TOKYO – In a move set to delight audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts with limited space, JVC Kenwood has officially launched the TH-WD05, a compelling new 3.1 channel soundbar that brings the immersive experience of Dolby Atmos to more compact living setups. What truly sets this system apart, however, is its heart: speakers crafted from wood, a material long cherished for its warm, natural acoustic properties.
Forgoing the bulky, complex systems often associated with premium audio, the TH-WD05 is designed to be both a visual and auditory upgrade for modern televisions. It promises to eliminate the muddled dialogue and weak bass of built-in TV speakers without dominating your entertainment center.
Engineering with Nature: The Wood-Cone Advantage
At the core of the TH-WD05's acoustic performance are JVC Kenwood's internally developed wood-cone speakers. The company has long advocated for the benefits of wood in speaker construction, and this new model is a testament to that philosophy. But why wood?
According to JVC, wood cones offer a superior rigidity-to-weight ratio compared to many synthetic materials. This results in less distortion and a more accurate reproduction of sound. The outcome for the listener is a sound signature that boasts both expressively clear high frequencies and a surprisingly rich, resonant bass that feels full and authentic, not artificially boosted. This natural sound quality is a key selling point for those who find traditional soundbars to be overly harsh or clinical.
For complete specifications and official colorway images, you can explore the product's dedicated page on the JVC Kenwood website here.
Powerful, Focused Sound for Movies and Music
Despite its sleek profile—measuring a compact 697mm wide, 110mm deep, and 77.5mm high (approximately 27.4 x 4.3 x 3.1 inches)—the TH-WD05 packs a serious punch. The system integrates three 20-watt drivers for the left, right, and center channels, coupled with a dedicated 40-watt woofer to handle the low-end frequencies, creating a true 3.1 channel setup.
A standout feature for movie lovers is the focus on dialogue clarity. The center channel utilizes a flat driver designed to project voices directly toward the listener, ensuring that every whisper and command is heard distinctly. For those times when audio mixing is less than ideal, a dedicated Clear Voice mode can be activated to further enhance speech intelligibility, so you'll never miss a crucial plot point again.
Designed for Real-Life Living
JVC Kenwood has equipped the TH-WD05 with a suite of features that acknowledge the realities of home entertainment.
- Bluetooth & High-Res Audio Playback: The soundbar isn't just for TV. It doubles as a powerful Bluetooth speaker, allowing you to stream music directly from your smartphone. For the discerning listener, it also supports playback of high-resolution audio files like WAV and FLAC from a USB flash drive, making it a versatile centerpiece for your music collection.
- Wireless Headphone Transmitter: Need silence without sacrificing your show? The included wireless transmitter can broadcast your TV's audio directly to any pair of Bluetooth headphones, perfect for late-night viewing sessions without disturbing others.
- Night Mode: This feature dynamically compresses the sound dynamic range, making loud sound effects quieter and soft dialogues more audible, all while maintaining overall clarity at low volume levels.
- Multiple Connection Options: Connecting to your television is hassle-free, with support for HDMI, optical, and RCA cables, ensuring compatibility with almost any TV model on the market.
The company detailed these smart features in its recent official press release, available here.
Availability and Pricing
The JVC Kenwood TH-WD05 3.1 Dolby Atmos Soundbar is now available for purchase in Japan through the company's official store. It is offered in two elegant finishes—Natural Wood and Brown Wood—to complement a variety of home decors.
With a manufacturer's suggested retail price of 59,840 yen (approximately $390), it positions itself as a premium yet accessible audio solution for those seeking to enhance their home entertainment with the timeless quality of wood-cone sound. Weighing just 3.5 kg (7.7 lbs.), its combination of power, features, and compact design makes it a strong contender in the competitive soundbar market.