A few months ago, Sony introduced a whole line of portable speaker systems with an eye on the youth audience. In today's review I will look at two older models: Sony SRS-XB30 and SRS-XB40. Do these devices create a wow effect? Definitely.
Equipment
Seeing the size of the boxes, I immediately dreamed of a giant configuration Sony speakers SRS-XB30 and SRS-XB40. After all, these devices are not the cheapest class, so the manufacturer must justify the cost by maximizing the satisfaction of its customers. But no. The delivery package is extremely minimalist and identical.
- the column itself
- charger (power supply SRS-XB30 has 5V parameters<–>3A, and SRS-XB40 – 9.5V<–>2.2A)
- instructions (which had to, for the first time in for a long time, take advantage)
In general, Sony failed to surprise me in terms of packaging. Everything is just very high quality and tightly packed, nothing more. 
Design
Frankly speaking, when I was waiting for these speakers, I was more concerned about the design issue than the sound quality. I wasn't worried about the latter at all, knowing who the manufacturer was. Sony is one of the few companies that still continues to produce its branded audio players under the Walkman brand. This means, thanks to many years of experience and the availability of technology, they have every opportunity to create best devices in the acoustic systems market.
A characteristic design feature of the entire line is a rectangle with rounded edges. And the older the model, the more similar it is to brick. This is probably 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 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 variations. Of course, these are the most popular colors: black, red and blue (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 tell you right away about the case. The material of both speakers is very easily soiled and gets dirty literally from everything! Even for photographs, I could not bring them to perfect condition. 
Initially, I thought that the body was made of metal, the devices lie so confidently and heavily 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 an IPx5 standard. 
Otherwise design Sony SRS-XB30 and SRS-XB40 excellent! I’ll tell you separately about each side.
The front side is covered with a metal mesh that protects two speakers and a passive radiator. Along the perimeter of this grid, on the outside, there is one of the lighting elements. 
On the top side there are all the buttons and the NFC tag (I wonder if it’s possible to pay for purchases in a store?):
- Extra Bass – a regular press activates an additional bass effect, and a long press turns on the backlight.
- A set of standard buttons: volume, start / pause, answering a call (holding this button will allow you to find out the percentage of battery charge), single operation mode / creating a pair from another speaker.
- The main button turns the speaker on or off with a regular press. A long hold 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 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 convenient feature if you often go on a picnic.
By the way, here is an example of how the backlight works: the Sony SRS-XB40 is shown on the left, the Sony SRS-XB30 is shown on the right.
Surely everyone immediately noticed the difference. Unfortunately, the Sony SRS-XB30 does not have backlighting for the speakers themselves. Although this element occupies the largest area of the older model and looks more impressive than a strobe light and a neon strip around the perimeter.
What also makes it special is that the light passes through a metal mesh. The walls of a dark room are immediately painted with characteristic patterns.
Specifications
The differences between the two speakers are minimal: mainly in size, weight and amount of backlighting. Although Sony claimed a smaller battery for the SRS-XB30, the official documentation talks about up to 24 hours of continuous operation for both models.
I think that, due to the lack of speaker backlighting, 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 exact, I’ll explain why later)
- Bluetooth 4.2 and NFC support
- IPx5 water protection
- hands-free mode support
- 2 lighting elements: along the perimeter of the metal mesh and with a strobe function
- dimensions: 228 x 82 x 86 mm
- weight 980 grams
Sony SRS-XB40
- Frequency range: 20–20,000 Hz (44.1 kHz sampling)
- rated power 64 W (that's accurate)
- 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
- IPx5 water protection
- hands-free mode support
- 3 lighting elements: around the perimeter, strobe function and speaker backlight
- dimensions: 279 x 100 x 105 mm
- weight 1500 grams
Sound quality
I've been using a Creative D100 portable speaker system for the past few years. We must admit that the device is morally and technically outdated. True, 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. Wireless audio technology has come a long way in just a few years. The difference in sound is felt instantly.
But we must remember that first of all 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 received almost no pleasure from listening to rock music. Only if the composition contains a powerful bass guitar. 
