Sony SRS-XB23

Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers / Portable

A Sony wireless Bluetooth portable speaker system.

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CR Expert Take

How did it perform in our expert lab testing?

Overall Score

The Overall Score for this model is derived from our expert lab test results.

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Current Range of Tested Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers

What goes into the Overall Score?

Sound quality

/ 5

Ease of use

/ 5

Versatility

/ 5

Detailed Test Results

Sound quality: Sony's SRS-XB23 had Good overall sound quality. In stereo mode and positioned horizontally, the bass has decent impact but is somewhat subdued and the deep bass is lacking. Midrange is fairly even, but somewhat grainy, and a bit hazy. Treble is fairly extended, but somewhat smeared and a bit sizzly and subdued. Does a so-so job recovering room ambience, and sounds somewhat congested. Other than losing the minimal stereo effect when switched to Mono mode, there is no significant difference in sound quality between modes in either horizontal or vertical orientation. When two units are used as a stereo pair the sound stage can be made wider depending on placement and the stereo image becomes more apparent. Provides a decent volume level in a medium sized room but gets harsher at higher volumes.

About

A Sony wireless Bluetooth portable speaker system. In our tests the sound quality, and the versatility of provided features are assessed.

Features & Specs

Features

IP rating

Claimed battery life (hrs.)

Adjustable tone settings

Yes

Wireless stereo pairing

Yes

Speaker phone w/built-in mic

Yes

Optional multi-room sharing

Remote

Power source

Battery/AC

Updatable software/firmware

Warranty (mos.): parts/labor

12/12

Other features

Dust resistant and water submersible (IP67). Supports digital voice assistants when used with Bluetooth devices that have that feature. Can link up to 100 additional compatible Bluetooth speakers with party mode feature. Can stereo pair with a second unit. Free Sony Music Center app download for Apple and Android mobile devices can be used to adjust tonal balance, switch between stereo and mono operation, access audio content from various internet audio streaming service provider apps, enable an auto off function, stereo pair or party mode connect to other compatible Sony Bluetooth speakers, and connect to on-line support. Apple app version 5.18.0, Android app version 5.18.1.

Included accessories

USB C Power cable, Quick start guide, Reference Guide, Warranty Sheet.

Specs

Wireless type

Bluetooth

Audio format

Stereo

Height (in.)

8.75

Width (in.)

Depth (in.)

Weight (lbs.)

1.3

Connections

Stereo analog audio input

Optical digital audio input

Headphone jack

Active subwoofer pre-amp out

Other connections

None.

Price & Shop

Sony SRS-XB23

CR Expert Take

Overall Score

What goes into the Overall Score?

Detailed Test Results

About

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