Sony has expanded its range of wireless home speakers with the launch of the SRS-RA5000 and SRS-RA3000 models. The new speakers come equipped with the company's proprietary 360 Reality Audio and Immersive Audio Enhancement technologies that claim to deliver a “room-filled” spatial audio experience. In the series, the Sony SRS-RA5000 also comes with Hi-Res Audio certification and a trio of up-firing speakers. The SRS-RA3000 is designed to provide omnidirectional sound with an integrated omni-diffuser that is said to spread the sound throughout the room.
Sony SRS-RA5000 price has been set at EUR 599 (roughly Rs. 53,500), while the Sony SRS-RA3000 carries a price tag of EUR 359 (roughly Rs. 31,200). Both speakers will be available in the UK and Europe from February. However, details about their India launch weren't announced at the time of filing this story.
The Sony SRS-RA5000 features three up-firing 46mm speakers, three 46mm mid-speakers, and a 70mm subwoofer. It includes Sony's 360 Reality Audio technology to fill sound both horizontally and vertically. Sony has also tied up with Kirkland, Washington-based Virtual Sonics to bring the 360 Reality Audio Creative Suite to let artistes and musicians produce immersive sound for the 360 Reality Audio technology. The speaker also comes with Immersive Audio Enhancement that uses a software algorithm to offer a surround sound experience even on 2-channel stereo tracks. Additionally, there is a Sound Calibration technology to optimise sound performance. The speaker unit on the SRS-RA5000 includes high-magnetism neodymium magnets and mica reinforced cellular diaphragm.
To calibrate sound as per the room environment, you need to hold the dedicated Immersive Enhancement button on the SRS-RA5000.
Sony has provided an Auto Volume feature on the SRS-RA5000 that allows the speaker to adjust the sound track-by-track automatically to suggest an optimal volume level for each track. The speaker is also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant devices. Further, users can control its output using the Sony Music Centre app from their smartphones.
The Sony SRS-RA5000 can be connected to a compatible Bravia TV wirelessly to enhance the audio experience while watching a TV show or movie.
In terms of connectivity, the speaker has Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth, NFC, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It also includes Chromecast and Spotify Connect support for mirroring audio from a compatible device. The Sony SRS-RA5000 speaker measures 329x235x225mm and weighs 4.9 kilograms.
The Sony SRS-RA3000 comes with two 17mm tweeter units, one 80mm full-range driver, and two passive radiators of 103x37mm each. Just like the RA5000, the Sony RA3000 comes with 360 Reality Audio and Immersive Audio Enhancement technologies. It also includes the Sound Calibration technology as well as the company's Auto Volume. Similarly, the speaker offers compatibility with Amazon Alexa Google Assistant devices and includes Spotify Connect and Chromecast support.
In terms of differences, the Sony SRS-RA3000 is designed to fit anywhere in your home — even in the kitchen or bathroom — with the inclusion of humidity resistance. The speaker also has auto adjustment to automatically calibrate audio performance according to the room it is in.
The Sony SRS-RA3000 comes with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack. The speaker measures 247x146x155mm and weighs 2.5 kilograms.
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