In terms of sound quality or volume, I didn't notice any difference at all between the two models.
Firstly, I never turned the volume up to 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 experienced any wheezing from the speakers.
Secondly, Sony has officially revealed the power of only the older model SRS-XB40. She also added that the SRS-XB30 differs only in size and smaller battery. Therefore, using the usual logical chain, I came to the conclusion that the power of the speakers of the two models is at the same level. 
Speaker systems have a really large volume reserve. A little less than half the filled scale on the smartphone was enough to hear music clearly in the most remote parts of the apartment.
So Sony SRS-XB30 and SRS-XB40 speakers They will definitely keep even the most passive partygoers awake and can be safely used in large rooms or outdoors.
Sony has own application under OS iOS and Android. The application acts as a kind of “hub” responsible for synchronizing, setting up and managing all multimedia devices own production.
In general, there is nothing innovative in the application. But there were enough problems:
- I still consider myself a geek and usually figure things out without the help of instructions. But, I was never able to connect two speakers into a single synchronous audio system. It seems that according to the instructions there is nothing complicated, but the application itself really likes to freeze and show a regular black screen when something doesn’t work out. Only restarting the application helps.
- I also failed to connect via NFC. Neither on the iPhone 7 Plus, nor on the . If in the first case there is a limitation of iOS itself, then on Android there is some kind of flaw or an overly complicated connection that few people will understand. But the Bluetooth connection works just great! The speaker calmly plays music even at a distance of 15-20 meters from the smartphone.
I really want the manufacturer to be able to improve their application and simplify all processes. Still, this is not a device from a third-tier company that requires you to “shamanize” the whole evening to get results.
The speaker system is from a great Japanese company with the 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. Somewhat reminiscent of the stock program for controlling the backlight. There are just a few more possibilities - there are a huge number of built-in templates. The backlight already tries to keep up with the music, but Sony additionally offers us other settings with priority for a certain color. Or configure everything with my own hands. The last option is much cooler.
Bottom line
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 equipping your own room with stationary speaker systems. 
It’s better to overpay a couple thousand at once, but enjoy a full-fledged light show throughout life cycle devices. I can assure all readers that the backlight function is not a one- or two-time feature. Everyone can find a use for it.
Portable acoustics Sony SRS-XB 40 black is equipped with 2 speakers that operate in the frequency range from 20 to 20,000 Hz.
High-quality audio playback
The modern speaker system is powered by a built-in high-capacity Li-Ion battery. One battery charge is enough for 24 hours of listening to music. The device is protected from moisture and dust. To other advantages portable acoustics relate:
- presence of LED multicolor backlight;
- use of a passive type of system;
- presence of 1 microphone;
- compatible with Sony applications Music Center and Fiestable (DJ effects);
- the ability to charge from a 220 V power supply or from other devices via a USB cable;
- presence of Mini-jack 3.5 mm and RCA connector;
- device power is 64 W;
- support for Bluetooth version 4.2, as well as NFC technology.
The body of the portable speaker system consists of silicone and high quality 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 not currently available for purchase. You will be able to buy" wireless speakers Sony SRS-XB 40 Black" in Moscow upon arrival. Sign up for notification and we will notify you the price when the product is in stock.
16.01.2020
data hidden
GradePros: Excellent combat column (More details in the comments)
Cons: Not identified
Review: I purchased this speaker for use at home and outdoors. I consider it to be as versatile and convenient as possible. The quality and volume are pleasing. Nice bonus lighting.
Many write as a minus that the volume decreases when it is less than 20 percent - is this a minus? You are informed - this time, and plus it doesn’t drain the battery and kill it. Put it on charge and listen to it one hundred percent!
26.09.2019
Vasily Sumatokhin
GradePros: battery is sufficient
The volume level is enough for the entire room
Cons: bloated but chopped bass
chopped 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, or rather, you can, but only through the application, it’s very non-trivial.
Review: I bought it only for the sound, plugged it into the TV - it became completely better.
