MAS110: Harman Kardon's Sleek Futuristic Hi-Fi System

The MAS110 could be Harman-Kardon’s most affordable home stereo system yet. Available for just under £650, the combination CD player and amplifier offers impressive sound quality and a laundry list of cool design inclusions. With speakers included and a remote-heavy control interface, it seems like the perfect system for a living room or large bedroom.

Unfortunately, it’s not. While Harman Kardon have succeeded on the design front, piecing together one of the most unique and stylish audio systems in recent years, the MAS110 is the epitome of design over true function and value. From the systems annoying lack of built-in controls to the bizarre arrangement of pre- and power-amplification, the MAS110 is a frustrating piece of kit for serious audiophiles.

Let’s start with the good: the system’s enviable design. Styled similarly to other popular minimalist pieces of technology – Apple’s Mac Mini and older NAD stereo equipment spring to mind – the MAS110 is one of the most home-friendly and stylish pieces of technology available. The power amplifier features nothing more than a simple volume dial, while the combination CD player and pre-amp controls playback, device selection, and input channels.

While the finish attracts more fingerprints than a kids painting set, it’s easily cleaned with a cotton cloth. Surface buttons are touch sensitive and will light up when used, while volume is controlled by a smooth and simple knob on the player’s amplifier. USB ports arm the side of the unit, alongside input ports for a record player, digital audio devices, and even an included iPod adapter.

However, the system’s design advantages begin and end with the central console. By sticking to a minimalist approach for the amplifier and control unit, Harman Kardon have pushed almost all of the system’s control options onto the remote. Changing discs, audio sources, and radio stations is only possible by using the built in remote – a major annoyance for home listeners and those who use mix-and-match systems.

Alongside the annoying remote interface is the puzzling decision to place all pre-amp controls within the CD player. While the power amplifier retains a solitary volume control, selecting devices is impossible without adding the MAS110′s CD player/pre-amplifier unit to the system. For most users it’s unlikely to be an annoyance, but audiophile users who favour split components will likely find it difficult to work the MAS110 amplifier into their system.

Harman Kardon have included speakers with the MAS110, securing its place as a cost-effective system yet creating more issues for audiophiles. Audio compression is applied to every source, an addition which sounds good on the standard speakers but will ruin quality for those using external monitor or floor speakers.

Despite its very reasonable price point, it’s hard to justify purchasing the MAS110 for dedicated audio listening or home entertainment. The sound quality is adequate, but the system reeks of design over function – certain features are frustrating to use, and when paired with additional components the system can become a nightmare. Great for casual listening, but little more than a frustrating experience for audiophiles and home entertainment gurus.

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