OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Soundbars Methodology v3.0
Soundbars Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Soundbars Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Soundbars Methodology v3.0

Harman Kardon Citation Multibeam 1100 review: 108 specs compared

Avg. price:~£700N. of audio channels:5.0.2Audio output power:630 WHDMI ARC type:eARC

Harman Kardon Citation Multibeam 1100 Review: Compare 108 technical specifications, 28 expert and video reviews and 3 best-of lists to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

Harman Kardon Citation Multibeam 1100
8.1/10

Overall score

Score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 92% of models
Score components

35%

7.5

Technical score

30%

8.1

List score

25%

8.8

Reviews score

10%

8.1

Sentiment score

★Better than 92% of soundbars
7.7

Value for money

Value for money
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the soundbar's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a soundbar with a good balance between audio quality, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 56% of models
Score components

70%

8.1

Overall score

30%

6.8

Price

▲Better than 56%
7.5

Technical score

Technical score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 87% of models
Score components

25%

6.4

Audio

18%

7.2

Formats

16%

8.0

Connectivity

14%

8.0

Controls

12%

8.7

HDMI

10%

9.0

Streaming

5%

4.6

Design

▲Better than 87%
8.8

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.8/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.6 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 97% of models

80%

8.7

Average grade

20%

9.1

Popularity

Grades by review (28)
26 reviews + 2 videos, average 8.8/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
★Better than 97%
8.1

List score

List score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (3)
List score: in 3 of 100 lists (3%)
▲Better than 84%
  • harman-kardon-citation-multibeam-1100
harman-kardon-citation-multibeam-1100
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Harman Kardon Citation Multibeam 1100

Based on 23 · 2

Dialogue is crystal clear and the design and auto calibration impress, but reviewers find the controls and display frustrating.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of soundbar Harman Kardon Citation Multibeam 1100

Technical score
Technical score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 87% of models
Score components:

25%

6.4

Audio

18%

7.2

Formats

16%

8.0

Connectivity

14%

8.0

Controls

12%

8.7

HDMI

10%

9.0

Streaming

5%

4.6

Design

7.5
Reviews score
8.8
List score
8.1
Value for money
Value for money
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the soundbar's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a soundbar with a good balance between audio quality, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 56% of models
Score components:

