Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Voice-matched to ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 and UF52 speakers
- Sophisticated crossover ensures linear response and smooth transition between drivers
- Thick MDF enclosures with internal bracing reduces cabinet vibration that causes unwanted sonic coloration
Product Considerations
- Sensitivity is 85 dB
Takeaway: The ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UC52 Center Channel Speaker is designed to work well with other ELAC speakers and provide clear sound. It would be a great addition to a home theater.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
UC52
reviews
[{"title":"ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UC52 Center Channel Speaker Review","link":"https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/elac_uc52","source":"Erin's Audio Corner","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
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Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
Description
ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 speakers have garnered widespread acclaim and recognition for their exceptional sound reproduction, innovative design, and remarkable performance. Renowned among audio enthusiasts and professionals, these speakers stand out for their ability to deliver an immersive, true-to-life listening experience that surpasses expectations. Through a combination of cutting-edge technology, precision engineering, and a commitment to sonic excellence, ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 speakers have established themselves as a benchmark in the world of high-fidelity audio.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- ELAC speakers often incorporate concentric tweeter/midrange drivers, promoting a more coherent and focused soundstage.
- The brand is recognized for blending high-performance audio with accessible pricing, disrupting the market by providing elevated products at competitive price points.
- ELAC emphasizes the importance of a seamless frequency response by carefully managing the transition between the drivers.
- The company designs its speaker cabinets with a focus on minimizing resonances, often incorporating internal bracing and specific cabinet shapes to limit unwanted vibrations.
Select products
Select product comparisons
ELAC Debut 2.0 DB62
- Positioning: The entry-level bookshelf speaker in the Debut 2.0 series.
- Description: Offers a great balance of performance and affordability, featuring a custom-designed 1-inch soft-dome tweeter for improved clarity. Compared to other models, its aramid fiber woofer provides enhanced low-frequency response, making it suitable for small to medium-sized rooms without breaking the bank.
ELAC Debut Reference DBR62
- Positioning: A step up from the Debut 2.0 series, offering enhanced audio performance and aesthetics.
- Description: Features a new waveguide and open grill design for better high-frequency response. Stands out with its full perimeter bracing and cast chassis woofer, offering superior cabinet stability and reduced coloration compared to the DB62.
ELAC Carina BS243.4
- Positioning: Part of the premium Carina series, known for its advanced driver technology.
- Description: Features a JET tweeter, delivering high-definition sound with minimal distortion. Its compound curvature aluminum woofer ensures smooth transitions and superior bass dynamics, setting it apart from the Debut series.
ELAC UniFi Reference UBR62
- Positioning: A high-end model in the UniFi Reference series, offering a true 3-way speaker design.
- Description: Features a concentric driver with an extended wide-surround tweeter for seamless integration. Its compound curvature woofer and dual flared slot port provide enhanced bass dynamics.
ELAC Vela VBS404.2
- Positioning: The groundbreaking flagship model in the Vela series, combining advanced technology with luxurious design.
- Description: Features the remarkable JET 6 tweeter, offering an expansive frequency range and exceptional clarity. Its aluminum sandwich woofer minimizes resonances, providing a clear and accurate sound that surpasses the UniFi series.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
132
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
32
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
94
Founding Year
1926
Our take on the brand
ELAC is a hifi brand known for its unique connectivity options in powered speakers, including HDMI ARC at accessible price points, and its proprietary JET tweeter technology that uses a folded ribbon design. The brand's speakers, from bookshelf to floor-standing models, consistently deliver high performance through their crystal membrane drivers and JET tweeters, making them a reliable choice for value-conscious audiophiles.
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Used
ELAC
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What if you spend more?
ELAC
Debut ConneX DCB41
599
599
/
6
Reviews
The Debut ConneX DCB41 powered bookshelf speakers define how simple it can be to deliver a premium audio experience for both, movies and music. Featuring a wide variety of inputs (HDMI ARC, Analog/Phono, Optical, USB and Bluetooth), and matched with optimally designed drivers and amplifiers, the DCB41 delivers a truly exceptional audio experience.
ELAC is a hifi brand known for its unique connectivity options in powered speakers, including HDMI ARC at accessible price points, and its proprietary JET tweeter technology that uses a folded ribbon design. The brand's speakers, from bookshelf to floor-standing models, consistently deliver high performance through their crystal membrane drivers and JET tweeters, making them a reliable choice for value-conscious audiophiles.
