We have all had to make do with going out a lot less over the last 16 months. So what better time to upgrade your home music system? Whether you’re looking to relax after a long week, host an after-party, or to set the pre-gig mood, Sony’s X-Series speakers can help.
They all connect wirelessly to your phone, tablet or computer using Bluetooth, making filling the room with music as easy as tapping the screen. And with powerful drive units, omnidirectional sound and even karaoke modes, each is essentially a party in a box.
Sony SRS-XP700: Omnidirectional audio
Head of the pack is the SRS-XP700. It delivers a natural, powerful sound thanks to its Sony X-balanced speakers, high-efficiency tweeters and passive radiators. Not only is the audio first class, it has no trouble filling the space thanks to the speaker’s omnidirectional sound – three front-facing high efficiency tweeters and two rear-facing ensure the sound arrives from all angles, producing concert-style audio wherever you’re sitting. Or standing. Or dancing.
But that’s not the only trick up its audio sleeve. A quick press of the Mega Bass button will add considerable low end to your tracks, giving dance, hip-hop and rock songs that extra impact. And if you really want to make some noise, you can use the Sony Connect feature to wirelessly link up to 100 compatible Sony speakers together. Better warn the neighbours.
It can be easily moved from room to room as the party demands thanks to the carry handle, and with its 25-hour battery life, it will outlast all but the hardiest of partiers. It can also withstand them with an IPX4 rating meaning it is water resistant. In a rush to get going? It supports quick charge technology, with just a quick 10-minute blast of mains power giving it enough juice for three hours of use.
Of course, audio is only one piece of the puzzle. It also offers arresting visuals thanks to its built-in multi-coloured lights, which can change from pulsating to ambient depending on what you’re playing. Just go to the Sony | Music Center app to select your favourite pattern. You can also use the app to optimise your audio settings or control your music too, right from the sofa.
And when you want to become part of the music, it doubles as an amp – just plug in a guitar and get strumming. Or you could lend the song some vocal support by plugging in a microphone and using the karaoke feature. Again, think of the neighbours.
Sony SRS-XP500: Digging deep into the bass
The SRS-XP500 is very similar to the XP700, but without the omnidirectional sound. But it still offers powerful and wide-spreading audio with deep, punchy bass and rich, clear sound thanks to the X-Balanced Speaker unit.
This has a non-circular diaphragm with more area than conventional speakers, producing a richer, clearer sound, no matter what style of music you’re listening to. The maximised diaphragm area increases sound pressure for a deeper, punchier bass sound, clearer vocals and an altogether enhanced listening experience. It also reduces driver excursion while maintaining the same sound pressure, resulting in less distortion and greater vocal clarity.
The XP500 has the same Mega Bass button, multi-coloured lighting, splash-proof IPX4 rating and guitar amp/karaoke capabilities as its bigger brother. And with 20 hours of battery life, plus 80 minutes of use from a 10-minute charge, it’ll do a Lionel and last all night long.
Sony SRS-XG500: Party hardy
The XG500 is even better suited to the great outdoors. It’s rated IP66, making it water-resistant and dust-proof, so whether you’re going to the beach or a pool party, you can bring the party with you. It even has a water repellent mesh finish.
It also has an ultra-long battery life of 30 hours, and delivers three hours of use from a 10-minute quick charge. Like the others, it can charge up your mobile device when away from home, and it produces deep, punchy bass and rich, clear sound thanks to the X-Balanced Speaker unit, high-efficiency tweeters and passive radiators.
The Mega Bass button comes as standard, as do the coloured lights, amp functionality and karaoke mode.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s get the party started!
