Samsung's egg-shaped speakers send sound in all directions

Wonder what Samsung will be up to in the area of audio at CES 2015? I'm sure there will be a few surprises, but we now know the company will be showing off two new cool-looking speakers that radiate sound in all directions, plus an expanded lineup of curved sound bar speakers that will complement the company's curved TVs.

The new 360-degree speakers are a portable rechargeable model called the WAM6500 and a larger, AC-powered model called the WAM7500 that can be placed on a table top or stand. Both use the company's proprietary "Ring Radiator'" technology, which sends sound out in all directions.

In some ways, it reminds me of something that might have come from Bang & Olufsen, which in its BeoLab 5 speakers uses an Acoustic Lens sound-radiating technology that disperses sound in a 180-degree pattern. But both of Samsung's speakers send sound in a 360-degree radius. So far, prices for the speaker haven't been announced.

Looking for more information on sound bar speakers? Check out our home theater and sound bar buying guide and Ratings.

At CES 2015, Samsung will also add more curved sound bar speakers to the H7500-series model it launched last year. (In our review of the Samsung HW-H7500, we found it delivered very good sound.)

Joining that model (renamed the J7500) next year are new J8500, J6500, and J6000 sound bars. They're designed to match Samsung's curved TV lineup, with screens ranging from 45 to 78 inches. The flagship J8500 model will be a 9.1-channel system that has a central speaker for localizing dialog, plus outward-firing speakers on each end of the bar, offering a wider soundstage.

Once again, prices for the sound bar speakers weren't disclosed. But we'll be following all the CES 2015 announcements next week, so keep checking our Insider's guide to CES 2015 for the latest updates.

—James K. Willcox

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