Lithe Audio Pro Series WiSA-Certified Atmos Ceiling Speakers Launched
Brit-based Lithe Audio's new Pro Series Wi-Fi Ceiling Speakers are the first Dolby Atmos ceiling speakers to receive WiSA certification.
Lithe Audio's Pro Series Wi-Fi Ceiling Speakers boast a built-in 60W RMS class D amplifier powering a 6.5-inch woven cone woofer and a 0.75-inch titanium cone tweeter with a quoted frequency response of 55Hz - 20kHz. Furthermore, it offers the flexibility of being powered by an existing lighting circuit, 13A plug, or over Ethernet (PoE++) courtesy of a bolt-on module.
You can configure Lithe's Pro series via a dedicated app which enables you to tweak such parameters as EQ and delay. You can also implement firmware updates and drivers for compatibility with automation platforms such as Control4, Fibaro and Loxone.
Each speaker sports an optical input, ethernet in and out (allowing for daisy-chaining), and enjoys both 5GHz and 2.4GHz flavours of wi-fi.
The variety of wireless control options includes AirPlay2, Google Chromecast, Alexa, Bluetooth, and Spotify Connect. There is also Tidal, Deezer and Amazon Music via Airable.
Naturally, the British company's WiSA certified Pro Series is all about wireless. WiSA (Wireless Speaker and Audio Association) is a trade body with the likes of Bang & Olufsen, Denon, Harman, LG, and Pioneer as members that aims to "collectively define worldwide standards for wireless, high-definition, multi-channel audio".
To gain WiSA certification, products must conform to the body's protocols for latency, synchronisation and compatibility. That means audio is transmitted and received at 24-bit/48kHz or 24-bit/96kHz sample rates with 5.2ms or 2.6ms of latency, respectively. Also, WiSA systems can support 3D audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
The Pro Series Wi-Fi Ceiling Speakers are available from April 2021, priced at £699.98 for a pair with the WiSA bolt-on. Add £170 for a set with PoE++. A standard pair costs £599.99.
WHAT WE THINK
It's always good to see a British company claim a first and Lithe Audio are well-established in the hidden home and garden speaker market. The Pro Series certainly looks to offer plenty for both the user and CI professional.
Jay Garrett
StereoNET’s resident rock star, bass player, and gadget junkie. Jay heads up StereoNET as Editor for the United Kingdom and Europe regions. His passion for gadgets and Hi-Fi is second only to being a touring musician.
Posted in: Home Theatre | Integration | Technology
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