I was hoping to avoid the echoes by implementing the aptX. Since that is not an option I'll continue with the TAO transceiver.Originally Posted by Stereodude
I was hoping to avoid the echoes by implementing the aptX. Since that is not an option I'll continue with the TAO transceiver.
--Lunar
I got my SRS-XB3 on Friday last week and have have a little bit of time to play with it. I'm enjoying it so far but I'm finding that I want to mount it higher up when using it in my kitchen because the off-axis sound is a lot muddier than I like. I get that it's tough for any speaker to be that good when so far off axis, so it's not a huge fault of this speaker but probably more indicative of the enclosure and the way they need to protect the drivers from damage, etc.
I also used the SRS-XB3 with a 3.5mm audio cable connected to my PC while traveling with it for a mini LAN party and it worked perfect for that usage. I left it plugged in while playing so I don't know how long the battery would have lasted if I hadn't used the wall adapter. Overall it feels of high quality and it does have a surprising amount of bass when played using the extra bass option. I realize the bass is overemphasized but in some quieter settings with the volume a bit lower it does a decent job filling in the low range. I plan to bring this to some tabletop gaming sessions as it will be nice to play some thematic music for a game.
Glad to hear you like the SRS-XB3. I've found the battery life to be quite good. I've not had the battery die yet. Even after many hours of playback spread over several days. I've not done a runtime test to see if it really lasts 24 hours, but it seems plausible to me.
The GTK-XB7 arrived today. It's BIG! Like the size of an active PA speaker. The LED lights are somewhat cheesy. It has a somewhat different sound signature. More of a warm'ish "fun" sound. Not exactly a reference studio monitor. However, it is pleasant to listen to. There's a little too much upper bass emphasis in the native response. Enabling the Extra Bass gives it some deepish low end, but further bumps the upper bass. It seems well voiced for a party type speaker and the bass emphasis probably works well outdoors or in a large room away from walls. It can rattle things in the room, vibrate the floor, and has some of the feel it in your chest punch.
A number of the options for it can only be controlled with the Sony Music Center app (formerly Songpal) via Bluetooth. The remote and/or the buttons on the unit can't control the EQ preset or many of the lighting modes. It has a small cooling fan on the amplifier, but it's pretty quiet. If you pause the music and you listen very carefully you can hear it for a few seconds before it turns off.
I'm curious to see what the LED lighting looks like in the dark.
What are you doing with all of these speakers?
Add them to my collection of stuff I didn't need to buy but did.The GTK-XB7 will probably end up in the garage. The SRS-XB3's will be a portable setup I can travel with or take with me as necessary. The SRS-X88, not quite sure yet.
FWIW, I'm done buying Bluetooth speakers.
Didn't you mention that you are trying to buy less stuff you don't need?
Not sure... But, if I did I'm sure I meant it at the time.
I have the feeling that the dispersion is compromised for the bass.
BTW, do you have a large SONY on the bottom where it is not normally visible? It is very strange.
--Lunar
Yes, there is. At least it's on the bottom and not normally visible.
The speaker is also meant to be positioned on its side which would then reveal the Sony logo.
Which will impress all your friends, like Mercutio, with your Sony speaker.
I'm pretty certain they wouldn't care. None of my friends show any kind of interest in audio components.
Maybe you need new friends.
I'm a bad influence on people regarding audio. Just look at what's happened here.
I cannot figure out the two unit setup. The volume is synchronized and power on both turns off, but not back on again. I suppose it is due to the battery.
--Lunar
What can't you figure out? Turn the master on first, then the slave. They'll sync back up in dual speaker mode.
Turning the power off on both is possible from only one unit. That's not so useful if the user has to physically be at the location of both units for every power on sequence.
I'm new to the whole Bluetooths transmission deal, so everything seems more difficult than it probably should be.
--Lunar
Apparently I had the two units linked, but in mono. It's still not clear to me how they function in linked mode. If unit A is the Master, is it alone receiving the BT transmitter signal and sending another signal to unit B or are both always receiving the BT transmitter signal and communication between the two keeps them synced? I find at about 20-25 feet the two speakers sometimes lose sync and one is a fraction of a section ahead of the other.