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Product Strengths
- Versatile connectivity with HDMI ARC, USB, Optical, Bluetooth aptX, and RCA with switchable phono input
- Good sound quality for its size, described as balanced and refined, with clear dialogue
- Compact size allows for placement in various locations, such as desktops, small rooms, or near TVs
- Includes a remote control for easy input selection, volume control, and X-Bass adjustment
- The X-Bass feature allows for adjustable bass enhancement, depending on placement and preference
Product Considerations
- Bass extension may not satisfy those seeking deep, full-range sound, especially without X-Bass enabled
- Some reviewers wished for bi-amplification to allow for more precise crossover tuning via DSP
- The included speaker wire is considered short and of average quality
- The physical lugs for the included grilles are visible
- The rear volume knob might be inconvenient to reach, depending on the setup
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Klipsch The Fives—the Klipsch has a more premium build using real wood veneer, deeper bass extension, and bi-amplification
- Vs Q Acoustics M20—the ELAC DCB41 gets the edge for having HDMI ARC, wider finish options, and a smaller size
- Vs SVS Prime Wireless Pro—the SVS Prime Wireless Pro has more volume and more dynamic contrasts, and is larger
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3—the ELAC DCB41 is more timbrally accurate, and the Panorama 3 provides a wider soundstage
Takeaway: The ELAC Debut Connects DCB41 is a versatile and compact speaker system that offers a multitude of connectivity options and delivers surprisingly good sound for its size. It's a great choice for someone seeking a simple, all-in-one audio solution for TV, desktop, or small room listening.
Video review
Our take on the brand
ELAC is a hifi brand known for its unique connectivity options in powered speakers, including HDMI ARC at accessible price points, and its proprietary JET tweeter technology that uses a folded ribbon design. The brand's speakers, from bookshelf to floor-standing models, consistently deliver high performance through their crystal membrane drivers and JET tweeters, making them a reliable choice for value-conscious audiophiles.
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ELAC
Carina BS 243.4
999
999
/
3
Reviews
ELAC is a hifi brand known for its unique connectivity options in powered speakers, including HDMI ARC at accessible price points, and its proprietary JET tweeter technology that uses a folded ribbon design. The brand's speakers, from bookshelf to floor-standing models, consistently deliver high performance through their crystal membrane drivers and JET tweeters, making them a reliable choice for value-conscious audiophiles.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Natural and beautiful sound
- JET tweeter provides quiet, fatigue-free detail and low distortion
- Good integration between the woofer and the tweeter
- Sleek, solid, curvy, and modern design with a nice finish
- More nuance and more linear across the frequency spectrum than the Debut and UniFi models
Product Considerations
- Bass response can be predominant depending on room placement, and may require pulling the speakers away from the back wall
- Some measure of harmonics can be missing, producing a slightly dry sound
- Some would prefer a 6.5' woofer rather than a 5.5' one, with a slightly larger cabinet, to give greater bass extension
- Jumpers that come with the Elac Carina are not that good, and it is better to use speaker cable as jumpers
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Tannoy Revolution XT6F: The Carina is more natural with wooden instruments
- Vs Focal Aria 906: The Carina has more bass and a smoother top end
- Vs Elac Debut and UniFi: Carina ups the sonic game significantly
Takeaway: The Elac Carina is a well-designed speaker that offers a natural and detailed sound, and it can be listened to for hours without fatigue. It is also fun and romantic and depends on the source or music being listened to.
Video review
Our take on the brand
ELAC is a hifi brand known for its unique connectivity options in powered speakers, including HDMI ARC at accessible price points, and its proprietary JET tweeter technology that uses a folded ribbon design. The brand's speakers, from bookshelf to floor-standing models, consistently deliver high performance through their crystal membrane drivers and JET tweeters, making them a reliable choice for value-conscious audiophiles.
Product Page
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Wharfedale
Evo4.2
899
899
/
22
Reviews
Wharfedale’s new EVO4 has grown out of the extensive research and development that produced the ELYSIAN flagship loudspeakers and borrows much of the technology involved in ELYSIAN.
