SONOS: New and Exciting Updates

They did it folks; they finally did it. After 10 years, Sonos has delivered the updated Sonos: Amp. An updated version of their award winning Connect: Amp. But that is not all Sonos has added recently. They also introduced the Sonos: Port and Sonos: Move. The Sonos port is also a long awaited update to the original Sonos: Connect. These products offer a substantial technology upgrade over the previous models. Let’s go over the new, improved features.

Sonos: Amp

The reason it took Sonos so long to upgrade this, was that fact that the original Connect: Amp was so good at what it did. There are however, many advantages to taking the leap and replacing or adding this new product into your existing system. The Amp will have all the same features as before as well as the following:

• 125w per channel. This allows for a much richer and punchier sound. Previously the Connect: Amp offered 55w per channel.

• Safely rated for 8ohm and 4ohm. Allowing up to two pairs of 8ohm rated speakers to be powered by one Amp.

• Apple Airplay 2 support- This is a big one for apple users.

• Mono Support. The new Amp can offer Mono support to each channel, allowing a more spaced out approach.

• Cleaner look. These new units can be stacked or mounted in a rack, where the previous model could not.

• HDMI port with full ARC support. This allows you to use bookshelf speakers without the use of a receiver. It can be set up as a 2.0 setup, 2.1 setup, or 4.1 setup. The technology in the Amp allows for a phantom center channel for the left and right channels.

• Crossover frequency control from 50hz-110hz. This allows for better sound integration with a sub.

Sonos really thought about the key features they wanted with the new Amp. it is a significant upgrade in quality and features. There is also a trade-in program for the Connect: Amp to Sonos: Amp. If you are interested in hearing more , give us a call.

---

Sonos: Port

Now it’s time to take a look at the new kid on the block, the Sonos: Port. This is the little brother to the new Amp. This unit is a direct replacement for the original Sonos: Connect. It is a streaming device that allows an existing audio system to have Sonos capabilities. It also allows a user to add in an input (such as a turn table) into the Sonos system. Here are some of the new features on the all new Sonos: Port:

• Apple Airplay 2 support. Allows control of your music from an Apple product.

• Richer sound through higher quality playback.

• 12v trigger. This allows the Port to send a signal to some AVRs to turn the AVR on without programming commands into remotes.

• Cleaner look. These new units can be stacked or mounted in a rack, where the previous model could not.

The AirPlay 2 support alone is worth the cost in upgrading to the Sonos: Port. There is also a trade-in program for the Connect to Sonos: Port. If you are interested in hearing more , give us a call.

---

Sonos: Move

Sonos has finally come out with a purely wireless speaker. The move has a docking station for recharging an internal battery. Allowing you to “move” around with it as you see fit. It also has bluetooth capabilities for when you take it on the go with no wifi. Here are some of the key features:

• WiFi, Apple Airplay2, and Bluetooth support

• Built in Amazon Echo with Alexa or Google Assistant

• 10 hours of battery life between charges

• Adaptive audio tuning to its environment

• Weather resistant, IP56

• Ultra durable with impact resistance

• Can be charged with the base station or a USB C type charger

• Price $399

Consumers have probably been waiting for the solution from Sonos for a while. It enables users to quickly add music to a patio or an event outside the home. We for one think its a great addition to an already great product line. If you are interested in the Move, give us a call.

---

Sonos is a fantastic product as many of you may know. If you have not yet jumped into the Sonos eco-system but would like to, reach out to us and we can explore these new Sonos options to ensure a good fit for you and your needs. For those of you that already have Sonos products in your home and would like to upgrade an older connect or amp, please reach out as we have upgrade programs that can help.

Football Season: Time to Upgrade?

Football season is upon us. Many choose this time to look into upgrading their audio/video setup. Whether that be upgrading the TV, looking for a new speaker system, or placing a TV outdoors. E-Style is here to help you make educated decisions.

TVs

Not all 4K TVs are created equal. There are some brands to avoid. There is also deciding which kind of smart TV is best for streaming the right apps. What is the difference between LED /OLED/QLED? walking into a Box store can be overwhelming. Reach out to E-Style and we can help you make an educated decision. We take many different things into account in your situation that helps you choose what is right for you.

