• 1. Rating
• 2. Specifications
• 3. Package and design: works in any position
• 4. Wireless connection: three ways to connect
• 5. Sound quality: specially for modern music
• 6. Autonomy: all day without recharging
• 7. Bottom line: small but powerful
• 8. Pros and cons

The Sony SRS-XB10 occupies a special place in Sony's Extra Bass lineup. Although it is the most compact and lightest, it is in no way inferior to other gadgets in the series in terms of its capabilities and gives excellent bases. But can a miniature audio system offer anything more than strong bass?

About Sony SRS-XB10

8.4 Evaluation

Specifications

Components and design: works in any position

Traditionally, there is nothing superfluous with Sony speakers. In the package, in addition to the SRS-XB10, you can find all the necessary documentation, a charging cable (a regular micro-USB cable is used here) and a stand strap.

The device is made in the form of a cylinder, on the upper face of which there is a loudspeaker grille. If desired, you can install the column vertically and then the sound will be directed upwards or placed horizontally. That's what the strap is for. With it, you can hang the device on a hook.

Convenient column hook

The column material is rubberized: it turns out to be quite practical to use, because the case is not afraid of dust and moisture. In accordance with the IPX5 standard, the model is treated with water splash protection - the column can be safely placed next to a pool or pond and not worry about its safety.

Waterproof housing

All control elements are placed on the side face. Using the available buttons, you can turn on or off the device itself, a separate track, and also change the volume of the music. There is a button to merge two columns into single system. A little further are the charging connectors and the audio input. In addition to the keys, there are several indicators that allow you to find out about the state of the gadget - about the battery level, about the state of NFC.

Wireless: three ways to connect

The case does not provide a slot for memory cards, so all the tracks being played must be stored in a smartphone, tablet or other device. To start playing songs, you need to pair with one of the gadgets.

The developers offer a choice of the usual Bluetooth technology (version 4.2 is used here), NFC or an audio input (however, the cable will have to be purchased separately).

When using Bluetooth or NFC, the connection is almost instantaneous. In the open air, 10 meters is enough for synchronization, further - there may be interference. Under normal conditions apartment building, where the signal is blocked by walls, you should count on a maximum range of 7 meters.

Sound Quality: Tailored for today's music

Although the speaker can not boast of large dimensions, it is capable of reproducing good sound quality. There are two speakers inside, but the device still reproduces only mono sound - one of the speakers is aimed only at low frequencies.

The device is part of the Extra Bass series, which means that you should not worry about high-quality reproduction of low and medium frequencies. The 46mm driver accepts frequencies as low as 20Hz. Sony developers have found that genres such as house, trance and techno are becoming more and more popular. Therefore, the SRS Extra Bass speakers are aimed at fans of electronic dance music. Indeed, the accessory literally pumps low frequencies - an attentive user can even notice how the surface on which the gadget is installed vibrates.

At an average volume level, words and other sounds are perfectly understood, so the model cannot be blamed for the poor quality of high-frequency reproduction either.

But do not think that the column will be useful only for those who like to party and dance until you drop! If you connect the device to a home laptop, it will be quite possible to create an acoustic stereo system for more comfortable watching movies.

Sony SRS-XB10 sound test

When the volume is raised to the maximum level, the SRS-XB10 begins not only to vibrate, but also to lose sound quality. Great basses can lose their saturation, and music in general can be out of tune.

This problem is easily solved: it is enough to keep the volume in the range of 70-80% of the maximum. The volume reserve of this model is quite enough to fill a small room with music. And in the open air, one column can serve as a background. Need louder? Then pay attention to the older model.

Autonomy: all day without recharging

The portable speaker is powered by a built-in lithium-ion battery. Its capacity is not the largest, but it is enough for a decent amount of time. If you listen to music at maximum volume, then the charge will last for 16 hours. If you need to stretch the operating time, then you should simply turn down the volume of the music.

Speaker charging process

Charging is carried out either from a standard micro-USB cable or from POWERBANK. It takes a little time - only 3.5 hours.

Package

The Sony SRS-XB10 wireless speaker lies in a small cardboard box in protective polyethylene. The box is very compact, so much so that even paper with warranty obligations attached on the outside instead of lying on the inside as usual.

