Sonica ($299) is a new Bluetooth powered loudspeaker from OPPO.
Touted as “high-res capable”, the speaker is WiFi controlled (via an app, much like Sonos), will support TIDAL streaming service natively (again, via the app), and also support files directly streamed from your network at up to 24bit/192kHz resolution. Sweet.
There are four drivers in each box — one 3.5″, two 2.5″ and one 3″ bass driver. Black and silver are your color options.
I reached out to OPPO’s Jason Liao for some more details:
We hope to release the Sonica speaker in the following month or two, depending on the beta testing progress. Here is a brief list of features:
Wireless Freedom: Say goodbye to cumbersome speaker cables and audio cords. Connect Sonica to your home or office Wi-Fi and play your favorite music in wireless high-fidelity.
Control from App: Use the free Sonica app on your smartphone, tablet or personal computer to stream and control your music. Invite friends to join the party by running the app on their phones too.
Multi-Room Music: Add more Sonica speakers to your home and enjoy music wherever you are. With the Sonica app, you are in the conductor’s seat deciding what music is streamed to each speaker.
Music Without Limits: Stream music from your smartphone and tablet via Wi-Fi, Airplay or Bluetooth; play files of many formats from USB drives or network computers; stream audio from online music services; or even connect using an AUX cable.
Rich and Vibrant Sound: The speaker drivers, amplifiers and chassis are expertly tuned for a deep, pure, and engaging sound.
Compatible with High-Resolution Audio Formats: Sonica is capable of decoding audio files up to 24-bit / 192 kHz from formats such as FLAC, WAV, and Apple Lossless.
Room Optimization: Built-in presets optimize the sound for different room sizes, speaker locations, and listening preferences.
Strong Wi-Fi Reception: Multiple built-in adaptive antennas with MU-MIMO technology ensure great signal strength for 2.4/5 GHz 802.11ac Wi-Fi (compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n).
Effortless Setup: Simply plug in the power cord, use the Sonica app to connect the speaker to your Wi-Fi or wired network, and start playing music.
Elegant Styles: Artistic design and exclusive curvature fit well with any room and furniture. Sonica looks as good as it sounds.
Regarding your questions, yes there is the ability to run two or more speakers in a wired or wireless network, and create speaker groups (zones). Two speakers can be made into a stereo pair. In addition to Wi-Fi, the speaker also supports Bluetooth. There is a USB port on the back and users will be able to play music files from a USB thumb drive or hard drive, assisted with the app for music navigation. Music files shared on the home network via a DLNA server can also be played. We plan to support online music streaming services, starting with TIDAL and more will come via future app updates.
