Sonos Connect: Amp to get update, power 3rd party speakers for playbar surround system

Apparently it's a feature integrators have been after for years, and now it's coming. This October a software update will automatically push out to Sonos Connect: Amp boxes that will allow it to serve as a surround sound amplifier for 3rd party in-wall, in-ceiling and bookshelf speakers when used in conjunction with a Sonos Playbar. When Sonos made the announcement at CEDIA 2013, the crowd erupted into a standing ovation. We explain the details and offer our ears-on impressions here.