If you take two at once and solder a normal wire, there will be a fire.
09/26/2019 Evaluation
Pros: + Price/Quality ratio. [Yes, I would have taken it for 14k]
+ Sound.
+ Compactness (fits into a backpack, so there is still space left).
+ Weight.
+ Soft Touch plastic.
+ Power.
+ Price (I bought it for 9900 in 2018 [black color]).
+ Backlight.
+ Updates to the proprietary application arrive frequently.
+ Moisture protection (Although you’re not going to bathe the speakers?) [In any case, you can watch videos about the XB40 from Pasha Es]
+ Fast and powerful charging.
+ Could be PowerBank.
+ Pride in the fact that schoolchildren come up and ask if this is JBL, but they don’t think so, something much cooler.
Cons: ±Large *segments* of battery life, but I still never dropped more than *battery charge less than 70%* so I'm not complaining.
Review: Better than Xtreme, if only because you will have to carry it around on a proprietary *noose*, and that’s the only way, unless of course you have a ladle instead of hands. But you can already hold the XB40 in your hand and put it in your backpack. The XB40 has more power, they have the same battery, smart people and JBL fans are spreading rumors that the Xtreme has a larger capacity, but apparently the elementary school program did not let them know about such a thing as voltage. The Xtreme battery dies after a year of use due to the fact that they saved money on surge protection; well, they will replace your battery once under warranty, but no one on the used market will take it from you after repair.
Document that I am the real owner https://youtu.be/7P7yKFHlC-c
09/26/2019 Evaluation
Pros: I bought this speaker because in terms of price it was considered to be a junior model, this was the decisive factor. I initially compared the XB31 and Charge 4 models, I won’t reveal anything new if I say that they play completely differently and are designed for different directions music, the sony turned out to be closer to me in sound and it’s cleaner, not like a barrel, although it’s worth noting at low volume the sound is approximately similar. Both play like crazy. In general, I saw from a contact that the promotion for the XB40 was immediately booked. when you take an older model at the price of a younger one, it can’t help but rejoice. After testing in nature, I was even more pleased, I played at a volume of 70% for about 7 hours, the charging percentage shows 45% (by the way, the charging percentage can be viewed in the native application from Sony Music Center which discovered this by accident) and by the way the volume decreases automatically. 30% charge and not 50 as some write.
Cons: Among the shortcomings, I can say that the sound is a little muffled at low volumes, everything else suits me more than. But with the condition that the price was on sale.
Review: Everything is fine. In general, I would recommend that many people read the instructions; you can learn a lot of interesting and useful things there. And then people poke a stick at the column and say it doesn’t work or it’s not true. Everything about it is a solid 5, but once again I’ll write that I got it at a very decent price and this is the main factor for the review.
08/04/2019 Evaluation
Pros: 1. Sound
2. Price
3. Value for money (see comment)
Cons: 1. Take only colored ones, black autumn gets dirty due to the soft touch
2. You can't charge and listen at the same time
3. The charging connector is proprietary, my old SRS x30 has a regular micro USB, you can charge it outdoors from a can and the music plays forever
4. Too much low frequencies
5. There is no battery indicator (I read a review from Sony themselves, like 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 excuse me, the PR department uses top-end devices and I haven’t even seen this column)
Review: 1. At the time of purchase it was the cheapest in terms of brand-price-Watt ratio
2. Bust with lows and bass was decided quite well simple change equalizer settings only once
3. Knowing the problem with paint and soiling, we carry it from room to room and take it to the lake very carefully, so nothing gets 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 something more interesting
Sony review SRS-XB40 – the most powerful wireless speakers Sony in the Extra Bass line. Our editorial team already had one of the acoustic systems in 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 received the dark blue version for review.
