The new Sonos Amp is Sonos’ new home audio device and is the sequel to Connect: Amp. It is basically a powerful and versatile audio amplifier that can be integrated into intelligent home systems. Unlike its predecessor, it is twice as powerful, records the sound from almost any audio source (turntable, CD player, etc.) and allows the connection of up to four loudspeakers instead of two, and provides an audio output per channel of 125 W into 8 ohms.
It is compatible with Sonos ecosystem speaker systems, of course, but you can also connect any other high-end wired speaker system. There is also a difference in the price of Connect: Amp, from $499 to $599.
Plus, it’s compatible with AirPlay2, so you can send music and other audio content from an iOS device, has an HDMI arc connection to receive audio data from your TV, is compatible with more than 100 Internet streaming services and can also be managed by voice through Alexa-compatible devices, Amazon’s virtual assistants, such as Amazon Echo speakers or even the Sonos One speakers themselves.
There are other channels such as the Sonos app for mobile phones and tablets, the integrated button system, and more. Users can connect their Sonos Amp device to the Internet via their existing WiFi network or even via their Ethernet port.
The other aspects to be considered are that it is designed to be reliable, so it has a centralized heat dissipation system to stay cool and functional for a long time. In addition, new possibilities will arise in the future through successive free updates that will enable new functions, services, and integrations.
In its specifications, the new model is twice as powerful as the previous AMP. It provides up to 125 watts per channel as opposed to 55 watts with Connect AMP. This power can support all types of speakers, from those designed for simple music playback to home theater devices.
Especially in home theaters, Sonos points out that the new AMP also focuses on audio from television. It adds an HDMI input with support for ARC, which allows us to connect the TV to the AMP to transmit audio to two stereo speakers. The AMP supports surround sound, which can be achieved in different ways depending on the connected speakers.
Support for services and APIs
The device is compatible with Alexa via Sonos One or Beam. And Google Assistant will be here soon. You may use the Sonos application to control your AMP and the various services that you can connect to it. It will support Apple’s AirPlay 2 and can also be controlled via Amazon’s Voice Assistant Alexa, as long as a speaker like the Sonos One or the Beam remains connected since the AMP itself has no microphone. Let’s also remember that the Google Assistant will be coming to the company’s products very soon.
As Sonos has reaffirmed its commitment to developers, it will make its API available so that we can see more integration into their devices in the near future, including the new AMP. The new API gives you more control over your speakers and even the ability to offer notifications from other systems and services.
Price and availability
The Sonos AMP costs 599 dollars in America and 699 dollars in the Old World. It will be available worldwide from February next year, but some stores in the USA and Canada will offer it in early December. Its price may be high for most, especially since you may have to buy multiple devices if you want to keep more than four speakers connected.
Related posts:
Leave a Reply