Portable acoustic system sony srs. Sony portable speakers: an overview of the top five models. Portable speaker Sony SRS XB2

I came, I saw, I listened, I touched and... She won... my greed. It immediately feels like someone very big is standing behind this baby. She's so ... do not take your eyes off (I have green). From...

Advantages:

Sound, Design, Materials, Autonomy....

Flaws:

Not found yet

Period of use:

less than a month

Once the king of consumer electronics, Sony has lost ground over the past decade, especially when it comes to audio equipment. However, now the company is actively trying to rehabilitate itself and releases a column Sony SRS-X9.

Speaker Sony SRS-X9 — Reviews

To date, no, perhaps best solution to play premium sound than Sony's SRS-X9 wireless speaker. This elegant and powerful audio device has a huge range of features. Also, the device was not without Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connection. And although the price of this speaker is truly royal (almost $ 700), the X9 is a convincing proof that Sony still remembers what high-end audio equipment should be.

Sony SRS-X9 speaker package

The system is actually very solid. At first glance, it is clear that the X9 belongs to the SRS-X family: we see the same neutral design that distinguished the X7.

However, a couple of new elements have been added, such as, for example, "recessed" tweeters decorated with golden borders, shiny aluminum side panels or a magnetic shield. These elements emphasize, so to speak, the status of the system.

In the box we found a large collection of accessories, including a slim remote remote control, two AAA batteries, a piece of cleaning cloth and a couple of small tools with magnets on the ends needed to remove the front grille.

Specifications and design

While we've had enough of the boring audio design Sony speakers, X9 has more interesting appearance. On the one hand, the style of "nothing more" is sustained, but interesting accents are added.

One of the aspects we liked the most were the elegant touch buttons, located in a row on top panel. The buttons that you will press most often (for example, power or volume control) are located right in front of your eyes.

On the back of the device are Ethernet, USB-A and USB-B ports, 3.5mm Aux, and a WPS button. Also on the back is a retractable Wi-Fi antenna. Wireless connectivity includes NFC connectivity, Bluetooth 3.0 with aptX to compatible devices, and Wi-Fi with Airplay and DLNA support. The X9 plays files in various formats, from MP3s to WAV, DSD and FLAC with a maximum frequency of 192kHz/24bit.

If we talk about the dimensions of the device, the column is approximately 43x13x13 cm, and weighs about 4.7 kg.

If you use tools and magnets to remove the grille, you will see a panel that houses twin 0.75" super tweeters and a 2.25" woofer for transmission. low frequencies. Adding 2 external ones, the X9 has a total of 7 active speakers. The system is also equipped with 8 amplifiers.

Connection

Bluetooth connection is the easiest way to connect, especially for MP3 playback, and the sound is excellent. Wi-Fi connection is also no problem. After loading Sony apps Songpal only needs to follow the instructions.

For best quality sound, users will still have to play music from the computer. To connect a Mac to the X9, we used an Ethernet cable and selected network settings. Then we waited a couple of minutes before the X9 started playing tracks from iTunes. Connecting Andriod devices is almost exactly the same, it is described step by step in the instructions.

The SRS-X9 is capable of producing amazing sound that is far better and more spacious than any other existing this moment wireless speaker. The X9 delivers pure sound that captures every nuance.

In our opinion, the X9 conveys all the facets of acoustic guitar strings, violins, etc. All instruments are heard separately, without turning the composition into a "porridge" of different sounds. In addition, the sound is so powerful and spacious, making the X9 appear larger than it really is.

The processing of the vocal lines is also wonderful. We listened to the song "Trouble's Lament" by Tori Amos in high definition (96kHz/24bit) and it felt like the artist was right next to us.

When it comes to bass, you need to understand that this audio system is not intended, for example, for large hip-hop parties, when you need to literally shake the walls. Nevertheless, the basses sound full and voluminous, the drums and bass guitar are perfectly audible.

Of course, the system is not without flaws: from time to time the sound becomes oversaturated. All the "pros" and "cons" of this audio system allowed us to evaluate the playback of one after the other tracks from the Resistance album by Muse. The vocals on "Map of the Problematique" sounded too sharp in the harmonies, and the percussion was too harsh, in our opinion. But when we got to the song "Soldier's Poem", we were very pleased with the X9's rich palette of clear sound. It seemed that the musicians themselves literally “filled” the music into our ears.

Outcome

Sony's SRS-X9 wireless speaker is a showcase of the power of sleek style and high-performance sound, but you'll have to pay a hefty sum to get that magnificence.

