Got a bass-bumping home audio system but also got serious smart-speaker envy? The new Sonos Amp is here to save your old speakers by integrating them into Sonos’ ecosystem and adding a few new tricks along the way.
Sonos unveiled the new amp this morning which is the successor to the company’s Connect:Amp. While it’s not something more normal consumers will buy, it could help Sonos become a mainstay in serious audio systems created by professional installers.
Take a look:
Sonos Amp is twice as powerful as the Connect:Amp and it supports AirPlay 2. Like the company’s other smart speakers, it can tap into over 100 streaming services. There’s also an HDMI Arc port in the back so you can plug it into your TV.
The Amp was designed from the ground up to be at the center of the smart home sound experience. Over 100 dealers and integrators gave Sonos feedback on what they’d like to see in an amp and the stats are mighty impressive. With the ability to power up to four speakers with 125 watts per channel, it’s more than powerful enough to handle most audio set-ups.
“While plug-and-play options like Sonos Beam and Sonos One are an important part of the equation, architectural sound and making it even easier to integrate with lighting and home control are equally as important,” said Sonos CEO Patrick Spence.
Sonos Amp fits perfectly in standard AV racks and can be stacked and mounted. TVs, turntables, CD changers and other audio components can connect to it easily and become part of your home Sonos system. The amp is set to go on sale in February 2019 for $599. Professional installers in the U.S. and Canada will start getting it on December 1, 2018 though so you might be able to get it in your home by the end of the year.
