Samsung drops the music: new studio series promises home audio reinvention
Samsung’s foray into premium home audio just got a serious upgrade. After teasing a new direction late last year, the South Korean giant is finally unveiling its Music Studio 7 and Music Studio 5 speakers – and they’re not just another pair of wireless offerings. This is a calculated move to seriously challenge established players like Sonos and Bluesound.
Design and core features – a bouroullec touch
Let’s be frank: the design is the immediate draw. Erwan Bouroullec’s ‘Dot’ aesthetic, a subtle nod to musical notation and artistic principles, is a deliberate departure from the often-aggressive designs dominating the market. The goal? Seamless integration, a silent presence that complements, rather than overpowers, your living space. Both models boast Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, Google Cast, AirPlay, and Roon Ready compatibility – essential for a modern, multi-room setup. Alexa, Google Assistant, and Bixby voice control are also integrated, catering to a broad range of user preferences.
Tech under the hood – beyond bluetooth
But don’t mistake minimalist design for a lack of substance. Samsung is layering in some serious audio tech. Audio Lab Pattern Control intelligently manages sound distribution, minimizing overlap and ensuring crystal-clear dialogue and music. AI Dynamic Bass Control continuously adjusts bass output in real-time, preventing distortion – a crucial detail often overlooked. And Dolby Atmos wireless support, with a virtualization distinction between the 7 and 5 models, elevates the immersive experience. The inclusion of Eclipsa Audio, a collaborative open-source format, signals Samsung’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of spatial audio.
7 Vs. 5: a matter of scale and scope
The Music Studio 7, the flagship, sports a curvaceous rectangular design and a 3.1.1 channel configuration, complete with a dedicated subwoofer. It’s equipped with HDMI eARC and supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby 5.1 – although notably, it lacks DTS compatibility. The Music Studio 5, meanwhile, adopts a more rounded aesthetic and prioritizes a compact footprint. While lacking a dedicated height channel, it still delivers Dolby Atmos virtualization. Both models lean heavily on Samsung’s Q-Symphony and SpaceFit Sound Pro technologies, tailoring audio output to your specific room acoustics.
Pricing and availability
Currently unavailable in Europe, the Music Studio 7 is priced at $499, while the Music Studio 5 is listed at $299. It’s a bold statement of intent from Samsung – a clear signal that they’re not simply entering the wireless audio market; they’re aiming to dominate it. Forget incremental improvements; this is a fundamental shift in approach, and the industry should take notice.