How to Set Up Your Harman Kardon Citation 500

What's in the Box

The Harman Kardon Citation 500 package includes the Citation 500 speaker, a power cable, and a quick start guide. The Citation 500 is a premium wireless smart speaker with Google Assistant built in and Chromecast capability, wrapped in a Kvadrat fabric cover. It delivers rich, room-filling sound and serves as a hub for voice-controlled smart home management.

Prerequisites

Before beginning setup, make sure you have:

• A WiFi network (2.4GHz or 5GHz; the Citation 500 supports both bands)
• The Google Home app installed on your iOS or Android device
• A Google account (create one for free if you don't have one)
• A power outlet near your desired speaker location
• Your WiFi network name and password handy
• Bluetooth enabled on your phone for initial discovery

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Place the Citation 500 on a stable, flat surface. For optimal sound, position it at ear level and at least a few inches from any wall to allow the bass to breathe.
2. Plug the power cable into the back of the speaker and connect it to a wall outlet. The speaker will power on automatically and a light indicator will begin pulsing, showing it's ready to be set up.
3. Open the Google Home app on your phone. The app should automatically detect the new speaker and display a setup prompt. If it doesn't, tap the + icon, then Set up device, then New device.
4. Select the Citation 500 when it appears in the list of nearby devices. The app will play a confirmation sound through the speaker to verify you're connecting to the right unit.
5. Choose the room where the speaker is located (living room, bedroom, kitchen, etc.). This helps organize your devices for voice commands.
6. Connect the speaker to your WiFi network by selecting your network and entering the password when prompted.
7. Sign in with your Google account to enable Google Assistant. Follow the prompts to configure voice match, preferred music services (Spotify, YouTube Music, etc.), and other personalization options.
8. Once setup is complete, test the speaker by saying "Hey Google, play some music" or asking about the weather.

App Pairing and Chromecast

The Citation 500 has Chromecast built in, which means you can cast audio from any Chromecast-compatible app directly to the speaker. Open apps like Spotify, YouTube Music, Pandora, or TuneIn on your phone and tap the Cast icon to send audio to the Citation 500. You can also create speaker groups in the Google Home app to play the same music across multiple Chromecast-enabled speakers throughout your home. The speaker also supports Bluetooth for direct audio streaming from devices that don't support Chromecast.

Smart Home Integration Tips

• Voice control: With Google Assistant built in, you can control compatible smart home devices with voice commands. Say things like "Hey Google, turn off the living room lights" or "Hey Google, set the thermostat to 72 degrees."
• Speaker groups: In the Google Home app, create a speaker group with other Chromecast-enabled speakers to play synchronized audio in multiple rooms.
• Routines: Set up Google Assistant routines to automate actions. For example, "Hey Google, good morning" can turn on lights, read the weather, and start your favorite playlist all at once.
• Multi-room audio: If you have multiple Citation speakers, the Google Home app lets you manage them as a whole-home audio system with individual volume controls per room.

Quick Troubleshooting

If the Google Home app doesn't detect the speaker, make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone and you're on the same WiFi network. Try restarting the speaker by unplugging it for 10 seconds. If the speaker connected previously but is now offline, check that your WiFi network is working and power cycle the speaker. For persistent issues, you can factory reset the Citation 500 by pressing and holding the reset button (a small pinhole on the back) for about 10 seconds until the light indicator resets.