Review of the Sony SRS-XB3 audio system. Sony SRS-XB10 wireless speaker review: small but bassy Sony srs speaker system
The speaker is splash-proof, works for about 24 hours on a single charge, supports LDAC, good sound quality - at a cost of 11,990 rubles, this is a very interesting offer...
Contents of delivery
- Column
- power unit
- Documentation
Design, construction
For many years now, I have been responsibly declaring in reviews that Sony has very good compact speakers, especially in terms of price-quality ratio; you are buying a harmonious device that combines functionality and sound well. Naturally, there are some drawbacks, but overall these are quite high-quality and interesting things. In addition, everyone will find a speaker in size and price, from the huge and expensive SRS-X99 to the small SRS-X11. The difference between them is almost 40,000 rubles, and the functionality is also orders of magnitude different. This year, the company decided to add a couple of devices with splash protection to the line, so to speak, in the wake of public interest in such solutions. I said in “Things” and the podcast that the SRS-XB3 turned out good, personal acquaintance only confirmed the impressions.
The speaker is available in six colors, the most boring one is the one in the review, I would call it “faceless black”, it is better to choose “lime” or a blue device.
The speakers are covered by a metal grill, the main part of the body is made of plastic with an interesting texture, there are rubber inserts, like other speakers of the company. On the top there is a scattering of buttons, volume control, answering calls, activating Extra Bass, turning on, activating pairing mode and adding another speaker - it’s easy to combine two SRS-XB3s into a stereo pair. At the top is the NFC area; there were no problems connecting Android devices.
On the back there is a passive radiator, covered with a metal grille, next to it is a plug, it sits in place very tightly, you may even need a coin or a table knife. Under the flap there is a 3.5 mm jack for connecting an audio cable, a reset button, an input for the power supply and a USB connector, you can charge other gadgets. It is similar in functionality to the JBL Charge, and in general Sony probably looked at its well-known competitor - the Sony SRS-XB3 is a little larger, a little heavier, maybe a little more strict in design, “Sonystyle” is present here, especially in color versions.
On the bottom there is a rubber pad and there are legs. The assembly is good, dimensions - 211 x 80 x 83 mm, weight - 0.93 kg. If you are planning to take the speaker with you on the road, keep in mind that there is also a rather large power supply.
The speaker is stated to be splash-proof (IPX5), but not submersion-proof, so you'll need to keep that in mind. Under no circumstances should you throw it into the water; you can and should lie near the pool or on the beach.
And I repeat once again, do not throw the speaker into the water!
Additional functions
There is something interesting here, the LDAC codec is supported, Sony's proprietary codec that works with the company's smartphones - you can get better sound if both devices have support. There is also a good microphone here, it is quite possible to talk in a quiet room or even answer a call in the bathroom where the shower is running; the interlocutors did not complain about the quality of speech transmission. Once again I will praise the creators for the abundance of buttons on the top panel - and it’s very good that the buttons here are simple, no sensors. By the way, there are small indicator lights on each button; when a second device is connected to the chain, the channel, left or right, is displayed.
Working hours
The stated operating time is 24 hours, a very good result for a portable device; in reality, the speaker works less, about 20 hours at almost full volume. It uses its own power supply for charging, so it’s better not to lose it.
Sound
Two speakers and two passive radiators are used, unlike the JBL Charge, where they are on the sides and vibrate beautifully in the rhythm of the bass; here you won’t see the work, but you will hear it, that’s for sure. Frequency response 20–20,000 Hz (sampling frequency 44.1 kHz), supports Sony proprietary technologies, such as Clear Audio+, DSEE - the first is responsible for optimizing the frequency balance, the second stands for Digital Sound Enhancement Engine, is responsible for improving the quality of tracks in MP3 . There is also Extra Bass, but I personally liked using the speaker without such an enhancer; there is already enough bass here.
About the operating range, in the apartment there are no interruptions in sound at any distance from the speaker. This is very good, you can count on normal communication ten meters from the device. Sony has made the connection process as easy as possible, there is a Bluetooth button, it’s easy to switch between devices and connect a new one.
I used the speaker with a Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, iPhone 6S Plus, Sony Xperia X - in the latter case LDAC worked, loaded FLAC and tried to listen, to be honest, I didn’t notice a strong difference with MP3. Of course, there would be different speakers, but it’s gratifying that Sony is trying to promote good quality sound in all of its solutions.