70%

8.1

Overall score

30%

6.8

Price

7.7
N. of audio channels
5.2
This soundbar offers 5.2 audio channels, more than 92.9% of soundbars and equal to 0.7% of soundbars.
Audio output power
630 W
Market range: <10 W – >260 W
This soundbar delivers 630 W of audio output power, more than 98.9% of soundbars.
Max SPL
?
Min frequency
52 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This soundbar reaches a minimum frequency of 52 Hz, higher than 56.3% of soundbars.
Max frequency
20,000 Hz
Market range: <19k Hz – >20k Hz
This soundbar reaches a maximum frequency of 20,000 Hz, higher than 17.5% of soundbars and equal to 76.8% of soundbars.
Show more
What reviewers say
Dolby Atmos
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos. 70% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS:X
no
This soundbar does not support DTS:X. 16.7% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby TrueHD
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD. 83.9% of soundbars include this feature.
Lossless playback requires HDMI eARC.
DTS-HD Master Audio
no
This soundbar does not support DTS-HD Master Audio. 7.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby Digital Plus
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus. 75% of soundbars include this feature.
Show more
What reviewers say
N. of HDMI inputs
1
Market range: <0 – >5
This soundbar has 1 HDMI inputs, more than 58.8% of soundbars and equal to 37.4% of soundbars.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 71.5% of soundbars include this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5
This soundbar has Wi-Fi 5, which is more advanced than 85.2% of soundbars and equal to 12.8% of soundbars.
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Bluetooth connectivity. 4.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Bluetooth version
5
This soundbar uses Bluetooth 5, which is more up to date than 38.7% of soundbars and equal to 47.9% of soundbars.
Show more
Smartphone app
no
This soundbar does not have smartphone app. 42.6% of soundbars offer this feature.
Remote control
yes
This soundbar has remote control. 17.5% of soundbars offer this feature.
Control panel
yes
This soundbar has control panel. 5.5% of soundbars offer this feature.
Voice assistant compatibility
yes
This soundbar supports voice assistant compatibility. 63.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Far-field microphones
no
This soundbar does not have far-field microphones. 7.1% of soundbars offer this feature.
Show more
What reviewers say
HDMI version
eARC
This soundbar has HDMI eARC, which is more capable than 71.6% of soundbars and equal to 16.3% of soundbars.
HDMI ARC type
eARC
This soundbar has eARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, which is more advanced than what 71.5% of soundbars and the same as what 28.5% offers.
HDMI-CEC support
yes
This soundbar supports HDMI-CEC. 29.2% support HDMI-CEC.
HDMI pass-through resolution
4K
This soundbar passes through 4K, which is higher resolution than 74.5% of soundbars and equal to 23.8% of soundbars.
HDMI pass-through frame rate
60 fps
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to 60 fps, higher than 79% of soundbars and equal to 16.2% of soundbars.
120Hz only without HDR; 60Hz with HDR.
Show more
What reviewers say
AirPlay
yes
This soundbar supports AirPlay. 80.4% of soundbars include this feature.
Chromecast built-in
yes
This soundbar supports Chromecast built-in. 88.9% of soundbars include this feature.
Spotify Connect
yes
This soundbar supports Spotify Connect. 79.5% of soundbars include this feature.
TIDAL Connect
yes
This soundbar supports TIDAL Connect. 91.1% of soundbars include this feature.
Amazon Music native support
yes
This soundbar supports native Amazon Music. 87.4% support native Amazon Music.
Available via Alexa multi-room music.
Show more
Width
1,150 mm
Market range: <350 mm – >1.1k mm
This soundbar is 1,150 mm wide, wider than 94.2% of soundbars.
Height
65 mm
Market range: <50 mm – >100 mm
This soundbar is 65 mm high, shorter than 54.8% of soundbars and equal to 4.3% of soundbars.
Thickness
130 mm
Market range: <60 mm – >135 mm
This soundbar is 130 mm thick, thicker than 89.9% of soundbars.
Weight
4,600 g
Market range: <500 g – >5.5k g
This soundbar weighs 4,600 g, more than 87.8% of soundbars.
Build material
plastic
This soundbar is built from plastic, which is more premium than 3% of soundbars and equal to 92.6% of soundbars.
Show more
What reviewers say

Harman Kardon Citation Multibeam 1100 vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMIStreamingControlsDesign
  • 1 more HDMI inputs
    This soundbar has more HDMI inputs than the average soundbar (1 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs.
    1 vs 0
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, the average soundbar does not.
  • More audio channels
    This soundbar has more audio channels than the average soundbar (5.2 vs 2.1). The average soundbar has 2.1 audio channels.
    5.0.2 vs 2.1
  • Supports Dolby TrueHD
    This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD, the average soundbar does not.
    Lossless playback requires HDMI eARC.
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
    This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity, the average soundbar does not.
  • 7 more drivers
    This soundbar has more drivers than the average soundbar (11 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    11 vs 4
  • Built-in Chromecast
    This soundbar supports Chromecast built-in, the average soundbar does not.
  • Automatic room calibration
    This soundbar supports automatic room calibration, the average soundbar does not.
  • 23.9% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.8/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.6 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ★ Better than 97% of models

