[CES 2014] Sony has announced a new lineup of wireless audio products, including the first wireless speaker to support high-resolution audio. Products in this new lineup include the SRS-X9 high resolution wireless speaker system, SRS-X7 and SRS-X5 wireless speakres adn the CMD-X5CD wireless all-in-one audio system. The company says that each of these products combine rich and powerful sound with a variety of connectivity options in a “Definitive Outline” design. They have been developed in collaboration with Sony Music. They can easily connected to a Bluetooth enabled device, which includes smartphones and tablets. Those who have NFC enabled mobile devices simply need to tap them with the speakers. Select models also feature wireless music streaming through integrated Wi-Fi, which also offers direct access to online radio services like Spotify and TuneIn Radio as well as DLNA and Apple AirPlay. All speakers have built-in USB charging ports and an auxiliary output.
The SRS-X9 high resolution wireless speaker system is said to be the first device in the industry to support HD audio. It incorporates Sony’s Digital Sound Enhancement Engine which upscales sound source to near HD quality, it also refines and restores the audio signal. Offering 154W out, dual passive radiators, bi-amped subwoofer, the SRS-X9 2.1 channel system delivers full-range audio with precise bass response.
Sony SRS-X7 wireless speaker is more compact than the SRS-X9 but also offers the same Wi-Fi and Bluetooth features in a premium 2.1 channel package. It also shares the Digital Sound Enhancement Engine, built-in NFC and S-Master Digital Amplifier with the SRS-X9. The battery is said to be good for up to six hours of play time.
Sony has developed the SRS-X5 wireless speakers with portability and ease of use both indoors and outdoors in mind. This 2.1 channel bluetooth speaker offers 20W output and also includes Sony’s digital enhancement engine, S-Master Digital Amplifier and NFC with aptX support. Battery life is claimed to be good for up to eight hours of continuous playback. In addition to all this, the SRS-X5 also has a built-in hands-free speaker phone.
The CMT-X5CD is Sony’s new all-in-one component stereo offering 40W output, aptX support, digital enhancement engine and S-Master Digital Amplifier. It has full range speakers and a passive raditor, enabling it to deliver a “refined listening experience” with rich bass response. It is compatible with the SongPal app and also opens up alternative sources of music such as CD, USB and FM Radio.