Sound quality: Sony's SRS-XB43 had Good overall sound quality - this model reproduces music and dialog reasonably well despite the obvious shortcomings in its sound. With the EQ settings in the Sony Music Center app set for the most even tonal balance the bass has decent impact but is a bit subdued and the deep bass is lacking. Midrange is fairly even but is hazy, somewhat grainy, and a bit plasticky. Treble is fairly extended but a bit subdued and somewhat smeared. Does a so-so job of recovering room ambience and is somewhat congested. There is no significant difference between Bluetooth, Aux. Provides a decent volume level in a medium sized room.
Ease of use: We found the Sony SRS-XB43 ease of use to be Very Good overall. Bluetooth pairing always requires a press of a well marked low contrast button on unit and then the selection of unit from Bluetooth selection list on source device; unit provides an obvious indication that the unit is in pairing mode as well as when pairing has actually occurred. The volume controls are low contrast +/- buttons which have a visual indicator when max volume is reached. Source selection: The low contrast line-in input has priority over Bluetooth when plugged in with slight or no delay.
