According to the Canadian audio technology company, the raD is the result of listening to focus groups to find out what users wanted next. Mass Fidelity designed the raD as a follow-up to the highly successful Core Wireless Audio System, Core Wireless Subwoofer and Relay Bluetooth DAC and the new speaker is named for its use of Radial Dispersion technology, making it ideal for outdoor and unconventional listening environments such as kitchens and bathrooms. It has a ruggedized, compact design that is IPX5 rated for water and shock resistance, for use where direct exposure to the elements is routine.
“From the time we launched our campaign for the Core and Core Subwoofer, we’ve been incredibly happy with the response that we’ve received from our customers,” says Bob Perry, Chief Revenue Officer, Mass Fidelity. “After using these products, many have also requested a smaller, more ruggedized version to expand the Core network to outdoors, kitchens and bathrooms. So in response, we’ve developed the raD with its radial soundfield and ruggedized design to meet and hopefully exceed these expectations.”
Additionally, with the raD’s ability to connect to the private, high-performance and uncompressed 5Ghz Adaptive whole-house network built into the Core and Core Wireless Sub, users can immediately add additional zones with the touch of a button. For the ultimate in multi-room listening, a total of eight devices in the Core network can be connected together, allowing music and audio to be easily networked throughout the home.
Additionally, users do not need a Wi-Fi connection to the Internet, or a mobile application to configure the raD but can simply pair to it through its Bluetooth 4.1 with NFC feature or connect the 3.5mm jack on the back of the unit.
The raD features a five-speaker array, with four 1.5” drivers and a single 3” bass driver, each powered by a high-output amplifier which delivers a frequency response of 75Hz to 20KHz, in a compact (5”x 4.75”x 3”) form factor one-third smaller than that of the Core. Connecting the raD with the Core Wireless Subwoofer extends the bass performance to bone shaking levels, while the AAC and AptX codecs ensures the highest quality music.
A USB connector on the rear can be used for charging cell phones, tablets or other mobile devices, while the high-capacity battery provides a solid eight hours of operating time to ensure the very best listening experience.
The raD launched on Indiegogo on November 15th in a thirty-day campaign, starting with an initial price of $149 for the first 100 units, eventually going up in two steps to $189 for the remainder of the campaign. The initial price of $149 is a 50% discount off the planned retail price of $299.99. Additional perks will be available as well, combining the raD with the Core and Core Subwoofer which are both currently available. These combination perks will allow Mass Fidelity to ship those two products immediately following the close of the campaign, in time for the holidays, while the raD is planned for shipment to backers in April 2017.
Apparently, the response to the new speaker design couldn’t be better, because Mass Fidelity already surpassed the established funding goal of $50,000 in the first two days when the Indiegogo campaign still has a month to go. Undoubtedly a good example of careful planning, product development and effective marketing.
www.massfidelity.com
