Expanding its sound equipment portfolio, Amazon has launched the Amazon Echo Link and the Echo Link Amp in India. Both the devices were first announced (in the international market) in September last year when the company showcased the Echo Sub (along with Echo Dot and Echo Plus in India). The Echo Link basically connects to a receiver or amplifier, and the Link Amp has a built-in 60-watt dual-channel amplifier that links an Echo device to play music on the existing home audio.
“Echo Link and Echo Link Amp are Echo companion devices that deliver high fidelity streaming music to your stereo system. Now you can upgrade your stereo system and use Alexa with a compatible Echo device to voice control music selection, volume, and playback. Both products are available for pre-order from today,” the company said in a statement. The Echo Link will be available for Rs 19,999 and will start shipping next week, and the Echo Link Amp will be available for Rs 29,999 and it will start to reach customers from early next month.
Echo Link connects to a receiver, an amplifier or directly to powered speakers using one of the input sockets, which include on-device analog, optical, or coaxial output jacks. It also has a subwoofer line-output with adjustable crossover frequency, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Additionally, Echo Link has analog, optical, and coaxial line-inputs to connect and play music from another audio component, like a CD player, amplified turntable or MP3 player.
Echo Link Amp is essentially the same as the Echo link in terms features and functionality, but it comes with a built-in 60W per channel stereo amplifier with left-right speaker binding posts for wiring directly to non-powered speakers. Both Echo Link and Echo Link Amp have volume knobs for granular control and an Ethernet port for internet connectivity.
“Music is a big use case for customers using Alexa. Echo Link and the Echo Link Amp will help enhance this experience with high quality, immersive sound experience as well as a seamless integration of all key music sources in your home,” Parag Gupta, Head – Amazon Devices, India, added.
First set up the Echo Link or Echo Link Amp as the preferred speaker in a speaker group, and then use another Echo device with a microphone, like an Echo speaker, in the same group to ask Alexa to play music or turn the volume up – just like you do conventionally. With a connection to Echo Link or Echo Link Amp, an audio system can be added to a Multi-Room Music group for streaming music playback in multiple rooms, by just saying, “Alexa, play music everywhere.” The playback can be controlled on Echo Link or Echo Link Amp through the Alexa app.
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