This audio system will undoubtedly delight you with brilliant sound detail and amazing sound.

pros

• Unparalleled sound clarity
• Smooth and smooth bass
• Sleek modern design
• A large number of additional options

Portable acoustics Sony SRS-XB 20 black color will allow you to enjoy your favorite music everywhere - at home, on a walk, on a trip and on vacation. With such a device, you can have a party when you want it!

Sound and rhythm

The system provides high-quality sounding of musical compositions of any genre, meets the requirements of the most demanding music lovers:

• the Extra Bass key will enhance the bass;
• linear illumination makes the speaker more attractive in the dark;
• a capacious battery is designed for a long period of battery life;
• the model is not afraid of moisture - you can take it to the beach.

The minimum weight allows you to carry acoustics with you everywhere, the compact device can easily fit in a backpack or bag.

Indoors and outdoors

The functionality of portable speakers attracts many users, if desired, you can combine up to 10 devices into a single system for a real holiday. Management is simple and convenient, thanks to the Music Center application. Bluetooth connectivity provides a reliable connection at a considerable distance from the source, and compatibility with most modern carriers makes connection easy.

Unfortunately, the product is currently not available for purchase. You will be able to buy wireless acoustics Sony SRS-XB 20 Black

Months ago Sony introduced a whole line of portable speakers with an eye on the youth audience. In today's review, I will consider two older models: Sony SRS-XB30 and SRS-XB40. Is there a wow effect from these devices? Definitely.

Equipment

Seeing the size of the boxes, I immediately dreamed about the gigantic complete set of speakers Sony SRS-XB30 and SRS-XB40. After all, these devices are not the cheapest class, so the manufacturer must justify the cost with the maximum satisfaction of its customers. But no. The delivery set is extremely minimalistic and the same.

• the column itself
• charger (SRS-XB30 power supply has 5V<–>3A, and SRS-XB40 - 9.5V<–>2.2A)
• instructions (which I had to use for the first time in a long time)

In general, in part Sony equipment failed to surprise me. It's just that everything is very high quality and tightly packed, nothing more.

Design

Frankly, when I was waiting for these speakers, I was more concerned about the design than the sound quality. As for the latter, I did not worry at all, knowing who the manufacturer was. Sony is one of the few companies that still continues to produce their proprietary audio players under the Walkman brand. So, thanks to many years of experience and the availability of technology, they have every opportunity to create best devices in the speaker market.

A characteristic feature of the design of the entire line is a rectangle with rounded edges. And the older the model, the more similarity with a brick. Surely this is due to the fact that each subsequent model increases in size and weight. Here's a size comparison with the Creative D100.

If the Sony SRS-XB30 can still be called a portable and portable speaker system, then its older brother, the Sony SRS-XB40, is already a stretch. This is due to the weight of the device (1.5 kg), and not to its dimensions. But I believe that both devices are designed for stationary use at home or at a party.

Depending on the Sony models offers several color options. Of course, these are the most popular colors: black, red and blue (the Sony SRS-XB30 also has green and white versions). But the black version seems to me the coolest and most brutal.

By the way, I’ll say right away about the corps. The material of both speakers is very easily soiled and literally gets dirty from everything! Even for photographs, I could not bring them into perfect condition.

Initially, I thought that the case was made of metal, the devices are so confident and heavy in the hands, but in fact it is plastic, which is very reminiscent of rubber in tactile sensations. This also provides moisture protection, because both models have the IPx5 standard.

Otherwise Sony SRS-XB30 and SRS-XB40 design excellent! I will tell you separately about each side.

The front side is covered with a metal mesh that protects the two speakers and passive radiator. Along the perimeter of this grid, from the outside, there is one of the lighting elements.

On the top side are all the buttons and the NFC tag (I wonder if it is possible to pay for purchases in the store?):

1. Extra Bass - a normal press activates an additional bass effect, and a long press turns on the backlight.
2. A set of standard buttons: volume, start / pause, call acceptance (holding this button will let you know the percentage of battery charge), single operation mode / creating a pair from another speaker.
3. The main button with a normal press turns the column on or off. A long press turns on Bluetooth to connect to your mobile device.

The rear passive radiator is also covered with a metal mesh. Next to it is a cover with rubberized seals, under which there are the following ports: 3.5 mm audio input, charging input and USB port.

Now the speakers can not only play music, but also charge mobile devices. Enough handy feature if you often go on a picnic.

Here, by the way, is an example of the backlight: the Sony SRS-XB40 is shown on the left, the Sony SRS-XB30 on the right.