Outdoor TVs are wonderful and can allow you to enjoy your entertainment on a wonderful day. An outdoor TV is very different from a normal TV. There are many things to know. Which models type and brands meets your budget and needs. We do not recommend putting a normal indoor rated TV outside. It will not last long due to mother nature. Outdoor TVs are specifically designed to keep moisture out of the delicate electronic parts.

Audio

Is it time to upgrade your audio? Many of the new slim form factor TVs are dismal at providing adequate sound. The manufactures cannot fit quality speakers in them due to the new form factors. All of them are also now located at the back of the unit. So if you use the TV on a stand instead of mounting on the wall; its even worse. There are many different speaker styles that E-Style offers customer in order to get a better sound. It can be a full surround system, a speaker bar and sub kit, or wireless speaker systems. It really comes down to ones budget and the experience they want to have come game day.

Ask E-Style today how we can hep make your game day experience more enjoyable.

Live Your Best Life: Whole Home Audio

Live Your Best Life: WHOLE HOME AUDIO

There is nothing like having a get-together and scrambling to play music in the kitchen, am I right? We’ve all been there. Something that used to commonly happen in my own household was wanting to listen to music while working on projects around the home, but the speakers were located in the family room or the small Alexa in the bedroom. You’re only other alternative is a small bluetooth speaker with awful sound quality. In these situations we are experiencing “missing speaker syndrome”. Luckily there is a cure!

We commonly ask our clients, “how do you envision living?”. Do you see yourself wanting to host a lot? Do you enjoy spending time outside? Do you like to relax in your personal spaces like the master bedroom and bath? Maybe you just like to enjoy a great cinematic experience. All of these lifestyles can and usually do involve audio/music. Music is a huge part of our culture and lifestyles. It sets the mood, adds depth to a space, and can relieve stress. A whole home audio system is within reach of every client. There are wired and wireless systems alike and at different price points. There are however some things to plan and think about before you start.

things to think about when it comes to Whole Home Audio:

Location, Location, Location! Where would you like audio/music in your home?

Is there existing structured wiring in place or does new wiring have to be run?

Is it difficult to run wiring in your home, and are you better off investing in a quality wireless system like SONOS?

What quality of speakers would you like to invest in?

Would you like Music to always play the same in every room, or would you like the rooms to be able to play something different at the same time?

What kind of audio do you want to play over the speakers? (TV audio, Youtube, Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music)

Do you want the system to be expandable?

There are several factors to consider when it comes to whole home audio and E-Style Home Systems is here to help. E-Style offers free consultations to help give ideas on how you would like to live with Home Audio. Call us today if you are looking to incorporate outdoor entertainment into your lifestyle.

4K, Is it time to switch?

The TV has evolved rapidly over the past 10 years.  With different technologies being introduced year after year.  With so much change, we as consumers have started to question; is it worth it?  3D TV came and went quickly.  When first introduced, we all went to the movie theater to go see the new hit movie in 3D.  I do not know about you, but I have not seen a 3D movie in years.  It was kind of gimicky to me.  A way to get more money out of the consumer and create an unwanted need for change. 

That is not the case for 4K.  You may see a lot of budget friendly 4K TVs when you stroll though your favorite department store. However, buyer beware.   Just like HD 1080p TVs, 4K has their flavors.  Then comes, what can I watch in 4K.  There is some content out there currently to support 4K video.  Netflix® has an assortment of 4K shows and movies available.  Apple® also offers various shows and movies for streaming as well.  The picture is incredible when you see the difference.  The gotcha is the other pieces of equipment in your setup.  To really get 4K today, a complete overhaul of equipment is needed.  From the receiver all the way down to the HDMI cables.  This is where it gets costly and confusing.  So is 4K worth it? It depends on your wallet.  4K is here to stay and is bound to grow at a rapid rate.  If you are interested in making the switch, let us know how we can help.  Have a great day!