Are there any alternatives to the usual Homepod/Sonos speakers for Airplay connectivity? I want to avoid using an airplay dongle in the kitchen, that’s already my setup in the living room, but here space is a concern.
Thus, is Yamaha the only non-US option or are there any EU-made speakers with built in Airplay?
Bang & Olufsen (🇩🇰) comes to mind and of course Genelec (🇫🇮) although I’m not sure if the latter has developed any app functionality and smart features.
Genelec is of course excellent and my secondary pair of studio monitors will come from them, but yeah - they don’t, and also looking for something simpler (ie. cheaper) for rooms where music is just for background listening.
And yeah, dongles are not a problem unless space is already cramped in a given and you want to minimize devices :)
Genelec doesn’t make wireless speakers, but the smallest ones are quite compact. You could probably attach an AirPlay receiver to the back of it to turn it into a DIY wireless speaker.
Good point! Then the wireless dongle would be easy to upgrade as well.
Check out Teufel from Berlin, 🇩🇪
The Motiv might be an option! Thanks
Not EU but Japan, the Denon Home 150s are great Sonos replacements. I bought a few after dumping my Sonos speakers.
Denon, while they are headquartered in Japan, are owned by American company. Wikipedia: Denon
In 2002, Denon merged with Marantz to form D&M Holdings. On March 1, 2017, Sound United LLC completed the acquisition of D+M Holdings.
Wikipedia: DEI Holdings (Sound United)
Wikipedia: MasimoMasimo Corporation is an American health technology and consumer electronics company based in Irvine, California. The company manufactures patient monitoring devices and technologies, including non-invasive sensors using optical technology, patient management, and telehealth platforms. In 2022, the company expanded into home audio by acquiring Sound United, and began to manufacture health-oriented wearable devices.
They also own Bowers & Wilkins, which is a British speaker manufacturer. B&W has some wireless speakers, if you don’t mind the ownership and the price tag.
That makes me a little sad.
Yeah, I considered those and Yamaha Musiccast 20’s. Good to hear you like them!
Teenage Engineering has some cool speakers as well.
Looks good too, will have to look into reviews
