Earlier this year, Sonos completely redefined the soundbar market, by announcing the Sonos PlayBar. No, really. This thing is unlike any soundbar we've ever heard -- and we've heard a lot of them. [Find out more about this slick speaker cabinet in our Sonos PlayBar Review.]
The PlayBar packs nine speakers into a very nice looking cabinet. It even has wireless streaming capabilities, so you can fill that speaker with the sounds of your iTunes library, any favorite music services, and thousands of web radio stations, shows and podcasts. If that doesn't sound nifty enough, the PlayBar also has the ability to add on, just in case you ever get tired of having just the one speaker. Well, you used to be able to add in the Sonos Sub and a pair of PLAY:3 speakers. Those were your only options. Putting those components together would certainly make a killer setup. However, everyone likes options -- and Sonos is about to make plenty of them possible.
Sonos just announced plans to make the PlayBar play nice with just about any speaker out there. All you have to do is pair the PlayBar with the Sonos Connect:Amp. The end result allows you to turn any any third-party speakers into surrounds for the PlayBar system -- complete with a Class-D digital amplifier.
Of course, you can still pair the system with the Sonos Sub or the PLAY:3. However, this compact box works with pretty much any existing speaker, including bookshelf, floor and other non-powered speakers. No rewiring is needed; just connect the Connect:Amp to those speakers with a little speaker wire.
Other features include adjustable bass and treble controls and a subwoofer output. Like all Sonos products, the Connect: Amp also works with the free Sonos Controller apps for Android, iPad, iPhone, Mac or PC devices. This allows listeners to search, browse and play music from a compatible smartphone, tablet or computer.
According to Sonos, PlayBar users will soon receive the software update that will allow the PlayBar to integrate with the Connect:Amp.
The Sonos Connect:Amp is selling now, with an MSRP of $499. The PlayBar and the Sonos Sub are priced at $699 each.
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