Samsung is poised to disrupt the high-end smart speaker market with the unveiling of the Music Studio 5 and Music Studio 7. These aren’t just speakers; they’re meticulously crafted audio experiences designed to challenge established giants like Sonos, Bose, and Apple.
The design, a collaboration with celebrated French artist Erwan Bouroullec, immediately sets them apart. A strikingly modern “dot-faced” aesthetic promises a visual statement, though initial releases will focus on classic black and white finishes – the vibrant colors showcased were merely explorations of possibility.
Beyond aesthetics, these speakers are built for the future of voice control. While details were initially scarce, the Music Studio series will embrace Alexa+, Amazon’s next-generation AI assistant, promising a more intuitive and conversational experience. Imagine effortlessly ordering from Uber Eats or securing concert tickets, all through voice command.
But Samsung isn’t locking users into a single ecosystem. Google Assistant and Samsung’s own Bixby will also be supported, offering seamless integration with a wider range of devices and services. The choice, ultimately, remains with the listener.
A simple touch unlocks a world of sound with Spotify Tap, leveraging Spotify Connect for instant playlist access. The Music Studio 7 takes this further, capable of streaming lossless Spotify Premium content at resolutions up to 24-bit/96kHz, revealing nuances previously unheard.
The speaker’s intelligence extends to music service preferences. Choosing Alexa will default to Amazon Music, while Google Assistant users will enjoy YouTube Music. However, support for Tidal, Qobuz, and Apple AirPlay ensures flexibility for dedicated audiophiles.
Connectivity is thoughtfully addressed. The Music Studio 5 offers a Toslink digital audio input, while the Music Studio 7 adds an HDMI port – likely ARC – for seamless integration with home theater setups. This versatility caters to both purists and those seeking streamlined simplicity.
Samsung’s Q Symphony technology elevates the home theater experience, allowing up to five Music Studio speakers to synchronize with compatible Samsung TVs. The TV’s speakers blend seamlessly with the speaker array, creating a truly immersive soundscape. This extends to compatibility with Samsung soundbars and Music Frame speakers.
For whole-home audio enthusiasts, the Music Studio series supports multi-room streaming to up to ten speakers simultaneously, managed effortlessly through the SmartThings app. While stereo pairing isn’t currently supported, the potential for a synchronized, room-filling sound is undeniable.
The Music Studio 5, priced at $249, presents a distinctive silhouette, immediately differentiating itself from competitors like the Sonos One and Bose Home Speaker 300. Beneath its sculpted dome lies a powerful configuration: dual tweeters and a dedicated 4.2-inch woofer, promising surprisingly robust performance.
Stepping up to the Music Studio 7 ($499) unlocks a true all-in-one experience. This 3.1.1-channel spatial audio speaker utilizes Samsung’s proprietary signal-steering technology, delivering immersive sound from every direction. Pattern Control Technology and AI Dynamic Bass Control further refine the audio experience.
The Music Studio 7 directly challenges the Sonos Era 300, Apple HomePod, and Amazon Echo Studio, offering a compelling alternative for those seeking a single, powerful smart speaker. The promise of real-world performance is tantalizing, and anticipation is building for a deeper dive into these innovative audio devices.
