Harman Kardon Cl Review | 93 Data compared

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 bass. Conversely, the review notes significant drawbacks, specifically regarding the proprietary, non-3.5mm detachable cable, which complicates replacements. Additionally, the inclusion of an unused secondary metal headband is criticized as wasteful, though the headphones offer high-quality comfort and strong passive noise suppression for their value.

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 drawbacks, including a lack of treble detail and air, resulting in a limited soundstage. Additionally, the on-ear design can cause discomfort over long listening sessions, and the heavily colored sound may require modifications for broader appeal. Head-Fi.

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 cons, including a warmish tonality with muted treble that can make music sound one-dimensional, alongside potential comfort issues caused by the ergonomics of the square ear cups. While the sound is smooth, the muted top-end limits its performance with more dynamic, treble-demanding music.

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 separation without drowning the listener in excessive bass. The 40mm large enclosure drivers utilize ported technology to naturally recycle low-frequency energy, delivering a rich mid-level performance and a less-processed acoustic experience reminiscent of higher-end competitors. However, the headphones suffer from significant drawbacks regarding long-term comfort and acoustic peak clarity. Because the headband lacks a traditional adjustment mechanism and the leather-clad secondary band relies on a subtle natural pinch, users with smaller or larger heads may struggle to find an optimal fit. Furthermore, the flat-surfaced earcup design causes noticeable physical fatigue over extended listening sessions. From an audio standpoint, the neutral sound signature lacks necessary top-end sparkle, meaning it misses a dash of high-frequency energy when compared side-by-side with more vibrant alternatives like the Sennheiser HD25 mkII.

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 the headphones to fold up into an included carrying pouch. They also offer excellent passive noise isolation that prevents sound leakage to people nearby, a high-quality microphone for clear voice calls, and a second, longer interchangeable headband to accommodate different head sizes. However, the headphones fall short in audio performance and overall value, making them difficult to recommend at their Indian retail price of Rs. 9,990. The sound signature is heavily scooped, delivering loose, recessed bass and a narrow soundstage that limits musical immersion. While the highs and upper mids are clear and prominent, instruments like cymbals sound isolated from the rest of the track. Additionally, despite the dual-band system, the frame does not offer an easy fit for all users, the...

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 spring-loaded headband and memory foam ear cushions allow the unit to fit anatomically and sit flush against the user's head. Additionally, durability is enhanced by a robust matt-finish steel frame, easily removable magnetic earpads, and a detachable cable that prevents common connection failures. However, the headphones suffer from notable design flaws, including sharp, unfinished metal edges and a budget-feeling plastic backing on the earpieces that is prone to scratching. Portability is also a weakness, further compounded by the inclusion of a cheap, imitation leatherette carrying pouch that fails to match the premium nature of the headphones. Reviewers also expressed concern over the longevity of the traditional, round multi-core cabling used for the main jack and headband connections, as it lacks modern woven fabric or ribbon reinforcement. Ultimately,...

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 are sensitive enough to produce great detail, clarity, and bass directly from standard mobile devices, yet they scale up beautifully when plugged into higher-end equipment like a dedicated headphone amplifier. They are heavily praised as an excellent all-around option for music lovers who need a single pair of headphones capable of performing well both at home and on the go. However, the review points out clear acoustic and structural drawbacks. On the sound side, the low-end frequencies can sometimes feel a bit too boomy, while the midrange frequencies lack presence. The most significant "tragic flaw" involves the unique mechanism used to detach the ear cups from the headband. Because the ear pieces unlock simply by twisting them outward, they have a tendency to accidentally come...

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, daily-planner-style leather carrying pouch. Equipped with a detachable, replaceable cable and integrated iOS inline controls and microphone, it offers crisp, sculpted highs, well-defined mid-frequencies, and punchy, rich bass that excels across classical, pop, rock, and hip-hop tracks. The main advantages of the Harman Kardon CL include its strong audio performance with rich bass, highly detailed treble clarity, a classy carrying case, and the added value of a removable cable and multiple headband options. However, it faces intense competition from rivals like the Bowers & Wilkins P3, which offers a smoother sound signature and superior long-term comfort. The primary drawbacks of the CL are that its earcups can press too firmly and become uncomfortable during long listening sessions—especially for users who wear glasses—and it exhibits minor...

