Sonos [NASDAQ: SONO] announced this week that it will launch an all-new 8-inch in-ceiling speaker that it designed in conjunction with Sonance. Part of the company’s Architectural lineup of speakers, this new model extends both the size and the range of performance of the line.
Learn more about the new Sonos 8-inch in-ceiling speakers
For quite some time now, Sonos has remained relatively committed to providing products for the custom integration channel and often speaks of this business in its quarterly earnings call with financial analysts. A few years back, the company developed a relationship with Sonance who partnered with them to help field a credible custom line.
Make no mistake, this is a high-performance loudspeaker and the company notes that Sonance was very involved in helping to create and voice this all-new design for the brand. The goal, Sonos says, was to deliver a powerful, balanced and clear sound.
Custom Built for Custom Integrators
The 8-inch speaker (I found no model number listed anywhere in the announcement) features a custom-built, “enlarged woofer” and a “high-excursion motor” for a smooth midrange and stunning bass down to 32Hz(!!!) over a wide listening area. There is a 30mm tweeter and an optimized waveguide that “ensures natural sounding vocals” with better overall high-frequency dispersion for room-filling sound.
This new speaker will also have a 6-inch version and the company says that the magnetic grilles are aesthetically the same to offer a consistent look when mounted in the same area. The grilles come in a white finish to instantly fit in with many ceilings but are paintable when it is necessary to match a different color.
Installers Asked for More Models from Sonos
The 8″ In-Ceiling Speaker has been designed in direct response to the needs of our installers, who asked us for more size options and flexibility during installation. This new addition provides a bold sound profile and stunning performance that enhances the experience customers get when Sonos Architectural speakers are paired with Sonos Amp. The addition of the 8″ In-Ceiling Speaker provides professional installers and customers the freedom and flexibility to choose the design and sound experience that fits perfectly within their space.
Audra Kinsley, Sonos Professional VP and GM
The company notes that pairing the 8-inch In Ceiling Speaker with a Sonos Amp will “unlock” additional features including overdrive protection and custom tuning enhancements for even better overall sound quality. This combination also provides for Trueplay, a further enhancement that is said to modify the sound taking elements of the room into account – such as the size, construction, and furnishings – for more customized equalization.
Sonos 8-Inch In-Ceiling Speaker Pricing and Availability
And of course, using this speaker with the Sonos Amp also brings other traditional Sonos strengths into play, such as app control that works with all popular streaming services, Apple AirPlay 2 control, regular software updates, and the ability to add additional Sonos speakers and components over time.
The 8-inch In-Ceilinig Speaker by Sonos and Sonance will debut in Spring 2024 with an MSRP of $999/pair.
To learn more about this and other Sonos products, visit sonos.com.
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