In a world where the quest for the perfect blend of portability and sonic excellence seems endless, Sony throws down the gauntlet with the introduction of the SRS XV-500. This marvel of audio engineering does not merely aspire to join the ranks of portable speakers; it aims to lead them, offering a symphony of sound quality, innovative features, and a design that exudes sophistication. From the moment you lay eyes on its elegant contours and feel the premium materials in your hands, it’s clear that the SRS-XV500 is not just a speaker—it’s an experience. As we delve deeper into this review, we’ll uncover how Sony has crafted not just a device that plays music, but a portal to an auditory journey unlike any other, setting a new standard for what we expect from portable audio. This is the Sony SRS-XV500 speaker review you all have been waiting for.
In This Article
Sony SRS-XV500 Review: Design
Last year we reviewed its bigger brother the Sony SRS-XV900, which was a great speaker at the price point. Now we have the younger brother launched in 2024 that is half the size of the elder sibling. It is lighter and very portable. Out of the box, you can see the neat looks it has got from the rest of the kin.
There are plenty of similarities, like the dancing RGB LED lights on top and bottom. A top-facing feather touch control panel is present, which has everything from volume controls to Bluetooth buttons. Here you will also see the Mega Bass button that will boost the bass to incredible levels.
Turn it around and you will find the ports hidden behind a rubber panel to keep them safe from any accidental splashes. Here you also get a couple of auxiliary inputs to attach an electric guitar or Karaoke MIC, along with the volume knobs. A 3.5 mm audio port is also available. With that the battery level button, USB A port as well as the power port are placed here.
Read Also: Top 10 Bluetooth Speakers that you can buy under ₹ 5,000
On the front, you will see an array of speakers. Behind a metal grille are two twin tweeters and two woofer units. Together they are capable of producing fantastic resonance.
One additional feature we want to mention here is that you can place the Sony SRS-XV500 vertically or horizontally on any flat surface. So, in case you want to use this wireless speaker as a sound bar for your television, you absolutely can. Over that, this speaker is made of recycled plastic as part of Sony’s sustainability initiative.
Sony SRS-XV500: Performance
While we have said it before, we will say it again, Sony has mastered the audio game and the Sony SRS-XV500 is another great example. This sound maestro kept taking all the fast, swinging balls, and even yorkers’, we kept throwing at it like a champ.
The device supports Bluetooth(BT) up to version 5.2. So we tested it with a laptop that supports BT v5.0, where the sound was decent. However, when we switched to a mobile phone that supports BT v5.2, the audio became exceptional. To test, on both devices we played music locally, via Amazon Music and through YouTube Music.
We used it like a sound bar with the flat screen telly and the experience was superb. We played a lot of Netflix shows, watched a sports event and even some news. We were never unhappy. The vocals are clear, the bass is good when needed and it does justice to the action sequences.
Moving on to the battery life. While Sony claims it can provide 25 hours of battery juice after a full charge, on our test bench it did a wee bit less. We were able to get 23 hours (approx) of battery life. This is still great as you are getting almost a full day of continuous playback. So the part never stops. With that, the Sony SRS-XV500 can provide up to 2.5 hours of playback in just 10 minutes of charge.
Read Also: Sony refreshes its headphones and wireless speaker range
Verdict
Weighing in at just 11.2 kg, the Sony SRS-XV500 is remarkably portable, and it’s equipped with an IPX4 rating, making it resistant to water splashes—though it’s crucial to remember it’s not fully waterproof, so avoid submerging it.
And about the sound? We were thoroughly impressed. Ultimately, the value hinges on your budget. The speaker’s MRP stands at Rs 39,990, but savvy shoppers might snag it for a bit less in the market. So, is it worth the investment? Absolutely. Whether for indoor settings or outdoor gatherings, this speaker delivers exceptional performance. We highly recommend it.
