Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

New Products

Audality Wireless Speakers Don’t Even Need a Power Cable

Audality is introducing four wireless speakers that use a new technology called WiC, offering better sound quality than Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Audality S Series wireless speaker systems

Three words you’ll rarely read in the same sentence are audiophile, wireless and battery. That’s about to change, as the Atlanta based company Audality aims for a home audio trifecta. They’ve invented an audiophile-grade wireless audio protocol called WiC which accompanies a new line of battery powered wireless speakers. Not only does it simplify a stereo setup, it can sound better than other wireless solutions. And with no wires to worry about — not even power cables — speakers can be placed anywhere.

“Our WiC® technology is a game changer in the wireless audio equipment market. It was created to marry the portability of wireless audio with true audiophile sound. Over the years, Bluetooth systems have increased portability, but significantly sacrificed audio quality. We give consumers both convenience and extraordinary audio, simultaneously.”

Paul Raley, CEO of Audality
Bluetooth vs. Wi-Fi vs. WiC Comparison Table
Bluetooth vs. Wi-Fi vs. WiC

At the heart of their solution is a new wireless 24-bit audio technology called WiC (short for Wireless Audio Communication) capable of sending/receiving uncompressed music. It’s not Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. It’s supposed to be better. Not only better sounding, but be easier to setup. Although it does require an extra USB transmitter, the receiving unit is built-in to the speakers. Upon successful pairing, WiC establishes a private 2.4 GHz network between a source device (computer, smartphone, CD player) and speakers. Range is supposed to be even greater than Bluetooth or Wi-Fi at up to 500 feet line-of-sight, though less through walls.

WiC USB-C Transmitters
A WiC wireless connection requires a transmitter which connects via USB, USB-C or lightning for iPhone.
Audality S Series wireless speaker system and internal parts
Smallest to largest: S1, S3, S5, S7, S9 (the biggest one is coming soon)

There are currently four speakers in Audality’s S Series line-up and a fifth one on the way (S9, the biggest one). Speakers can be bought individually, or as left/right stereo pairs. As an audiophile, it’s the stereo setup that intrigues me most. Can they really get the synchronization right over a wireless connection? We’ll have to wait an see until we test them.

The built-in battery is one of the unique elements to Audality’s speakers, because that truly means no wires once charged. The speaker need not be tethered to a wire of any type — not even a power cable. There’s no wire between speakers either, which is common among other active speakers. Each speaker works independently and contains its own amplifier, crossover and battery. So move them into any room, even outside.

Audality S1 wireless speaker outside
Audality S1 is the smallest of the group, starting at $399 each.

The S Series speakers are constructed with bamboo cabinets, 4-inch ribbon tweeters, 100-watt or 225-watt Class D amplifiers (depending on speaker), high quality woofers and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery claiming over 20 hours of use on a single charge. Crossovers are purely in the digital domain which should maximize efficiency. We’re eager to learn how they sound. Stay tuned.

Audality S3 wireless stereo speakers
Audality S3 speakers setup for wireless stereo listening. No wires!
Audality S3 speaker back panel closeup
Minimal back panel. Set speaker to (R) right, (S) same (L) left. Aux In 3.5mm input. Volume knob, USB-C charging input, power button, DC IN

Audality is not the only player in the wireless audio space, but one of the few to target an audiophile audience with higher quality HD sound. Sonos has been the category leader in whole-home wireless music for years, and WiSA is another new technology for wireless home theater (currently up to 7.1).

Although the Audality brand name is new, the company has been around since 2010 and was previously known as PRA Audio Systems. WiC technology was first proven in the professional audio market through a wireless solution for electric guitar players. Now it’s being applied to home audio for the first time.

WiC could be licensed to other brands. In a call with Paul Raley, Founder of Audality and inventor of WiC, he said their goal as a company is to be a supplier to other OEM’s (original equipment manufacturer). So there’s a chance we’ll see more WiC compatible speakers in 2021.

Audality S5 wireless speaker system
Audality S5 speaker is a bigger version of the S3, which uses a 10-inch (instead of a 6-inch) woofer and more than double the amplification power.

Price & Availability

Audality S Series speakers can be ordered now at audality.io. Currently they can be auditioned at a pop-up store in Atlanta’s Buckhead Village until January 31, 2021.

