After the average SRS-X7, the company may have outdid themselves with the release of the Sony SRS-X5. For a portable wireless speaker, it boasts an impressive array of features, which include an impressive bass level deliverance despite it having a compact nature. However, if you’re looking for a speaker that delivers a really powerful low-end audio signature, this isn’t it. Although the bass frequencies are well-defined, it doesn’t inhibit the performance of other audio outputs. Ultimately, it can deliver a more natural sound, particularly at modest volume levels.
The Sony SRS-X5 Holds Its Own Against Rivals
From a design standpoint, the Sony SRS-X5 delivers a simple, minimalistic, yet modern design than its larger-format predecessors. It has the same glossy finish and the same availability of colors (choice of black, red, or white) for the grille cover, again, just like its cousins. For its dimensions, it measures in at 8.8 x 4.8 x 2.0-inches.
At its top, there is an array of different buttons. A couple of those buttons are the volume and preset sound modes. These buttons are touch-sensitive and are made with a glossy finish, which is great for attracting fingerprints.
For extras, it has a speakerphone functionality and NFC tap-to-pair technology for smartphones that support it. Bluetooth connectivity also has AptX support (which is supposed to make sounds better, but it is quite difficult to notice considering the SRS-X5 is so small). There is also an audio-input on the device for non-Bluetooth devices to be connected with the speaker. A USB charging port can be found on its back that can even act as a charging station for your smartphone.
Battery life is rated to last at 8-hours which is slightly better than the Bose SoundLink Mini’s battery life of 7-hours. When it comes to sound quality, it is positively balanced. There is refined bass that doesn’t hinder other audio signatures.
Still, it does have its own set of limitations in terms of audio performance. For instance, when you crank the volume up, you will hear the digital signal processor (DSP) kick in. This will restrain the speaker which will roll off some frequencies. In other words, when you turn the volume up when the speaker can get pretty loud, it will perform only about 50 to 70-percent of its sound performance. However, it does do away with this problem when the speaker is plugged in with AC power.
Because of this, the Sony SRS-X5 is mainly designed for indoor use. If you’re looking for a Bluetooth speaker with enough power in the volume for your next camping trip, then perhaps it is wiser to look somewhere else. But if sound quality is your aim at moderate volumes, then this is it.