Sound quality: Sony's SRS-RA3000 had Good overall sound quality - this model reproduces music and dialog reasonably well despite the obvious shortcomings in its sound. Bass has good impact, but is somewhat boomy, a bit prominent, and deep bass is lacking. Midrange sounds cupped (like cupping your hands and holding them over your mouth and nose), is somewhat hazy, a bit grainy, and a touch plasticky. Treble is fairly extended, but the lower treble is somewhat subdued, and the mid treble is somewhat sizzly and smeared. Does a so-so job of recovering room ambience and sounds somewhat congested. The immersive audio enhancement mode makes the sound stage somewhat larger and higher, but also makes the sound echoey, and emphasizes the treble. When playing 360 Reality Audio material the soundstage is larger and higher, but the overall sound is thin and processed sounding. No significant difference between WiFi, Bluetooth, and Aux input sound quality. Provides a decent volume level in a medium sized room, sounds strained at higher volumes. Tech note: the 360 reality content is very limited and is only available through paid streaming services such as Tidal and Amazon Music.
Ease of use: We found the Sony SRS-RA3000 ease of use to be very good overall. Bluetooth pairing requires a press and hold of the Bluetooth source button, then selection of unit from the Bluetooth selection list on source device; unit provides an obvious indication that the unit is in pairing mode as well as when pairing has actually occurred. WiFi Setup requires downloading either the Google Home app or the Sony Music Center app to a mobile device; easy and intuitive - instructions are provided in the app, may or may not involve inputting Wi-Fi network password. Volume touch controls have good contrast, and an audible indication when max volume is reached, but there is nothing to indicate that it is a volume control except + and - symbols. Separate buttons for each source, that are clearly labeled and clearly indicates with a persistent light which source has been selected.