    80%

    8.7

    Average grade

    20%

    9.1

    Popularity

    Grades by review (28)
    26 reviews + 2 videos, average 8.8/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.8 vs 7.1
  • 11.0% higher list score
    List score
    8.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
    How we count it
    Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
    Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
    Lists with this model (3)
    List score: in 3 of 100 lists (3%)
    8.1 vs 7.3
  • More audio channels
    This soundbar has more audio channels than the average soundbar (5.2 vs 2.1). The average soundbar has 2.1 audio channels.
    5.0.2 vs 2.1
  • 7 more drivers
    This soundbar has more drivers than the average soundbar (11 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    11 vs 4
  • Supports upfiring speakers
    This soundbar supports upfiring speakers, the average soundbar does not.
  • 9x more audio output power
    This soundbar has a higher audio output power than the average soundbar (630 W vs 70 W). The average soundbar delivers 70 W of audio output power.
    630 W vs 70 W
  • Supports wireless rear speakers
    This soundbar is compatible with wireless rear speakers, the average soundbar is not.
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Dolby TrueHD
    This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD, the average soundbar does not.
    Lossless playback requires HDMI eARC.
  • Supports Dolby Digital Plus
    This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus, the average soundbar does not.
  • More music formats supported
    This soundbar supports more music formats than the average soundbar (HE-AAC, AAC, FLAC, MP3, Opus, WAV vs MP3).
    HE-AAC, AAC, FLAC, MP3, Opus, WAV vs MP3
  • 1 more supported Bluetooth codecs
    This soundbar supports more Bluetooth codecs than the average soundbar (2 vs 1). The average soundbar supports 1 Bluetooth codecs.
    sbc, aac
    2 vs 1
  • 4 more supported audio formats
    This soundbar supports more audio formats than the average soundbar (6 vs 2). The average soundbar supports 2 audio formats.
    6 vs 2
  • 1 more HDMI inputs
    This soundbar has more HDMI inputs than the average soundbar (1 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs.
    1 vs 0
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
    This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity, the average soundbar does not.
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    This soundbar has more RJ45 ports than the average soundbar (1 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 RJ45 ports.
    1 vs 0
  • Supports HDR pass-through
    This soundbar supports hDR pass-through support, the average soundbar does not.
    HDR10+, HDR10, and Dolby Vision pass-through.
  • Higher video pass-through
    This soundbar passes through higher-resolution video than the average soundbar (4K vs none).
    4K vs none
  • Supports VRR
    This soundbar supports variable Refresh Rate (VRR), the average soundbar does not.
  • Higher HDMI pass-through frame rate
    This soundbar has a higher HDMI pass-through frame rate than the average soundbar (60 fps vs none fps). The average soundbar supports an HDMI pass-through frame rate of none fps.
    120Hz only without HDR; 60Hz with HDR.
    60 fps vs none fps
  • Newer HDCP support
    This soundbar has a more recent HDCP version than the average soundbar (2.3 vs none).
    2.3 vs none
  • Built-in Chromecast
    This soundbar supports Chromecast built-in, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports AirPlay
    This soundbar supports AirPlay, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Spotify Connect
    This soundbar supports Spotify Connect, the average soundbar does not.
  • Multiroom ecosystem support
    This soundbar supports multiroom ecosystem support, the average soundbar does not.
    AirPlay 2 multi-room support. Chromecast built-in multi-room support. Alexa Multi-Room Music support.
  • Supports TIDAL Connect
    This soundbar supports tIDAL Connect, the average soundbar does not.
  • Native Amazon Music support
    This soundbar supports native Amazon Music, the average soundbar does not.
    Available via Alexa multi-room music.
  • Automatic room calibration
    This soundbar supports automatic room calibration, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports voice assistants
    This soundbar supports voice assistant compatibility, the average soundbar does not.
  • Manual audio delay adjustment
    This soundbar supports manual audio delay adjustment, the average soundbar does not.
  • More firmware update options
    This soundbar offers more firmware update options than the average soundbar (over-the-air, app-based vs USB).
    over-the-air, app-based vs USB
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    No (for service only)
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • No bass boost
    This soundbar does not support bass boost, the average soundbar does.
  • 387 mm wider width
    This soundbar is wider than the average soundbar (1,150 mm vs 763 mm). The average soundbar is 763 mm wide.
    1,150 mm vs 763 mm
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
    no (USB Type-A port is for service/updates only, not playback)
  • 2,600 g heavier weight
    This soundbar is heavier than the average soundbar (4,600 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    4,600 g vs 2,000 g
  • 44 mm thicker design
    This soundbar is thicker than the average soundbar (130 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    130 mm vs 86 mm
  • 6.36x more expensive
    Harman Kardon Citation Multibeam 1100 is more expensive than the average soundbar (£700 vs £110).
    £700 vs £110
  • 6.36x more expensive
    Harman Kardon Citation Multibeam 1100 is more expensive than the average soundbar (£700 vs £110).
    £700 vs £110
  • No bass boost
    This soundbar does not support bass boost, the average soundbar does.
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    No (for service only)
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
