Sony expands its multi-room audio line with two new speakers
And a new soundbar, too.
Sony already has a stable of speakers to handle multi-room audio, and at CES 2016, the company is adding two more. With the SRS-ZR7 and SRS-ZR5, the company offers a pair of options that feature HDMI connections to improve the sound coming from your TV. Both the four-speaker SRS-ZR7 and the smaller SRS-ZR5 can be arranged in wireless stereo mode with either two of the same model or one of each. As was the case with the SRS-X77 we tested a while back, all of the multi-room setup and other controls are tweaked through Sony's SongPal app.
In addition to support for Google Cast and Spotify Connect on both speakers, the SRS-ZR7 also features high-res audio and S-Master HX tech to reduce any added noise. On the SRS-ZR5, there's Bluetooth connectivity and NFC pairing should the need arise. Unfortunately, Sony isn't telling us how much these will cost yet, but they are expected to go on sale this spring.
Sony also has a new soundbar its showing off at CES. The HT-NT5 soundbar and HT-CT790 wireless subwoofer can also be used in a multi-room setup via the SongPal app and support both Google Cast and Spotify Connect. They also handle audio from 4K content via HDMI connection. The HT-NT5 has a rather unique design as well: the speakers sit upright. Sony says this layout leads to a more immersive sound and "exceptional clarity." We'll be the judge of that when we get a chance to listen for ourselves later this week. The soundbar/subwoofer duo are set to arrive this spring as well.
