Quick summary
- In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between the Harman Kardon Citation One MKII and the Google Nest Audio, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.
- However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option with a strong focus on Google Assistant integration, the Nest Audio is a great value.
- While the Google Nest Audio offers a solid performance at a more affordable price, it falls short in terms of overall sound quality and design.
In the realm of smart speakers, two formidable contenders reign supreme: the Harman Kardon Citation One MKII and the Google Nest Audio. Both devices offer exceptional sound quality, sleek designs, and a host of features that enhance the user experience. But which one emerges as the superior choice? In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between the Harman Kardon Citation One MKII and the Google Nest Audio, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.
Sound Quality
Harman Kardon Citation One MKII: Boasting a powerful 40mm woofer and a 20mm tweeter, the Citation One MKII delivers a rich, well-balanced sound with impressive bass response. Its wide soundstage and clear vocals create an immersive listening experience, perfect for both music and podcasts.
Google Nest Audio: With a 75mm woofer and a 19mm tweeter, the Nest Audio also offers a solid sound performance. It excels in delivering crisp highs and a warm midrange, making it ideal for casual listening and background music. However, its bass response is slightly weaker than the Citation One MKII.
Design and Build Quality
Harman Kardon Citation One MKII: The Citation One MKII exudes elegance with its premium wool blend fabric exterior, available in a range of colors. Its compact size and sleek profile make it a stylish addition to any room. The build quality is impeccable, ensuring durability and longevity.
Google Nest Audio: The Nest Audio features a minimalist design with a soft-touch plastic shell. While it’s less visually striking than the Citation One MKII, it’s still a well-made device. The fabric grille adds a touch of texture and helps to disperse sound evenly.
Features
Harman Kardon Citation One MKII: The Citation One MKII comes equipped with a host of features, including Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, and Chromecast built-in. It supports multi-room audio and can be controlled via the Harman Kardon app or voice assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant.
Google Nest Audio: The Nest Audio offers similar features to the Citation One MKII, including Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, and Chromecast. However, it lacks multi-room audio support and can only be controlled by Google Assistant.
Voice Assistant Integration
Harman Kardon Citation One MKII: The Citation One MKII supports both Alexa and Google Assistant, providing users with the flexibility to choose their preferred voice assistant. This allows for seamless voice control over music playback, smart home devices, and other tasks.
Google Nest Audio: As a Google product, the Nest Audio is naturally optimized for Google Assistant. It offers a wide range of voice commands, including music control, weather updates, and smart home automation.
App Experience
Harman Kardon Citation One MKII: The Harman Kardon app provides a user-friendly interface for controlling the Citation One MKII. It allows users to adjust EQ settings, manage multi-room audio, and access music services.
Google Nest Audio: The Google Home app offers a comprehensive experience for controlling the Nest Audio. It provides access to a wide range of settings, including volume adjustment, EQ customization, and device management.
Price
Harman Kardon Citation One MKII: The Harman Kardon Citation One MKII is priced at around $199.
Google Nest Audio: The Google Nest Audio is priced at around $99.
Which Speaker is Right for You?
The Harman Kardon Citation One MKII and the Google Nest Audio are both excellent smart speakers with their own unique strengths. If you prioritize sound quality, premium design, and a wide range of features, the Citation One MKII is the superior choice. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option with a strong focus on Google Assistant integration, the Nest Audio is a great value.
Verdict
In the battle of the titans, the Harman Kardon Citation One MKII emerges as the victor. Its superior sound quality, elegant design, and comprehensive feature set make it the ideal choice for discerning audio enthusiasts. While the Google Nest Audio offers a solid performance at a more affordable price, it falls short in terms of overall sound quality and design. Ultimately, the best speaker for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which speaker has better bass response?
A: The Harman Kardon Citation One MKII has a more powerful bass response than the Google Nest Audio.
Q: Can I use both speakers as a stereo pair?
A: No, neither the Citation One MKII nor the Nest Audio supports stereo pairing.
Q: Which speaker supports multi-room audio?
A: The Harman Kardon Citation One MKII supports multi-room audio, while the Google Nest Audio does not.
Q: Can I control both speakers with the same voice assistant?
A: Yes, the Citation One MKII supports both Alexa and Google Assistant, while the Nest Audio only supports Google Assistant.
Q: Which speaker has a more premium design?
A: The Harman Kardon Citation One MKII has a more premium design with its wool blend fabric exterior.