Sony SRS-XG500

Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers / Portable

A Sony SRS-XG500 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-XG500 had Fair overall sound quality. Bass has good impact and goes fairly deep, but is somewhat prominent, and slightly boomy. Midrange is fairly even, but is somewhat muffled and grainy. Treble is somewhat subdued and smeared, a touch sizzly, and the upper treble is muted. Does a so-so job recovering room ambience, and the sound is somewhat congested. When two units are used as a stereo pair the sound stage can be made wider depending on placement. Bluetooth, wired and USB sound quality are the same. Provides enough volume to fill a large sized room.

About

A Sony SRS-XG500 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

Optional multi-room sharing

Remote

Power source

Battery/AC

Updatable software/firmware

data not available

Warranty (mos.): parts/labor

12/12

Other features

Dust resistant and water resistant (IP66). Has customizable lights with different lighting modes and patterns. Has Mic/Guitar input. 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. Mfg. claims quick charge of 10 minutes provides 3 house of play. Can stereo pair with a second unit. Battery life/Battery Care mode feature claimed by manufacturer to increase rechargeable battery durability by limiting charge to 90% of battery maximum capacity. Free Sony Music Center app download for Apple and Android mobile devices can be used to adjust tonal balance, access audio content from various internet audio streaming service provider apps and local content, change lighting modes, and switch inputs. Unit firmware version: data not available.

Included accessories

Power adapter, Power cord, Reference Guide, Quick Start Guide, Warranty Sheet, User Agreement.

Specs

Wireless type

Bluetooth

Audio format

Stereo

Height (in.)

10.25

Width (in.)

18.25

Depth (in.)

8.5

Weight (lbs.)

12.2

Connections

Stereo analog audio input

Yes

Optical digital audio input

Headphone jack

Active subwoofer pre-amp out

Other connections

Mic/Guitar port, USB host mode/2nd USB charging port.

Price & Shop

Sony SRS-XG500

CR Expert Take

Overall Score

What goes into the Overall Score?

Detailed Test Results

About

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