  • S1 $399/each or $749/pair
  • S3 $599/each or $1149/pair
  • S5 $899/each or $1749/pair
  • S7 $1299/each or $2549/pair
  • S9 TBD, available Q2 2021

Specifications

S1S3S5S7
$399 each$599 each$899 each$1299 each
DesignRectangular
Cuboid
Rectangular
Cuboid
Rectangular
Cuboid
Trapezoidal
Frequency Response 55Hz-15kHz,
+/- 4dB
40Hz-20kHz,
+/- 4dB
20Hz-20kHz,
+/- 4dB
20Hz-20kHz,
+/- 4dB
Maximum Output 110 dB @ 1m112 dB @ 1m121 dB @ 1m121 dB @ 1m
Power 100W continuous (class D) 100W continuous (class D)225W continuous (class D)225W continuous (class D)
Drivers (each speaker) 4” ribbon tweeter4” ribbon tweeter4” ribbon tweeter
4” woofers (x2)6” woofer6” woofer
10” woofer10” woofer
Battery3,000mAh3,000mAh6,000mAh6,000mAh
Battery Life
(per full charge)
20 hrs20 hrs20 hrs20 hrs
Dimensions 12” X 6” X 7.25”
(30.5 x 15.2 x 18.4 cm)
14” X 6.5” X 8.25”
(35.6 x 16.5 x 21 cm) 
17” x 9.625” x 12”
(35.9 x 15.6 x 21.3 cm)
Height: 24.25” (61.6 cm)
Base: 14” x 10” (35.6 x 25.4 cm) Top: 11.25” x 8.25” (28.6 x 21 cm)
Weight8 lbs.
(3.6 kg.) 
9.5 lbs.
(4.3 kg.) 
14.75 lbs.
(6.7 kg.)
24.25 lbs.
(11 kg.)

Features

TransmitterAll speakers come with HD Audio Transmitter
Transmits up to 4 speakers
Transmits to left/right stereo pairs
Enclosure Material Bamboo, 12mm thick
Transmission Range Up to 100 meters.
Superior wall penetration
Battery Information 3,000 or 6,000 mAh rechargeable lithium ion battery
20+ hours of battery life per charge
Battery life gauge on cabinet rear panel
Full charge in 2 hours from empty 
Connectivity Information Simple one-touch connectivity
Automatic radio channel selection
Certifications FCC, Europe, Industry Canada, Australia/NZ
Included Accessories Wall Charger (24V)
USB-A HD audio transmitter iOS or Android phone adapter 

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement

Latest Products

DALI IO-8 Wireless Headphone in Caramel White worn on woman profile view right lifestyle

Headphones

At $900, the DALI IO-8 wireless headphones claim audiophile noise cancellation but they're not the Danish brand's most expensive model.

Bang & Olufsen Ferrari Collection 2024 Bang & Olufsen Ferrari Collection 2024

New Products

Bang & Olufsen expands its Ferrari Collection with an ultra luxury TV, soundbar and active loudspeaker.

FiiO KA15 'Cassette Player' Dongle DAC FiiO KA15 'Cassette Player' Dongle DAC

Dongle DACs

At $109, the FiiO KA15 is a retro inspired dongle DAC that looks like a mini cassette player, but there's no tape involved.

Pro-Ject T1 Evo Turntable Lifestyle Pro-Ject T1 Evo Turntable Lifestyle

New Products

Starting at $449, Pro-Ject's T1 Evo Series turntables come in three variations with or without Bluetooth and a built-in preamp.

HiFiMAN Goldenwave GA-10 with Susvara Unveiled HiFiMAN Goldenwave GA-10 with Susvara Unveiled

Headphone Amps

At $1,599, the HiFiMAN Goldenwave GA-10 Features Top-Shelf Vacuum Tubes and a Specially Designed 120W Transformer.

Cyrus Audio 40 Series hi-fi audio system components lifestyle Cyrus Audio 40 Series hi-fi audio system components lifestyle

Integrated Amps & Stereo Receivers

The Cyrus Audio 40 series hi-fi components includes matching Integrated Amplifier, Streamer, CD Player and Power Supply for $16,480.

Gift Ideas?

Amazon Prime Day Gift Guide 2024

Gift Guides

Amazon Prime Day is happening now. Don't miss out on some of the best deals on TVs, speaker systems, hi-fi audio and more.

You May Also Like

Advertisement

ecoustics is a hi-fi and music magazine offering product reviews, podcasts, news and advice for aspiring audiophiles, home theater enthusiasts and headphone hipsters. Read more

Copyright © 1999-2024 ecoustics | Disclaimer: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.



SVS Bluesound PSB Speakers NAD Cambridge Audio Q Acoustics Denon Marantz Focal Naim Audio RSL Speakers