After so long since the last GTK-XB90 in Sony’s High Powered Audio System (HAS) to have a built-in battery, the tech giant finally released a speaker that has one, the kind that many were looking for, this time with a different name. Meet the SRS-XG500. Alongside this model, Sony also released the SRS-XP500 and SRS-XP700 in the HAS category, with a built-in battery as well.
Portability had been an issue last time with the GTK-XB72, especially outdoors that requires power to keep the music/party going. This time it will not be an issue with a battery that could last you 20-30 hours. In this case, 30 hours for the XG500. However, the only thing that stands out compared to the newer models is that it has a radio antenna, so you could tune in to your favourite radio station. Comparing this speaker to the SRS-XB43, they both have the same speaker’s setup, which are 2 tweeters, 2 woofers and 2 passive radiators.
The price of the speaker is RM1,899 and it will be available soon at our store Sony Centre Vivacity Megamall. You can also visit the nearest PC Image outlets at Miri, Sibu, Bintulu, Sabah, Melaka, Kuala Lumpur & Johor should you are located further away from our Sony Centre Vivacity branch. Do follow and leave a like on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/sonycentrevivacity) for more upcoming updates on the new speaker and many more.
Have a look at the XG500 specs:
- X-Balanced Speaker Unit
- 30 hours of battery life and quick charging
- IP66 Water-resistant and Dustproof
- Dual USB (charging and USB playback)
- Handle for comfortable portability
- Microphone/Guitar input
X-Balanced Speaker
The speaker units in non-circular shape maximize the area of the speaker diaphragm, increasing sound pressure for more punchy bass. The new unit additionally flaunts diminished driver outings while at the same time keeping up with a similar sound pressing factor, bringing about less distortion. Take note that the X-Balanced Speaker unit was first introduced in Sony’s Bravia TV lineup available on the X8000H & X9000H (2020) models. Based on the reviews of this XG500, it can play classical music with no problem without compromising the sound clarity of the instruments, as long as Mega Bass is turned off. Of course, this speaker is about loudness and especially bass. So, a music genre with bass focus will have no problem being played by this speaker.
Battery
This new speaker with the built-in battery could last you 30 hours. Of course, you need to disable the Mega Bass to get it to last up that long. Even if the battery does not feel like it is long-lasting in other people’s opinion, it is of no worry, because the speaker supports quick charging with the included charger. There is no mentioning how big the battery is but it is capable of charging your smartphone device on the go, just like a power bank. How fast can the speaker be charged? Well, as fast as 10 minutes that could last you 3 hours of playtime.
IP66 Rated
This speaker is the only one from Sony’s HAS category to have it protected against water, as long as the interface at the back is closed when the speaker is near to a water source. If you are worried about dirt getting stuck on the fabric of the speaker, well, it is water-resistant so you could just pour water on it and use your hands to wipe the dirt off. Similar cases with SRS-XB series as the fabric is being used as the main body cover. It is also completely protected against dust making it ready in all dusty environments.
Dual USB Interface
With the DNA of Sony’s HAS, it can support USB media playback. Be it MP3, WAV or AAC. With this feature, you could play your favourite tunes on the go without having to connect them to your phone via Bluetooth and find something to play with. We are glad that this feature is available whereas XB33 and XB43 are not capable of doing so as its soles existence is there to charge your smartphone if you forgot to bring your power bank. Speaking of charging, this new speaker not only has USB media support, but another USB port meant to charge your phone on the go.
Handle
The new speaker has a handle at the top of the unit for easy carrying compared to SRS-XB43, another portable Bluetooth speaker without the handle, which weighs 5 kilos, quite inconvenient to carry around we would say. Some would otherwise wish for a handle to the existing XB43 ever since it got so much bigger and heavier than its predecessor, the SRS-XB41. Fortunately, this new speaker has it.
Audio Port
After decades of HAS being introduced and produce to this day, we are truly fortunate to see a microphone port exist on this new speaker. To be frank, we received quite a few opinions if they could find a Sony speaker with the size of XB43, built-in battery and a microphone port, but we were quite regretful to turn them away as there was no such speaker to exist and meet their wishful product. Now we are confident that we will not turn them away in the coming future. What truly surprises us is that that same port can support all kinds of guitars. This is good to see and have at the same time for guitar lovers. Having the ability to attach that instrument to the speaker is very convenient with its size and loudness, in which the sounds that could reach the masses. Other than the ¼-inch mic/guitar input, the speaker also has a 3.5mm audio-in port. With this being present, PC desktop users can use this as their loudspeaker since most desktops do not have Bluetooth built into the motherboard. Furthermore, older generation TVs also do not have Bluetooth like Sony’s older non-Android TV, so they could use this speaker as an extension for loudness and punchier bass for more feel.
Who is the speaker for?
Ideally, this speaker is suitable for pool party use, water-resistant ready and could even pair up to 100 speakers via Wireless Party Chain function. Of course, with the situation now, it is not encouraging to gather in one place and do social events. Besides that, it is a pool party-ready speaker. Other than that, this speaker can be used for outdoor activities such as camping in the woods, so you never have to miss your favourite music while away from civilisation. Moreover, this speaker can also be used for a mini karaoke setup at home. If space is limited, this speaker can do just fine compared to the existing model, MHC-V02, which we believe is a bit/much larger than this speaker in dimension. Last but not least, a shelf speaker like the title suggests. In our opinion, the design is what makes it look like a premium speaker. Clean and elegant without showing its party side. And the lights located at the passive radiators can be turned off if you want to maintain ‘classiness’.
Learn More : https://www.sony.com.my/electronics/wireless-speakers/srs-xg500