Pioneer presents a new line-up of AirPlay speakers

By Andy Clough
published

Three streaming models get Class D amplification, AirPlay, DLNA and wi-fi plus Wireless Direct tech

Yesterday Philips unveiled its new Fidelio range of wireless speaker systems, and today it's the turn of Pioneer with three AirPlay/DLNA speakers.

The line-up consists of the splash-proof XW-SMA3 (£300) with rechargeable battery, the larger, more powerful XW-SMA4 (£350) and the compact, entry-level XW-SMA1 (£250). All three feature AirPlay, DLNA and wi-fi and are driven by a Class D digital amp.

Using AirPlay, the systems can stream music from a Mac, PC, iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch. Owners of Android devcies can stream via DLNA.

They all use Wireless Direct technology, so users can stream their music without using a wireless router.

Pioneer says the new wireless speaker range has been engineered "to provide clear, natural and powerful audio in an attractive, minimalist housing". They incorporate two 3in midrange drivers, a 1in tweeter and central bass refex port.

The larger XW-SMA4 (above) adds an extra tweeter, and a 4in subwoofer for deeper bass. It will be available in August, along with the XW-SMA1, while the XW-SMA3 follows in September.

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Andy Clough
Andy Clough

Andy is Global Brand Director of What Hi-Fi? and has been a technology journalist for 30 years. During that time he has covered everything from VHS and Betamax, MiniDisc and DCC to CDi, Laserdisc and 3D TV, and any number of other formats that have come and gone. He loves nothing better than a good old format war. Andy edited several hi-fi and home cinema magazines before relaunching whathifi.com in 2008 and helping turn it into the global success it is today. When not listening to music or watching TV, he spends far too much of his time reading about cars he can't afford to buy.