The Sony XV900 portable speaker promises powerful sound and a vibrant party atmosphere, and it largely delivers on the volume front. This review dives into the highs and lows of this visually striking audio powerhouse. From an initially concerning damaged box to the impressive volume and deep bass capabilities, the XV900 offers a compelling package. We'll explore its robust build quality, intuitive controls, and extensive connectivity options, including USB, aux, optical, microphone, and even guitar inputs. The inclusion of LED lighting adds to its party-ready appeal.However, our review also examines the drawbacks. While the initial sound test was promising, higher volumes reveal a bass-heavy imbalance that can overwhelm other frequencies, leading to a less-than-ideal listening experience at peak levels. We assess the practicality of its included wheels and evaluate the effectiveness of the Sony Music Center app. Ultimately, we determine whether the Sony XV900's powerful sound and impressive features outweigh its audio inconsistencies and design compromises.
Pros And Cons
- Battery-powered party speaker with a 12.6-inch subwoofer.
- Omnidirectional sound due to speakers all around.
- Good build quality.
- Nice metallic grill.
- Includes optical cable, instruction manual, warranty card, and power adapter.
- Has LED light strips on the bottom and around the top.
- Quick charge feature (10 minutes of charging provides 3 hours of playtime).
- Up to 25 hours of playtime at 50% volume with no LED lights on.
- Multiple sound modes (Clear Audio Plus, Live Sound, Mega Bass, TV Sound Booster).
- Three-band customizable EQ.
- TV sound booster functionality.
- Sound quality may be disappointing to some; described as 'screaming' and causing ear ringing at higher volumes.
- Bass heavy; at high bass levels, other frequencies are muted.
- Short power cable (approximately 5 feet).
- Wheels are not high-quality and difficult to use.
- Not IPX rated (not waterproof).
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Unboxing and Initial Impressions
The unboxing experience started off poorly. The box arrived damaged, with significant rips and tears. Surprisingly, the speaker was accessible through the damage, and I was able to power it on while still in the box. This highlighted a concerning lack of protection within the packaging.
Despite the damaged box, the speaker itself appeared undamaged and well-packaged. The initial 'new speaker smell' and feel of the materials were very positive. The build felt robust, and the overall design was impressive.
In-Box Sound Test
Before removing the speaker, I conducted a sound test inside the box. I enabled Clear Audio Plus and Mega Bass, setting the volume to around 60%. The sound quality was surprisingly good, especially considering the speaker's location.
The sound test demonstrated some impressive audio capabilities even within the confines of the box. The volume and clarity were surprisingly high, making me more optimistic about its performance outside the box.
Speaker Design and Features
The Sony XV900 boasts an impressive design with speakers strategically placed around its body for omnidirectional sound. It has a 12.6-inch woofer, alongside mid-range and tweeter drivers. The build quality appears to be solid.
The speaker features a robust handle, wheels for portability (though the reviewer found these less than ideal), and a comprehensive set of connections, including USB, aux, optical in, and even microphone and guitar inputs. There are also LED lights on the base and top of the unit, adding an atmospheric element.
The controls on the top panel are intuitive, with clear buttons for volume, playback, Mega Bass, lighting modes, and other functions. The included Sony Music Center app offers further sound customization and other options but lacks features of the Fiestable app.
Sound Quality and Performance
While the in-box sound test was promising, the full sound test outside the box revealed some inconsistencies. At lower volumes, the sound was decent and balanced, but at higher volumes, the bass overwhelmed the other frequencies, making for an unbalanced and sometimes harsh listening experience.
The speaker's frequency range is impressive, particularly its deep bass response. However, the reviewer noted that at high bass levels, the rest of the audio spectrum was noticeably reduced, resulting in a less than ideal overall sound profile. A sound test with a bass-heavy track, is available as a separate resource, detailing the audio spectrogram.
The volume level exceeded expectations, even when used at high volume the sound quality was not perfect. The reviewer also noted that the sound could be overwhelming and even cause ear fatigue at high volumes.
Final Verdict
The Sony XV900 is a visually striking and powerful speaker with some impressive features. Its omnidirectional sound and LED lighting create a great party atmosphere. However, its sound quality is not as balanced as hoped, with bass dominance at higher volumes. The inferior wheels, while present, are also a drawback.
Whether or not this speaker is worth purchasing depends on your priorities. If you need a portable, high-volume speaker with impressive bass, it might be a good choice, but be aware of the potential for unbalanced sound at higher volumes. If superior sound quality is a top priority, there may be better options on the market. The build quality is significantly better than the older Sony Tower 10, but the audio quality still needs improvements.