Thanks to the success of Sonos, a lot of companies are trying to cut the cords that tie multiroom audio these days. The latest company looking to challenge Sonos is Harman Kardon.
Harman Kardon’s newly announced Omni is certainly a contender. It’s a slick, seamless system, comprising three products: the Omni 10 and Omni 20 wireless HD loudspeakers and the Adapt plug-in, which allows you to upgrade your existing stereo system.
Both of the Omni wireless speakers support 24-bit/96kHz HD audio streaming and are powered by Backfire Research wireless media technology. The Omni 10 has one 90mm woofer and one 35mm tweeter. The Omni 20 bumps that up to two 75mm woofers and two 19mm tweeters. Both use Wi-Fi to stream music around the house; no hardwired connection to the web is required.
Of course, you can’t have a wireless multiroom audio system without an app. Harman Kardon has included that, as well as Bluetooth capability so users can access and stream music from any smartphone, tablet or other compatible device.
Another perk is the One Touch Follow Me Audio feature, which lets you walk from one room to another and have the music follow you at the touch of a button. Other features include the Link Button Speaker Control, a party mode, and more. Also worth noting is that the system has an open programming interface, in order to leverage third-party app development.
Harman Kardon will start selling the Omni system in mid-October. The Omni 10 has an MSRP of $199.95, with the Omni 20 coming in at $299.95. The Harman Kardon Adapt has been priced at $129.95.
Harman Kardon’s Omni 20 is designed for larger rooms.
Also Check Out:
Harman Kardon Debuts BDS Blu-ray Systems
Sonos Lets You Ditch the Bridge for Wireless Speakers
Harman Kardon Wants You to Stream Audio to Circular Speakers