Posted Tue May 3, 2016 at 02:00 PM PDT by Steven Cohen
New audio gear is hitting stores this month.
Sony has announced pricing and availability for its 2016 home audio lineup. Products include the HT-NT5 Soundbar ($800), SRS-ZR7 ($300) and SRS-ZR5 ($200) wireless speakers, STR-DN1070 ($600) and STR-DH770 ($350) receivers, and CAS-1 High-Resolution Audio System ($1,000).
"At Sony, we are committed to creating optimal listening experiences for our consumers," said Yukio Ishikawa, Director, Head of Home Audio Business, Home Entertainment and Sound, Sony Electronics, North America. "Our new lineup of sound products enables music enthusiasts to achieve immersive, wireless, multi-room audio experiences, customized to meet their home’s unique specifications and their own personal listening preferences."
First up, the HT-NT5 ($800) is a premium soundbar model with a low-profile aluminum chassis design and three-way speakers driven by six discrete amplifiers, along with a wireless subwoofer unit. HDMI pass-through with HDCP 2.2 compliancy is included as well, offering support for 4K HDR video. Likewise, the soundbar features high-res audio playback and can also be paired with additional multi-room compatible wireless speakers for wireless surround sound. The HT-NT5 will be available online soon and is set to hit retail stores on May 15.
Next, are the SRS-ZR7 ($300) and SRS-ZR5 ($200) wireless speakers. The SRS-ZR5 features 2-way speakers and dual passive radiators with a 0.55-inch tweeter and 2.76-inch woofer. Meanwhile, the SRS-ZR7 features a 2.2ch and dual passive radiator design with two full-range 1.77-inch drivers and two 2.44-inch woofers. Both speakers include Google Cast and Spotify Connect support, along with HDMI (ARC) connections. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and NFC connectivity are integrated as well. Likewise, both models can be paired with other supported speakers for wireless multi-room, stereo and surround sound. Finally, the SRS-ZR7 also adds high-res audio support. Both speakers will be available online soon and will hit store shelves on May 15.
In addition, the company is also releasing the new STR-DN1070 ($600) and STR-DH770 ($350) 7.2-channel AV receivers. Both include support for the latest 4K standards with HDCP 2.2 and HDR, along with S-Force PRO front surround tech. In addition, the STR-DN107 uses a new DAC (Digital to Audio Converter) with support for DSD native playback and high-res audio. The STR-DH770 is on sale now, and the STR-DN1070 will hit stores on May 15.
Finally, Sony has detailed the CAS-1 High-Resolution Audio System ($1,000) as well. The system features three components, including a main unit and two speakers. Likewise, two independent dedicated amplifiers are included as well -- one for headphones and one for speakers. Each speaker uses a .5-inch soft dome tweeter and a highly-rigid 2.44-inch woofer that is supported by a bass reflex port. LDAC supported Bluetooth, NFC, and USB connectivity are also included. The unit offers support for up to 24bit/192kHz quality High-Resolution Audio in both DSD and PCM formats including FLAC, WAV or AIFF files. Online sales will be available soon and the system is expected to hit retail stores on May 22.
Source: Sony
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