Fire TV Soundbar Plus: Amazon's new premium soundbar ignores Alexa
The internet giant Amazon took advantage of the launch of the anticipated Fire TV Omni to unveil a new soundbar called Fire TV Soundbar Plus. High-end version of the Fire TV Soundbar first of the name released in 2023, this new model brings its share of improvements.
Despite dimensions extended to 94 cm, compared to 60 cm for its predecessor, Amazon first of all made a small effort by giving it a thinner design. This will make it look better on large televisions while being more discreet.
In terms of sound architecture, the Fire TV Soundbar Plus is characterized by an ability to reproduce soundtracks on 3.1 channels thanks to a central channel and an integrated subwoofer. If it is of course possible to complete it using an external box, it should therefore alone offer sufficient immersion. In addition, we note the possibility of enhancing the dialogues in relation to the sound effects of the soundtracks thanks to the Dialogue Enhancer mode.
An Amazon soundbar compatible with Dolby Atmos, but without Alexa…
Resolutely modern, this Amazon soundbar is able to virtualize Dolby Atmos and DTS:X aerial effects. However, the three-dimensional experience cannot be complete without rear wireless speakers. To our delight, Amazon offers it as an option to create a real sound bubble with its Fire TV Soundbar Plus.
Although it is a shame that the soundbar does not directly integrate Fire TV or Alexa, the user will still be able to control their Amazon television via the Fire TV Soundbar Plus remote control. We also welcome its relatively complete connectivity. Connection to the TV is simple via an HDMI eARC port or optical input. Music lovers are not left out, with the integration of a UBS-A port dedicated to audio files stored on a USB key and a Bluetooth receiver allowing intuitive wireless streaming from a smartphone.
Although no availability in Europe has yet been announced, the Fire TV Soundbar Plus is already available on Amazon at a price of $249.99. A positioning close to the high end, more than $100 above its little sister, for its part still available at $104.99. To complete the soundbar with a subwoofer or a pair of rear speakers, you will have to pay $374.99 and $489.99 respectively.
