Review: Harman Kardon Enchant 1100

With 11 speaker units behind the front grille, including two top speakers for Atmos and DTS:X effects, the Enchant 1100 promises surround sound without the need for additional speakers. But its real strength lies in its modular concept – you can start with the soundbar and add subwoofers and wireless rear speakers as and when your budget allows.

Well thought-out design

Viewed from the front, the Enchant 1100 is discreetly elegant with its matte black finish and perforated metal grille. The wide front grille conceals the eleven units working behind the scenes: six oval woofers, three tweeters and two Atmos drivers at the top.

With a length of 87 cm, the soundbar fits perfectly with TVs from 40 inches and up. On the back, you will find three HDMI inputs and an HDMI eARC output for connecting to your TV.

Seamless setup

Setup is quick and easy via the Google Home app, which helps you with the Wi-Fi connection. Once that’s done, you have access to music via AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect and Bluetooth 5.3. You can also connect via the Harman Kardon ONE app.

The system features MultiBeam calibration, which analyses the room’s acoustics at the touch of a button and adjusts the sound accordingly. With the separate but well-integrated app, you can also fine-tune via a 7-band equaliser.

The sound of Harman Kardon Enchant 1100

The first thing that strikes us is the precise voice reproduction. The dialogue is crystal clear with an almost physical presence. There is a separate dialogue enhancement if needed, but for most people it will be more than clear enough.

MultiBeam technology creates a surprisingly wide and deep soundscape. The Netflix documentary Our Universe, narrated by Morgan Freeman, has a very immersive and impressive soundscape. Even without dedicated rear speakers, we feel surrounded, an impression that is cemented when the Enchant Speaker is set up as rear speakers. The experience is taken to a new level with sound from all sides and a seamless transition from front to rear. The height effects also get more air and space.

The speakers are designed as a pair of true wireless speakers and not necessarily just as rear speakers, and they also increase the price of the soundbar by over 50 percent. And then there’s the subwoofer on top of that.

The soundbar stands well on its own, but it is only when the Enchant Sub is connected that the sound image gets a solid foundation. The sub integrates seamlessly with the soundbar and impresses us with its fullness and punch. It is not quite as tight and refined as Samsung’s, but it has more energy even at lower frequencies.

Versatile for music

Stereo music is reproduced with a balanced sound character and rich midrange. The Enchant 1100 does justice to both classical and modern music with a wide stereo image and clear separation of instruments.

On Lorde’s Royals, the vocals are warm and naturally placed, while the deep drum rhythms create ripples throughout the room. Even at higher volumes, the system maintains control with a clean, uncoloured sound character that works particularly well on acoustic material.

Please note that there is a slightly exaggerated focus in the lower treble range between 2-4 kHz, so it may be a good idea to adjust this down slightly to achieve a warmer sound.

Conclusion

The Harman Kardon Enchant 1100 is a high-quality soundbar that impresses with balanced sound, precise voice reproduction and a good sense of space. Its modular approach makes it a future-proof investment that can grow with your needs.

The price is high, but the sound quality justifies the investment for those who value both films and music. It is quite simply an elegant powerhouse that delivers what it promises.

For those who want to build their system gradually, it is a great advantage that the soundbar works excellently on its own. You can then add a subwoofer and rear speakers when your budget allows.