STACK #261 July 2026

TECH FEATURE

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From versatile portable speakers and a premium soundbar to smarter ways to play and create, here’s the audio tech making noise right now. Words Bec Summer Grab the hottest AUDIO GEAR at JB! Sonos Play Portable Speaker Sitting between the Sonos Roam 2 and Move 2, the Play delivers impressively powerful sound in a compact, portable speaker. Its punchy performance comes from a mid-woofer, dual tweeters, and bass radiators, producing rich, impactful audio that impressed us in testing. Designed for flexibility, it connects via Wi-Fi to your Sonos home system or Bluetooth for easy on-the-go listening.

JBL Bandbox Solo JBL Bandbox Trio The JBL Bandbox Solo and Trio redefine music practice with AI

powered features that let you interact with your favourite songs in real time. Stem separation isolates vocals, guitar, and drums, so you can mute parts, practise tricky sections, or jump into the mix. The Bandbox Solo is a compact, 18W unit with built-in tuner, metronome, amp models, and effects, making it ideal for personal practice. The Trio steps up with 135W output, a four-channel mixer, larger speaker system, and extended battery life up to ten hours – great for group sessions or busking. Both models support USB recording, app-based controls, and headphone use for silent practice, delivering a flexible, all-in-one amp. So whether you're practicing with friends or jamming solo, JBL’s Bandbox series is perfect for learning your chords, nailing your solos, and more.

A wireless charging base and built-in carry loop make the Play extremely portable, and with an IP67 rating, it can handle poolside parties and bush trips. Battery life is a standout too, offering up to 24 hours per charge. Plus, you can pair up to four Play speakers via Bluetooth for surround sound, or create a stereo setup over Wi-Fi with this versatile, all-rounder.

Sonos Era 100 SL Speaker Perhaps the most affordable option in the Sonos range, the Era 100 SL delivers top-tier sound without the added cost of voice assistant functionality. By removing the microphone, Sonos has created a more accessible entry point without compromising audio quality. Ideal for expanding an existing Sonos system or starting fresh,

JBL Bandbox Solo

the Era 100 SL also works well with turntable setups when using a compatible adapter. For home cinema fans it offers an excellent rear speaker option for immersive surround sound – when paired with a Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar and Sub, the results are impressive. Simple, effective, and great value, the Era 100 SL is a flexible speaker that makes high-quality audio more attainable for any setup.

JBL Bandbox Trio

Samsung Q-series HW-Q990H 11.1.4 Channel Sound with Subwoofer & Rear Speaker [2026]

11.1.4 channel setup including dedicated front, side, rear, and up-firing speakers, plus a punchy subwoofer to create a truly theatre-like experience at home. Bass is deep and controlled, and the

Dolby Atmos support lets you enjoy immersive audio without messy cables, connecting seamlessly via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Smart features like a voice

amplifier keep dialogue clear, even in noisy rooms, while adaptive tuning ensures everything sounds just right. It also pairs beautifully with compatible Samsung TVs, combining the soundbar and TV’s speakers for an even bigger soundstage.

Samsung’s Q990H goes big on cinematic sound, with a mighty

compact sub is easy to position wherever you need it. Wireless

44 JULY 2026

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