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent focus and separation, with the speakers 'disappearing' to create a natural soundstage
- Impressive low-end performance, adding authority to the music
- Cohesive driver integration, with no perceivable handover between the AMT tweeter, midrange dome, and woofer
- Remarkable neutrality in the midrange, with a detailed yet smooth treble—avoiding harshness even at higher volumes
- Clear and detailed sound reproduction, extracting nuances and levels of information outstanding for its price
Product Considerations
- Vertical off-axis performance of the AMT tweeter is not good, so correct speaker height and toe-in are important
- Soundstage is not super wide, with the presentation mostly between the speakers
- Some reviewers found the aesthetics or proportions to be awkward or not to suit all tastes
- Bass may be a bit polite for some listeners wanting subwoofer-type rumble
- The midrange can be fatiguing if the listener's ear is at the midrange driver level
Takeaway: The Evo4.2 is a well-rounded speaker that delivers excellent sound quality with impressive imaging, detail, and tonal balance. It is capable of providing an audiophile experience at an affordable price.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Product Page
Product Page
Devialet
Mania
899
899
/
20
Reviews
ASC - Active Stereo Calibration | Cross-stereo | 30Hz -20kHzDevialet Mania, our first high fidelity portable smart speaker with 360° stereo sound translates our obsession for pure sound.Metamorphic sound.Devialet Mania, the portable speaker ushers in a liberated approach to sound: more spontaneous, more adaptable, more obsession-inducing than ever. Thanks to its adaptive cross stereo, Devialet Mania offers a soundstage that morphs and adapts to any physical space, eliciting expansive 360° stereo sound. Cue your favorite music and feel the emotional imprint it leaves on you and those around you.Devialet Mania edition package also comes with a complimentary Devialet Mania Station.
Devialet is a hifi brand that combines analog and digital amplification through their "Analog Digital Hybrid" technology, delivering extremely low distortion in sleek, minimalist speakers. Their signature Phantom speakers use high-pressure lateral drivers to produce ultra-deep bass down to 14 Hz, while their spherical design minimizes sound diffraction for consistent quality regardless of listening position.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- One of the best-sounding portable Bluetooth speakers
- Built-in Alexa support eliminates the need for additional devices to control music with voice
- Solid design, IPX4 water resistance rating, and built-in handle
Product Considerations
- Insufficient loudness for large rooms
- Lacks some treble out-of-the-box
- Battery life can be short—around 4 hours in some tests
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Sonos is likely a better value for most users since it features a longer battery life and a more balanced sound out-of-the-box
Takeaway: The Devialet Mania is a portable speaker that redefines expectations with its impressive sound quality and bass energy. It offers a unique listening experience that's worth the purchase.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Devialet is a hifi brand that combines analog and digital amplification through their "Analog Digital Hybrid" technology, delivering extremely low distortion in sleek, minimalist speakers. Their signature Phantom speakers use high-pressure lateral drivers to produce ultra-deep bass down to 14 Hz, while their spherical design minimizes sound diffraction for consistent quality regardless of listening position.
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What competes at this price?
ELAC
Muro Series OW-V41S
399
/
Released
The compact proportions of the Muro Series make on-wall installation a breeze. Bring huge dimensionality to your system with a speaker that makes itself heard but barely seen.
ELAC is a hifi brand known for its unique connectivity options in powered speakers, including HDMI ARC at accessible price points, and its proprietary JET tweeter technology that uses a folded ribbon design. The brand's speakers, from bookshelf to floor-standing models, consistently deliver high performance through their crystal membrane drivers and JET tweeters, making them a reliable choice for value-conscious audiophiles.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Slimline form factor allows for wall-mounting, making them inconspicuous
- Subwoofers have a built-in wireless receiver for flexible installation
- Subwoofers can be controlled via an iOS/Android app (Elac Sub Control 2) with features like preset EQ modes, phase adjustment, low pass filter setting, parametric EQ, and auto-EQ
- The system delivers clarity, precision, and plenty of detail, especially when the main speakers are relieved of bass duties
Product Considerations
- Main speakers have fairly light bass output and are designed to be used with subwoofers
- The binding posts on the main speakers might not hold banana plugs firmly
- The smaller subwoofer's bass response isn't as smooth as the larger one
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Long speakers paired with the smaller subwoofer versus short speakers paired with the larger subwoofer—the latter makes the more significant difference
Takeaway: The Elac Muro system offers a discreet and effective home theater solution with smart features and good sound quality. The wireless capabilities and app control add to its convenience, making it a good option for those seeking a less obtrusive audio setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
ELAC is a hifi brand known for its unique connectivity options in powered speakers, including HDMI ARC at accessible price points, and its proprietary JET tweeter technology that uses a folded ribbon design. The brand's speakers, from bookshelf to floor-standing models, consistently deliver high performance through their crystal membrane drivers and JET tweeters, making them a reliable choice for value-conscious audiophiles.
