Sound QualityThe Harman Kardon Allure has good overall sound quality. It's monophonic. Bass has good impact and goes fairly deep but is prominent and boomy. Midrange is a bit hazy, somewhat grainy and edgy. Treble is fairly extended and detailed but slightly prominent. Doesn't do a good job of recovering room ambience and is a bit congested. Provides an adequate volume level for a large sized room.
Versatility
Versatility is good. It's a monophonic speaker, which lacks multi-room support and lacks support to stereo pair with another Harman Kardon Allure. Wireless: WiFi supports dual-band and has Bluetooth but lacks speakerphone functionality. Communications: Lacks support for calling, texting and messaging. Digital Assistant Muting: Has a dedicated, touch control to disable the digital assistant by muting its microphones. Audio Connections: Lacks analog audio inputs and outputs. Audio Tailoring: Lacks any user tone controls. OS Support: Android, and iOS. Other connections and features: Lacks USB port. Streaming by voice command: Supports voice command of several common streaming services such as Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, Tune-In, and iHeart Radio. Voice ID: Lacks support to setup voice identity using this speaker, although it can use a voice print stored in a user's Amazon account trained from an Amazon speaker. This feature allows the account holder to access personal information with their "voice print".
Ease of Use
Overall ease of use of the Harman Kardon Allure is very good. WiFi Setup: Requires the download of the HK Alexa setup app, then following in app instructions, which requires to select device, select network, enter network password, login to Amazon account, Bluetooth: Available only after WiFi setup and can be initiated by a voice command or a touch control on the rear of the unit. Console controls: Volume controls are prominent +/- with graphical indicators of volume level which are non-persistent and easily repeatable via verbal commands and easy to actuate. Audio mute: Unlabeled multi-function touch control, no indication when it is engaged. Microphone mute: Well marked, well placed, clear indication when it is engaged. Source selections: App can switch between wireless sources but can't switch to Bluetooth source which requires exiting the app to manually reconnect to paired Bluetooth source or Bluetooth can be connected by a verbal command to previously paired device. App remote(Alexa App): (HK Alexa app lacks volume control) The volume control symbol leads to a volume slider which lacks index markings so not easily repeatable, but easy to actuate. Shown while in menu selection (Graphic EQ Symbol) for currently playing music (If multiple devices in account then the device may require selection). Mute: Well marked, well placed, clear indication when it is engaged. Voice transport controls: Natural language control of transport (Play/Pause/Skip/Mute), volume controls and source selection was easy and intuitive.
