Pioneer’s Elite FS-EB70 Atmos Soundbar will Shower You in Sound

By Kris Wouk January 15, 2017

pioneer elite fs eb70 network atmos soundbar 16 9

Soundbars are certainly nothing new, but they’ve been adding new features recently that are making them better than ever.

One of these features is object-based surround sound — provided by either Dolby Atmos or DTS:X — which can make it seem like sound is coming from above you in addition to around you, and that is exactly what Pioneer has packed into its new Elite FS-EB70 soundbar.

Related Videos

There are a few different ways to add height information to a standard surround sound setup. It can be handled by ceiling-mounted speakers, but that usually isn’t very practical. In a soundbar like the Elite FS-EB70, it is accomplished by speakers that face the ceiling and reflect sound down toward you.

In addition to Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, this soundbar features Dolby Audio’s new Surround Enhancer technology, which creates virtual rear speakers to allow for sound coming from behind you without the need for actual rear surround speakers. This combines with the included wireless subwoofer to make for cinematic sound with a minimal footprint.

Also included here is DTS Neural:X, which takes 5.1-channel surround sound and retrieves spatial cues to replicate object-based audio. For actual DTS:X audio, dialogue is mixed as a separate element, which lets you turn up the volume of the voices without having to turn everything up along with it.

This soundbar features two different wireless multiroom audio solutions: FireConnect and DTS Play-Fi. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and AirPlay are also supported, with Chromecast built-in functionality coming via a later firmware update. Music subscription services like Spotify, Pandora, Tidal, Deezer, and TuneIn are included as well. Finally, Hi-Res audio is supported, including 2.8 MHz/5.6 MHz DSD.

Every HDMI input on the Elite FS-EB70 supports 4K and HDR passthrough, including BT.2020 video. The HDMI output includes Audio Return Channel, so you can even use the soundbar for over-the-air broadcast TV.

The Pioneer Elite FS-EB70 network soundbar is available now for a retail price of $1,000. For more information, including how to purchase the new soundbar, see the Pioneer website.

A version of this post first appeared on our “brother site” Digital Trends.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

The Manual | The Essential Guide for Men

Culture

Crosley Radio’s Vinyl Rocket will Transport You Back to the 1950s

Crosley Radio Vinyl Rocket jukebox

The vinyl record has gone from niche collector hobby, to nearly breaking back into the mainstream as the physical media format of choice. Chances are you probably have your own collection of vinyl records to show off. However, an iconic facet of the vinyl record era of yore that has been absent from this revival is the jukebox. Sure, there are CD and digital format jukeboxes in many a dive bar across the world, but they're not the same as a vinyl player. However Crosley Radio, which has been around in some form since launching its first radio back in the 1920s, is changing that. The company is expanding its jukebox lineup with the Vinyl Rocket, a fully functioning vinyl hub that will take you back to the days of the sock hop.

The Vinyl Rocket not only represents the first vinyl jukebox in the company's current catalog, it's also the only vinyl jukebox in production, period. You'll pull in some serious cred sporting this in your entertainment room or drinking establishment. The machine is capable of holding up to 70 seven-inch records, and can play both A and B sides thanks to what the company calls a "unique rotating vinyl mechanism" for a total of 140 possible selections. That's an impressive collection on demand, but nostalgia factor aside, the question is: How does it sound?

Culture

Klipsch and Capitol Records release gorgeous Heritage speaker line

Heritage speaker

Tech-driven audio company Klipsch has paired up with Capitol Records to launch the absolutely stunning special edition Heritage speaker line, a gorgeous group of devices that includes two Bluetooth speakers and a set of wired three-way floor-standers.

The speaker line celebrates the fact that each company has been in business for over seven decades, showcasing beautiful vintage design alongside cutting-edge audio technology. All three speakers feature luxury materials like wood veneer and gunmetal switches and knobs, borrowing their aesthetic from classic mid-century modern design, but still utilizing modern audio technologies for playback. Every model in the new line can be had in two elegant finish options: Blonde with a tan woven grille cloth, or ebony with salt and pepper cloth.

Culture

Enhance Your Vinyl Listening Experience with Mobile Fidelity Electronics’ Line of Turntables

Mobile Fidelity Electronics

Collecting vinyl is a rewarding pursuit, but unless you've got a great deck to listen on, you're not getting the full potential out of your collection. Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab, long known among record collectors for its extremely high fidelity analog remastering and limited-edition record reissues, will now offer its own line of turntables, cartridges, and phono preamps under the Mobile Fidelity Electronics name, all of which will add some serious cred to your listening setup.

The two turntables, called the StudioDeck and UltraDeck, both feature extremely high quality components in collaboration with multiple legendary analog hardware designers, including Delrin platters, isolated motors, anti-vibration feet from Harmonic Resolution Systems, and custom-designed tonearms from Allen Perkins of Spiral Groove.