    no (USB Type-A port is for service/updates only, not playback)
  • Less premium display type
    This soundbar has a less premium display type than the average soundbar (LCD vs LED).
    Touch-sensitive LCD panel.
    LCD vs LED
  • 387 mm wider width
    This soundbar is wider than the average soundbar (1,150 mm vs 763 mm). The average soundbar is 763 mm wide.
    1,150 mm vs 763 mm
  • 2,600 g heavier weight
    This soundbar is heavier than the average soundbar (4,600 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    4,600 g vs 2,000 g
  • 44 mm thicker design
    This soundbar is thicker than the average soundbar (130 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    130 mm vs 86 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Nerdbench
≈ estimated
05/08/2023
Hands-on review · movie sound, display and setup
Verdict
Harman Kardon Citation Multibeam 1100 delivers phenomenal performance and is a clear upgrade for most, despite a few small drawbacks.
8.0
TotallydubbedHD
≈ estimated
27/11/2022
Independent review · sound tests and Dolby Atmos demo
Verdict
Harman Kardon Citation Multibeam 1100 has phenomenal sound in a limited space, but rival soundbars are more compelling overall.
Shop video
Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
whathifi.com
✓ explicit
04/11/2022
Listening room test · Dolby Atmos
Verdict
The Harman Kardon Citation Multibeam 1100 sounds spacious and authentic with films and music, but no app and a top-mounted display make it awkward to control.
10
t3.com
✓ explicit
17/09/2022
Hands-on test · Movies and music
Verdict
The Harman Kardon Citation Multibeam 1100 sounds excellent with films and music from one bar, but needs optional rear speakers for a surround effect.
9.0
musictech.com
✓ explicit
29/07/2022
Listening test · Dolby Atmos bar
Verdict
The Harman Kardon Citation Multibeam 1100 suits buyers who want clear dialogue and strong bass from one bar and may add speakers later, though it has no app.
9.0
musictech.com
✓ explicit
29/07/2022
Listening test · Dolby Atmos bar
Verdict
The Harman Kardon Citation Multibeam 1100 suits buyers who want clear dialogue and strong bass from one bar and may add speakers later, though it has no app.
9.0
avforums.com
✓ explicit
31/08/2022
Hands-on test · Dolby Atmos bar
Verdict
The Harman Kardon Citation Multibeam 1100 gives powerful movie sound and excellent music performance from a compact bar, but has no app.
8.0
lbtechreviews.com
≈ estimated
26/09/2022
Listening test · Movies and music
Verdict
The Harman Kardon Citation Multibeam 1100 sounds thin in bass alone, but with the Citation Sub and rear speakers it fills the room with tight, powerful sound.
9.0
pocket-lint.com
✓ explicit
22/04/2023
Hands-on review · Single soundbar
Verdict
The Harman Kardon Citation Multibeam 1100 is a stylish bar with punchy, clear film and music performance, but has no DTS:X or control app.
10
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
13/02/2023
Expert review · Single soundbar
Verdict
The Harman Kardon Citation Multibeam 1100 is a stylish, detailed soundbar that surprises with musical performance, but lacks DTS:X and a control app.
7.0
lbtechreviews.com
≈ estimated
03/10/2022
Hands-on review · Soundbar system
Verdict
Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 1100 sounds clean on its own but thin on bass, and only becomes convincing once the Citation Sub and rear speakers join it.
9.0
latestintech.com
≈ estimated
19/08/2022
Design walkthrough · Soundbar system
Verdict
Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 1100 suits buyers who want a tidy, wireless surround system that grows from a soundbar by adding the Sub S and Surround speakers.
9.0
7review.com
✓ explicit
16/10/2022
Hands-on test · Single soundbar
Verdict
Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 1100 gives a big, detailed sound from a single bar that suits films and music, though it lacks DTS:X and true surround.
9.0
pocket-lint.com
✓ explicit
03/11/2022
Hands-on review · Single soundbar
Verdict
Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 1100 is a stylish, powerful soundbar with clear dialogue and punchy effects, but its top-mounted touch display and missing phone app make everyday control harder.
9.0
heise.de
✓ explicit
15/01/2025
Full review · Dolby Atmos soundbar
Verdict
The Harman Kardon Citation Multibeam 1100 is a clear-sounding soundbar with a wide soundstage and good dialogue, best for films and series rather than music.
9.0
winfuture.de
≈ estimated
26/09/2023
Test · Atmos soundbar
Verdict
The Harman Kardon Citation Multibeam 1100 delivers punchy, full sound without a subwoofer, though deeper bass means buying an extra Citation Sub.
7.6
audiovision.de
✓ explicit
18/06/2023
Test · Atmos living room soundbar
Verdict
The Harman Kardon Citation Multibeam 1100 is a stylish living-room Atmos soundbar with big movie sound, but music sounds less airy and bass lacks depth.
9.0
likehifi.de
✓ explicit
17/02/2023
Test · Dolby Atmos soundbar
Verdict
The Harman Kardon Citation Multibeam 1100 is a powerful movie soundbar with lots of bass without a subwoofer, but stereo mode sounds narrow and dialogue fades at high volume.
9.4
chip.de
✓ explicit
20/12/2022
Lab test · Atmos soundbar
Verdict
The Harman Kardon Citation Multibeam 1100 gives full, spacious sound without any extra speakers, but it has few analog ports and no wired subwoofer input.
8.2
connect-living.de
✓ explicit
15/06/2022
Measured test · Single-unit soundbar
Verdict
The Harman Kardon Citation Multibeam 1100 fills a living room with loud, well-placed Atmos sound and can run as a full home cinema alone, though treble rolls off early.
10
global.t3.com
✓ explicit
07/04/2025
Hands-on test · One-bar Atmos
Verdict
Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 1100 sounds excellent with both music and films, and its Atmos from wall reflections is convincing, but it lacks DTS:X and a control app.
9.0
fwd.nl
✓ explicit
08/10/2022
Hands-on test · Atmos soundbar
Verdict
The Harman Kardon Citation Multibeam 1100 suits film and game fans who want a stylish Atmos soundbar, though it has no app and no microphone.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Harman Kardon Citation Multibeam 1100

