Sonos pushes play on its Play:3 system

David Swan
Wednesday, 20 July 2011 17:36

Your IT - Entertainment

Sonos today introduced the Sonos Play:3, a new media hub intended to deliver wall-to-wall HiFi sound at a more affordable pricepoint.

 

 

Available today nationally for $419, users can wirelessly control the system and therefore alll of their music from anywhere in the house via related apps for Android, iPhone and iPad.

The $419 pricepoint comes in at more than a hundred dollars cheaper than ZonePlayer system, which iTWire thought was a bit steep.

'Play:3 gives music fans an incredibly easy way to listen to all the music on earth', said John MacFarlane, CEO, Sonos, Inc. 'Play:3's innovative design sets a new bar for Hi Fidelity audio in a compact package and makes it simple to amplify the music experience in any room of the home.'

Play:3 is connected to the internet, giving users access to their digital music library, including iTunes stored on any computer or network attached storage, such as an Apple's Time Capsule.  Users also have the option of playing any radio stations, shows or podcasts for free.

Sonos also works with music streaming services including anubis.fm, AUPEO, Stitcher SmartRadio, TuneIn, Wolfgang's Vault and more.

Sonos also announced other features of Play:3 include:

· 3 integrated speakers and 3 dedicated digital amplifiers provide wall-to-wall sound.
· Internal sensor detects if the speaker is positioned vertically or horizontally and modifies the speaker's output to ensure decent sound in any position.
· The ability to put several Play:3 systems around your home and enjoy synchronized all-over-your-home music.
· The ability to add two Play:3s to the same room and enjoy even bigger sound with each playing a dedicated Left or Right channel.

Play:3 features three Class-D digital amplifiers and three drivers - one tweeter and two 3' mid-range.  One passive, rear-firing bass radiator for rich sound.  The cabinet features volume and mute control.   PLAY:3 dimensions are 5.2 x 10.5 x 6.3 in. (132 x 268 x 160 mm)/ 5.7 lb (2.6 kg).

In other news today, Sonos has lowered the suggested retail price of the Bridge to $79. Bridge connects directly to your router and initiates SonosNet, giving users the freedom to place the Play:3, or any other Sonos player, anywhere in their home.

More information and a demo of Play:3 can be found here.