CES 2017

Where wireless options are concerned, Onkyo asks: Why limit yourself?

The SBT-A500 soundbar rocks 3.1.2 channels with upward-firing drivers for your Dolby Atmos and DTS:X height-enhanced pleasure. But its slickest move is to go beyond the usual Bluetooth to embrace other wireless options including Blackfire's FireConnect, described as an open platform, plus DTS Play-fi, AirPlay, and Google Chromecast. It can stream to individual rooms or speakers, groupings, or the entire home.

It's shown here streaming to a couple of NCP302 stereo wireless speakers, available in white or black and mercifully equipped with volume knobs in lieu of pesky buttons. The bar, with its bundled slim receiver, will sell for $999; pricing is not available for the speakers. Shipping dates to be determined.