Sony is ending the week with a plan for an assortment of new audio goodies. The company just announced prices, dates and details for its 2013 home audio line.
Leading the charge is the STR-DN1040 7.2-channel AV receiver. Boasting 1,155 watts (165 watts x 7 channels), the unit has eight HDMI inputs and can upconvert to 4K Ultra HD. It also has a Sound Optimizer feature, High Definition Digital Cinema Sound (HD DCS) for added depth, and support for Dolby TrueHD, Pro Logic IIz and DTS-HD enhanced audio codecs. Other features include WiFi, Bluetooth and AirPlay, as well as DLNA support and streaming options for Sony Entertainment Network’s Music Unlimited, Pandora, Slacker, vTuner, and more.
Sony will also ship out the STR-DN840 7.2-channel receiver with 1,050 watts, 4K pass-through, the Sound Optimizer feature, WiFi, Bluetooth and AirPlay.
Both the STR-DN1040 and the STR-DN840 will start selling this June, priced at $599 and $449, respectively.
Next up is the HT-CT660 Soundbar. This setup promises 330 watts of sound via a slim 2-way, 4-driver speaker and a companion wireless subwoofer. The system also includes Sony’s own S-Force PRO Front Surround 3D technology, Near-Field Communication (NFC) and Bluetooth support, three HDMI inputs, and the option to play Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio tracks. Also available in June, the HT-CT660 will sell for $399.
Last in the new lineup is a pair of products for the “home theater in a box” category. Both the BDV-N8100W and the BDV-N7100W are 5.1-channel systems, with 1,000 watts of sound, a 3D Blu-ray player, built-in WiFi, Bluetooth and NFC support. The BDV-N8100W also comes packing 3-way, 47-inch floor-standing speakers. Priced at $699 and $599 respectfully, the BDV-N8100W and BDV-7100W are both available now.
“Our rich audio legacy leads consumers to expect continued innovation and performance from Sony audio products,” said Neal Manowitz, director of Sony Electronics’ Home Audio group. “The newest AV receiver in our line has the simplest, most user-friendly interface, which when combined with a world first and only AVR feature set of built-in Wi-Fi, AirPlay and Bluetooth connectivity, raises the bar with respect to usability, and does so with knockout sound performance. Likewise, the new soundbar extends the Sony line and brings theater-like, high-definition sound to any room in the house, with Bluetooth ease and convenience.”