Today Sony announced availability of two new speakers in their expansive Bluetooth speaker line-up. The entry-level SRS-XB100 ($59) offers punchy sound in a small package while the powerhouse SRS-XV800 ($649) brings the party wherever you want it. At a press event in Manhattan last week, we got to check out both speakers in action.
The little guy (SRS-XB100) can be paired with a twin for stereo listening, but it packs an impressive sonic punch on its own. It's a small cylinder, weighing about 10 ounces, measuring 2.9 inches across and 3.75 inches tall. The XB100 features Android "Quick Pair" technology to simplify and speed up the pairing process. When I turned it on and hit the Bluetooth button a pairing message popped up on my Android phone almost immediately and pairing completed within seconds. The speaker includes a sturdy and secure nylon strap so you you can take it with you wherever you go.
Battery life is rated at 5 to 16 hours, depending on volume. A full recharge takes about 4.5 hours. The speaker comes with a USB-A to USB-C cable in the box for charging. Cranking the speaker up, I was surprised how loud it could get, with sound radiating 360 degrees thanks to the top-firing driver. Ports on the bottom of the speaker extend the bass response leading to a full and punchy overall sound. The textured matte finish makes the XB100 easy to grip and its IP67 rating means it will survive the occasional drop in the pool or tub.
The SRS-XB100 is available to pre-order on authorized Sony retailers starting today and is expected to begin shipping later this month.
> Check Out the SRS-XB100 on Amazon.com
Sony's other new speaker, the SRS-XV800, also supports Bluetooth wireless connectivity but it's an entirely different beast; it's more of a party animal. The XV800 fits neatly into Sony's Party Speaker line-up between the smaller SRS-XP700 ($549) and the massive SRS-XV900 ($899). The new XV800 may offer the sweet spot between size and performance. It weighs in at a hefty 45 pounds but an integrated handle and wheels make it as easy to move around as carry-on luggage. Despite its weight and impressive SPL output, the unit is relatively compact at 12.4" wide x 28.3" tall x 14.7" deep.
With five tweeters, two woofers and MEGA Bass, the SRS-XV800 can fill an average room with sound. If you need to fill a larger outdoor space with sound (like maybe a football stadium), the SRS-XV800 can be linked with up to 99 additional Sony party speakers for synchronized audio using Sony's "Wireless Party Chain" feature. The XV800 iincludes built-in LED lighting to enhance that party mood. The unit features an integrated accelerometer that adjusts which tweeters produce sound, based on whether the speaker is vertical or horizontal. Tweeters face both the front and the rear for a more enveloping sound.
The XV800 can be connected wirelessly to a compatible Bluetooth device but it also offers two 1/4-inch inputs so you can plug in a microphone, keyboard, electric guitar or electronic drums for your next busking gig, or for some impromptu Karaoke. There's also an optical digital jack for connection to a TV or projector. Outdoor movie night, anyone? The speaker's IPX4 water-resistant rating means you don't have to worry about light rain or the occasional splash. If you actually manage to run the internal battery all the way down, you can plug it into wall power to get the party going again. And a quick 10-minute charge will get you up to 3 hours of non-stop wireless sound playback.
The SRS-XV800 can be controlled with Sony's Music Center and Fiestable mobile apps. You can select playlists, change lighting patterns, adjust karaoke sound effects and sound modes from your phone or tablet.
The SRS-XV800 is available for preorder starting today (May 8, 2023) at select retailers with shipments expected to begin on May 15, 2023.
> Check Out the SRS-XV800 on Amazon.com
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