Abstract: A method of playing back audio content with improved immersiveness can include receiving, at a playback device, audio input including surround audio content. The playback device can include at least one forward-firing transducer configured to direct sound along a forward axis of the playback device and toward an intended listening location, and at least one side-firing transducer configured to direct sound along a side axis that is horizontally angled with respect to the forward axis. The method includes playing back at least a first portion of the surround audio content via the side-firing transducer(s) such that the first portion of the surround audio propagates along the side axis to be reflected towards the listening location. A second portion of the surround audio content is played back via the forward-firing transducer(s) such that the second portion of the surround audio propagates along the forward axis towards the listening location.

Abstract: An audio transducer includes a diaphragm assembly. The diaphragm assembly can include a diaphragm, an attachment portion that circumferentially surrounds the diaphragm, and a flexible surround extending between the diaphragm and the attachment portion. The audio transducer can include a voice coil coupled to the diaphragm where the voice coil has a voice coil lead. The audio transducer can include a carrier that circumferentially surrounds the voice coil. The carrier can include an annular mounting surface, with the attachment portion of the diaphragm assembly being able to attach to the mounting surface, and a channel formed in the mounting surface. The voice coil lead can extend through the channel.

Abstract: A playback device includes an enclosure having a front face substantially normal to a first direction, a side-firing audio transducer facing a second direction that is angled with respect to the first direction, and a waveguide in fluid communication with the side-firing transducer. The waveguide includes a first chamber extending along a first axis and a second chamber extending along a second axis. The first and second central axes diverge along the second direction away from the side-firing transducer. The waveguide can be adjustable to vary the relative dimensions and/or orientations of the first and second chambers.

Abstract: An example computing device is configured to: display an interface that enables configuration of an audio subsystem within a local media playback system and includes one or more configuration options for the audio subsystem based on available playback devices of the local media playback system; receive a first input indicating a selection of a given configuration that comprises a given number of component playback devices each having a respective playback role; determine a set of playback devices that are available for selection as the component playback devices; display a respective visual representation for each component playback device; receive a respective input selecting a given playback device for each component playback device; configure the audio subsystem in accordance with the given configuration based on the selected playback devices; and cause the playback devices in the audio subsystem to play back audio content in synchrony based on their respective playback roles.

Abstract: A playback device includes a housing defining an acoustic volume therein, one or more audio transducers disposed at least partially within the housing, and an acoustic port extending through the housing. The acoustic port includes a wall defining a first aperture, a second aperture, and a passageway extending therebetween. The wall is at least partially curved along an axial direction, and a plurality of vanes coupled to the wall extend into the passageway such that the vanes define a plurality of channels extending axially within the passageway.