Equipment

The package bundle of the Sony SRS-XB10 speaker is very modest:

• Column
• User manual
• USB cable for battery charging
• Warranty card

Design

The Sony SRS-XB10 wireless speaker has the shape of a cylinder, with two speakers located above and below.

The entire top of the speaker is covered by a neat metal grill that protects the main speaker.

The side face is completely covered with a rubberized soft coating, which at the same time protects the column from damage when dropped or from breakage when splashed with water.

At the bottom of the side face are the control buttons:

1. Enable/disable
2. Volume control
3. Button to add a second speaker Sony SRS-XB10 to create stereo sound
4. Play/Stop

Under the buttons are light indicators that can report the following activities:

1. Battery is charging
2. The microphone works
3. If two Sony SRS-XB10 speakers are working at the same time, each of them will have a light indicator of the channel that the speaker sounds (left, right)
4. Bluetooth

The lower 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 hook for a hook, which is held on a rope. This hook is very handy and can be used to attach the speaker to a backpack strap, to a jeans belt, or just to make it easier to hold the speaker in your hand.

The same hook doubles as a speaker stand if you need to position it horizontally instead of vertically.

The standard position of the speaker is considered to be vertical, and this is the position that the engineers had in mind when they calculated the location of the speakers and their power. It is in the vertical position that the speaker creates more spectacular low frequencies, and it is in the vertical position that the sound as a whole seems to be 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 bass will deteriorate. For listening to talk shows or podcasts, this arrangement may even be more convenient than vertical, because. human speech will be perceived more easily and naturally by you, but for music, vertical positioning of the speaker is preferable.

Water protection

The Sony SRS-XB10 speaker has IPX5 water splash protection, which means that it can be placed next to a pool or sink, accidental splashes cannot harm the speaker, but it cannot be completely immersed in water, this will render it unusable. Thus, the column can be taken with you anywhere: for a picnic in the park, on a hike, to the pool or to the beach, but I would be careful not to take it with me on a boat trip, because. There's a pretty good chance you'll drop it in the water.

Battery Life

First of all, a wireless speaker should work from its own battery for a long time, because this is its essence - to play sound where there is no possibility for conventional sound-reproducing equipment, so time battery life very important parameter.

Model Sony SRS-XB10 works on a single charge up to 16 hours at an average volume level. At the maximum volume level, the battery life can drop to 10 hours.

During testing, the column 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.

It takes 3.5 hours to fully charge the battery, functions fast charging no.

Management and opportunities

The column is connected to the phone using the usual pairing procedure, or using the NFC chip that is built into it.

Through the speaker, you can easily control music playback: start / stop and turn on the next music track. You can not switch the track back, only forward.

It is possible to adjust the volume.

There is a curious function of creating stereo sound using two Sony SRS-XB10 speakers. One speaker always works in mono mode, because. it has only 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, you can combine them into one system, so you get stereo sound.

The button for adding a second column is located on the side in the row of all buttons, just press it and hold for about 3 seconds, after which the second column should automatically connect. The signal from the phone will go to the first column, and only then from the first to the second.

It is possible to connect the speaker by wire to the sound source, the speaker has a standard jack for connecting a 3.5 mm jack. An audio cable is not included and must be purchased separately.

If a phone is connected to the speaker and you receive an incoming voice call, the speaker can act as a speaker and microphone at the same time. It is very convenient if you are on a picnic and they call you, you don’t have to look for a phone, you can talk to help from Sony SRS-XB10.

Wireless connection

The Sony SRS-XB10 speaker uses Bluetooth 4.2.

I tested the speaker with two phones in operating rooms Android systems 8 and Windows Mobile 10, as well as with a laptop with Windows 10. In all cases, the pairing took place within a few seconds, and subsequent connections from the off state took place within a second.

The stability of the wireless signal is good, in the open air the column worked without failures at a distance of up to 15 meters from the source, with further removal, slight interference began. The speaker stopped working completely at a distance of about 25 meters from the phone.

In terms of apartment distance stable operation decreased to 7 meters, it must be taken into account that there were 2 load-bearing concrete walls between the column and the telephone. At a distance of about 12 meters, the operation of the column stopped.

