Sony Review SRS-XB40 - the most powerful wireless speakers Sony in the Extra Bass line. Our editorial staff already had one of the acoustic systems of this series, and it turned out to be quite good. Today we will find out how good the SRS-XB40 is.
Sony SRS-XB40 went on sale in April 2017, priced at 14,000 rubles. I got the dark blue version for review.

Specifications Sony SRS-XB40

• Frequency response: 20-20000Hz (sampling frequency 44.1kHz)
• Satellite speaker system: 61 mm drivers, 64 W
• Bluetooth 4.2, NFC
• Connect up to three devices at the same time
• Waterproof: IPX5
• Built-in microphone
• Profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP
• Codecs: SBC/AAC/LDAC
• Battery: 12000 mAh, up to 24 hours of music listening
• Connectors: AUX, USB type-A
• Dimensions: 279 x 100 x 105 mm
• Weight: 1500 grams

Equipment Sony SRS-XB40:

• Column
• Packaging, waste paper
• Charger

Design and ergonomics

The Japanese have always managed to make an unusual design that would not look like competitors. Each Sony speaker has its own unique shape and style. The designers at Sony are much more creative in their design than their JBL counterparts, where each speaker comes out in the shape of a cylinder.

Let's take a closer look at the Sony SRS-XB40 wireless speaker from all sides. The logo is placed on the bottom. Almost the entire surface is covered with a velvet layer that resembles soft-touch rubber.

The buttons for sound control, rewind, Extra Bass system (it is also the button for turning on and off the diode strip) and turning on are also under the rubber shell and located on the top. They are pressed tightly, making a noticeable click.

The NFC tag sits right in the middle, so it's easy to find it and connect instantly. At the back, where the plug with a rubber layer is located, cheap plastic is used, behind it lies the charging socket, AUX and USB type-B.

The icing on the cake in the Sony SRS-XB40 design is a diode strip with additional flashlights, illuminated speakers and two strobe lights. In the dark, this light music looks simply phenomenal for such a compact speaker.

If we talk about mobility, it becomes immediately clear that hardly anyone will wear it in their hands, and if they do, it is unlikely for a long time. Still, 1.5 kg is not a joke to you.

The device is certified according to the IPX5 standard, so you can not be afraid for the speaker if you suddenly spill some liquid on it during a party. 😉

The column is available in three colors: black, orange, dark blue. If you suddenly decide to buy this model, then it’s better to turn your eyes to orange or dark blue, in my opinion, the black version of the Sony SRS-XB40 looks faded.

Music Center app and battery

At this point, I would like to start with praise towards Sony, but alas, it will not work. The speaker is connected via Bluetooth or via NFC. You will then be prompted to download the Music Center companion app.

This is where my resentment begins. The application is unstable, it constantly reboots, which is why you have to reconnect the phone to the Sony SRS-XB40 several times. In fairness, I would like to note that such a problem is observed only on Android devices, while on iOS everything is fine.

But there is no harm without good, Music Center allows you to flexibly customize the Sony SRS-XB40 to your preferences. At the disposal of the user is the setting of LEDs, sound effects in additional application fiestable. In addition, it is possible to combine up to 10 speakers into one system.

The Sony SRS-XB40 has a solid 12000 mAh battery. The manufacturer claims up to 24 hours of operation at full volume. With which I can agree. The battery charge is really enough for 2 days, if you listen to music at the maximum.

Sound quality Sony SRS-XB40

Now let's talk about why I actually started this Sony SRS-XB40 review. The sound quality is what worries the potential buyer in the first place, and not all sorts of “whistle-talks” like strobe lights.

There are two speakers of 61 mm each, providing a total power of 64 watts. The volume is enough to instill in even the most deaf neighbors a good taste in music, or for a noisy party in a large room. High, medium, low frequencies sound lossless.

I can say with confidence that the Sony SRS-XB40 wireless speaker is a new word in terms of wireless speakers. Here are the latest Sony technologies:

• EXTRA BASS was in the last line of portable systems, but here this feature sparkled with new colors. This technology amplifies the sound low frequencies giving them incredible depth.
• codec LDAC raises the bar for lossless music. The sound is clear and detailed. The sound quality will be exactly the same as from CDs.

Sony SRS-XB40 Disadvantages

There are very few downsides here. First of all, this is the body material, it is very easily soiled and resistant to scratches. Fingerprints permanently remain on the column. And in just a couple of days I somehow managed to scratch lower part, although he wore it very carefully.

And another thing that I didn’t like was a plug with connectors on the back of the speaker. She looks very flimsy. You have to be careful with her.

Conclusion

The Sony SRS-XB40 wireless speaker did its best during my test. For me, this is the best column in its price range (13,000 rubles on the Yandex market). As the main competitor of the Sony SRS-XB40, I can put JBL Pulse 3. In my opinion, Pulse 3 loses Sony SRS-XB40 in all respects, especially in sound quality. Therefore, I give my preference to the column from Sony.

If the Sony SRS-XB40 seems too bulky for a wireless speaker, you should pay attention to Sony, a model one step lower than the XB40. It is more compact, but has a less capacious battery and there are no flashlights on the speakers.

In general, Sony's entire Extra Bass series of speakers turned out to be successful, with the exception of the controversial SRS-XB20, but this speaker's main drawback is the overpriced price. The Sony SRS-XB40 with price and sound is all in in perfect order. Sounds like everything.

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 the best devices on 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.

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 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.

