Both are wrapped in a cloth cover with bronze or silver accents and speaker grilles. In the case of the RA3000 you have the choice between black / bronze or light gray / silver, but it looks like the larger RA5000 will only appear in black.
Sony United Kingdom
Properly projecting 360 Reality Audio in all directions, each speaker is capable of delivering an “ambient room sound” that emits sound in all directions. If the content you are listening to is not available in Sony’s 360 format, an Immersive Audio Enhancement algorithm transforms stereo tracks for a simulated experience.
Both speakers offer a range of wireless connections, including Bluetooth, WiFi, Spotify Connect and Google Cast. With the Google Home or Amazon Alexa app, you can set up devices as part of a multi-room audio system. You can also control the RA5000 and RA3000 with your voice via a Google Assistant or Alexa compatible device. What’s more, you can connect both speakers wirelessly to select Sony Bravia TVs to enhance your streaming binges. Sony offers some customization with its Music Center app. With the software, you can control music and playlists, as well as customize settings such as the EQ and more. According to the company, both speakers will also adjust the volume automatically. With this feature, Sony promises constant levels, even if the songs vary from track to track.
Sony United Kingdom
Sony says that you will also be able to calibrate the RA5000 for ‘optimal sound performance’. With an internal microphone and an algorithm, the speakers can be set up for your choice of location. Hold down the Immersive Audio Enhancement button on the RA5000 and the calibration process will begin. According to Sony, the RA3000 offers automatic sound calibration that handles all the work for you. It turns out that you do not have to press a button. The RA5000 is also high-resolution audio compatible, as are many other Sony speakers, sound bars and headphones.
The company points out that the RA3000 speaker is moisture resistant, so you can place it in the kitchen or bathroom without any worries. Both the RA5000 and RA3000 go into standby mode, have 15 minutes of inactivity, regardless of whether you are connected via WiFi or Bluetooth.
To be clear, all this information is from the Sony UK website, so it applies to models that will be sold there. The company was clear in response to Engadget’s email that details for North American products will be available later this spring – including pricing. The speakers are coming to the US, but the details will no longer be available. For now, Android Police Reports the RA5000 costs £ 500 / € 599 and the RA3000 £ 280 / € 359.