Back in June, Pioneer made the announcement that its new receivers would include support for Apple's AirPlay. Now, they are adding that same functionality into a fleet of new devices, known as Music Tap.
Music Tap is a series of two new AirPlay-compatible networked music systems. The Pioneer version is priced at $399, with the Elite-branded model going for $479. Both allow you to access all of the music in your home, wherever it's stored, as long as it's networked.
That AirPlay support adds iTunes into the mix, without the need to connect a computer or iPod directly to the tabletop device.
Both Music Tap systems feature built-in Wi-Fi, meaning you should truly be able to snag networked music from anywhere in the house. Connect the Music Tap to a TV, and you can view song info and album art on that larger screen.
Both systems have a 2-channel digital amplifier and dual full-range drivers in a passive radiator enclosure. The Pioneer Elite model also has tuning expertise from Andrew Jones, Pioneer's TAD director of speaker engineering, as well as built-in Bluetooth and a two-year warranty.
Other features on both models include a 2.5-inch full-color LCD display, DLNA 1.5 support, and access to vTuner Internet radio, Pandora, iHeartRadio, and other streaming services. You can also use your iPhone, iPod touch and/or iPad in conjunction with Pioneer's control app or group up to four Apple devices via Bluetooth and Pioneer's AirJam app.
"By incorporating AirPlay into more of our product lines, first with audio/video receivers and now with Music Tap, Pioneer is making it possible for consumers to quickly access and listen to their iTunes music library throughout the home," said Chris Walker, Pioneer's director AV marketing and product planning for the home entertainment division. "These new systems are great additions to any room or office. Although they're compact, they produce 'larger-than-life' sound, and because both models are also equipped with a wireless connection, multiple units can be easily placed in different rooms."
Both systems have an auxiliary input and a front-panel USB port so you can add in an external device and play back MP3, WAV, WMA, AAC LPCM, and FLAC files. AirPlay requires iTunes 10.1 or later or an iPad, iPad 2, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, or iPod touch (2nd, 3rd or 4th generation) with iOS 4.2 or later.
Amazon is currently taking pre-orders on the retail version of the Music Tap (see the link below). However, Pioneer expects both Music Tap systems to start shipping in October 2011.
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