With Sonos running the wireless sound systems, it may pose a difficult way for any other manufacturer to penetrate its grasp. Looks like competition just arrived in the form of Korus. After handling the Play:3, it is time to give the sound of Korus a shot at the title. Korus uses their own proprietary SKAA technology standard that is similar but superior to Apple’s AirPlay. Not using your atypical Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to stream media, Korus is seeking to change the game on how they use wireless audio. Is there any room for Korus to be a competitor in this space? I’ll dive into the two speakers to answer this question in full.
Setup/Software
Gotta love it when devices are super-easy to setup to get started to run. Actually easier than others. To replace relying on Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, Korus streams music to its speakers using included accessories called Batons. The Batons support all popular smartphones & computers as it works with 30-pin + Lightning devices along w/ USB for Mac/Windows computers.
“Super simple setup w/ minimal software involved.”
For the iPhone 4S, I plugged in the Baton which automatically prompted me to download the Korus to control the volume on all of the speakers and enjoy your tunes. On my iMac, It was simply plug in the USB Baton, go to System Preferences to switch the sound output and start rocking out. Super simple setup w/ minimal software involved. Once setup, I never had to do it again. Great job!
 |
| The v400 |
Design
The v400 is the smaller of the two, offering strong audio in a truly smaller package that weighs just over 4lbs. The smaller speaker offers 2 full range drivers and 2 1″ tweeters w/ a 60-watt amp. The v600 is the bigger of the two pumping a more massive sound as it weighs in at 11lbs.
 |
| The v600 |
The v600 is equipped w/ 1 bass driver, 2 mid bass drivers, 2-1″ front tweeters, and 2 side firing tweeters w/ an 100-watt amp. Both speakers are equipped w/ a handle for grab-and-go that doubles as cord holder. Well-crafted and actually useful.
Sound
The Korus speakers Although not offering the level of sound as its bigger brother, the v400 is still ideal for small apartments or smaller rooms in your house/condo/townhouse that produces big sound for a smaller speaker. This is the big boy of the Korus line and it definitely shows w/ the added bass drivers + side tweeters. This is more for homes and big rooms but smaller spaces can enjoy it as well…just not w/ the volume all the way up though.
Great sound with less compromises.
Thanks to SKAA technology, Korus offers longer range (up to 65ft indoors and up to 200ft outside), much less latency (40 milliseconds vs 120 milliseconds from Bluetooth), and less probability to interference than other mediums. SKAA is a format widely used for pro-musicians in concerts for high-quality audio, so it is a proven technology.
Sonos now has some serious competition with Korus.
Korus proves that there are other ways to provide wireless high-fidelity sound without joining the crowded space of Bluetooth/Wi-Fi speakers on the market right now. My wife’s biggest issue w/ the Sonos was that fact of them being used via Wi-Fi and preferred something more. With the Korus speakers, we are both satisfied. The overall sound output on both speakers are phenomenal while offering up a long battery life. With Korus, you get lightweight speakers that pumps out a clear, well-balanced sound as you can connect up to four speakers . A more true form of wireless home audio.
 |
| Both Korus speakers has a handle to carry or wrap the power cord around |
Anyone seeking good wireless home audio that’s not Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, Korus is the way to go. Based on your budget, you have the choice of: the v400 for $299 or the v600 for $399. Easily a buy in my book as you have to decide which speaker is right for you.
*Note: I tested the Korus speakers using Google Play Music All Access on my iMac and Pandora on a iPhone 4S to stream music.*
