Overview

The Harman Kardon Enchant 1100 is a 5.1.2-channel all-in-one soundbar with eleven drivers: six 55×90 mm racetracks, three 1-inch tweeters, and two 2.75-inch up-firing units. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and adds Harman’s MultiBeam room calibration. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6 with AirPlay/Chromecast/Spotify Connect, Bluetooth 5.3, one HDMI input, one HDMI eARC output, plus optical input and Dolby Vision/HDR10 passthrough[1].

Scientific Validity

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Independent lab measurements (full FR/THD+N/crosstalk) are still scarce. Manufacturer specifications list 315 W total output (RMS @ THD 1%), 52 Hz–20 kHz (-6 dB) frequency response, driver topology, and wireless/IO details[1]. Subjective reports note a slight emphasis in the lower-treble (≈2–4 kHz)[2]. Until robust third-party data emerges, the score remains provisional based on catalog specs.

Technology Level

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Up-firing height channels for genuine 5.1.2 playback, MultiBeam calibration, Wi-Fi 6/Bluetooth 5.3, AirPlay/Chromecast/Spotify Connect, HDMI in + HDMI eARC out, and Dolby Vision passthrough represent a solid, current-gen feature set[1]. It’s competent rather than paradigm-shifting.

Cost-Performance

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The cheapest equivalent-or-better current competitor is Sony’s HT-A5000 (5.1.2ch with Dolby Atmos/DTS:X and an HDMI input). MSRP is 999.99 USD[6][9], matching Enchant 1100’s 999.95 USD street/MSRP[1][9]. Given equivalent user-facing functions and comparable measured performance class per third-party reviews[5][6], the CP score reaches the ceiling.

Equivalence note (key points): Atmos/DTS:X support, HDMI input + eARC, room optimization (Sound Field Optimization vs. MultiBeam), and peer-class performance in independent tests of the comparator[5][6].

Reliability & Support

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Harman provides standard warranty and firmware updates (calibration/streaming). As a relatively new line, long-term reliability metrics and service network data remain limited; assessment is provisional.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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The design invests in user-visible, testable benefits: calibration, modern wireless, broad codec support, and practical HDMI I/O (1× in, 1× eARC) rather than marketing gimmicks[1]. That emphasis aligns with measurement-first priorities.

Advice

If you want a single-bar Atmos/DTS:X experience without external subs/rears, Enchant 1100 is a sensible pick. In a Sonos-centric setup, Arc Ultra offers superior ecosystem integration but lacks DTS:X and an HDMI input; Enchant retains advantages there[1][3][4]. If you prioritize even greater expansion and output, consider Sony’s higher-tier HT-A7000 series[8].

References

[1] Harman Kardon. “Enchant 1100 — Official Product Page / Spec Sheet.” https://my.harmankardon.com/ENCHANT-1100.html
[2] LB Tech Reviews. “Harman Kardon Enchant 1100 Review.” https://www.lbtechreviews.com/test/speakers/harman-kardon-enchant-1100
[3] Sonos. “Arc Ultra — Product Page.” https://www.sonos.com/en-us/shop/arc-ultra
[4] Sonos. “Introducing Arc Ultra — Blog/Overview.” https://www.sonos.com/en-us/blog/introducing-arc-ultra
[5] RTINGS. “Sony HT-A5000 Review.” https://www.rtings.com/soundbar/reviews/sony/ht-a5000
[6] Sound & Vision. “Sony HT-A5000 Soundbar Review (MSRP 1000 USD).” https://www.soundandvision.com/content/sony-ht-a5000-soundbar-review
[7] Harman Kardon Japan Store. “Enchant 1100 Price (129,800円).” https://jp.harmankardon.com/ENCHANT-1100.html
[8] Sony Japan. “HT-A7000 Price Info.” https://kunkoku.jp/sonystorepricedown-166.html
[9] Audio Advice (Authorized Dealer). “Enchant 1100 — 999.95 USD.” https://www.audioadvice.com/products/harman-kardon-enchant-1100-soundbar

(2025.8.15)