I first purchased a set of these around November 2010. The design and sound quality are impressive. Similar to other reviews, the level of volume these can reach for such a small size, whilst holding clarity, truly is a pleasant surprise.
Unfortunately, around January 2011, I noticed that one of the towers was playing predominantly louder than the other. Having checked all the cables, plugs and eq settings on my mp3 player, I contacted Amazon and exchanged the damaged units for a new set.
It is now 1/10/11 and I have came across the exact same problem. Having carried a quick search on Google and Harman Kardon's website, it would appear this is not an uncommon fault. Frustratingly, I will now have to claim the manufacturer's warranty (1 year valid) and have to travel a round trip of about 70 miles to the only distribution centre in Scotland to have them 'repaired' or at best 'replaced'.
The true problem (other than the speakers lasting 7 months at best) is that the fault appears to be due to a power issue, yet these speakers come supplied with a Sub and Amp which only require you plug in and turn on. Therefore removing any error with power wattages that may result from the user. The fault lying solely on the manufacturer, who seem to be doing nothing actively to remedy the issue.
By no means have I pushed these speakers to their limit. At best, I would say that they have reached 3/4 of their volume potential about 2 times max, so it becomes even more frustrating that the donkey work has to be carried out by me, the customer.
For the cost, the known fault and the lack of customer service, I would advise any potential buyer to leave these on the shelf. Whilst they do sound great - I am now in a position of deciding to fork out more money to purchase a completely different set and forget about the soundsticks, or carry out all the legwork for the warranty, in hope that the same problem wont just happen again a few months down the line. That, to me, doesn't sound good at all.
****** UPDATE - 29/11/11 *******
Many thanks for your comments.
As an update - I did eventually locate a warranty agent down in England -
The elected repairer nominated on Harman Kardon's own webpage (In Scotland) advised that they no longer dealt with Harman Kardon and any assistance would only be a good will gesture from the shop themselves - which would not apply to me as I did not purchase the speakers from them shop in Scotland.
At my own cost I sent the speakers to the agent in England, to find upon return they replaced the faulty satellite only. I say this of course however no paperwork was received back with them to advise of any work which was undertaken. Less than 2 full months later, the exact same fault has just occurred.