Overall, I really liked the sound. There is a huge volume reserve, there is volume, when compared with the JBL Charge, the latter does better with low frequencies, while the Sony ones are not so prominent - let’s say, it’s nice to listen to blues, but for techno it’s better to choose the Charge.
conclusions
In retail the speaker costs 11,990 rubles, comparable to JBL Charge 3, which one should you choose? The third “Charge” has complete moisture protection, the sound is more interesting for those who love electronic music (purely personal opinion), the design is not so conservative, it is possible to combine several JBL devices in a chain... In general, there are many advantages, why is it worth paying attention to Sony SRS-XB3?
Firstly, it has a long battery life, secondly, the sound is more interesting for lovers of quiet genres, thirdly, this is Sony for Sony lovers, LDAC support is still exotic. When the price drops, the column will become even more interesting for all experimenters.
Package
The Sony SRS-XB10 wireless speaker is in a small cardboard box in protective polyethylene. The box is very compact, so much so that even the warranty paper is attached to the outside, and does not lie inside, as usual.
Equipment
The Sony SRS-XB10 speaker's equipment is very modest:
- Column
- User manual
- USB cable for charging the battery
- Warranty card
Design
The Sony SRS-XB10 wireless speaker has the shape of a cylinder, with two speakers located at the top and bottom.
The entire top of the speaker is covered with a neat metal grille that protects the main speaker.
The side edge is entirely covered with a rubberized soft coating, which at the same time protects the speaker from damage when dropped or from breakage when water splashes on it.
At the bottom of the side there are control buttons:
- Enable/disable
- Volume control
- Button to add a second Sony SRS-XB10 speaker to create stereo sound
- Play/Stop
Under the buttons there are light indicators that can indicate the following activities:
- Battery charging
- The microphone is working
- If two Sony SRS-XB10 speakers are working simultaneously, each of them will have a light indicator for the channel that the speaker is playing (left, right)
- Bluetooth
The bottom edge of the speaker is a stand, in which there are slots on the sides in order to pass low frequencies generated by the second speaker located below.
On the side of the column there is a mount for a hook that is held on a rope. This hook is very convenient; it can be used to attach the speaker to a backpack strap, to a jeans belt, or simply to make it more convenient to hold the speaker in your hand.
The same hook serves as a stand for the speaker if you need to place it horizontally rather than vertically.
The standard position of the speaker is considered vertical and this is the position that engineers had in mind when calculating the location of the speakers and their power. It is in the vertical position that the speaker creates more effective low frequencies, and it is in the vertical position that the sound as a whole seems more capacious.
If you place the speaker horizontally, with the top speaker facing you, you will hear the mids and highs better, but the audibility and depth of the low frequencies will deteriorate. For listening to talk programs or podcasts, this arrangement may be even more convenient than the vertical one, because You will perceive human speech more easily and naturally, but for music, vertical positioning of the speaker is preferable.
Water protection
The Sony SRS-XB10 speaker has protection against splashing water IPX5, which means that it can be placed next to a pool or sink; accidental splashes will not harm the speaker, but you cannot completely immerse it in water, this will render it unusable. Thus, you can take the speaker with you anywhere: on a picnic in the park, on a hike, to the pool or to the beach, but I would be careful about taking it with you on a boat trip, because... there is a fairly high probability of dropping it into the water.
Battery life
A wireless speaker, first of all, must operate for a long time on its own battery, because this is its essence - to play sound where conventional sound-reproducing equipment is not possible, so battery life is a very important parameter.
The Sony SRS-XB10 model lasts up to 16 hours on a single charge at medium volume levels. At maximum volume, battery life can drop to 10 hours.
During testing, the speaker showed a battery life of about 14 hours. The volume varied constantly depending on the type of music being listened to and the level of ambient noise.
Fully charging the battery takes 3.5 hours, there is no fast charging function.
Management and capabilities
The speaker connects to the phone using the usual pairing procedure, or using the NFC chip that is built into it.
Through the column, you can easily control music playback: start/stop and turn on the next music track. You can't switch the track back, only forward.
It is possible to adjust the volume.
There is an interesting function for creating stereo sound using two Sony SRS-XB10 speakers. One column always works in mono mode, because... it only has one speaker. More precisely, there are two speakers, but one of them is low-frequency, so the speaker reproduces only mono sound.
But if you have two speakers, they can be combined into one system, so you get stereo sound.
The button for adding a second column is located on the side of the row of all buttons; just press it and hold it for about 3 seconds, after which the second column should automatically connect. The signal from the phone will go to the first speaker, and only then from the first to the second.
It is possible to connect the speaker via wire to a sound source; the speaker has a standard jack for connecting a 3.5 mm jack. There is no audio cable included, you need to purchase it separately.
