Pioneer has joined the wireless speaker party with a trio of units priced between $299 and $399, offering support for Apple's AirPlay wireless streaming technology, as well as DLNA 1.5 and Pioneer's own Wireless Direct.
Pioneer's trio of wireless music speakers are officially called the XW-SMA1, XW-SMA3, and XW-SMA4, but they are also referred to as the A1, a3, and A4, respectively. It is unknown why the speakers went from A1 to A3, skipping the A2. The A3 model, which comes with a $399 price tag, is basically the same as the A1, but it is a portable unit because it features a built-in rechargeable battery.
Pioneer has also joined forces with HTC to provide an easy setup and connection option for HTC One smartphone owners. Similarly to Apple's AirPlay features, HTC smartphones that are compatible with HTC Connect will be able to stream music directly to the speakers via Wi-Fi, and will also allow complete control of the volume and music content transmitted to the speakers.
As previously mentioned, all three models of wireless speakers offer Pioneer's Wireless Direct technology, which allows the speaker to act as its own Wi-Fi wireless access point, according to the company.
The XW-SMA1, a.k.a. the A1 for short, features dual 3-inch speakers and a ¾-inch soft dome tweeter. It enhances bass response by using a tuned bass reflex, and comes with a $299 price tag.
The XW-SMA3, a.k.a. the A3 for short, features the same audio components as the A1, but comes with an additional rechargeable lithium ion battery, which makes it portable, and a tough exterior. Music playback lasts up to four hours at maximum volume and up to six hours at 50 percent volume when battery power is in use. This model comes with a $399 price tag.
The XW-SMA4, a.k.a. the S4 for short, is the flagship model of the trio. It features five speakers, including 3-inch speakers, dual ¾-inch soft dome tweeters, as well as a dedicated 4-inch subwoofer. This model comes with a $399 price tag as well.
Pioneer's new SMA wireless speakers are scheduled to start shipping in August. Until then, it is tough to determine the sound quality and the overall performance of the speakers, but full reviews will come out as soon as the units ship.
