Pioneer XW-NAS3, NAS5 and HTP-SB300

Pioneer used the CEDIA expo today to dip into bookshelf-sized iPhone and iPod speakers for the first time in the US. Having just entered Europe a week ago, the XW-NAS3 and XW-NAS5 are both single-piece units but are designed for better sound than usual in the class with 2.1-channel, digitally amped 60W output. They both also have stealth displays behind the grill and optionally support Bluetooth for streaming stereo music, including from an iPhone or iPod touch.

The XW-NAS3 is the starter and focuses only on its primary Apple device role; it only comes in white. The XW-NAS5 adds radio and the option of playing ambient sounds, while also coming in multiple colors that include black and red. Pioneer hasn't detailed US pricing, but expects these two to arrive at the end of the year.

In turn, the HTP-SB300 is Pioneer's first sound bar and gives TVs virtual surround sound through a 3.1-channel, 250W unit. It can decode up to Dolby TrueHD and DTS. Pioneer intends it for wall-mounted TVs with screens between 32 and 37 inches but does say the speaker set should work well for those with little free space for full surround or for those piping audio into a second room.

No launch information is available for the sound bar.

by MacNN Staff