If a phone is connected to the speaker and you receive an incoming voice call, the speaker can act as a loudspeaker and microphone at the same time. It’s very convenient if you’re on a picnic and they call you, you don’t have to look for a phone, you can talk using the Sony SRS-XB10.
Wireless connection
The Sony SRS-XB10 speaker uses Bluetooth 4.2.
I tested the speaker with two phones running Android 8 and Windows Mobile 10, as well as a laptop running Windows 10. In all cases, pairing occurred within a few seconds, and subsequent connections from the powered state took place within a second.
The stability of the wireless signal is good; outdoors the speaker worked without failures at a distance of up to 15 meters from the source; with further distance, slight interference began. The speaker stopped working completely at a distance of about 25 meters from the phone.
In an apartment, the distance of stable operation decreased to 7 meters; it must be taken into account that there were 2 load-bearing concrete walls between the speaker and the telephone. At a distance of about 12 meters, the speaker stopped working.
During testing, I encountered a couple of times that, even though the speaker was next to the phone, when switching a music track, the sound in the speaker disappeared, even though it was clear on the phone screen that playback was continuing. Switching the track again eliminated the problem and the speaker started working again. This error did not occur often, only a couple of times during the week of testing, but it cannot be attributed to chance either.
Quite good sound quality for such a small size. Possibility of pairing via Bluetooth. Possibility of connecting via a 3.5 connector, in stereo mode. Disabling one speaker disables both at once.
Minuses
High quality A2DP mode is only possible when connected to a smartphone. Connecting to the laptop in A2DP mode failed, only low-bitrate hands-free mode is connected. The signal between the speakers is very sensitive, if there are obstacles between the speakers, it will be interrupted.
Review
Original and cute speakers, I bought a pair. When paired, the sound effect increases significantly. The sound is good, but if you demand the impossible from them, for example, add low frequencies to maximum in the equalizer and volume to maximum, then they will wheeze, be careful. Convenient function to turn off the power of a pair on one of the speakers. Convenient channel switching function (left-right-dual mono). Shamanic dances with a tambourine did not help me connect the speaker to the laptop in high-quality A2DP mode, the speaker connects with enviable tenacity in hands-free mode, the sound is like a bucket. But there is a way out, connect it with an audio cable, pair the second speaker via Bluetooth, and now you have a stereo pair with excellent sound. You can easily take the second speaker to another room. You may not find such a function anywhere. In general, the speakers are decent among portable ones. And a big plus is the small weight and size, it won’t be a burden to put in your bag
A few months ago, Sony introduced a whole line of portable speaker systems aimed at a youth audience. In today's review I will look at two older models: Sony SRS-XB30 and SRS-XB40. Do these devices create a wow effect? Definitely.
Equipment
Seeing the size of the boxes, I immediately dreamed of a giant Sony SRS-XB30 and SRS-XB40 speaker configurations. After all, these devices are not the cheapest class, so the manufacturer must justify the cost by maximizing the satisfaction of its customers. But no. The delivery package is extremely minimalist and identical.
- the column itself
- charger (power supply SRS-XB30 has 5V parameters<–>3A, and SRS-XB40 – 9.5V<–>2.2A)
- instructions (which I had to use for the first time in a long time)
In general, Sony failed to surprise me in terms of packaging. Everything is just very high quality and tightly packed, nothing more. 
Design
Frankly speaking, when I was waiting for these speakers, I was more concerned about the design issue than the sound quality. I wasn't worried about the latter at all, knowing who the manufacturer was. Sony is one of the few companies that still continues to produce its branded audio players under the Walkman brand. This means, thanks to many years of experience and the availability of technology, they have every opportunity to create the best devices on the speaker system market.
A characteristic design feature of the entire line is a rectangle with rounded edges. And the older the model, the more similar it is to brick. This is probably 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 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 model, Sony offers several color variations. Of course, these are the most popular colors: black, red and blue (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 tell you right away about the case. The material of both speakers is very easily soiled and gets dirty literally from everything! Even for photographs, I could not bring them to perfect condition. 
Initially, I thought that the body was made of metal, the devices lie so confidently and heavily 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 an IPx5 standard. 
Otherwise design Sony SRS-XB30 and SRS-XB40 excellent! I’ll tell you separately about each side.
The front side is covered with a metal mesh that protects two speakers and a passive radiator. Along the perimeter of this grid, on the outside, there is one of the lighting elements. 
