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Harman Kardon Cl Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£150
  • Avg. price in US: ~$100
  • Form factor: on-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Harman Kardon Cl review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.9

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

5.2

Technical Score

20.0%

8.6

User score

Good
5.2

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

5.1

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

7.1

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

8.3

Battery

4.0%

7.6

Calls & Controls

Good
8.6

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

8.0

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(752)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(752)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Excellent
  • 3.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 1.3
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    5.7

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 5.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 3.8
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    5.7

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • harman-kardon-cl
harman-kardon-cl

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Harman Kardon CL (Classic) is an on-ear, closed-back headphone featuring 40mm drivers with a unique baffle design for extended bass, delivering a frequency response of 16Hz – 20kHz and a sensitivity of 119 dB/mW at 32 Ohms. Its industrial aesthetic is defined by a sandblasted steel frame, 2D swivel hinges, and magnetically attached memory foam ear pads, all weighing approximately 195g for lightweight portability. Key advantages include its user-interchangeable metal headbands (available in small and large sizes), an Apple-certified detachable cable with an integrated three-button remote, and a warm, balanced sound profile with exceptional midrange clarity. Notable drawbacks include the use of a non-standard 2.5mm connection on the ear cup side, potential discomfort for users with glasses or during very long listening sessions, and a lack of active noise cancellation.

Technical Specifications of Harman Kardon Cl

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

5.1

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

7.1

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

8.3

Battery

4.0%

7.6

Calls & Controls

5.2
Harman Kardon Cl has a technical score of 5.21 points, which is higher than that of 60.2% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

8.0

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(752)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(752)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

8.6
Harman Kardon Cl has a user score of 8.6 points, which is higher than that of 73.7% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
10
Harman Kardon Cl has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 71.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.9

Overall score

40.0%

9.7

Price

7.0
Harman Kardon Cl has a quality-to-price ratio of 7 points, which is higher than 61.2% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
Harman Kardon Cl does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

40 mm
Harman Kardon Cl uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
Harman Kardon Cl uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

16 Hz
Harman Kardon Cl reaches a lowest frequency of 16 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 54.3% of headphones and equal to 4.1% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Harman Kardon Cl supports a noise-canceling microphone. 54.5% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Harman Kardon Cl is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

1
Harman Kardon Cl has 1 microphones, more microphones than 25.9% of headphones and equal to 52.2% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

yes
Harman Kardon Cl includes a boom microphone. 84.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

?
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Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
Harman Kardon Cl supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more
Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Harman Kardon Cl does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

yes
Harman Kardon Cl supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
Show more
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Harman Kardon
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

on-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

195 g
Harman Kardon Cl weighs 195 g, lighter than 57.5% of headphones and equal to 0.8% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
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Harman Kardon Cl vs the average headphone

  • 17 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Harman Kardon Cl has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (119 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    Harman Kardon Cl has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (119 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.119 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Clear call microphone
    Harman Kardon Cl offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
    What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
    When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Harman Kardon Cl offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • In-line controls
    Harman Kardon Cl includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
    What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
    When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.

    Importance: LOW

    Harman Kardon Cl includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Sidetone support
    Harman Kardon Cl supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
    What it is: Lets users hear their own voice during calls
    When it matters: When long calls matter and you do not want to sound unnaturally loud in your own ears while speaking.

    Importance: LOW

    Harman Kardon Cl supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Quick mic mute
    Harman Kardon Cl includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
    What it is: Ability to mute microphone during calls
    When it matters: When you need to silence the mic quickly during meetings or multiplayer games.

    Importance: LOW

    Harman Kardon Cl includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
  • Boom microphone included
    Harman Kardon Cl includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
    What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
    When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

    Importance: LOW

    Harman Kardon Cl includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • 16 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    Harman Kardon Cl has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (119 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    What it is: Output loudness level of the headphones, usually measured in dB. It helps compare how loud a model can play under similar conditions.
    When it matters: When you need a rough idea of how loud the headphones can get before you pair them with a weaker source.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=108 dB SPL

    Harman Kardon Cl has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (119 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.119 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 10.6% lower weight
    Harman Kardon Cl is lighter than the average headphone (195 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    Harman Kardon Cl is lighter than the average headphone (195 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.195 g vs 218 g
  • 10.6% lower weight
    Harman Kardon Cl is lighter than the average headphone (195 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 17 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Harman Kardon Cl has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (119 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 16 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    Harman Kardon Cl has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (119 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • Clear call microphone
    Harman Kardon Cl offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • In-line controls
    Harman Kardon Cl includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Sidetone support
    Harman Kardon Cl supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Quick mic mute
    Harman Kardon Cl includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
  • Boom microphone included
    Harman Kardon Cl includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.

Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls
  • 5 years older release date
    Harman Kardon Cl was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    June 2012
  • 5 years older release date
    Harman Kardon Cl was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    June 2012
    What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
    When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2020

    Harman Kardon Cl was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2012 vs 2017
  • 66.7% more expensive
    Harman Kardon Cl is more expensive than the average headphone (£150 vs £90).
    Harman Kardon Cl is more expensive than the average headphone (£150 vs £90).£150 vs £90
Total
Overall
Features

Graphic comparison of Harman Kardon Cl and

Attribute category
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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
752 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
752 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Harman Kardon Cl?

  • Premium industrial design with sandblasted steel and leather accents
  • Rich, punchy bass performance without being overwhelming
  • Clear and articulated midrange, making it excellent for vocals and jazz
  • Lightweight build with high-quality memory foam ear pads for comfort
  • User-replaceable parts, including magnetically attached ear pads and a detachable cable
  • Includes two exchangeable headbands (small and large) to ensure a better fit

What customers dislike about Harman Kardon Cl?

  • Rolled-off treble which can lack 'sparkle' and high-frequency detail for some genres
  • On-ear design may become uncomfortable during long listening sessions for users with wider heads
  • Uses a less common 2.5mm to 3.5mm cable, making generic replacements harder to find
  • Older faux leather material on the headband and pads is prone to peeling over time
  • Not a traditionally adjustable headband; users must physically swap the metal band for a different size
  • Lacks the extreme sonic detail and 'air' found in more expensive audiophile headphones

Expert reviews

G
geardiary.com
27/03/2014
Harman Kardon CL On-Ear Headphones - Gear Diary

The Gear Diary review of the Harman Kardon CL On-Ear Headphones highlights an industrial, elegant design featuring a rigid metal outer band and a comfortable, suspended leather inner band. Key advantages include an outstanding, stable fit provided by two included interchangeable headband sizes, along with 40mm drivers delivering natural, balanced acoustics with punchy, non-muddy...Read more

H
head-fi.org
18/11/2013
Harman Kardon CL Precision On-Ear Headphones Reviews To learn more about the Harman Kardon CL, tell me: If you need a comparison to other vintage on-e...

The Harman Kardon CL (Classic) Precision On-Ear Headphones, featured on Head-Fi, are characterized as a 2012 model with a warm, colored sound profile that emphasizes mid-bass while rolling off high frequencies. Key benefits include their lightweight design, good build quality, ease of driving, and an affordable price point. Head-Fi.orgHowever, the review highlights significant...Read more

H
headfonics.com
01/07/2013
The CL by Harman Kardon - Headfonics

The Headfonics review of the Harman Kardon CL highlights a pair of on-ear headphones with a distinctive, industrial design featuring square ear cups, a cleaner soundstage than competitors, and a top-notch unboxing experience. Tonally, the headphones excel with mid-centric genres and smooth vocals, offering an elegant presentation. HeadfonicsHowever, the review points out several...Read more

P
pocket-lint.com
31/12/2012
Harman Kardon CL over-ear headphones - Pocket-lint

The Harman Kardon CL over-ear headphones deliver a distinctive "industrial chic" aesthetic crafted from sandblasted steel, offering a highly unique design modeled after the shape of Apple's iPod. On the performance front, their strong points include premium quality construction, a built-in Apple controller, and a balanced, un-hyped sound signature that provides clear audio...Read more

F
firstpost.com
17/10/2012
Harman Kardon CL Headphones Review - Firstpost

The Harman Kardon CL is a compact, lifestyle-oriented pair of on-ear headphones designed primarily with Apple devices in mind. Built with a unique aesthetic, they feature a thin metal frame, metal driver enclosures, and detachable 1.4-meter cables equipped with an inline playback control module and a built-in microphone. On the positive side, the design is highly portable, allowing...Read more

T
t3.com
14/08/2012
Harman Kardon CL review - T3

The Harman Kardon CL on-ear headphones feature a distinctive, 1980s-inspired industrial design with rectangular earcups that split consumer opinion. On the positive side, these headphones deliver exceptional, balanced, and precise audio quality via custom 40mm drivers and a ported cabinet, making even low-quality MP3 files sound refined. Comfort is another major pro; the...Read more