16.01.2020

data is hidden

Pros: Excellent combat column (More in the comments)
Cons: Not found
Feedback: I purchased this speaker for use at home and outdoors. I think it is the most versatile and convenient. The quality and volume are pleasing. Nice bonus lighting.
Many people write in the minus that the volume decreases when it is less than 20 percent - is it really a minus? You are informed - this is the time, and plus the battery does not land and does not kill. Put it on charge and listen further to the fullest!

26.09.2019

Vasily Sumatokhin

Pros: battery is sufficient
the volume is enough for the whole room
Cons: bloated but cut bass
cut tops
narrow stereo base
stupid app, you can't do that in 2019.
you can’t turn on BT if an external wire is plugged in, more precisely, you can, but only through the application, it’s sooo non-trivial.
Review: I took it only for the sound, stuck it in the TV - it became completely better.
If you take two at once and solder a normal wire, there will be fire in general.

09/26/2019 Rating

Pros: + Price / Quality ratio. [Yes, I would take it for 14k]
+ Sound.
+ Compactness (It fits into a backpack, so there is still room).
+ Weight.
+ Soft Touch plastic.
+ Power.
+ Price (I took for 9900 in 2018 [black color]).
+ Backlight.
+ Updates to the branded application often arrive.
+ Moisture protection (Although you are not going to bathe the speakers?) [In any case, you can watch videos about the XB40 from Pasha Es]
+ Fast and powerful charging.
+ Can be PowerBank.
+ Pride for the fact that schoolchildren come up and ask if this is JBL, but they don’t have you, something much cooler.
Cons: ± Large *segments* of battery life, but I still haven't had more than *battery charge less than 70%* so I'm not complaining.
Feedback: Better than Xtreme, if only because you have to carry it on a branded * noose *, and only so, unless of course you have a bucket instead of hands. But the XB40 can already be held in your hand and put in a backpack. The XB40s have more power, they have the same battery, JBL nerds and fans are rumored that the Xtreme has more capacity, but apparently the elementary school program didn't let them know about such a thing as voltage. In Xtreme, the battery dies after a year of use due to the fact that it saved on surge protection, well, they will change the battery for you once under warranty, but no one on the used market will take it from you after repair.
Doc-wa that I real owner https://youtu.be/7P7yKFHlC-c

09/26/2019 Rating

Pros: I bought this column because for the price it came out to me as a junior model, it was a decisive factor. I initially compared the XB31 model and Charge 4, I won’t reveal anything new if I say that they play completely differently and are designed for different areas of music, Sony turned out to be closer to me in sound and it’s cleaner than a barrel, although it’s worth noting the sound at low volume roughly similar. Both play like a barrel. In general, the code I saw from the liaison that the action on the XB40 was immediately booked. when you take an older model at the price of a younger one, this cannot but rejoice. After testing in nature, I was even more pleased, I played at a volume of 70% for about 7 hours, the percentage of charge shows 45% (by the way, the percentage of charge can be viewed in the native application from Sony Music Center which discovered this by accident) and by the way the volume is reduced automatically by the field 30% charge and not 50 as some write.
Cons: Of the shortcomings, I can say a slightly muffled sound at low volume, everything else suits me more than. But with the condition that the price was for the stock.
Review: Everything is fine. In general, I would recommend to many to read the instructions, there are a lot of interesting and useful things you can learn. And then people poke a stick into the column and say it doesn’t work or it’s not. Everything in it is a solid 5, but once again I will write that I took it at a very decent price and this is the main factor for the review.

04.08.2019 Rating

Pros: 1. Sound
2. Price
3. Value for money (see comment)
Cons: 1. Take only color, black autumn easily soiled due to soft touch
2. Can't charge and listen at the same time
3. The charging connector is branded, on my old srs x30 it’s a regular micro-usb, you can charge it in nature from a jar and the music plays forever
4. Too much bass
5. There is no battery indicator (I read a review by Sony themselves here, such as if you hold down the button, the system will say, I wonder if anyone from the PR department could at least once understand what this robot woman is saying xD! But sorry, the PR department uses top-end devices and I didn't even see this column

Feedback: 1. At the time of purchase, it was the cheapest in terms of brand-price-W
2. Bust with low and bass decided quite simple change equalizer settings only once
3. Knowing the problem with paint and soiling, therefore we carry it around the rooms and take it to the lake very carefully, so nothing has been erased
4. If all of the above suits you, then you can take it, if not, then it’s better to pay extra and take what is more interesting

Portable acoustics Sony SRS-XB 40 black is equipped with 2 speakers that operate in the frequency range from 20 to 20,000 Hz.

Quality playback of audio files

A modern speaker system is powered by a built-in Li-ion battery high capacity. One battery charge is enough for 24 hours of music listening. The device is protected from moisture and dust. For other benefits portable acoustics relate:

• the presence of LED multi-color illumination;
• use of a passive type of system;
• the presence of 1 microphone;
• compatible with Sony apps Music Center and Fiestable (DJ effects);
• the ability to charge from the mains with a voltage of 220 V or from other devices via a USB cable;
• the presence of a Mini-jack 3.5 mm and RCA;
• device power is 64 W;
• support Bluetooth version 4.2, as well as NFC technology.

Portable case speaker system Made of high quality silicone and plastic. The size of the device is 27.9 x 10.5 x 10 cm and the weight is 1.5 kg. The product is made by a Japanese manufacturer.

Unfortunately, the product is currently not available for purchase. You will be able to buy wireless acoustics Sony SRS-XB 40 Black