On the top side there are all the buttons and the NFC tag (I wonder if it’s possible to pay for purchases in a store?):
- Extra Bass – a regular press activates an additional bass effect, and a long press turns on the backlight.
- A set of standard buttons: volume, start / pause, answering a call (holding this button will allow you to find out the percentage of battery charge), single operation mode / creating a pair from another speaker.
- The main button turns the speaker on or off with a regular press. A long hold 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 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. Quite a convenient feature if you often go on a picnic.
By the way, here is an example of how the backlight works: the Sony SRS-XB40 is shown on the left, the Sony SRS-XB30 is shown on the right.
Surely everyone immediately noticed the difference. Unfortunately, the Sony SRS-XB30 does not have backlighting for the speakers themselves. Although this element occupies the largest area of the older model and looks more impressive than a strobe light and a neon strip around the perimeter.
What also makes it special is that the light passes through a metal mesh. The walls of a dark room are immediately painted with characteristic patterns.
Specifications
The differences between the two speakers are minimal: mainly in size, weight and amount of backlighting. Although Sony claimed a smaller battery for the SRS-XB30, the official documentation talks about up to 24 hours of continuous operation for both models.
I think that, due to the lack of speaker backlighting, 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 exact, I’ll explain why later)
- Bluetooth 4.2 and NFC support
- IPx5 water protection
- hands-free mode support
- 2 lighting elements: along the perimeter of the metal mesh and with a strobe function
- dimensions: 228 x 82 x 86 mm
- weight 980 grams
Sony SRS-XB40
- Frequency range: 20–20,000 Hz (44.1 kHz sampling)
- rated power 64 W (that's accurate)
- 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
- IPx5 water protection
- hands-free mode support
- 3 lighting elements: around the perimeter, strobe function and speaker backlight
- dimensions: 279 x 100 x 105 mm
- weight 1500 grams
Sound quality
I've been using a Creative D100 portable speaker system for the past few years. We must admit that the device is morally and technically outdated. True, 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. Wireless audio technology has come a long way in just a few years. The difference in sound is felt instantly.
But we must remember that first of all sound Sony SRS-XB30 and SRS-XB 40 created for electronic music. After all, the manufacturer itself positions its own line as a replacement for nightclubs. Therefore, I received almost no pleasure from listening to rock music. Only if the composition contains a powerful bass guitar. 
In terms of sound quality or volume, I didn't notice any difference at all between the two models.
Firstly, I never turned the volume up to maximum volume, because there was a risk of simply going deaf, and the neighbors would immediately run to the door of my apartment. However, I never experienced any wheezing from the speakers.
Secondly, Sony has officially revealed the power of only the older model SRS-XB40. She also added that the SRS-XB30 differs only in size and smaller battery. Therefore, using the usual logical chain, I came to the conclusion that the power of the speakers of the two models is at the same level. 
Speaker systems have a really large volume reserve. A little less than half the filled scale on the smartphone was enough to hear music clearly in the most remote parts of the apartment.
So Sony SRS-XB30 and SRS-XB40 speakers They will definitely keep even the most passive partygoers awake and can be safely used in large rooms or outdoors.
Sony has its own application for iOS and Android operating systems. The application acts as 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:
- I still consider myself a geek and usually figure things out without the help of instructions. But, I was never able to connect two speakers into a single synchronous audio system. It seems that according to the instructions there is nothing complicated, but the application itself really likes to freeze and show a regular black screen when something doesn’t work out. Only restarting the application helps.
- I also failed to connect via NFC. Neither on the iPhone 7 Plus, nor on the . If in the first case there is a limitation of iOS itself, then on Android there is some kind of flaw or an overly complicated connection that few people will understand. But the Bluetooth connection works just great! The speaker calmly plays music even at a distance of 15-20 meters from the smartphone.
I really want the manufacturer to be able to improve their application and simplify all processes. Still, this is not a device from a third-tier company that requires you to “shamanize” the whole evening to get results.
The speaker system is from a great Japanese company with the 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. Somewhat reminiscent of the stock program for controlling the backlight. There are just a few more possibilities - there are a huge number of built-in templates. The backlight already tries to keep up with the music, but Sony additionally offers us other settings with priority for a certain color. Or configure everything yourself. The last option is much cooler.
Bottom line
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 an original lighting system.
At the same time, these devices are perfect for equipping your own room with stationary speaker systems. 
It’s better to overpay a couple thousand at once, but enjoy a full-fledged light show throughout the entire life cycle of the device. I can assure all readers that the backlight function is not a one- or two-time feature. Everyone can find a use for it.