During testing, a couple of times I encountered the fact that, although the speaker was next to the phone, when the music track was switched, the sound in the speaker disappeared, although it was clear on the phone screen that playback was continuing. Re-switching the track fixed the problem, 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.

A few 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)
• instruction (which had to, for the first time for a long time, use)

In general, in terms of equipment, Sony could not 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. Kit standard buttons: volume, start / pause, receive a call (holding this button will allow you to find out the percentage of battery charge), single mode / pairing 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. Quite a 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 the light passes through the 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 speaks of 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 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 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.

Firstly, I never turned the sound up to the 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 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 that 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 app under Operating Systems iOS 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.

Acoustic system from a great Japanese company with an average smartphone price from , and Plug & Play is not properly implemented. How did it happen?

There is also a separate Fiestable app. It is somewhat reminiscent of the stock program for controlling the backlight. Only a little more opportunities - there is great amount 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 everything up with your own hands. Last option 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 an original lighting system.

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.

Splash-proof speaker, lasts about 24 hours on a single charge, LDAC supported, good sound quality - at $11,990 this is a very interesting proposition...

Contents of delivery

• Column
• Power Supply
• 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 where functionality and sound are well combined. Naturally, it does not do without minuses, but in general, 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 orders of magnitude different. This year, the company decided to add a couple of devices with splash protection to the line, so to speak, on the wave of public interest in such solutions. In "Things" and the podcast, I said the SRS-XB3 turned out to be good, personal acquaintance only confirmed the impressions.

The column is available in as many as six colors, the most boring 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 from the company. On the top - a scattering of buttons, volume control, answer a call, activate Extra Bass, turn on, activate pairing mode and add another speaker - it's easy to combine two SRS-XB3s into a stereo pair. Above is the NFC area, with connecting devices on Android problems did not occur.

On the back there is a passive radiator, covered with a metal grill, next to it is a plug, it sits very firmly in place, you may even need a coin or a table knife. Under the plug 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. In terms of functionality, it is similar to JBL Charge, and in general, Sony probably looked at a well-known competitor - the Sony SRS-XB3 is a little larger, a little heavier, maybe a little stricter in design, “sonystyle” is present here, especially in color versions.

On the bottom there is a rubber pad, 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 big power supply.

The speaker is claimed to be splashproof (IPX5) but not submersible, you need to keep that in mind. In no case should you throw it into the water, you can and should lie near the pool or on the beach.

And once again, do not throw the column into the water!

Additional functions

There's something interesting here, it supports the LDAC codec, Sony's proprietary codec that works with the company's smartphones - you can get better sound if both devices are supported. 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 works, the interlocutors did not complain about the quality of voice transmission. Once again I will praise the creators for the abundance of buttons on top panel- and it's very good that the buttons are simple, no sensors. By the way, there are small light indicators on each button, when a second device is connected to the chain, the channel is displayed, left or right.

Working hours

The claimed operating time is 24 hours, a very good result for portable device, in reality, the speaker works less, about 20 hours at almost full volume. It uses its own power supply for charging, it is 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, you will not see the work here, but you will hear it, that's for sure. frequency response 20–20,000 Hz (sampling frequency 44.1 kHz), Sony proprietary technologies are supported, 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 enough bass here already.

About the range of work, in the apartment there are no interruptions in sound at any distance from the speaker. This is very good, you can count on a normal connection ten meters from the device. Sony has made the connection process as easy as possible, there is a Bluetooth button, it is easy to switch between devices, connect a new one.

used a column with 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 did not notice a strong difference with MP3. Of course, there would be other speakers, but it is gratifying that Sony is trying to promote sound good quality in all your decisions.

Overall, I really liked the sound. Huge margin of volume, there is volume, when compared with JBL Charge, the latter is doing better with low frequencies, at Sony they are not so convex - let's say it's nice to listen to the blues, but for techno it's better to choose Charge.

conclusions

In retail, the column costs 11,990 rubles, comparable to JBL Charge 3, which one to choose? The third "charge" has full moisture protection, the sound is more interesting for those who love electronic music (a purely personal opinion), the design is not so conservative, it is possible to combine several JBL devices into a chain ... In general, there are many advantages, why should you pay attention to Sony SRS-XB3?

Firstly, this is a long battery life, secondly, the sound is more interesting for lovers of calm 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.