Wireless speakers continue to be popular thanks to the growing popularity of mobile devices and the convenience of streaming music from them using Bluetooth. Networked wireless speaker systems, meanwhile, have become popular also for much the same reason, as well as the success of Sonos.
Sonic Blocks is a wireless speaker system that goes at least a couple of steps further than most rival products. First off, it’s a modular system made up of 6-inch speaker blocks. Second, while most wireless speakers rely solely on Bluetooth, Sonic Blocks also allows users to stream music via Wi-Fi for superior sound quality. It’s also compatible with the DTS Play-Fi multi-zone wireless audio technology for Android smartphones and tablets.
The system works in conjunction with an app for Android and iOS devices. The app can be used to set up the speaker system, access local and online music libraries, control the individual DSP engines for exact timbre adjustments, and distribute audio through a home network.
A standard Sonic Blocks starter bundle ships in June at $399. But Indiegogo backers can order the starter pack for a $199 pledge. A 2-inch Micro Sonic Blocks bundle ships first, in May, at $199, but backers can order it now for a $99 pledge. Its makers hope to raise $50,000 by Sept. 1
Sonic Blocks aren’t the first modular wireless speakers, trailing such products as Kien. But Sonic Blocks have a distinct design that might give it an edge over at least some speaker systems on the market. Some consumers may also like the ability to change out the system’s speakers, panels and lights, or to expand the number of blocks to their individual needs.