Pioneer “Taps” into AirPlay

Pioneer has already embraced Apple AirPlay with some of its products, and it’s now expanded support with the launch of two networked music systems called Music Tap. With the Pioneer and Elite branded models, users can access, control and play back their iTunes music library throughout their home or apartment regardless of where the music is stored.

X-SMC3-S Music Tap

AirPlay connectivity features:

• Connection to Music Streaming Services – In addition to the music saved in an iTunes library, the Music Tap systems support AirPlay-enabled apps like PANDORA® Internet radio, iHeartRadio® and other music streaming service apps, giving consumers access to a virtually endless playlist.
• Crystal Clear Sound – Music Tap’s Apple Lossless capability ensures that users will always enjoy high-quality audio with no degradation in sound quality when listening to music encoded with this high-resolution format.
• Music Throughout The Home – Music Tap is a great addition to an AirPlay-enabled Pioneer AV receiver for music in any room of the house. Using iTunes 10.1 or later on a Mac or PC, users can wirelessly stream their music to multiple Music Tap systems throughout the home.

In addition, the Music Tap systems are DLNA 1.5 certified, include vTuner Internet radio for endless music entertainment, and support Pioneer’s free Air Jam app. Air Jam connects up to four Apple devices via Bluetooth to create a collective playlist for playback on Music Tap.

X-SMC4-K Elite Music Tap

From the press release:

Functionality and Design

The Music Tap systems are “Made for iPhone and iPod” and come with an integrated pop-out dock for playback and charging.

For a high quality listening experience, the music systems are equipped with a 2-channel digital amplifier to deliver clean and powerful audio to any room. Dual full range drivers in a passive radiator enclosure produce clear crisp high frequencies complemented by deep, accurate bass. The Pioneer Elite model has been tuned by Pioneer’s renowned TAD director of speaker engineering, Andrew Jones. In addition, the Elite model incorporates built-in Bluetooth and includes a two-year warranty.

Both AirPlay music systems offer an auxiliary input for connecting other audio devices with a mini jack (headphone) output. For added convenience, both models also feature a USB port located in the front of the system. USB devices such as hard drives, thumb and flash drives with MP3, WAV, WMA, AAC LPCM, and FLAC files can all be accessed using the included remote control.

The Pioneer Music Tap systems will be available to consumers in October 2011.

Products [X-SMC3-S Music Tap and X-SMC4-K Elite Music Tap]