Boston Acoustics Expands Wireless Sub Selection

By Joseph Palenchar -- TWICE, 10/26/2009

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Sonos Adds 1-Piece Amp/Speaker Client

Peabody, Mass. — Boston Acoustics expanded its selection of wireless subwoofers with three models in its Classic series at street prices of $399 to $599.

The company launched its first two wireless subs in 2007, one in the Horizon series of in-room speakers and one bundled with a powered two-channel sound bar designed as a TV add-on. The Horizon model is no longer available.

The new models are promoted as wireless-ready because they incorporate 2.4GHz wireless receiver that connects wirelessly to an optional $79.00 (street price) transmitter, which plugs into A/V receivers, preamp/processors and other audio components. The subs that surfaced in 2007 were designed as wireless-only subs, which were packaged with wireless transmitter but also had line-level inputs.

By sending low-bass frequencies up to 50 feet without speaker cable to the new subs, the 2.4GHz transmitter gives consumers more flexible subwoofer placement options, the company said. With wireless, explained sales and marketing senior VP Joe Stinziano, “you can hide the subwoofer anywhere in the room and still experience incredible bass.” For additional placement flexibility, the subs feature front-firing, front-ported design, making them suitable for placement in custom cabinets, a spokesman added.

Although wireless-ready, the subs “are first and foremost standalone powered subwoofers in the classic tradition of Boston subs,” the spokesman continued. “They offer high power, low distortion, and extended low-frequency playback in a small-footprint package.”

The new subs are the 8-inch 200-watt (350-watt peak) CPS 8Wi at $399, the 10-inch 300-watt (650-watt peak) CPS 10Wi at $499, and the 12-inch 400-watt (850-watt peak) CPS 12Wi at $599. All are available in black walnut or cherry vinyl finish. The CPS 10Wi model is available, and the other two are due later this month.

Each comes with speaker- and line-level inputs, LFE input, volume control and phase switch. The 8-inch model offers 31-150Hz frequency response, and the two step-ups offer 28-150Hz and 25-150Hz, respectively.

Sonos Adds 1-Piece Amp/Speaker Client

By Joseph Palenchar

Santa Barbara, Calif. — Sonos is adding a new playback option to its wireless multizone-audio system, which streams music wirelessly from a networked PC, network-attached storage (NAS) device or the Internet to stereo systems throughout the house.

The $399-everyday ZonePlayer S5, due in stores in late October, is one-piece tabletop client with built-in amplifier and stereo speakers. It will join two clients that lack embedded speakers. One is the $499 Zone Player ZP120 client with embedded amplifier, which requires consumers to add their own speakers. The other client, the $399 ZonePlayer ZP90, lacks amplifier and is designed to connect to a consumer's existing sound system.

Music sent to all Sonos clients can be controlled from Sonos' $349 wireless-RF touchscreen controller or, via Wi-Fi network, an Apple iPod Touch or iPhone loaded with free Sonos app.

To access PC-stored music and Internet radio, consumers must hardwire one client, or a $99 ZoneBridge repeater, to the Ethernet port of a home network's router. Users must also load Sonos software, included with the S5, on their Mac or PC.

The S5 incorporates two tweeters, two midrange drivers and a single built-in woofer, each amplified by a dedicated digital amplifier. All filter settings, bass and treble controls, active equalization and time-alignment functions are performed in the digital domain. The client also features analog audio input to connect legacy music sources that can be streamed to ZonePlayers in other rooms.

Besides offering its components separately, Sonos also bundles some. A $999 bundle, for example, includes the RF controller, Zone Player ZP120 amplified client and ZonePlayer ZP90 unamplified client.