Both are wrapped in a fabric cover with bronze or silver accents and speaker grilles. In the case of the RA3000, you will have the option of black / bronze or light gray / silver, although it appears that the larger RA5000 will only come in black.
Sony UK
To correctly design 360 Reality Audio in all directions, each speaker is capable of “ambient sound that fills the room” that transmits noise in all directions. If the content you’re listening to isn’t available in Sony’s 360 format, an Immersive Audio Enhancement algorithm transforms stereo tracks into a simulated experience.
Both speakers offer a variety of wireless connectivity, including Bluetooth, WiFi, Spotify Connect and Google Cast. With the Google Home or Amazon Alexa app, you can set up units as part of a multi-room audio system. You can also control the RA5000 and RA3000 with your voice through a Google Assistant or Alexa compatible device. What’s more, you can connect both speakers wirelessly to select Sony Bravia TVs to improve your streaming binges. Sony offers a degree of customization with its Music Center application. With this software, you can control music and playlists, as well as adjust settings like EQ and more. Both speakers also adjust the volume automatically, according to the company. With this feature, Sony promises consistent levels, even if the volume of songs varies from track to track.
Sony UK
Sony says you can also calibrate the RA5000 for “optimal audio performance”. With an internal microphone and an algorithm, the speakers can be configured to the location of your choice. Just hold the Immersive Audio Enhancement button on the RA5000 and the calibration process will begin. Sony says the RA3000 offers automatic sound calibration that takes care of all the work for you – which does not seem to require you to press a button. The RA5000 is also compatible with high-resolution audio, like many of Sony’s other speakers, sound bars and headphones.
The company points out that the RA3000 speaker is resistant to moisture, so you can place it in the kitchen or bathroom without worries. Both RA5000 and RA3000 enter standby mode have 15 minutes of inactivity, regardless of whether they are connected via WiFi or Bluetooth.
To be clear, all of this information is from the Sony website in the UK, so it applies to the models that will be sold there. The company was clear in response to Engadget emails that details of North American products are yet to be released this spring – including prices. The speakers are arriving in the United States, but specific details will not be available for a while. For a while, Android police reports the RA5000 will cost £ 500 / € 599 and the RA3000 will cost £ 280 / € 359.