Sound QualityThe Sony SRS-XB501G overall sound quality was good. Bass has good impact, goes fairly deep but is somewhat boomy. Midrange is hazy, a bit grainy and dark. Treble is somewhat subdued, smeared and mid treble is muted. Does a so-so job of recovering room ambience and is somewhat congested. No significant difference between Wifi and Bluetooth sound quality. Provide adequate listening volume for a large sized room.
Versatility
Versatility is Very Good. It's a stereo speaker, with multi-room support. Wireless: WiFi supports dual-band and it has Bluetooth. Communications: Lacks support for calling, texting and messaging features. Digital Assistant Muting: Has a dedicated control to disable the digital assistant by muting its microphones. Audio Connections: Lacks analog audio inputs and outputs. Audio Tailoring: Has user adjustable EQ and presets. OS Support: iOS, Android. Other connections and features: Has a USB device port. Streaming by voice command: Supports voice command of common streaming services such as Google Play Music, Pandora, Spotify, Tune-In and iHeart Radio. Voice ID: Supports voice identity - a feature which allows the account holder with their voice print to access personal information.
Ease of Use
Overall ease of use of the Sony SRS-XB501G is very good. Wireless setup: Setup requires an app downloaded to a device, easy and intuitive - need instructions (may be included in app), may or may not involve inputting WiFi network password, and account setups. Console controls: Volume controls are prominent (+/-) buttons, lacks a graphical position marking but a specific volume level can be given by verbal command. Audio mute: Unlabeled - well placed - with indication when it is engaged. Microphone mute: Well marked, well placed, clear indication when it is engaged. Source selections: Requires app to be installed, app installation is straight forward. Once app is installed switching between inputs requires selecting the -cast- icon in a 3rd party supported app. Fairly intuitive but subject to 3rd Party implimentation of cast selection. App remote: Volume control not obvious due to extremely poor placement - only available when content is playing; however, it is repeatable with clear graphic and index of setting. Mute: (Remote) Dedicated control but the marking is not the most obvious, clear indication when it is engaged. Voice transport controls: Natural language control of transport (Play/Pause/Skip/Mute), volume controls and source selection was easy and intuitive.