Surely everyone immediately noticed the difference. Unfortunately, the Sony SRS-XB30 lacks backlighting for the speakers themselves. Although this element occupies the largest area in the older model and looks more spectacular than the stroboscope and neon strip around the perimeter.

It also features the fact that light passes through a metal mesh. The walls of a dark room are immediately painted with characteristic patterns.

Specifications

Differences between the two speakers are minimal: mostly dimensions, weight, and amount of backlighting. Although Sony has claimed a smaller battery for the SRS-XB30, official documentation says up to 24 hours of continuous operation for both models.

I think that, due to the lack of backlighting of the speakers, the operating time of the younger model is on par with the older one.

Sony SRS-XB30

• rated power 64 W (but this is not accurate, later, I will explain why this is so)
• Bluetooth 4.2 and NFC support
• water protection at IPx5 level
• hands-free support
• 2 backlight elements: along the perimeter of the metal mesh and strobe function
• dimensions: 228 x 82 x 86 mm
• weight 980 grams

Sony SRS-XB40

• frequency response: 20-20,000 Hz (sampled at 44.1 kHz)
• rated power 64 W (that's for sure)
• Bluetooth 4.2 and NFC support
• there is a 3.5 mm audio port and 1 USB input
• battery up to 24 hours of continuous operation
• water protection at IPx5 level
• hands-free support
• 3 lighting elements: perimeter, strobe function and speaker illumination
• dimensions: 279 x 100 x 105 mm
• weight 1500 grams

Sound quality

For the past few years I have been using the Creative D100 portable speaker system. It must be admitted that the device is morally and technically obsolete. Admittedly, I didn't think about it that often before.

After listening to just a couple of tracks on Sony speakers, I realized that it was time to change my device. In just a few years, wireless audio technology has come a long way. The difference in sound is felt instantly.

But we must remember that in the first place sony sound SRS-XB30 and SRS-XB40 created for electronic music. After all, the manufacturer itself positions its own line as a replacement for nightclubs. Therefore, I did not get almost any pleasure from listening to rock music. Only if there is a powerful bass guitar in the composition.

In terms of sound quality or volume, I did not notice any difference at all between the two models.

First, before maximum volume I never unscrewed the sound, because there was a risk of just going deaf, and the neighbors would immediately run to the door of my apartment. However, I never once got speaker wheezing.

Secondly, Sony officially revealed the power of only the older model SRS-XB40. She also added that the SRS-XB30 differs only in dimensions and a smaller battery. Therefore, by the usual logical chain, I came to the conclusion that the power of the speakers of the two models is at the same level.
Acoustic systems have a really large margin of volume. A little less than half the full scale on the smartphone was enough to hear the music clearly in the most remote parts of the apartment.

So speakers Sony SRS-XB30 and SRS-XB40 they will definitely not let even the most passive party participants fall asleep and they can be safely used in large rooms or in nature.

Sony has its own application for operating iOS systems and Android. The application performs the functions of a kind of "hub" responsible for synchronizing, configuring and managing all multimedia devices of its own production.

In general, there is nothing innovative in the application. But there were enough problems:

1. I still consider myself a geek and usually figure it out without the help of instructions. But, I never managed to connect the two speakers into a single synchronous audio system. It seems that according to the instructions there is nothing complicated, but the application itself loves to freeze and show the usual black screen when something goes wrong. Only restarting the application helps.
2. I also failed to connect via NFC. Not on iPhone 7 Plus, not on . If in the first case the limitation of iOS itself, then on Android there is some kind of flaw or a too intricate connection, where few people will figure it out. But the Bluetooth connection works just great! The speaker quietly plays music even at a distance of 15-20 meters from the smartphone.

I really want the manufacturer to be able to refine their application and simplify all processes. Still, this is not a device from a third-tier company, so that you have to “shamanize” the whole evening to get the result.

The speaker system is from a great Japanese company with a price of an average smartphone from , and Plug & Play is not implemented at the proper level. How did it happen?

There is also a separate Fiestable app. It is somewhat reminiscent of the stock program for controlling the backlight. Only there are a little more possibilities - there is a huge number of built-in templates. The backlight is already trying to get in time with the music, but Sony additionally offers us other settings with the priority of any color. Or set up everything with my own hands. The last option is much tougher.

Outcome

Has Sony managed to make a quality product? Definitely. With the Sony SRS-XB30 and SRS-XB40 speakers, anyone can become the center of attention at a noisy party, thanks to excellent sound and original system illumination.

At the same time, these devices are perfect for arranging your own room with stationary acoustic systems.

