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Sonos AMP with more power and options

The Sonos AMP has a new look and a bunch of added features compared to Play:Amp. The AMP also better fits the needs of professional custom installers with dimensions that fit a hi-fi rack and can be stacked on top of each other in a central location with speaker cables running to different rooms.

Sons AMP

In addition to the connections that the Connect:Amp had, two pairs of speakers, a subwoofer out, two ethernet ports and an analogue input. The AMP also has a HDMI port.

With the HDMI, it gets the TV integration features of the Sonos Beam, like automatic switching to TV audio when required and volume control via the TV remote.

The AMP now powers connected speakers with 125W instead of 55W. The AMP does not have a built-in speaker for alexa commands. It supports all the Sonos streaming functionality that the system (S2 version) has.

It is limited to a maximum 4.1 speaker setup. Instead of a centrum channel, it augments a “phantom centre channel” on the existing speakers. It supports only up to dolby digital 5.1 sound quality. So it works in a home theater but not for an advanced setup.

JBL Playlist with Chromecast audio

JBL Playlist

JBL Playlist is a Wi-Fi speaker with Chromecast audio. It is always on and ones you have set it up in the Google Home App, it is available for casting music from all devices on your network. With a few of them, or other Chromecast speakers, you’ll have a multi-room music system for a low price.

JBL Playlist also have Bluetooth 4.2 which could come in handy if you bring it with you on a trip and do not have Wi-Fi available. Spotify Connect is also included. It also has a 3.5 mm connector for analog input.

JBL Playlist top

The speaker has controls for power, play/pause and volume on top of it.

The price is quite competitive at 150£.

Sonos Controller beta for iOS Retina displays and Android tablets

Sonos is working on new controller apps for iOS devices with Retina displays and Android Tablets.
Key features

iOS Retina Display: The Sonos Controllers for iPhone and iPad have been updated with high-resolution graphics for retina displays.
Android Tablet: Improved Tablet experience in landscape orientation.
Try them

You can try them out now by going to the My Account section on the Sonos website. Once you have logged in with the email address you used to register your Sonos, click on Sonos Beta. You will see a program called iOS Retina Display and Android Tablet Beta which you can join. Once joined, please follow the provided instructions to upgrade your controllers.