Roberts Radio is targeting the premium smart audio market with its most expensive consumer product to date.
Retailing for £749.99, the flagship S300 Smart Audio Hub is said to include the best of the brand’s technology and design.
It is part of the company’s R-Line range of products, which also includes wireless speakers, smart radios and the new RT100 turntable with a USB connection and a built-in stereo pre-amplifier.
Available from August, the S300 is a wireless stereo CD speaker system with FM, DAB/DAB+ and internet radio. It can be listened to on its own, or as part of a multi-room set-up, and can be connected by Ethernet, wi-fi or Bluetooth.
The S300 is said to be compatible with all online music streaming services, including Spotify via the Spotify Connect feature.
It can be operated using the UNDOK app for iOS or Android devices, but also has on-board controls and a remote for users who prefer the traditional way of operating audio products.
Speaking exclusively to ERT, Rachel Cowle, Roberts Radio’s head of marketing, said: “The price tag reflects all of the design and engineering that has gone into the product – it is fully loaded and sounds absolutely great. We are really excited to launch a product that shows everything that Roberts is capable of. We are not currently really known as an audio brand, but we are confident that this product stacks up against others with a similar price tag and sounds just as good, if not better.”
Commenting on the smart audio market, Ms Cowle told ERT: “Despite challenges felt by many brands and many retailers, the smart radio/audio categories have probably not felt as much pain as some other sectors, although prices appear to have increased.
“There’s so much innovation in this space, which will hopefully keep it growing over the full year. Roberts is very new to the smart audio category, but smart radio is a market we lead and drive and there is a growing understanding and appreciation for the benefits of internet radio.”
