Pioneer gets serious about iPod sound docks

XW-NAS5_lg
Yeah, iPod docks are everywhere these days, but these two from Pioneer actually have some novel features. Plus they are Pioneer products so you know they are going to be a step above anyway. But for starters, the XW-NAS3 and XW-NAS5 sport a 2.1 speaker setup using a digital amp that powers two full-range speakers and a sub. Both also have composite and component outputs for the iPod and iPhone and the higher-end XW-NAS5 also has better processing for superior sound. But all that isn’t why we’re excited about these speaker docks.

Oh no, it’s that with the optional BT-100 accessory, both can pick up an audio stream via Bluetooth. This means that you don’t have to have your iPhone – or other device – plugged in to jam out. We just wish that the functionality was built-in instead of costing extra.

Then there is a clock, ambient sound generator and a radio on the XW-NAS5, but who cares about those functions anyway. No word on pricing just yet, but we’re sure we’ll find out before both launch by the end of the year.

Sep 10, 2009 09:00 ET
Pioneer Diversifies Its Audio Portfolio with Three New Accessories for Secondary Room Sound Quality

ATLANTA –(Business Wire)– Sep 10, 2009 Building on its heritage as an audio video specialist, Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today showcases new audio offerings that elevate the listening experience in other rooms of the house beyond the home theater. Pioneer’s two new iPhone®–certified tabletop sound systems and new Sound Bar with wireless subwoofer are engineered for critical listeners who seek the best sound performance, even from today’s new media devices and compressed music files. CEDIA Expo attendees can engage with Pioneer’s new audio products at Booth #3009.

Pioneer’s First Works with iPhone™ Certified Sound System

Combining stellar sound performance and exceptional build quality, Pioneer’s first iPhone and iPod® certified tabletop sound systems, the XW-NAS3 and XW-NAS5, have been finely tuned and calibrated for optimum sound. Pioneer’s EX speaker designers spent extensive time tuning the systems to appeal specifically to North American preferences for high fidelity with rich bass, wide frequency response and dynamic musical sound-field. Most recently, Pioneer has been recognized for the design and development of the award-winning TAD professional and Elite® EX speaker lines, as well as the Company’s latest architectural in-wall and in-ceiling speakers.

The new 2.1-channel full-range speaker systems feature a dynamic digital amplifier and integrated subwoofer for faithful reproduction of bass and lower frequencies. Both units are Bluetooth®-ready for wireless control and streaming capabilities of music files from the new iPhone 3GS, iPod Touch 2G and other Bluetooth enabled models via an optional accessory (BT-100).

Pioneer’s new sound systems employ component and composite video output for playback of stored movies, TV shows and other video files from the docked digital device. For the finely tuned ear, the XW-NAS5 also incorporates Pioneer’s proprietary sound enhancement features, including Advanced Sound Retriever (ASR) and Auto Level Control (ALC), developed specifically to improve the listening experience of portable audio devices in the home.

Pioneer’s First Sound Bar

Pioneer’s continued commitment to develop and introduce innovative products that advance the home theater experience has led to the launch of its HTP-SB300, Sound Bar speaker solution. The powerful 3.1-channel system integrates 250 watts of power, dual center channel speakers, a wireless subwoofer and dual HDMI inputs for simple connection, high-resolution audio and video output. With aesthetics and sound quality in mind, the Sound Bar produces robust virtual surround sound in an elegant two piece, wire-free design. Staying true to Pioneer’s audio expertise and the industry’s audio trends, the system decodes the latest HD audio formats: DTS®, Dolby Digital® PLUS and Dolby® TrueHD. Intended for on-wall installation to accompany 32 – 37-inch displays, the Sound Bar is ideal for second room audio or for a small living room.

Pioneer’s Works with iPhone-certified sound systems and Sound Bar will be available in Winter 2009, pricing to be announced.

It all began with a passion for music that Pioneer founder Nozomu Matsumoto hoped to share with the world. He started Pioneer in 1938 as a specialty speaker company, building products out of his garage. Today, Pioneer’s Home Entertainment and Business Solutions Group continues Matsumoto’s enthusiasm, developing award-winning audio and video home theater products including A/V receivers, Blu-ray Disc® and DVD players, and speakers. Long-standing partnerships and collaborations with the creative community have provided Pioneer unique insight in its quest to capture the purity of a movie or musical artist’s original vision into its broad range of home entertainment products. The company’s brands include Pioneer® and Elite®. More details can be found at www.pioneerelectronics.com.

PIONEER and ELITE are registered trademarks of Pioneer Corporation.

iPod and iPhone are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Bluetooth a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

DTS is a registered trademark of DTS, Inc.

DOLBY and DOLBY DIGITAL are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.