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Wren V5US speaker offers universal wireless compatibility: AirPlay, Bluetooth and Spotify Connect

Wren has announced its latest wireless speaker, the V5US, which incorporates Play-Fi, Airplay and Bluetooth, plus Spotify Connect.

Ty Pendlebury Editor
Ty Pendlebury has worked at CNET since 2006. He lives in New York City where he writes about streaming and home audio.
Expertise Ty has worked for radio, print, and online publications, and has been writing about home entertainment since 2004. He is an avid record collector and streaming music enthusiast. Credentials
  • Ty was nominated for Best New Journalist at the Australian IT Journalism awards, but he has only ever won one thing. As a youth, he was awarded a free session for the photography studio at a local supermarket.
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Ty Pendlebury

Wren

The V5US speaker is Wren's new flagship speaker which incorporates the capabilities of all three existing models -- V5AP, V5BT and V5PF -- plus forthcoming support for Spotify Connect with streaming directly from the Spotify app.

TheV5US speaker looks almost identical to the previous models with a real wood veneer and curving MDF cabinet. The main difference is the two new finishes: black Wenge and the bamboo-like Anigre.

The device offers Wi-Fi connectivity (for AirPlay, Spotify Connect and Play-Fi), Bluetooth, USB and a 3.5mm auxiliary port. There is no Ethernet port.

By incorporating all four technologies, the device is possibly the most agnostic on the market, but unfortunately you'll pay for the privilege. While the existing models retail for $249 to $299, the new version is twice that at $499.

If you're looking to get Spotify Connect and want the option of incorporating Play-Fi (best for streaming PC audio), then the V5PF at $299 is potentially a much better deal.

Look for a full review of the V5US very soon.

Updated, 9:43 p.m. PT:Wren advises that the existing models are being phased out and these will soon relaunch with new pricing between $379 and $399. Though there are no new details on what the differences will be, if you want the cheaper prices you should get in quick.