Product Page
Product Page
ELAC
Debut 3.0 DB63-BK
449
/
Released
2024
Surpassing the DB62—a speaker that has garnered global acclaim and industry accolades—presented a significant challenge. However, at ELAC, perpetual enhancement is our core principle. The Debut DB63 not only meets this challenge but sets a new standard in bookshelf speaker excellence. It stands in a league of its own, with any potential competition beginning at a much steeper price point.
ELAC is a hifi brand known for its unique connectivity options in powered speakers, including HDMI ARC at accessible price points, and its proprietary JET tweeter technology that uses a folded ribbon design. The brand's speakers, from bookshelf to floor-standing models, consistently deliver high performance through their crystal membrane drivers and JET tweeters, making them a reliable choice for value-conscious audiophiles.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Fantastic sound quality for the price, with a clean frequency response
- Easy to drive, working well with a variety of amplifiers
- Smart tweeter design with a phase plug that widens the soundstage and prevents brightness
- Large soundstage, casting sounds beyond the boundaries of the speakers
- Premium look that exceeds expectations for the cost
Product Considerations
- The soft-touch plastic on the front baffle may become sticky over time—ten to fifteen years
- Binding posts are not deep enough for banana plugs
- Instrument placement and image depth aren't the most precise
- Some difficulty locking in a good center image, which could be room-related
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Martin Logan Foundation B2: Better to buy the ELACs because the Martin Logans are basically double the price
- Vs. Canton: The much more expensive Cantons were only missed a few times
- Vs. Klipsch RP600M II: Vinyl wrap is a step up above what is on the Klipsch
Takeaway: The ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63s are amazing speakers for the price, offering a fantastic sound and premium look, making them a solid choice for both beginners and audiophiles alike. Some people may not feel the need to upgrade to higher-end systems.
Video review
Our take on the brand
ELAC is a hifi brand known for its unique connectivity options in powered speakers, including HDMI ARC at accessible price points, and its proprietary JET tweeter technology that uses a folded ribbon design. The brand's speakers, from bookshelf to floor-standing models, consistently deliver high performance through their crystal membrane drivers and JET tweeters, making them a reliable choice for value-conscious audiophiles.
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Q Acoustics
M20
499
/
Released
2021
Designed to deliver stunning wireless high-resolution stereo sound, the flexible M20 HD audio system is the most powerful and immersive way to enjoy music, movies and gaming sound anywhere in the home.
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Effortlessly detailed and balanced sound
- Excellent stereo imaging and dynamics
- High-quality Bluetooth streaming
- Simple setup and control
- Multiple connection options, including subwoofer output, digital input for TV, and analog inputs
Product Considerations
- No HDMI ARC for seamless control with TV remote
- No dedicated app for adjusting settings
- Bass output may be lacking for some listeners, potentially requiring a subwoofer
- Grilles are non-removable
- Speakers power down after 20 minutes at rest, requiring manual Bluetooth pairing each time
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Ruark Audio MR1 Mk2, the Q Acoustics M20 sounds fuller, louder and less compressed
Takeaway: The Q Acoustics M20 HD speakers offer detailed, balanced sound and are easy to set up with various devices. They're a versatile audio solution for upgrading sound, whether for music, movies, or gaming.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
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SVS
Prime Bookshelf
299
/
Released
The Prime Bookshelf speakers are sonic overachievers on all levels. Stunningly dynamic, pinpoint accurate and utterly transparent, they deftly serve as reference monitor loudspeakers in a two-channel system, or as high performance front, center, or side/rear surround speakers in a multi-channel home theater.
