Harman Kardon Soundsticks not sounding with new iMac

Question

Level 1

17 points

Harman Kardon Soundsticks not sounding with new iMac

I have the original Harman Kardon Soundsticks, which have worked beautifully since the early 2000s, till this new iMac - they're not showing up as an output source in Sound Preference. I've contacted both Applecare Support - no idea - and Harman Kardon - Apple isn't supplying the drivers anymore. The thing is, they played just fine with the older iMac just replaced, which was running MacOS 10.7.2. Drivers are software, right? Were they just dropped from the OS with this last update, or is there a hardware issue? The older iMac was a 24", Intel, that I bought in April, 2007.

Anyway, this is very disappointing since the Soundsticks have excellent sound and still work.

Is there a way to get the drivers, or is there also a hardware component?

Thanks!

iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.3), 2.7 GHZ Intel Core i5

Posted on Feb 11, 2012 9:25 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Feb 11, 2012 10:36 AM in response to Susan Oates

I have this trouble sometimes but with mine I touch the + sign at the base of the speaker and it starts up OK. Not sure if it is a Mac issue or Soundstick probelm. Make sure the sound is turn on and it is not in mute and try it.

Reply

Answer 2

Susan Oates Author

Level 1

17 points

Feb 11, 2012 11:26 AM in response to Helpstonharv

I think you have a newer version of the Soundsticks. Mine connect with a USB (1) plug and don't appear at all as an Output choice in the Sound Preference under System Preferences, which they have in the past so that I could choose them.

Reply

Answer 3

Jun 8, 2012 6:41 PM in response to Susan Oates

I'm now experiencing this issue too, on a mini running 10.7.4; disconnecting and reconnecting USB and/or power cord does not provide a remedy, neither does resetting PRAM. The blue power light is on in the sub-woofer. I've had these speakers forever, and they still sound great; any other suggestions?

Reply

Answer 4

Susan Oates Author

Level 1

17 points

Jun 8, 2012 9:18 PM in response to dennisdster

Ok, here's what happened in the end. As I was dismantling the Soundsticks system from my computer and desk area, I discovered that the plug going into the Harmon Kardon power block from the electrical plug was loose. Aha !!!! I realized - loose plug! Let's try again. And, I did, after ensuring that all other plugs were also snug in their sockets. And, yes, the Soundsticks have been doing just fine ever since : )

Ok, re. plugs. There's a cord that runs from the subwoofer to the power block, and it's solid. Then on the other end of the block is a cable that plugs into the block on one end and the wall on the other. It was the plug into the block that was lose, and I didn't realize it ' cause it was under the desk, nor did I recall that it could separate from the block.

I was so thankful that the solution ended up being so simple! . . . and so glad to be able to continue to use that sound system.

Reply

Answer 5

Jun 8, 2012 10:17 PM in response to Susan Oates

That connection is nice and tight on mine.

Any other ideas?

Reply

Answer 6

Susan Oates Author

Level 1

17 points

Jun 9, 2012 7:38 PM in response to dennisdster

Can't think of anything else to try except for this - plug the Soundstick system into something else to verify that the problem is not with the Soundsticks.

Good luck!

Reply