--Lunar
Somehow it relies on the BT signal from the source although there is some weak link. The two units easily become out if sync even when linked. The line in does not link.
--Lunar
I think that depends on a variety of factors. I've had the same sync issue a few times, but it's not common. How far apart are the speakers from each other and how far from the source are they?
Spacing between the speakers seems to be the issue over 12-15 feet.
--Lunar
Looks like Massdrop has the Sony GTK-XB7 for $209.99 or $199.99 if they get 10 commitments. Seems like a decent price if you're looking to pick up another one.
Sooooooooooooooooooo goddamn annoying that you have to sign up/register in order to see a web page.
- 3770k, 212 EVO, Z77X-UD4H, 32GB, 660w, Titan, 840 Pro/256GB, 2TB & 1TB, Define R4, P4317Q, Unicomp/104, M500, M401dn, Win7 Pro x64.
- Nikon D610 w/grip, 50mm/1.4G, 16-35mm/4G, 105mm/2.8G micro, 200-500mm/5.6E.
I thought it was just me.
--Lunar
Not exactly a thrilling drop compared to the B&H deal I got.
I didn't see what you paid for the GTK-XB7. When I looked at your link at B&H the price was/is $248.
Yes, Massdrop is a pain that you need to sign in and I typically hate that BS. They occasionally have very good deals so I find them worth it.
FWIW, I paid $198 with free shipping.
Well then of course it's not a thrilling deal but if you're looking to get one now, it's the best price currently available that I could find in a limited amount of searching.
I'm finally using the XB3s on either side of the bed in the stereo configuration. I boosted the highs to compensate for the directional falloff (and my aging ears) and cut the lows a little, so they sound nice at a moderate level for background music. I'm not having BT issues with the speakers in a fixed position.
--Lunar
FWIW, Costco is selling the Sony SRS-XB3 for $74.99 now (online and in store).
Also, I ordered a Sony SRS-XB40 on Thanksgiving with the $100 off sale price once I determined the cheesy LED lighting could be turned off from the unit with a long button press. The one I heard in Best Buy sounded solid. Like a souped up SRS-XB30 (which I presume sounds the same as the SRS-XB3).
Sony added 1 to the model numbers. So XB41, XB31 etc. for 2018. They're wrapped in a fabric of sorts and have a "live" mode where you can play them like a drum by tapping on them. the sound effects get superimposed on the music.
That's a really strange feature I wasn't expecting from a Bluetooth speaker. Any improved audio from the newer version?
I couldn't tell. It was too noisy and didn't have any point of reference for comparison or familiarity with what was being played.
I can just hear kids doing that and annoying everyone.
--Lunar
Will the XB30 be discontinued and discounted soon? I'm thinking about sending a signal to the toilets.
--Lunar
I bought myself an XB40 during Black Friday when it was $100 off. I would expect the XB30 will be discounted when they close them out.
Did you find the XB40 to have cleaner midrange sound than the XB3 or XB30 and/or better directionality of the highs?
I was thinking about placing the old XB3s in the toilets vs. using something new on the nightstands to play overnight.
--Lunar
He mentioned in an earlier post that it was too noisy to tell and no other point of reference.
XB41 was at CES. XB40 is last year's model and I have one at home. I didn't extensively A/B the XB3 and the XB40, but I thought they sounded similar with the XB40 able to play louder before rolling off the bass.
My bad, I thought he was asking about the new one.
I'm trying to avoid spending another $500 for a couple of speakers plus transmitters and I don't need that "bongo" feature.
Obviously the sounds in the toilet are harsh, so I'd put the better speakers in the #1 bedroom.
--Lunar
Order one from Amazon or B&H and if it's no good, return it. If that's too much of a pain do the same at BestBuy.
I once ordered online from the Best Buy and picked up the product in the store. It took forever for them to even find it after standing in the line.
--Lunar
I've done that several times and never had that experience. I suspect it was a one time deal. I wouldn't let it discourage me from doing it again if it was otherwise the most attractive option.
It probably depends on the store. The one nearest to the office is one of the worst.
There is usually one cashier at most, yet a number of goofballs are usually milling around the phone area or Apple area. They never open another checkout or customer service line.
--Lunar
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