SVS is a hifi brand known for its subwoofers that feature dual 8-inch voice coils and 17-inch drivers, delivering deep bass with precise control through their force-balanced woofer array design. Their Ultra Evolution series uses diamond-coated aluminum dome tweeters and acoustically centered time alignment cabinet architecture to ensure all sound reaches listeners' ears simultaneously for a coherent soundstage.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Good ability to get loud, clean sound without distortion or compression issues above 80 Hz when paired with a subwoofer
- Really good build quality cabinet
- Very clear, immediate, vivid sounding speaker
- Ultra-focused sounding, clean, and nicely balanced vocals
- A lot of treble liveliness combined with quality clarity and crispness
Product Considerations
- Treble is a little bit bright
- Not the most neutral speaker
- Leaner sound in terms of bass delivery
- Very tight, tuneful, and on-point bass, but the perceived amount of bass is less substantial than other speakers reviewed
- Some port noise or chuffing can be heard when setting the speakers to deliver as much bass as the Klipsch RP600M
Takeaway: The SVS Prime bookshelf is a sweet little speaker that delivers clear and vivid sound and has great build quality. It's also versatile, as it can be used in a stereo setup or as part of a home theater system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
SVS is a hifi brand known for its subwoofers that feature dual 8-inch voice coils and 17-inch drivers, delivering deep bass with precise control through their force-balanced woofer array design. Their Ultra Evolution series uses diamond-coated aluminum dome tweeters and acoustically centered time alignment cabinet architecture to ensure all sound reaches listeners' ears simultaneously for a coherent soundstage.
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Sonos
Move 2
419
/
Released
2023
Upgraded inside and out, our most powerful portable speaker delivers heart-pumping stereo sound wherever you want.
Sonos pioneered multi-room wireless audio with their proprietary SonosNet mesh network, which ensures synchronized streaming across multiple speakers without relying on traditional Wi-Fi. Their products feature Trueplay technology that automatically tunes speakers to room acoustics, while supporting multiple voice assistants and streaming services across their platform-agnostic ecosystem.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Improved stereo sound compared to the original Move, due to the addition of dual tweeters
- Significantly longer battery life—advertised up to 24 hours—making it suitable for extended use indoors and outdoors
- Designed with portability in mind, featuring a built-in handle for easy carrying and an IP56 rating for dust and water resistance
- The speaker benefits from the Auto Trueplay feature, which automatically optimizes the sound to the unique acoustics of your space, delivering a balanced audio experience
- Versatile connectivity options including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay 2, and can even stream Bluetooth audio to other Sonos speakers
Product Considerations
- Considered hefty and not as easily portable as smaller options like the Sonos Roam
- Google Assistant is no longer supported, which may be a drawback for users heavily invested in the Google ecosystem
- It cannot be used as a speakerphone for calls
- Despite being a stereo speaker, channel separation isn't always very distinct, and it can sound more like an expansive mono speaker
- An adapter is needed for a line-in connection, and a carrying case are sold separately, which increases the overall cost
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sonos Move: The Move 2 offers stereo playback—as opposed to mono—longer battery life, and more connectivity options
- Vs Sonos Roam: The Move 2 sounds better and gets louder, but the Roam is smaller and lighter
- Vs Sonos Era 300: The Era 300 has Dolby Atmos support, but is not portable or water-resistant like the Move 2
- Vs Sonos Era 100: The Move 2 can be taken on the go unlike the Era 100 and is rated for dust and water resistance
- Vs Bose SoundLink Max: The Sonos Move 2 sounds a bit more balanced out of the box, and its battery can even be replaced down the line, while the Bose has a longer-lasting battery and doesn't require an adapter to connect to analog line-in sources, but it can't connect to Wi-Fi
Takeaway: The Sonos Move 2 is a versatile and improved portable speaker, offering great sound and battery life for both indoor and outdoor use, and its integration with the Sonos ecosystem makes it an easy choice for existing Sonos users.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Sonos pioneered multi-room wireless audio with their proprietary SonosNet mesh network, which ensures synchronized streaming across multiple speakers without relying on traditional Wi-Fi. Their products feature Trueplay technology that automatically tunes speakers to room acoustics, while supporting multiple voice assistants and streaming services across their platform-agnostic ecosystem.
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