The Harman Kardon Omni
system looks somewhat limited in having only three family members — ‘+’ versions including a Bar and portable ‘50’ were announced in January, probably available Q3 2016, we’re told. Interestingly the tech behind the Omnis is Blackfire, whose FireConnect is a rising multiroom technology recently adopted by Pioneer and Onkyo — though importantly it is not certain that different FireConnect-equipped brands will talk to each other (Onkyo says not).
Even without that bonus, our time with the HK system was all pleasure, no irritation — this is not the case with many wireless products! The app is attractive and operationally effective, though must drop points for its shortage of included services, leaving Bluetooth to cover the rest. And further hi-fi points are deducted for the lack of network playback and for leaving digital output off the Adapt.
But the Omni 10 is a doozie of a small speaker given suitable rear-wall support, apps can improve (as we gather the HC Controller app already has from its early days), so we will be happy tracking the ongoing growth and evolution of this easy-to-use and musical multiroom offering.