Sony’s recently launched wireless home speaker – the SRS-RA5000 and SRS-RA3000 – are now available.
Specifically designed for room-filling sound, Sony has incorporated its unique spatial sound technologies into the new speakers. Based on Immersive Audio Enhancement and 360 Reality Audio technologies, the RA5000 and RA3000 are designed to fill the space with sound both vertically and horizontally to create a broad and wide sweet spot.
Adding to this, Sony’s 360 Reality Audio can be enjoyed through the speakers via compatible streaming services, with Amazon Music HD being the latest addition. The technology incorporates 3D sound location data which means they can deliver the ultimate all-encompassing sound when played on the RA5000 or RA3000. Immersive Audio Enhancement can transform any two-channel stereo tracks to fill the room with sound and further enhance the listening experience.
Image: Sony's RA5000 speaker
Hi-res audio certified, the RA5000 features a trio of up-firing speakers that distributes the audio vertically, while the three middle sited speakers spread the audio horizontally. Despite its compact size, the speaker unit incorporates high-magnetism neodymium magnets and a mica reinforced cellular diaphragm to give strength to the speaker. These are complemented by a subwoofer to bring the bass element to the audio.
The RA3000 achieves omnidirectional sound with deep bass by using a full range speaker, an omni-diffuser that distributes sound throughout the room in all directions, and a dual passive radiator to produce deep bass. Creating a truly immersive experience, the speaker has overlapping beam tweeters which form a wave front that goes upward, delivering sound vertically.
Both new speakers feature Sound Calibration; on the RA5000, users should hold the Immersive Audio Enhancement button and it will conduct a detailed sound calibration adjustment for optimum audio performance for the room it is placed in. The RA3000 auto adjusts in the background while users are listening to music. To activate its automatic recalibration, users can turn the speaker on wherever it is placed in the house and the speaker will recalibrate itself to the new position.
Image: Sony's RA3000 speaker can be used in the bathroom and kitchen thanks to it being humidity-resistant
A clever feature included on both models is the Auto Volume which adjusts the sound track by track to prevent the user from having to keep fiddling with the volume.
Compatible with a Google Assistant-enabled device with Chromecast built-in and Amazon Alexa-enabled devices, users can manage their speakers and audio through voice control. Both speakers also support multiroom playback via speaker groups which can be set up with the Google Home or Amazon Alexa apps. Additional control options are also available through the Sony | Music Centre app on the smartphone.
For an enhanced movie experience, both the RA5000 and the RA3000 can connect wirelessly to compatible BRAVIA TVs. Both speakers are Wi-Fi-enabled, feature Bluetooth technology, have NFC, are compatible with Spotify Connect, and have Chromecast built-in.
The RA3000 is also humidity-resistant, allowing users to listen to their music through the speaker in the bathroom or kitchen safely.
Both models are available in a black body with contrasting copper highlights, with the RA3000 also coming in a light grey fabric body with silver accents.
The SRS-RA5000 is available now priced at £499 / €599 and the SRS-RA3000 is available now priced at £299 / €359.