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 headband to fit bigger head sizes. Designed with iPhone users in mind, the headphones include a 1.4-meter detachable cable equipped with a highly clear inline microphone and remote control for easy call handling. Sonically, the CL delivers an open presentation highlighted by a clear, emotive midrange where vocals stand out prominently, as well as decent weight and body in the lower bass frequencies. While it offers respectable noise isolation suitable for daily commutes, it falls short of dedicated noise-canceling capabilities. Ultimately, its primary drawback is a lack of sonic subtlety, definition, and agility compared to class leaders, making different music genres sound a bit too identical instead of communicating distinct shifts in tempo and style.

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 be swapped out using two included headband sizes (small and large). Originally launched at a premium price point of around $200, its value proposition significantly improves at its current sub-$100 market price. The headphone delivers an enjoyable, warm sound profile characterized by excellent end-to-end extension and punchy, well-controlled bass that avoids muddying the midrange. However, the design does present several distinct drawbacks. On the physical side, the headphone is notably intolerant of glasses, creating uncomfortable pressure points that limit long-term wearability for specific users. The detachable cable also uses a less common 2.5mm connector instead of the industry-standard 3.5mm jack, making third-party replacements more difficult. Acoustically, while the headphone manages an impressive sense of space for its warm signature, it offers only average isolation and exhibits...

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). Additionally, it features a 3-button aluminum inline remote and microphone that is fully optimized for iOS devices. The package also includes a flat-folding design with a high-quality faux leather carrying case for easy travel. The review highlights distinct advantages and minor drawbacks regarding performance and aesthetics. Pros include a gorgeous aesthetic blending sandblasted metal with black leather accents, alongside exceptional wearing comfort. Performance-wise, the headphones deliver a tight, punchy, and distortion-free bass response alongside well-balanced mid-tones and detailed clarity on softer tracks. On the cons side, the treble performance is slightly underwhelming and lacks pronunciation, though it is noted this might improve as the drivers burn in. Ultimately, the reviewer highly recommends the headphones, noting that the excellent build quality and sound...

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 feature is the unique inclusion of two interchangeable metal headband sizes (Small and XL) to accommodate different head shapes. Additionally, they boast an exceptionally flat-folding design, a detachable cable with an integrated storage pocket inside the included carrying case, and high-quality voice performance for phone calls. However, the headphones do come with a few notable drawbacks. The on-ear design creates a tight seal that passively blocks outside noise and prevents sound leakage, but the comfort level is only decent rather than excellent, causing some physical fatigue during extended listening sessions. Their $199.95 price tag also positions them as a fairly expensive option. Furthermore, while the inline remote and microphone work seamlessly with Apple iOS devices for adjusting volume and navigating tracks, this functionality...

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 identifies significant drawbacks, including a noticeable treble roll-off that results in less detailed, less brilliant sound compared to top audiophile models. Furthermore, the rectangular design and flat, on-ear leather pads can cause intense, uncomfortable ear pressure, particularly for users with glasses.

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 Digital Trends Editors' Choice award. Additionally, the ergonomic design, ultra-lightweight frame, and secondary larger-sized steel headband frame included in the box ensure a remarkably comfortable and tailored fit for long listening sessions. Despite the glowing recommendation, the review highlights a few notable drawbacks. The sound profile suffers from a slightly bright midrange response and a lack of acoustic three-dimensional depth, which are noted as inherent limitations of an on-ear design. The headphones also offer very little passive noise isolation from outside surroundings. On the hardware side, while the ultra-lightweight frame provides excellent comfort, it feels slightly fragile to the touch, and the custom smaller-sized connector on the removable headphone cable means users must purchase replacements directly from Harman Kardon if it breaks.