It is better to overpay a couple of thousand at once, but enjoy a full-fledged light show throughout life cycle devices. I can assure all readers that the backlight feature is not on once or twice. Everyone can find a use for it.

I used to be terribly annoyed by people walking down the street with portable speakers and imposing their “amazing” musical taste on all passers-by. By the way, after the test, such people did not stop annoying me, but I discovered the meaning of having such an accessory for myself.

Thirdly, the speakers are very compact and convenient to take with you.

For testing, I got 2 speakers from Sony SRS-XB10 (orange) and SRS-XB20 (green), looking ahead, I’ll say right away that I liked the latter more, but first things first.

Appearance and design

The portable speakers have a rounded case, the SRS-XB10 has a rubberized and pleasant to the touch, the buttons are located under this coating on the side of the case.

The SRS-XB20 Soft Touch has plastic, the buttons are clearly visible and located on the top of the panel. It is also worth noting the special backlight, which can be controlled through a special application. You can safely throw the speaker into a bag - I would call such a case anti-vandal, I can’t imagine how you can pull out a button or break something here.

Sony did not limit the number of speaker colors: SRS-XB10 is presented in 6 (red, orange, green, blue, white and black), SRS-XB20 - in 5, no orange. In the hand, both speakers lie well, do not slip and do not cause discomfort when worn.

Connection

Music can be transferred to both speakers in the same ways: AUX and Bluetooth, there is also the possibility of connecting via NFC. To connect via Bluetooth, you must hold the speaker power button until the light next to the button begins to actively blink. Next, in the phone menu (on which Bluetooth must also be enabled), select desired device. It is easier, of course, to simply connect the music source to the speaker using an AUX cable.

Working hours

The SRS-XB10 is claimed to run 4 hours more (up to 16 hours), while the SRS-XB20 runs up to 12 hours. In this case, it should be understood that the speaker's operating time is affected by the method of music transmission (wireless or using AUX), the volume of work and the enabled Extra Bass function.

Moisture protection

Both speakers are positioned as waterproof according to the IPX5 standard. I did not dip them into the water, but I am sure that they will survive a little rain without any problems. I will decipher, IPX5 - protection against the effects of water jets, but I still would not recommend checking.

Sound and Extra Bass

My test started with a small SRS-XB10 (5W) speaker. To be honest, I was surprised by the ratio of size, sound quality and sound volume. The bass really was: I was very impressed with what this "baby" is capable of with the use of Extra Bass technology, which makes the sound richer and deeper. I was even more shocked when I plugged in the SRS-XB20 (25W) - the sound it can deliver doesn't match its relatively small size. Moreover, the sound quality remains excellent both with Extra Bass on and off. Forced shutdown This feature is only available on the SRS-XB20, the button is on the case, but I bet once you turn Extra Bass on you won't want to turn it off.

An interesting bonus: Sony made it possible to use two speakers at once to create an even more amazing musical atmosphere, thanks to stereo sound. If you and your friends have speakers from the same SRS-XB20 series and above, you can create a single musical organism by connecting up to 10 speakers via Bluetooth.

It is worth noting the possibility simultaneous connection up to 3 music sources to 1 column. You can adjust the volume of the sound both on the speaker body and on the device itself that delivers the sound.

Portability

The SRS-XB20 is certainly bigger and heavier than the SRS-XB10, but the question is how and where you want to use your portable speaker. SRS-XB10 is 2 times smaller and lighter than its sister, however, I would not say that it transmits sound 2 times worse or quieter: despite the difference of 20 W, my hearing did not feel the difference. A bonus of the SRS-XB10 is a portable ring that you can use to attach the speaker to your bag, backpack while hiking, or, for example, to the steering wheel while cycling.

Outcome

During the use of both speakers, I found only one drawback - the lack of a charge indicator, a smaller drawback is the lack of an AUX cable in the kit.

But everything is forgiven for the sound! These devices are ideal for use at home: for example, if you are not satisfied with the standard "acoustics" of your laptop, you want a richer sound while watching a movie in the evening, or you like to dance in the kitchen while cooking.

The use of speakers is not limited to four walls: relaxing in the forest, having a picnic in the park, going to the lake, walking on the street (although I do not support this point), working in the country and much more - all this can be “colored” by your track list. The speaker batteries have withstood all my trips to the countryside, and the companies with which I rested were satisfied with the quality and volume of the sound.

If you still have little sound, then the following information is for you: Sony has not limited itself to 2 speakers, there are 4 of them in the line. maximum power about 65 watts.