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SINGAPORE - When Sony showcased its latest Bravia range of LCD television sets to the media earlier this week, it gave a sneak peek of its premium omni-directional speaker, the Sountina NSA-PF1.
The cylindrical tube emits sound 360 degrees and has a frequency response of 50Hz to 20kHz. Despite having just a single glass pole to emit sound, the Sountina does not reproduce monaural audio. Instead, it tries to replicate the spaciousness of a live musical performance.
We were pleasantly surprised by the warm, crisp and full sounds that emanated from this sonic wonder whether we were standing at arm’s length or up to 15m away.
Sony says that the speaker can easily fill up a conference hall with music. The device is 1.825m tall and has a built-in amplifier. Sony explains that the Sountina is more acoustically efficient than conventional speakers, with minimal sound level loss over long distances.
The organic glass material that lends the Sountina its lightsabre-like shape acts as the vibration board of its tweeter. Although it looks like glass, the organic material has a more plastic feel that won’t make it too fragile.
The glass tube is also lit internally, allowing you to change its illuminated colours to suit your mood or the environment.
Only those with hefty bank accounts need bother. The Sountina retails at US$10,000 ($13,500) in the United States. No word on when it’ll be available here. - TODAY/fa
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