Following up on its impressive 4K UHDTV announcement today, Sony has also provided information on its new soundbars and A/V receivers for 2015. The Tokyo-based company has spared little in the way of connectivity on these home audio products.
Sony has nailed every feature that we’d want in a soundbar or A/V receiver, head below to find out more…
Four new soundbars will be coming down the pipeline from Sony in May and July with a wide range of inputs and connectivity options. The highlight of the lot is the HT-ST9 which has a wireless subwoofer and 800 watts of power supplied to seven speakers. It is capable of high resolution media playback via Sony’s LDAC technology. The HT-ST9 has three HDMI inputs which allows direct connection from devices, simplifying the setup. It will retail for $1,499.99.
Other soundbars include the $699.99 HT-NT3 which includes a 2.1 speaker setup with 450 watts of power, three HDMI inputs and Bluetooth/NFC connections. Sony’s less expensive soundbar options are not lacking features, despite the price. The $449.99 HT-CT780 has 4K passthrough and audio return channel (ARC) support.
Sony also has a pair of new A/V receivers that will be released next month that include Google Cast capabilities, which allows for playback from Android and iOS sources such as Spotify and others. Both high-resolution models include support for Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Bluetooth and the previously mentioned Google alternative. Each receiver is capable of handling 7.2-channels of audio. The $599.99 STR-DN1060 includes ten HDMI inputs with 4K upscaling and pass-through. Sony’s lower-end STR-HN860 will retail for $499.99.
[9to5-press-release]
Sony Electronics Unveils New Premium Home Audio Products for the Ultimate In-Home Entertainment Experience with 4K Support
San Diego, April 20, 2015 – Sony Electronics announced today pricing and retail availability for four new Sound Bars – the HT-ST9, HT-NT3, HT-CT780, and HT-CT380, as well as the STR-DN860 and STR-DN1060 A/V Receivers, allowing consumers to elevate the home audio experience with simplicity and powerful performance. Taking the home entertainment experience to the next level, these new home audio products are HDCP 2.2 compliant (except for the HT-CT380), supporting playback of copyright-protected 4K content, including hit blockbuster movies.
HT-ST9 HT-NT3
The HT-ST9, HT-NT3, and both new A/V Receivers have Google Cast™ built in so you can cast your favorite music apps from your personal device to your speakers. You can cast from your Android phone or tablet, iPhone, iPad, Chromebook, and Mac or Windows laptop. By simply pressing the cast icon, you can search, browse, play, skip, and turn up the volume on your favorite tracks directly. Google Cast gives you a wider breadth of audio streaming options vs. standard built-in streaming. Additionally, you can expand the fully integrated home music experience through multi-room functionality by joining speakers together using the intuitive SongPal™ app. Stay tuned for more information on the future of Google Cast and multi-room functionality.
Sound Bars
The HT-ST9 Sound Bar with wireless subwoofer, sound-tuned by Academy Award-winning Sony Pictures engineers for world-class cinematic sound, features immersive 800 watts and 7.1 channel surround sound from seven discrete amplifiers and nine speakers. The HT-ST9 is Hi-Res capable and also supports Spotify Connect. Complete with a wireless, front-firing subwoofer with passive radiator, the HT-ST9 delivers an enveloping listening experience that will enhance any home theater environment.
The HT-CT780 330 watt 2.1 Sound Bar with wireless subwoofer elevates the home theater experience with elegant simplicity and powerful performance. This sound bar delivers impressive sound with wall-mount versatility. Enjoy superior high-definition quality, including three HDMI inputs with one supporting 4K with HDCP 2.2, and seamlessly connect to 4K or HD devices such as a cable box, Blu-ray® player or gaming console. HDMI TV connectivity with Audio Return Channel support ensures simple, one cable connectivity and maximum Audio/Video performance.
The HT-CT380 300 watt 2.1 Sound Bar with wireless subwoofer allows users to simply connect a TV and other HD devices or stream content wirelessly via Bluetooth and NFC. Similar to the HT-CT780, the sleek HT-CT380 is inspired by a flat panel design, complementing virtually any TV or household room, and can easily be mounted on the wall or placed on top of a TV stand or table.
A/V Receivers
The STR-DN1060 Hi-Res Wi-Fi® Network A/V Receiver provides the ultimate sound stage for music, movies and more. Enjoy superior sound while easily streaming music with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth reception and transmission, Google Cast for audio, AirPlay® and Spotify Connect. With 7.2 channels and 165 watts of power per channel, supported by the largest capacitors and transformer in its class, its legendary Sony sound really connects the listener to the sound experience. The STR-DN1060 also features 4K resolution upscaling and pass-through, flexible connectivity with ten high-definition inputs, support for two separate powered zones and hi-res audio compatibility.
The STR-DN860 7.2 channel Hi-Res Wi-Fi® Network A/V Receiver is a powerhouse that envelopes listeners in a new level of sound performance. The STR-DN860 offers 7.2 channels and 150 watts of power, as well as the ability to stream music via built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth reception and transmission, Google Cast for Audio and AirPlay. Quickly and easily maximize the home theater experience via the newly improved Advanced Digital Cinema Auto Calibration feature and supplied microphone. Using the intuitive, graphical user interface, refined remote control or SongPal App, users can easily adjust settings, change inputs, and confirm volume levels on-screen.
Model | Price | Availability |
HT-ST9 | $1,499.99 | July 2015 |
HT-NT3 | $699.99 | July 2015 |
HT-CT780 | $449.99 | May 2015 |
HT-CT380 | $349.99 | May 2015 |
STR-DN1060 | $599.99 | May 2015 |
STR-DN860 | $499.99 | May 2015 |
The sound bars and A/V receivers will be available at store.sony.com and authorized dealers nationwide. Please visit http://blog.sony.com for more information.
[/9to5-press-release]
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