durable fabric cover is available in a variety of colors, but its overall design is more discreet and less visually striking than the Citation One MKII.
Connectivity: Bluetooth vs. Wi-Fi
Both the Harman Kardon Citation One MKII and the Google Nest Audio offer Bluetooth connectivity for wireless music streaming from your smartphone or other devices. However, the Citation One MKII also features Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to integrate it into your home network and stream music from a wider range of sources, including online streaming services and NAS drives.
Multi-Room Audio: Sonos vs. Chromecast
The Harman Kardon Citation One MKII is part of the Sonos ecosystem, which allows you to create a multi-room audio system by pairing multiple Sonos speakers together. This enables you to enjoy synchronized music playback throughout your home.
The Google Nest Audio supports Google Chromecast, which allows you to group multiple Chromecast-enabled speakers together for multi-room audio. However, it is not as feature-rich as Sonos, and it does not offer the same level of customization and control.
Price: Value for Money
The Harman Kardon Citation One MKII retails for around $199, while the Google Nest Audio is priced at $99. The Citation One MKII offers a more premium experience with its superior sound quality, wider connectivity options, and Sonos integration, but the Nest Audio provides excellent value for money with its compact design, powerful sound, and Google Assistant integration.
The Verdict: A Matter of Choice
The Harman Kardon Citation One MKII and the Google Nest Audio are both excellent smart speakers that offer a unique blend of features and capabilities. The Citation One MKII delivers superior sound quality, Wi-Fi connectivity, and Sonos integration, but it comes at a higher price. The Nest Audio, on the other hand, offers a more compact design, powerful sound, and Google Assistant integration for a more affordable price.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize sound quality, connectivity, and multi-room audio, the Harman Kardon Citation One MKII is the clear winner. However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option with a compact design and seamless Google Assistant integration, the Google Nest Audio is an excellent choice.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Which speaker has better sound quality?
A: The Harman Kardon Citation One MKII offers superior sound quality with its larger woofer and tweeter, providing a more balanced and immersive audio experience.
Q: Which speaker is more compact?
A: The Google Nest Audio is more compact, with a smaller footprint and a discreet, pebble-like shape.
Q: Which speaker supports Amazon Alexa?
A: The Harman Kardon Citation One MKII supports both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, while the Google Nest Audio supports Google Assistant exclusively.
Q: Which speaker offers multi-room audio?
A: The Harman Kardon Citation One MKII supports Sonos multi-room audio, while the Google Nest Audio supports Google Chromecast multi-room audio.
Q: Which speaker is more affordable?
A: The Google Nest Audio is more affordable, with a retail price of $99 compared to $199 for the Harman Kardon Citation One MKII.