G
gizmodo.com
30/07/2012
Harman Kardon CL Review: These Headphones Can Handle All Your Listening Needs

The Gizmodo review highlights the Harman Kardon CL as a lightweight, well-made pair of closed-back, on-ear headphones priced at $200 that offer exceptional versatility. Architected with a sandblasted steel frame, matte black housings, and premium leather accents, they seamlessly blend style with portability. A major pro is their stellar audio performance; the 40mm neodymium drivers...Read more

U
uk.pcmag.com
19/07/2012
Harman Kardon CL - Review 2012 - PCMag UK

The Harman Kardon CL is a $199.95 on-ear (supra-aural) headphone model that blends a modern, space-age retro design of black leather and metallic accents with high-quality audio performance. It features a unique self-adjusting dual-headband system, including small and large interchangeable metallic bands to secure a precise fit, and flat-folding earcups that slip into a sleek,...Read more

W
whathifi.com
06/07/2012
Harman-Kardon CL review - What Hi-Fi?

The Harman-Kardon CL (Classic) marks a solid and comfortable on-ear debut for the brand, sporting an industrial, sandblasted steel frame that provides excellent durability while remaining surprisingly lightweight. It features user-replaceable, leather-covered memory foam earpads with a magnetic fixing mechanism, alongside an adjustable leather cushion and an alternative larger...Read more

T
theheadphonelist.com
28/10/2014
Brief Review: Harman Kardon CL - The Headphone List

The Harman Kardon CL is an on-ear, flat-folding portable headphone that features an innovative, over-engineered design with a floating headband and magnetic, user-replaceable ear pads. Constructed heavily from metal components, including the outer band, frames, and hinges, it offers high durability alongside a unique modular setup where the entire earcup and suspended headband can...Read more

I
iphoneincanada.ca
17/09/2012
Harman Kardon Classic (CL) On-Ear Headphones [REVIEW]

The Harman Kardon Classic (CL) on-ear headphones are a premium audio product priced at $199.95 CAD. The product arrives in luxury gift-like packaging and features a highly modular design. The audio cable, magnetic foam ear pads, and metal headband are all fully detachable and replaceable. For a personalized fit, the package includes two exchangeable headbands (small and large)....Read more

C
cnet.com
15/08/2012
Harman Kardon Classic review

The Harman Kardon Classic on-ear headphones feature a sleek, modern take on an old-school double headband and square earcups made with a premium fit and finish. Retailing for $199.95, they offer an impressively well-balanced and accurate sound signature with plump, detailed bass and a slightly restrained, warm treble, making them highly versatile across genres. A major standout...Read more

S
stereophile.com
23/06/2012
Harman/Kardon CL Stereo Headphone Review by Dale Would you like a summary of the pros and cons mentioned across these specific reviews to help with yo...

The Harman/Kardon CL, as reviewed by Dale for Stereophile, is characterized by its high-efficiency, on-ear design featuring two interchangeable metal headbands for customized clamping force. Sonic pros include exceptionally strong, deep, and clean bass with impressive low-end authority. The unit also includes a detachable cable with Apple-compatible controls. However, the review...Read more

D
digitaltrends.com
23/08/2019
Harman Kardon CL Review - Digital Trends

The Harman Kardon CL (Classic) is a $199 pair of lightweight, on-ear headphones featuring an elegant, minimalist design with rectangular earpieces outlined in grey matte steel and comfortable black leather cushions. The review highly praises the headphones for their exceptional audio clarity, outstanding overall balance, and tight, well-defined low-end bass response, earning them a...Read more

H
hifitest.de
25. Februar 2013
Harman Kardon CL Hi-Fi Headphones Review

The Harman Kardon CL is an on-ear headphone featuring a unique, industrial design with cushions made primarily of smooth synthetic leather. Despite its unconventional technical appearance, it offers great comfort and adapts perfectly to the user's head shape, thanks to a steel headband equipped with a tension strap and an included second, larger headband for oversized fitting....Read more

(Translated)Show original
S
sueddeutsche.de
25/11/2012
Harman Kardon CL Headphones Review - Business - SZ.de

Harman Kardon CL Headphones The Harman Kardon CL headphones feature a minimalist, distinctively square design that stands out from typical round models, offering a solid build and long-lasting wearing comfort without pressing on the ears. Reviewers highlight several major advantages, including a clear, detailed, and nuanced soundscape that provides a great sense of musical depth, as...Read more