Specifications Sony SRS-XB40
- Frequency range: 20-20000Hz (sampling frequency 44.1 kHz)
- Satellite speaker system: 61 mm speakers, 64 W
- Bluetooth 4.2, NFC
- Connect up to three devices simultaneously
- Moisture protection: IPX5
- Built-in microphone
- Profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP
- Codecs: SBC/AAC/LDAC
- Battery: 12000 mAh, up to 24 hours of listening to music
- Connectors: AUX, USB type-A
- Dimensions: 279 x 100 x 105 mm
- Weight: 1500 grams
Sony SRS-XB40 equipment:
- Column
- Packaging, waste paper
- Charger
Design and ergonomics
The Japanese have always managed to create an unusual design that would not be similar to their competitors. Each Sony speaker has its own unique shape and style. Sony's designers are much more creative when it comes to 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 located on the bottom. Almost the entire surface is covered with a velvet layer that resembles soft-touch rubber.
The sound control, rewind, Extra Bass system (it is also the button to turn the diode strip on and off) and power buttons are also located under the rubber shell and located on the top. They press tightly, producing a noticeable click.
The NFC tag is right in the middle, so it's easy to find 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 design of the Sony SRS-XB40 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 carry it in their hands, and if they do, it will hardly be for long. Still, 1.5 kg is no joke.
The device is certified to the IPX5 standard, so you don’t have to worry about the speaker if you accidentally spill some liquid on it during a party. 😉
The speaker is available in three colors: black, orange, dark blue. If you suddenly decide to buy this model, then it’s better to turn your gaze 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. Connection to the speaker occurs via Bluetooth or NFC. You will then be prompted to download the Music Center companion app.
This is where my indignation begins. The application is unstable, it constantly reboots, which is why you have to reconnect the phone to the Sony SRS-XB40 several times. To be fair, I would like to note that this problem occurs only on Android devices, while everything is fine on iOS.
But every cloud has a silver lining, Music Center allows you to flexibly customize the Sony SRS-XB40 to suit your preferences. The user can configure the LEDs, sound effects V additional application Fiestable. In addition, it is possible to combine up to 10 speakers into one system.
The Sony SRS-XB40 has a solid 12,000 mAh battery. The manufacturer claims up to 24 hours of operation at full volume. Which I can agree with. The battery charge will actually last for 2 days if you listen to music at maximum.
Sony SRS-XB40 Sound Quality
Now let's talk about why I actually started this review of the Sony SRS-XB40. Sound quality is what worries a potential buyer in the first place, and not all sorts of “whistling tricks” like stroboscopes.
There are two 61 mm speakers, providing a total power of 64 W. The volume is enough to instill even the most hard of hearing neighbors with a good taste in music, or for a noisy party in a large room. High, mid, and low frequencies sound lossless.
I can say with confidence that the Sony SRS-XB40 wireless speaker is a new word in the quality of wireless speaker systems. Here are the latest technologies from Sony:
- EXTRA BASS was also in the previous line of portable systems, but here this function sparkles with new colors. This technology enhances the sound of 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 CD discs.
Disadvantages of Sony SRS-XB40
There are very few disadvantages here. First of all, this is the material of the case, it is very easily soiled and is not resistant to scratches. Fingerprints always remain on the speaker. And in just a couple of days I somehow managed to scratch the lower part, even though I wore it very carefully.
And another thing I didn’t like was the plug with connectors on the back of the speaker. She looks very frail. You need to be more careful with her.
Conclusion
The Sony SRS-XB40 wireless speaker showed its best performance during my test. For me, this is the best speaker in its price range (13,000 rubles on the Yandex market). As the main competitor of the Sony SRS-XB40, I can put the JBL Pulse 3. In my opinion, the Pulse 3 loses to the Sony SRS-XB40 in all respects, especially in sound quality. Therefore, I give my preference to the speaker from Sony.
If the Sony SRS-XB40 seems too bulky for a wireless speaker, you should turn your attention to Sony, a model one step lower than the XB40. It is more compact, but has less capacious battery and there are no flashlights on the speakers.
In general, the entire series of Sony Extra Bass speakers turned out to be successful, with the exception of the controversial SRS-XB20, but the main drawback of this speaker is its overpriced. The Sony SRS-XB40 has everything in order with price and sound. Sounds like all the money.
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