Samsung is aiming to shake up the smart speaker market with its new Music Studio 5 and Music Studio 7 Wi-Fi speakers, unveiled this week at CES and slated for release in March. These aren’t just another set of voice-activated gadgets; they’re a serious play for the high-end, challenging established players like Amazon, Apple, Bose, and Sonos.
Both models boast a strikingly modern design, crafted by renowned French artist Erwan Bouroullec. While the vibrant colors showcased in promotional images are merely concepts, the initial release will offer a choice of classic black or white finishes.
Alexa, Google, and Bixby—Oh My!
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The Music Studio 5 (model LS50H) and Music Studio 7 (model LS70H) are set to support Alexa+, Amazon’s next-generation digital assistant, promising a more intuitive and conversational experience. While full voice assistant integration won’t be available at launch, Alexa+ will offer advanced smart home control, including automated food ordering from Uber Eats and virtual queuing for concert tickets via TicketMaster.
For those who prefer other voice assistants, the speakers will also respond to Google Assistant and Samsung’s own Bixby, optimized for seamless interaction with other Samsung devices.
Spotify Tap and High-Resolution Streaming
The Music Studio series integrates seamlessly with Spotify Tap, allowing users to instantly start their favorite playlists with a simple touch on the speaker. The Music Studio 7 takes it a step further, supporting lossless Spotify Premium streaming, handling FLAC files up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz, and other content at resolutions up to 24-bit/96kHz.
Choosing a voice assistant also influences the default music service: Alexa users will get Amazon Music, while Google Assistant users will receive YouTube Music. Other streaming services like Tidal and Qobuz will be accessible through their respective apps, Apple’s AirPlay, or Bluetooth.
Connectivity options include a Toslink digital audio input on the Music Studio 5 and an HDMI port on the Music Studio 7. The HDMI port is presumed to be HDMI ARC, though confirmation wasn’t available at CES.
Samsung’s Q Symphony technology allows up to five Music Studio speakers to synchronize with recent Samsung TVs via Bluetooth, blending their output with the TV’s built-in speakers. Q Symphony also extends to compatible Samsung soundbars and the wall-hanging Music Frame speakers, ensuring tonal balance across the entire system.
Whole-Home Audio and Spatial Sound
For multi-room audio enthusiasts, the SmartThings app enables streaming to up to 10 Music Studio speakers simultaneously, including grouped configurations. However, stereo pairing isn’t supported, as both the Music Studio 5 and 7 output two channels independently.
The Music Studio 5 ($249) features a distinctive design with two high-performance tweeters and a 4.2-inch woofer. Initial impressions at CES suggest impressive performance, though a full listening session is needed for a definitive assessment. It’s positioned as a compelling alternative to the $219 Sonos One, Gen 2, and the $199 Bose Home Speaker 300.
The Music Studio 7 ($499) is a 3.1.1-channel spatial audio speaker utilizing Samsung’s proprietary signal-steering technology. It features tweeters that deliver separate channel information from the front, left, right, and top, complemented by a 5-inch front-firing subwoofer. Samsung’s Pattern Control Technology and AI Dynamic Bass Control enhance clarity and sound distribution, competing with the $479 Sonos Era 300, the $299 Apple HomePod, and the $220 Amazon Echo Studio.
The potential of these speakers is undeniable, and a real-world listening test is eagerly anticipated.