  • Excellent all-round sound quality with impressive power, detail, and dynamic range for a single-bar solution.
  • Exceptional musicality for a soundbar, offering a balanced and high-fidelity experience that rivals traditional hi-fi systems.
  • Clear and authentic dialogue reproduction, enhanced by proprietary 'Pure Voice' technology.
  • Spacious and authentic Dolby Atmos performance with effective vertical elevation.
  • Elegant and premium design featuring high-quality Kvadrat wool fabric.
  • User-friendly features including a responsive LCD touchscreen on top and integrated room calibration.
  • Versatile connectivity with support for HDMI eARC, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Alexa Multi-Room Music.
  • Solid bass response from a single unit, which can be further enhanced by adding optional Citation subwoofers.

What customers don't like about Harman Kardon Citation Multibeam 1100

  • Lack of a dedicated proprietary control app for smartphones, making some settings harder to access.
  • No native support for the DTS:X surround sound format.
  • The 'Smart Surround' upmixing feature can sometimes sound artificial or muddy, especially with standard stereo content.
  • Limited manual sound adjustments; for example, the bass and treble controls often only have a few steps.
  • Optional rear speakers can be difficult to source and some users report they don't integrate perfectly with all content.
  • The top-mounted LCD screen is out of sight when seated on a sofa, making visual feedback difficult from a distance.
  • The included remote control has very small buttons and labels that can be hard to read in dark rooms.
  • Some users reported occasional overheating issues on the left side of the unit.

Verdict

The Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 1100 is a premium 5.0.2-channel all-in-one soundbar featuring 11 drivers—including two up-firing units for Dolby Atmos—and a total output power of 630W. It delivers an immersive 3D surround sound experience using proprietary MultiBeam technology and Harman PureVoice for crystal-clear dialogue, all housed in a sophisticated Kvadrat fabric-covered design with a high-resolution LCD touch display. Main pros include its impressive standalone bass response (frequency range 52Hz–20kHz), seamless wireless streaming via AirPlay, Alexa MRM, and Chromecast, and an effective built-in auto-calibration system that optimizes audio for any room. However, notable cons include the awkward top-mounted placement of the touch display which is invisible when seated, the lack of a dedicated mobile control app, and a remote control with small, difficult-to-read labels.

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