Sony SRS-XP500

Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers / Portable

A Sony SRS-XP500 Wireless Bluetooth Portable speaker system.

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CR Expert Take

How did it perform in our expert lab testing?

Overall Score

The Overall Score for this model is derived from our expert lab test results.

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Current Range of Tested Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers

What goes into the Overall Score?

Sound quality

/ 5

Ease of use

/ 5

Versatility

/ 5

Color

/ 5

Detailed Test Results

Sound quality: Sony's SRS-XP500 had Good overall sound quality - this model reproduces music and dialog reasonably well despite the obvious shortcomings in its sound. Bass has good impact and goes deep, but the deep bass is boomy and somewhat prominent. Midrange is a bit thin, somewhat grainy and hazy, and a touch etched. Treble is extended but is somewhat sizzly and smeared and a bit to somewhat prominent depending on the program material. Does a decent job of recovering room ambience but sounds somewhat congested. The two channel sound field does not extend much above or to the sides of the speaker enclosure and the depth is flat. There is no significant difference between Bluetooth, USB, and aux sound quality. Provides a decent volume level in a large sized room. When two units are combined to form a stereo pair the sound field can be made wider depending on placement.

About

A Sony SRS-XP500 Wireless Bluetooth Portable speaker system. In our tests the sound quality, and the versatility of provided features are assessed.

Features & Specs

Features

IP rating

Claimed battery life (hrs.)

Adjustable tone settings

Yes

Wireless stereo pairing

Yes

Speaker phone w/built-in mic

Optional multi-room sharing

Remote

Yes

Power source

Battery/AC

Updatable software/firmware

Yes

Warranty (mos.): parts/labor

12/12

Other features

Manufacturer claims an IPX4 water resistant rating, effective when the cap on the back is closed. Two microphones or a microphone and a guitar can be plugged into the back of the unit. Speaker has built-in lights and can provide various light effects. Can be used with another Sony SRS-XP500 model as a stereo pair. Party Connect function allows connect up to 100 Sony SRS-XP500 or other compatible Sony speakers for sound re-enforcement (increased sound volume in a given area). Free Sony Music Center app download for Apple and Android mobile devices can be used to adjust tonal balance, access audio content from various internet audio streaming service provider apps and audio files on the mobile device, switch inputs, act as a remote control, connect another SRS-SX500 speaker for stereo pairing or other compatible Sony speakers for Party Connect pairing, and update the unit's firmware. Free Sony Fiestable app download for Apple and Android mobile devices can be used to provide DJ effects, lighting effects, Karaoke effects, control the speaker playback via preset voice commands and motions with a mobile device, and create and continuously play a playlist. Unit firmware version: 7600060, Sony Music Center Apple app version 6.7.0, Android app version 6.7.0., Sony Fiestable Apple app version 5.2.0, Android app version 5.2.0.

Included accessories

Power cable, Reference guide, Warranty sheet.

WiFi content sharing technology

Wake timer

Sleep timer

Specs

Wireless type

Bluetooth

Audio format

Stereo

Height (in.)

22.5

Width (in.)

10.75

Depth (in.)

11.75

Weight (lbs.)

24.7

Dimensions HxWxD (in.)

22.5 x 10.75 x 11.75

Connections

Stereo analog audio input

Yes

Optical digital audio input

Headphone jack

Active subwoofer pre-amp out

Other connections

1st USB device charging port also offers Audio Host mode, 2nd USB device charging port, one mic input, one mic/guitar input.

iPod Docking

Price & Shop

Sony SRS-XP500

CR Expert Take

Overall Score

What goes into the Overall Score?

Detailed Test Results

About

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