Sound technology is improving so quickly that sometimes we can barely keep up. Thankfully, some upgrade their old devices by introducing compatible external gear, eliminating the need for users to spend a ton on each new model. Sony attempted this with the release of the SA-RS5 wireless rear speakers as an upgrade to its existing soundbars.
The SA-RS5 features dual passive radiators and upward-firing speakers, which were unavailable with the earlier SA-RS3S. The SA-RS5 is entirely wireless and compatible with Sony’s HT-A7000 and HT-A5000. Stronger bass and better clarity contribute to a fantastic experience.
Let’s take a deeper look at essential features that the new SA-RS5 flaunt and how they compare to those offered by the predecessor. We’ll also look at the soundbars compatible with these rear speakers to get your home audio setup ready to go!
What Makes the SA-RS5 Better Than the SA-RS3S?
The SA-RA5 boasts dual passive radiators and an upward-firing speaker, both of which were not present in the SA-RS3S. These additions make Sony’s 3D surround sound even more powerful and irresistible.
Using its wide directivity technology, these rear speakers also offer 360 Spatial Sound Mapping. This way, the duo creates an illusion of multiple phantom speakers placed in different locations.
With such an arrangement, users can feel the sound waves delivered with varying intensity.
The SA-RS5 mimics the experience of going to a movie theater to offer highly immersive sound signals at home.
What Other Features Will the SA-RS5 Speakers Have?
There are many great things about the SA-RS5 that make these speakers a must-have:
All Geared Up
The SA-RS5 may look small, but they feature all the essentials to create an immersive sound that comes from all directions.
Apart from the up-firing speakers and dual passive radiators, these speakers also pack wide directional woofers along with dome tweeters. While woofers and tweeters help expand the soundstage for a theater-like experience, the dual radiators boost the bass.
At the same time, the up-firing speakers take the immersive sound to completely new levels and eliminate the need to install ceiling speakers in order to achieve extra height sound channels.
A Complete Cable-Free Solution
Another great feature of the SA-RS5 is its capability to work without a power cord.
The majority of the rear speakers out there can connect wirelessly, however, these cannot work unless connected with the power socket. Thankfully, that is not the case with the SA-RS5.
Built to operate completely wirelessly, you can charge these speakers beforehand to enjoy a mess-free setup. As per Sony, these speakers can run for 10 hours continuously with a full battery.
Furthermore, if you forget to charge them, you can plug them in for just 10 minutes and get 90 minutes of usage time.
One Button Optimization
With the hassle-free design, these speakers enable one-touch optimization. Simply put, you can activate the Sound Field Optimization with just a button. Press the ‘OPTIMIZE’ button, and the rest is taken care of.
Using one of Sony’s compatible soundbars, such as the HT-A7000 (on Amazon), makes the entire process a breeze. Using the dual microphone present in each rear speaker, the compatible soundbar automatically calculates the distance between the speakers and the ceiling.
This way, the speakers make the optimization process smarter and easier for users to set up. All you have to do is power up the wireless rear speakers. If the optimize button is ‘ON,’ they will connect wirelessly with the soundbars automatically.
Thoughtful Design
The rear speakers are mount-friendly or capable of standing alone on a table. Although they have a cylindrical design, they have a narrow flat back. Hence, they can easily sit close to the walls.
What Are SA-RS5 Speakers Compatible With?
The SA-RS5 speakers are compatible with two popular Sony soundbars: HT-A7000 and HT-A5000. While the prior offers 7.1.2 channels, the latter provides 5.1.2 channels. Let’s take a closer look:
HT-A7000
The HT-A7000 Soundbar (on Amazon) boats two up-firing speakers for adding extra overhead channels. In addition, there are two beam tweeters along with five front speakers, sealing the deal for a high-quality sound experience.
Offering a wider surround, the soundbar also flaunts a built-in subwoofer, giving the bass a much-needed edge. Enjoying its unique S-Force PRO Front Surround, users can enjoy the latest and immersive sound codes: Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
HT-A5000
The HT-A5000 Soundbar (on Amazon) aims at bettering the overall immersive experience using its 5.1.2 channel surround sound system. You can enjoy clear visuals and the latest gameplay with a more realistic feel.
Featuring the latest Bluetooth 9 for stronger reach and WiFi capabilities for mess-free design, it easily integrates with other devices such as Amazon Alexa. In short, it does the job pretty well with an option to enhance the audio signals by adding rear speakers.