(Translated)Show original
C
connect.de
18. Oktober 2012
Harman/Kardon CL Review

The Harman/Kardon CL is an elegant On-Ear headphone made from silver stainless steel and black leather. It features a unique design where the ear cups use a clever plug-in system, allowing them to twist and fold easily. While the light steel headband cannot be adjusted in size, the package includes a smaller second headband that you can swap out if needed. It also comes with a...Read more

(Translated)Show original
K
kopfhoerer.de
Ohne Datum
Harman Kardon CL review on kopfhoerer.de", "Harman Kardon CL tested by kopfhoerer.de

The Harman Kardon CL is a closed-back, on-ear headphone tailored for style-conscious users, featuring an elegant, extravagant design and incredibly solid, high-quality craftsmanship. It delivers excellent passive noise isolation, making it highly effective for daily commutes or noisy environments, and includes a detachable cable equipped with a three-button remote control. The...Read more

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netzwelt.de
10/04/2016
Headphones Review: Harman Kardon CL | NETZWELT", "Headphones Tested: Harman Kardon CL | NETZWELT

The Harman Kardon CL is a retro-styled, on-ear headphone that delivers an outstanding audio performance balanced with a premium aesthetic. Priced around 200 to 226 euros, this lightweight 200-gram model features 40-millimeter drivers that produce an impressively deep, precise, and punchy bass alongside a highly detailed and airy sound stage. Its visual design includes fine leather...Read more

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macwelt.de
12. Dezember 2012
Review: Harman Kardon CL", "Harman Kardon CL Review

The Macwelt review highlights the Harman Kardon CL as a high-quality contender in the €200 price range, giving it an overall good score of 1.6. The headphones feature a premium, modern design crafted from matte steel and metal joints, allowing the ear cups to fold flat for streamlined transport. For an optimal fit, they include two interchangeable headbands of different sizes. The...Read more

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lesnumeriques.com
09/08/2012
BT and CL Reviews: Harman/Kardon Enters the Portable Headphone Market

The provided article reviews the Harman/Kardon BT and CL portable headphones, marking the first time the Harman group released nomadic headwear under this specific brand name instead of AKG. The premium Harman/Kardon BT model earned a 4 out of 5 rating by successfully integrating a Bluetooth wireless system into a classic ear-cup design. Its main pros include an innovative, striking...Read more

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on-mag.fr
24/10/2013
Harman/Kardon CL headphones test: Style and sonic elegance

The Harman Kardon CL is a stylish, on-ear ("supra-aural") headphone crafted with premium materials like a brushed steel headband, memory foam earpads, and a leatherette carrying pouch. It delivers an incredibly comfortable fit thanks to its lightweight 195g design and an innovative, interchangeable metal headband structure that includes two different sizes to accommodate varying...Read more

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lesnumeriques.com
09/08/2012
Harman/Kardon CL Review - Les Numériques

The Harman/Kardon CL is a compact, wired, on-ear headphone that features a distinctive visual design with a suspended aluminum headband and rectangular earcups. A major strength of this model is its packaging and accessories, which include two different-sized headbands to accommodate various head shapes, alongside a standard cable, adapter, and carrying case. However, this...Read more

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head-fi.org
18/11/2013
Harman Kardon CL Precision On-Ear Headphones with Extended Bass - Reviews

The Harman Kardon CL Precision headphones are noted for their high efficiency, driving easily from mobile devices, while offering a low price, solid build quality, and a lightweight design suitable for jazz and instrumental music. While physically robust, the on-ear design can introduce significant pressure, leading to comfort issues during extended listening. Sonically, the headset...Read more

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alpha-audio.net
06/07/2012
Review: Harman Kardon CL on-ear headphones - Alpha Audio

The Harman Kardon CL is a premium, closed-back, on-ear headphone launched at €199, featuring high-quality leather pads, a sleek plastic body, and an interchangeable steel headband structure. Sonically, it delivers an energetic, dynamic, and upfront rhythmic presentation heavily influenced by the JBL sound signature. However, the headphone requires significant burn-in time—around 5...Read more

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id.nl
03/10/2012
Harman Kardon CL Review - ID.nl

The Harman Kardon CL on-ear headphones feature a stylish, premium design with a sturdy metal frame, swappable headbands, and high-quality, rich audio output. According to the ID.nl review, the headset is designed for a complete audio experience, although its inline remote is strictly optimized for Apple devices. Drawbacks include a steep 199-euro price point and a rigid design that...Read more

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